Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Epbot Exemplars 6/4/13

Exemplars are geeks who know what they love, and show it with pride. I keep it mostly girl-centric here at Epbot, but I always reserve the right to feature anyone who helps inspire me to be a better me.


Ruth M. recently shared this photo of 2 of her daughters from last Halloween:

Aaaand I just collapsed from the cute. Gimmie a minute.


Here's 7-year-old Allie dressed up for last month's May the 4th:

Oooh, are those blue fiber optics I spy in your tutu, Allie? SHINY.

Oh, and for Free Comic Book Day Allie picked - of course - a Star Wars comic, and her mom Maxine snapped this shot later at home:

 Now this right here makes me happier than all the tutus and Vader masks in the world. READ ON, young Padawan!


Speaking of reading, when 10-year-old Emma's school celebrated Book Week, she decided to dress as Queen Susan from the Narnia series:

LOVE. She and her mom put the costume together from Salvation Army finds, and the bow & arrow are made from water pipes!

Emma's mom, Jane, tells me Emma is also a geology buff - "a real rockhound/ lapidarist" - who spends her birthday money on rocks and gems. So in keeping with that theme she dressed as an Enderman from Minecraft for her "school disco" - which I suspect must be an Australian thing. :)

Rock on, Emma! 
(Hey, painful puns are the best puns.)


And finally, this is AnnaMay:


AnnaMay is 7, and as you can see, she loves superheroes - specifically Wonder Woman and Super Girl. Trouble is, another girl at Anna May's school has been making fun of her for it, to the point that Anna May won't wear her favorite t-shirts (like this one!) anymore.

AnnaMay's mom, Andrea, writes,

"It's not as bad compared to some, but she has generalized anxiety disorder and sensory processing disorder so to her it is HUGE. She is afraid of so much in this world, and I know that the super hero things made her feel a little bit more powerful, and now that has been taken from her, too."

When Andrea mentioned this on a Disney forum she follows, someone there sent her here to Epbot. She wrote to me almost immediately after just to say thanks, but John quickly asked if we could feature AnnaMay. He also asked for a picture, which I'm happy to say is what convinced this little Wonder Girl to put on one of her favorite outfits again, just for us: 

Woot! 

AnnaMay, I know it's not always easy, but I hope you'll keep wearing those t-shirts. After all, geeky shirts are my favorite way to meet new friends! And the next time someone makes fun of you for them, just remember: you've got your very own fan club, right here - and we all love superheroes, too.

Btw, is anyone else DYING to see AnnaMay in a superhero costume now? Whaddaya think, Anna May? Would you rather be Wonder Woman or Super Girl? Let me know, and we'll see what we can make happen by this Halloween and/or your next local convention. (I may not know much about getting a kid's costume together, but I bet I could find some people 'round these parts who do!)


So, in conclusion:

1) The world needs more superheroes. 

2) Sometimes a superhero is someone who tells a random young girl just how awesome her Wonder Woman t-shirt is, or how much you admire her choice of comic books, or her hobby, or her costume.

3) So let's all go be superheros this week.


****

Update from AnnaMay's mom, Andrea: "Thank you so much for all of your comments! AnnaMay has been smiling so big. I am reading them all to her as they are posted. AnnaMay says she would love to be Wonder Woman for Halloween if she could. You all are making me cry happy tears! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

(So if any of you skilled costome gurus out there would like to volunteer your help with AnnaMay's costume, please e-mail me! I'll be more than happy to cover your expenses!)

[Wow, I think we've found all the help we need for AnnaMay's costume now, guys! Thank you! And don't worry; of COURSE I'll post a photo once we have one!]

122 comments:

  1. Squeal! I think I just died of cuteness!

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  2. AHHH! I'm the one who directed Anna May's mom here, and I'm SO SO SO happy she wrote you and you posted this! Tears in my eyes!!! Woo hooo!!!!!

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  3. I love your shirt, Anna May! You know how Wonder Woman and Super Girl stand up to the bad guys and villains? You know how they look out for people who aren't as powerful as they are? Well, that's exactly what YOU do when stand up to the bullies while just being your wonderful self! Not only does it show how strong you are, it helps other girls who might be afraid to shine just as they are. And you know what? That makes you a super hero.

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  4. Anna May, you are a beautiful, completely precious, amazingly awesome young lady!! If your love for superheroes, especially Wonder Woman, makes you happy, then be happy!! Wear your shirts and be proud! Wonder Woman was and still is my favorite superhero of all time. She is smart, pretty, courageous, and unique... just like you!!! Don't let those other girls make you feel bad for liking Wonder Woman. They just don't know how cool she is!! She flies an invisible plane!! It doesn't get much better than that!

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  5. Anna May,

    I'm actually home-schooled, but up until 2nd grade, I was in public school, and one of the main reasons that I was pulled out, was because of bullying. I can't truly say that I know how it feels, because I don't remember most of the things that kids said to me, all I remember was going home on the bus with tears in my eyes.

    What I CAN truly say is, you are a beautiful girl, and don't let that mean girl take from you what makes you powerful. I was an outcast because I didn't like "High School Musical" and "Silly Bandz" (I still don't. Seriously, what students ACTUALLY dance out of the building singing? Well, I guess what alien travels in a blue box?) but I kept loving what I loved. And gradually I found people that had the same interests as me, and now I am INCREDIBLY happy.

    So Anna May, wear proudly what you love. Ignore that girl. She's just jealous.

    Nicole

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  6. Keep rocking it Anna May! I love your outfit and I would love to wear that backpack :)

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  7. This blog never fails to make me smile :D
    ~erin kristine

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  8. Hey Jen! I love reading your exemplars!

    I want to volunteer to make Anna May a costume. She's adorable, and anything I can do to encourage geekiness is a good thing! (As I hope others would encourage my daughter).

    So, if I can help out, please let me know.

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  9. Such awesome girls, all!!

    Anna May, I LOVE your Wonder Woman shirt!! Girls who wear super hero shirts are like students from Hogwarts, but living in the Muggle world. The Muggles may not always understand, but YOU know who you are and who you are is JUST RIGHT.

    I love that you sent (and Jen posted) pictures of you with and without your cute glasses-- which one is your secret identity, I wonder? :) You are beautiful. Be brave. You have the power to DO, BE and HAVE anything you want in life. :)

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    1. Andrea (AnnaMay's Mom)June 4, 2013 at 4:04 PM

      AnnaMay says she will never tell!

      Delete
  10. So sad. That other little girl (and I imagine her parents as well) has NO idea what's actually cool. Anna May, you rock, your Mom rocks, your t-shirts rock, and don't you DARE let anyone tell you otherwise. Keep being amazing.

    (Jen and John, you rock, too, but you KNOW that ;-)

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  11. Thank you for including AnnaMay! I have been friends with her mom (Andrea, btw, not Leah) for years and AnnaMay is a precious and special young lady.
    That is an awesome shirt, Miss AnnaMay! and Miss Mandy loves you! :)

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    1. Whoops! Thanks for the correction, Mandy; I'm not sure where I got Leah instead of Andrea!

      Delete
    2. No problem. :) I only said something because I knew she wouldn't. :)

      Delete
  12. You absolutely completely and totally ROCK Anna May! Don't let anyone make you afraid of being you, because who you are is wonderful! Your outfit is totes adorbs and completely color coordinated to boot! (I'm a sucker for and a bit OCD about that =) I only wish I could find that outfit in my size and wear it proudly, too! Also, I love your name! Keep rocking it mini Wonder Woman!

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  13. Anna May, and to the other litter girls like her:
    Don't be afraid to show the world what it is that you love! Those people who tease and bully you don't matter; your friends, your parents, your fans at Epbot are the people who matter, because they love you, no matter what!

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  14. As someone who gets nervous fairly easily, I'm so proud of Anna May for letting her picture get posted. That is one rocking shirt, and she should wear it all the time (except for laundry day, of course).

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  15. I'm not sure if this is the first comment, but here I go!

    Anna May looks amazing! (Plus she's really tall. I should know.) That girl teasing her should just shut up! Anna May will dress how she likes, deal with it! Anyway, who is that girl to think that she can tell Anna May how to dress?

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  16. As a former teacher (who now works at a university training people to become teachers) I'd also suggest to Leah, Anna May's mom, to have a discreet word with Anna May's teacher. As a teacher, I would have been dismayed if I found out a child was being teased for something that she or he liked--superheroes, comic books, whatever--and for what a kid wore (or their lunchboxes and backpacks).

    Schools can go a long way in creating a climate of acceptance. Classroom teachers can lead general discussions with kids about kindness, acceptance, and how to be a friend.

    Chances are there are other kids being teased as well, not just Anna May. Children learn early on that picking on others isn't tolerated in the classroom or at that school. It takes all kinds to make a world, as my mom always says; accepting differences makes the world not only kinder but also more interesting. Anna May, keep wearing your favorite t-shirts!

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  17. Huzzah for all the exemplars!!!

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  18. So stinking adorable! Way to go, girls! And Anna May- you and my daughter would get along famously!!! If you ever need a pen-pal... :D

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    1. Andrea (AnnaMay's Mom)June 4, 2013 at 4:01 PM

      AnnaMay says she would love a pen pal!

      Delete
  19. Anna May,

    I love your shirt! I was teased horribly myself for my Inspector Gadget gear in third grade, so I know how sad it can be, getting teased for what you love. I hope you remember you have lots of fans out there in geekdom, and we're cheering you on! I hope you keep wearing/doing whatever it is that you love!

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  20. What an awesome outfit Anna May has on! I love the other costumes too. That other little girl at Anna May's school might not like her shirt (or might be jealous) or might not be very nice, but I bet there are other kids who really like it, even if they aren't brave enough yet to say so. *I* think it's awesome, and I need to start looking for super hero shirts for my little girl, who is going to be 3 in July. :)

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  21. I just knew Anna May had to be the same Anna May from the disboards! She rocks, as well as the rest of these awesome little girls <3

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    1. Andrea (AnnaMay's Mom)June 4, 2013 at 5:35 PM

      I am not on the Dis boards hardly any. I use EasyWDW. :-)

      Delete
  22. Anna May - you shirt is AWESOME. I loved Wonder Woman as a young girl myself :) You should rock that shirt EVERY CHANCE YOU GET!
    Just for you, I'll wear my cool Doctor "Hoo" shirt this week someplace unexpected - gotta let me geek girl flag fly too :)

    and the girls and Star Wars costumes and comics - i almost literally died of cuteness...

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  23. Juliana (my 7 year old) saw this post and said, very excitedly, "I like Wonder Woman and Super Girl, too!! I think you are cool, too! You are like a unicorn on a rainbow! And like a superhero!"

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    1. Andrea (AnnaMay's Mom)June 4, 2013 at 6:45 PM

      AnnaMay says Thank you!!

      Delete
  24. I loved Wonder Woman when I was a kid too. I even had Wonder Woman underoos (which means I am incredibly old.) Any girl who would tease another girl for wearing a Wonder Woman shirt is a sad tortured soul who we should all feel bad for. Seriously. We geeky girls get Wonder Woman and all she has is her grumpy mean self.

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    1. I had the Wonder Woman Underoos when I was 4. Mine came with a tank top that matched. The only way my mom could get me to put clothes on when I had that set on was to tell me that I was Wonder Woman going incognito to catch the bad guys.

      Delete
  25. Andrea (AnnaMay's Mom)June 4, 2013 at 3:58 PM

    Thank you so much for all of your comments! AnnaMay has been smiling so big. I am reading them all to her as they are posted. AnnaMay says she would love to be Wonder Woman for Halloween if she could. You all are making me cry happy tears! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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    1. Hi Andrea,
      I meant it when I said I would LOVE to make AnnaMay a costume. I have a six-year-old daughter that I make costumes for, and it's so much fun! Email me at ckmarietta@gmail.com and we'll get started. :)
      Cam

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  26. AnnaMay! You are an amazing young lady, and I am blessed to know you! You are beautiful, kind, and yes, YOU ROCK! I am so thankful the world brought our families together. You truly are a super hero. But if you ever need any backup, know that you have a couple pretty cool boys over here on your side. Yep, Team Kool Kids to go along with Team Moms.

    Love you always!
    Miss Susan

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  27. Jen, I just have to say - I love you! in a non sexual, non creepy way. I promise I'm not a stalker, though I will look for you if we're ever at the same con. You are such a wonderful person, in addition to being fun, creative, etc, etc. I'm so happy that I found your blogs :)

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  28. Anna May,

    A very good adult friend of mine just went through a scary surgery and guess what she had with her during recovery? A quilt with Super Girl, Wonder Woman, and Bat Girl all over it. You know why? 'Cause we all think she's super too and wanted to give her something that made her feel loved and wonderful. It's OK to like superheros and to lean on then when you're not feeling super (even adults do this). The people who love you like you just the way you are and the people who don't - well, they don't matter.

    Keep being the wonderful person you are!

    Anne

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  29. Anna May you ROCK that t-shirt! Just remember you are awesome and don't let a bully pull you down and make you feel bad for a shirt that you love. There are a lot of us girl geeks and we'd all proudly wear a t-shirt like that (if they had my size!) :D

    Jen, thanks for all you do! You also ROCK!!

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  30. Anna May, keep on loving what you love, we need more love in this world.

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  31. Anna May,

    Stay strong and be true to yourself. I love your super hero stuff! Most people that tease are feeling insecure themselves, so please don't take her comments to heart. All the best!

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  32. Yay Anna May! I'm 34 and rock Wonder Woman shirts too! Always stay true to yourself. I think you are amazing.

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  33. Anna May ~

    I love your shirt and bag! Wear them with pride! If you like them, that's all that matters. YOU'RE AWESOME!!!

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  34. Anna May,

    You ARE Wonder Woman to me. I, too, suffer from anxiety disorders, and was picked on through out school. But, I'm not as brave as you are, nor did I have any wonderful shirts or heroes like you do. You're a lucky girl!

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  35. PS ~ The first part of my captcha was "cutie". How fitting, since Anna May is definitely a cutie!

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  36. Anna May, I will gladly make you a cape. Just have Jen put us in touch with size and color choices.

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  37. These gals are awesome! I grew up with 4 brothers who all loved geeky things. My parents love geeky things too and went to see the STAR WARS IV during their courtship. So at home it wasn't a big deal when I started loving geeky things too. When my brothers outgrew their STAR WARS or superhero gear I'd ask my mom if I could have them as hand-me-downs. It worked great for us. But we moved around a lot and at every new school I had to find a niche of friends who were ok with the fact that I liked "boy" stuff.
    Anna May, I know it is hard sometimes when people make fun of something you really like. But remember that you are being true to yourself and the things you love. So don't mind what they say. People try to put others down to lift themselves up, but it just shows their ugly colors. You're the one who will come out on top in the end. And really, there's nothing cooler than superheros. :)
    “Go in peace my daughter. And remember that, in a world of ordinary mortals, you are a Wonder Woman.”

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  38. I love your shirt Anna May and if i went to your school, i'd give you a high five every time we passed in the hallway. Keep it up!

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  39. Anna May ftw! My daughter loves superheroes, too.

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  40. Anna Mae, I love, Love, LOVE your Wonder Woman shirt. I know sometimes it's hard to remember, but there are lots of super hero loving geeks out there who think your shirt is awesome.

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  41. Anna May - It's taken me many years to learn this lesson, so let me give you a tip. When someone is mean to you, it doesn't say anything bad about you. It says a lot about them. You keep it real! (Oh, and many people are learning that when it comes to geeks, you can either be one or work for one!)

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  42. jen,

    if you could put anna mae and her mom in touch with me, i'd love to help with the coz play clothes

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  43. Anna May, you are one awesome little girl. I hope you never let anyone get you down for the things you love. Just remember, there are lots of other girls like you out there and all of us have your back!

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  44. Anna May,

    Remember - you are strong and beautiful, just like Wonder Woman on your shirt! You are stronger than the people who don't understand just how cool superheroes are. You are wonderful and we all support you!

    Trish, John, and Joey

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  45. AnnaMay, you have wonderful tastes in Super Heroes, sweetie! And excellent taste in tshirts! I've seen a couple of offers to help make a costume for you -- I can't wait to see the pics!! (Andrea, you have a wonderful daughter -- I'm glad you were lead to Epbot! We love this type of thing here -- and on the FB page.)

    Exemplars is probably one of my favorite parts of Epbot... And while I too will encourage AnnaMay on here (absolutely adorable young lady! and great taste too!). I want to point out to everyone Jen's parting words for today --
    "So, in conclusion:
    1) The world needs more superheroes.
    2) Sometimes a superhero is someone who tells a random young girl just how awesome her Wonder Woman t-shirt is, or how much you admire her choice of comic books, or her hobby, or her costume.
    3) So let's all go be superheros this week."

    This is the most important part of today's post to me -- Not ever "AnnaMay" or "Katie" will find someplace like Epbot to hear all of this praise at one time. (Or in a book.) Each of us needs to remember to encourage the young "geeks" out there (male or female) that we may cross paths with.

    My 14yo son gets bullied partially for his love of legos and sci-fi. (Yes, a boy is getting bullied for this too.) And he, like AnnaMay, has anxiety disorders that cause the bullying to bother him even more.

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  46. This is what's right with the world.

    Anna May, you are AWESOME! I have a little girl who's 8 and recently stopped wearing some of her favorite shirts (Adventure Time) because some of the kids at her school said they were "weird". I'm going to show her your story and I hope that knowing that there are other kids struggling with things like this, will give her the courage to stick up for what she likes, just like you have. Remember that bravery isn't the absence of fear, it's being afraid but doing whatever it is you're afraid of anyway. Personally, I LOVE your shirts and choices of heroes, but you can't please all the people all the time, and you know what? That's ok. The world would be a very boring place if we all liked and disliked the same things.

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  47. I think Anna May would benefit from a copy of the book that was put together for Katy. I wish I had the funds to send her one right now ><

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  48. Hi AnnaMay! I love Wonder Woman! She is one of my very favorite superheroes. In fact, I'm pretty sure that she is my favorite DC superhero, and I totally think that she should get together with Superman. I also love Black Widow from the Avengers and Rogue from the X-men! I have loved superheroes since I was a little girl, and I'm 30 now. There are lots of other girls out there that think Wonder Woman is awesome. I can't wait to see you dressed as Wonder Woman for Halloween! :)

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    1. Andrea (AnnaMay's Mom)June 4, 2013 at 6:55 PM

      AnnaMay says that she thinks Batman is in love with Wonder Woman. LOL!

      Delete
  49. I look forward to the follow up from Anna May: will she choose Super Girl or Wonder Woman? Because I think Epbot fans can provide her an absolutly superb costume. I'm sorry that Anna May is being picked on for liking anything at all, let alone a couple of awesome female super heros. I hope that seeing how large and supportive this community is, will help. And R2D2 in pink chucks... that picture maked me so smile so long my cheeks hurt.

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  50. We geeks have the best friends, even ones we've never met IRL. Your awesome friends are out there too, AnnaMay! Just keep doing what you love and you'll find them. PS: That shirt is sweet but I really love your shorts!

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  51. PS: these other kids are awesome too! the little star wars scene? ack! too much cute!

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  52. AnnaMay, please don't let anyone stop you from wearing what you love or doing what you love. I wouldn't have been brave enough to go back to wearing what I wanted to when I was your age, so even if you try, but can't do it, know that you are still incredibly brave.

    (P.S. I have a bit of anxiety, too, and I know that one of the things that helps the most is doing what you love and being happy and comfortable when you do it. Try your hardest to not let anyone take that from you. Wonder Woman and Super Girl might fight monsters and villains, but your battle to keep doing what you love is just as important. Go forth and kick butt, AnnaMay.)

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  53. Anna May - I know it is sometimes hard, but don't let anyone get you down for what you love! As a former Star Wars loving little girl (I still love Star Wars, I'm just not a little girl anymore, except in my heart!) and mother of a 13 year old Whovian girl, I'll tell you, there are others out there that love the same things you do but don't have the courage to put it out there for the world to see. You will do amazing things, I'm sure, Super Girl Anna May, and meet amazing people that love what you do and will introduce you to new, wonderful things to love. And this big geek family will always have your back!

    And if you haven't seen it already, check out Wil Wheaton's speech about being a nerd...
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=H_BtmV4JRSc

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  54. Anna Mae, my little girl has a super girl shirt too and she absolutely loves it! Never let anyone make you feel bad about things that make you happy (and that you look so cute in!)
    Hugs, Robyn

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  55. Hi AnnaMay. I just wanted to tell you that I think you and your Wonder Woman gear are both beautiful! I know anxiety is hard, I have it too ,and so does Jen from this blog. Sometimes it takes real life super powers to fight it. Don't let anyone take away something that makes you happy, if you do that, then those bullies win. You might be the one that helps another kid be brave enough to wear something they love too. My favorite super hero is the Green Lantern. I wear GL stuff, and have even painted my nails like the power rings! I also love Rainbow Brite which was something way before you were born (Im pretty old), and My Little Pony. I wear that stuff, and a lot of people dont even know what it is! Sometimes though, I will run into someone else who loves the same things, and they get excited seeing me wearing it, and then I make a new friend. Do what you love and don't let anyone stop you. Youre an awesome little girl, and I think you have some real life super powers too. :)

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  56. AnnaMay,
    I'm waaaaay older than you and wear Batman shirts all the time (even to work!). There are lots of people who love lots of different things in the world, be proud of what you like even if someone else doesn't.
    Nikki T

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  57. Jen, thank you so much for being a shining light for girl geeks!

    Anna May, honey, you look so sweet. Be yourself. Don't let anyone tell you to be anything else. I was bullied for years in school, and I just want to put my arms around you and tell you how wonderful you really are.

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  58. Rock on AnnaMay!! Stay true to yourself sweetheart, it's the best way to be. Those girls at school give you a hard time because they don't have the courage and strength that you do to wear the things they really like. Who knows, maybe you'll encourage them to not be ashamed of the things they like anymore!

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  59. As I sit here typing this, I am wearing my Hogwarts t-shirt. Did I mention I am 40 years old? I've heard people say I'm too old to wear this kind of thing, but I wear what I like. It does feel good, though, when I'm wearing my Hogwarts (or Doctor Who or Lord of the Rings) shirt out shopping and someone stops me just to say how much they love it! It is a sure way to draw people to you that have similar interests. I was never this brave in school. I look back now and wish I would have worn what I wanted instead of what I thought everyone else would like.

    AnnaMay: I love your t-shirt! I think you would make an amazing Wonder Woman. It's hard to do things you like when it seems everyone else is doing something different. What do you think Wonder Woman or Super Girl would do? Do you remember a story when they were being teased or made fun of? Also, I agree with jayMariah, your shorts are awesome!

    (another) Andrea

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  60. AnnaMay, you are a Wonder Woman already for just being yourself. Please, don't ever let anyone else tell you differently!

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  61. The rest of your Exemplars are awesome, too! R2 and Leia! Darth in a tutu with My Little Pony! Narnia and Minecraft! Such creative little geeks, all doing what they love. Way to go!

    (another) Andrea

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  62. Hey Miss Anna May, first off you have super awesome name. Make sure to give your parents a huge hug and "thank you" for giving you such an awesome moniker. And second, Miss Anna May, your shirt is the best! Ignore what the other kids say and enjoy what you love instead. I am 20 (almost 21) and my college apartment has a bathroom with Disney Princess accessories, Disney art in my living room, a Captain America teddy bear on my bed, and Harry Potter curtains. I know it can feel weird when other people don't understand, but I have heard more times 'that is SO awesome' than I have heard it's weird.

    So every time you put on your Wonder Woman shirt, remember there are millions of other people who think you're cool, and just a few people who need to be lasso-ed to tell the truth of how much they like your shirt.

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  63. To the Rockhound girl, I am a geologist, and i studied paleontology in graduate school. I was bringing home rocks in kindergarden, and I have never stopped loving them. Geology is a fascinating field, wether you choose to study it or not, and will give you a greater understanding of the world as a whole. It can be difficult in the field, but its worth it! Keep with it and you will find people who love it as much as you do!

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  64. AnnaMay, you rock the super hero look. I can't wait to see you in costume. I remember watching Wonder Woman growing up thinking she was awesome. (Psstt--you're awesome too.)

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  65. AnnaMay, don't let them get you down :)

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  66. Hold your superhero-loving head high, AnnaMay! I love your shirt, because Geek girls do unite! We stick together. There are tons of people all over the world who love superheroes, too. You're not alone! Stay awesome and keep loving the things you love!!

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  67. What is it that makes us so vicious to each other? Why haven't people evolved to the point where we can just be nice?

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    Replies
    1. You'd think we could manage it by now, wouldn't you? When my son was in second grade, he picked out a Diego backpack because he loves animals. He got teased about it so much in the first two weeks of school ("it's a baby show") that he asked me to cut off the Diego picture (which honestly, was not difficult to do), and got a plain black backpack with blue trim for third grade. He also doesn't like science any more because he got teased about being a nerd so much in third grade. He tends to be somewhat sensitive, so it might not have been really bad teasing, but it still stinks.

      Delete
  68. What a wonderful bunch of girls! I love all the costumes! To AnnaMay - there will be a lot of pressure to fit in while you're growing up. I hope you'll look up the poem "Masks" by Shel Silverstien. It shows us that we should never hide who we really are. There are lots of other girls who love super heroes, me included!

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  69. Anne -
    You ROCK! I actually am a little jealous of your shirt. Its pretty awesome!
    Just so you know, as you grow up, it'll get easier to find people who like the same things you do. And just like Jen said - sometimes it's cause you notice a cool shirt on someone, start talking, and become the best of friends.
    Also, I play roller derby - where a bunch of strong, amazing women skate with each other and ya know what?? WE WEAR SUPERHERO SHIRTS ALL THE TIME!!
    ~Katy (aka Harley Hellrazer)

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  70. AnnaMay - Keep wearing what you love! That's a great shirt! I have a Batgirl shirt and wear it all the time. =) I'm also currently making myself a dress that has Batgirl, Supergirl, AND Wonder Woman all over it.

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    1. Andrea (AnnaMays Mom)June 5, 2013 at 6:10 PM

      AnnaMay says Ooohhhh!

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  71. AnnaMay, you rock!! I am the mommy to two amazing little girls and they wear their Wonder Woman, Star Wars, Pokemon, etc. shirts ALL THE TIME!!! My oldest also has ADHD and sensory, so I know how hard that can be, especially when you're 9. My youngest has already learned not to care what anyone thinks(she's Hayden - one of the first Exemplars here). Just know that you have a HUGE group of friends here, and no matter what - there is always somebody who likes what you like, somewhere! Also, Jen, I think I can help out with that costume if no one else has jumped to the plate yet......

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  72. Dear AnnaMay:

    I, too, love Wonder Woman. I love that she is tall and towers over everybody else (including the men!), because I'm tall. There aren't many female characters like that. Plus she can hold her own. Aaaand I'm pretty sure she's going to end up with Batman. :)

    I teach elementary school, but nobody gets picked on in my class for liking geeky things because I like geeky things, and as soon as someone brings it up I embraced their fandom and make it part of the classroom. My usual class theme is superheroes, but this year we adjusted and focused on Avatar the Last Airbender/Legend of Korra because that's what the kids wanted. Everybody in class had an Avatar name that they insisted I use (they wouldn't even answer to their own names!), and when the class was good they earned free time for bending (or a short clip from the series). Trust me, there are other kids in school who like the things you like, but you have to keep a special eye and ear out for them. Search them out, befriend them, and form your own posse of people who like the things you do. They'll become some of your greatest friends.

    Good luck!

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    1. Andrea (AnnaMays Mom)June 5, 2013 at 6:08 PM

      AnnaMay says she is pretty sure she will end up with Batman too!

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  73. AnnaMay, you're not the weird one! It's great to wear something that makes you happy. Don't worry about the others who don't understand. They probably don't have shirts that make them feel as good.

    I adored the costumes- especially Queen Susan and the little R2. I was never that creative.

    -Barbara Anne

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  74. First of all, these exemplar posts are one of the many reasons why I love this blog. Every one of the exemplars is amazing. Star Wars and books and superheroes are all worthy pursuits.

    For Anna May, I am a bigger girl (well, 23) with sensory processing disorder, too. I was teased in school because of my special interests like history and owls. As I grew older, I started to realize that my favorite things, the things that made me a special, unique human being, were things to be celebrated, not hidden. I wear a lot of owls, now. I used to hide them, but now I wear owl jewelry, owl socks, owl shirts, and even owl shoes. Now as an adult other people appreciate my knowledge about birds because of my love of owls. I think others will appreciate what you know and love, too, like Jen does here on the Epbot blog. Just remember that there are people that appreciate you for being you. With that knowledge, grab your special Wonder Woman and Supergirl gear, and show the world what makes you unique, and know that there are a bunch of us out here that are glad to see you as you.

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  75. AnnaMay, it is hard liking something that some of the other kids don't. It took me a long time, but I learned to find friends who accepted me for who I was (and still am). Don't be afraid to talk to your teacher , or your mom if you have a problem with the other kids, they protect and defend us too- just like super heroes! Keep on doing what you love, you are awesome!

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  76. AnnaMay you are awesome!!! Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Maybe that other girl at school is secretly wishing SHE had a WW shirt too?? :)

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  77. Oh my dear AnnaMay, I love love love your Wonder Woman shirt and backpack. Your matching purple pants ROCK (I WANT purple pants!). Just remember the message on your shirt luv GIRLS UNITE!!! We unite here to support our fellow geeks and nerds! I know it's hard to believe that everyone here was once your age and it seems like we can't relate but TRUST me, we all remember going through what you have gone through and wish we could be there to hug you. There are so many people who LOVE to share in your love of things geeky, fly your geek flag proudly girlie!

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  78. The first thing I thought when I saw Anna May's shirt is "wow! Where can I find a shirt like that in my (adult) size. Awesome girls unite!

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  79. Hey AnnaMay, first off, you are ROCKING that shirt! Sassy!

    Second off, never be afraid of who you are or what you like. When I was growing up my parents were a lot like your Mum, and really supportive of the things I loved (even if they didn't get them all!) so when I got to high school I just carried on rocking what I loved. Turns out some people loved the same things as me, so we became friends. Now, six years after we've all left high school we're all still really good friends, and we all have each others' backs. Those guys and my parents are my superheroes, and so are you! You are so brave to still wear what you love, and to share it with all of us. You and all the exemplars make me proud to be a geek!

    Much love, all the way from the UK, Alex

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  80. Anna May is ADORABLE!!!! Anna May -- you are a wonderful girl; ignore those who would ridicule you because, really, they are just jealous and don't have good taste! You be the person YOU want to be, not what others think you should be. Follow your dreams, whatever they may be! Dream big! :-)

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  81. Andrea (AnnaMays Mom)June 5, 2013 at 8:26 AM

    You all have me crying happy tears again this morning. I can't wait until AnnaMay comes home from school so I can read her all of these new wonderful comments. You all are the best!!

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  82. Hello AnnaMay!

    I have a 4.5 year old son who follows Epbot with me. He loves to see all the cool costumes and kids doing their thing! When he saw that picture of you and your Wonder Woman gear, he said "Wow! She loves Wonder Woman!" Your big smile said it all, because he doesn't actually read yet.

    I love Wonder Woman too. Here's a little photoset of me in my steampunk Wonder Woman costume a few weeks ago: http://www.flickr.com/photos/35191986@N08/sets/72157633947007762/with/8959081698/

    Be yourself, and you'll find there are a lot more girls like us out there!

    -Aimee

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  83. AnnaMay, I LOVE your Wonder Woman shirt! I wished I had one just like it!! If it makes you happy please keep wearing it and don't listen to what people might say.

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  84. Hi AnnaMay! I also love Wonder Woman! That is an awesome Tshirt! I wonder if they sell it in my size? Hmmmm. I think I may have to look for one.

    You would look so amazing as Wonder Woman. I don't have any sewing skills so I will have to leave that to the more creative girl geeks here! :) I'll just keep rooting you on from the sidelines and enjoying that big smile on your face!

    That girl at school has no idea what she is missing if she doesn't have enough imagination to see the world through a super hero's eyes! I would feel sorry for her if she wasn't being such a bully! You keep on being proud of what you love and those people around you who love you will keep on supporting you. <3

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  85. AnnaMay, you go, girl!!! Wear that Wonder Woman tee! ALL THE TIME!... well, maybe not all the time, your mom does have to wash it! ;-)

    As to wearing it to school, let me ask you, would Wonder Woman back down from the teasing? No, she would not! Channel your inner Woman Woman and wear it!

    I was teased and bullied in grade school myself. I was a science fiction/Star Trek/comic book fan back then, too. I accidentally discovered a secret to dealing with them- ignore them! For every tease or bully, I stood straighter and went about my business. They are just jealous you have such a rocking shirt and they have nothing!

    I'm an older woman in my 50's now. Back a few ago, when I was working for a supermarket down where I grew up, one of my former bullies came through my line during the summer. I only sort of recognized her and she did recognized me. She tried to be friendly, but I was standoffish Didn't really say hello or anything. A few weeks later, I got a piece of mail at the store- an odd thing to happen. It was from my former bully APOLOGIZING for bullying me all those years ago! And saying she hoped she'd teach her own kids to be better than that.

    So I won against one bully.

    Keep loving and wearing your Wonder Woman tees and carrying your backpack. Hiding your love will only let them win. And you don't want that! And you might wind up winning them over, specially if you can talk about how great Wonder Woman is!

    Remember, we are all Wonder Woman!

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  86. Hey AnnaMay,

    My name's Emily and I'm a 25 year old girl (yes... I'm a big child at heart.)
    You inspire me, kiddo. Seriously inspire me. I love superheroes too.... though my favourite is Wolverine.
    Gotta say, good on ya for wearing that.

    Don't listen to those who are mean. Haters gonna hate. There are thousands of us out there who love superheroes and everything. I love them because they stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.

    And AnnaMae, for me... you're a hero. You wear that shirt proudly. And if those girls say anything, just know... you rock. Besides, they're probably just jealous that they can't rock a shirt like that. You can!

    You go girl!

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  87. Hey Anna May,
    Nice shirt! I was/am another sensory kid who was picked on in school. It gets better! My parents tried talking teachers, but that didn't always work (one time, a teacher became one of the bullies after such a chat to try to "toughen me up"). I found that what worked best was to basically repeat back what we are always taught about bullying in a nonchalant manner. For example, ask the bully why they feel they need to do this and what is bothering them in a confident manner in the middle of their bullying effort (it also tends to surprise them, especially if they don't expect you to speak back or expect venom). Overcome their meanness with love. This worked several times (~3) at diffusing the situation. Bullies tend to live off the response of others. By refusing them that and undermining their audience support, they tend to back off. Be true to yourself--if people do not recognize how special you are, it's their own problem.

    PS: SI is as much a blessing as it makes things rough. It has allowed me to better hear when people are in trouble (it has also allowed me to hear things that I really didn't want to hear). While I will never enjoy conventional parties and many popular hangouts (I literally shut down), I can enjoy non-conventional parties (with a smaller group, quiet music, lots of space to run around/fidget). Sports (softball, especially) helped me overcome a lot of it. As a 4-year-old, apparently, I could not identify where on my arm I was touched since I felt it throughout my arm, but by high school, I played on a D1 varsity softball team and played on the JV tennis team--another word of warning: beware of overuse injuries since we're prone to them). I can still hear people talking quietly 3 offices away from me and have a large personal bubble, but do not feel limited by my super-senses and am sometimes thankful for them. Just think, you already have "superpowers." You are a super-sensory girl!

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  88. It makes me so happy to read E.E. posts! I wish I had known awesome kids like these when I was littler! That Susan costume is especially awesome, and I wish my school had a book week celebration. And to Anna May-- Wonder Woman is my absolute favorite superhero, and I also really love Supergirl and Batgirl too. When I first entered high school, I didn't think I would make many friends. However, on the second day of school, I met my best friend because I heard her talking about how much she loved superheroes! Once you find a common interest with someone, it's easy to make friends, especially if that interest is something as awesome as superheroes :) You seem like a really awesome person, and if you dress as Wonder Woman you will definitely have to send pictures to Epbot! I bet you will be the best Wonder Woman there ever was! She is probably the best hero you could be on Halloween; I should know because I was Wonder Woman 2 Halloweens ago. And say hi to your mom for all us Epbotters. She sounds like a really awesome Supermom.
    with hugs, -Kate

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  89. Go AnnaMay! I never fit in well with other kids because I had "weird" interests and didn't conform to their standards. Don't let those people try to change you into something you're not. Rock that Wonder Woman shirt with a smile, because nothing bothers a bully more than someone they can't upset. Even though it makes you sad, don't let them see that!

    Take a look around at the kids at school and see if there's someone who's shy and doesn't have a lot of friends. If you take the time to reach out to those who are being bullied or just don't quite fit in, you will make a lot of very good friends and help someone else who's having a hard time!

    Remember that there are so many others who loves the same things and are cheering for you!

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  90. Hi AnnaMay! We actually have a lot in common! I'm a big fan of Wonder Woman and Super Girl, too! I don't believe I could even pick a favorite! ;) (Okay, maaayyybe I like Wonder Woman a tiny bit more.) I also suffer with anxiety disorder, but I've actually found a little bit of confidence in being comfortable with my "geek side."

    Oh, and one more thing, I LOVE your purple pants! It makes me want to go run buy a pair! ;)

    -River Psalm

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  91. Hey AnnaMay, I just wanted to say that I think you are THE COOLEST girl to ever wear a WonderWoman T shirt. I think you and your mom are pretty special people and those kids at school who are making fun of you, don't let them get you down! Just pretend you are in WonderWoman's Invisible Jet and keep on going. Your momma loves you a lot and you won our hearts here too. You have a whole group of friends here and I will let you in on a secret, *I like Wonder Woman too* :) After all, she is an Amazon Princess! Have fun and KEEP SMILING! BTW, you are my new favorite superhero :)

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  92. I have an almost one year old baby girl and being fellow geek girl I hope that as she grows up she can be as brave as Miss AnnaMay. I know she's going to get an amazing Wonder Woman costume, but I'd like to throw my hat in the ring to make a Super Girl costume for her as well. You are an amazing person Anna May, never let anyone tell you otherwise.

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  93. AnnaMay what a great name!!! Don't let anyone get you down. I know how hard and heartbreaking it can be when someone makes fun of or judges your choose of outfits. I am a mom of three great nerdy/science fiction kids and have a great nerdy husband. I also am the president of my oldest sons PTO. One the first night when I had to hold a meeting where a lot of people would be I decided to wear my power shoes, purple converse, and my favorite Doctor Who T-shirt with a cool pair of Tardis blue pants. As I stool in front of all the other parents I could see them judging me. Who did we let in charge of our PTO they wondered in their heads. I know this because a friend of mine had a conversation with a group of parents after the meeting and many questions were asked about how they thought I was "normal" "who wears blue pants" "why is she wearing shirt with a trash can holding a plunger and whisk" (my favorite - it was a Dalek)they asked. You know what my friend said "The coolest mom is who she is. She loves her kids so much that she encourages them to be who they want to be and the best way to show your kids to embrace their loves/hobbies is to lead by example". So forget that girl. Lead by example and wear your Wonder Women shirt to show other kids it is cool to embrace your loves. I have meet so many cool people wearing my nerd shirts in public including a gent from the UK who worked on Doctor Who in the 70s. Side note: At the moment my house has a dress form with a stormtrooper helmet on the top, three Doctor Who posters on the wall, a display of various dice and Doctor Who items and Tardis Christmas lights around my kitchen windows. My house not look like a "normal" family house with three kids. But, my kids, husband, and I love it and we are proud to tell anyone that visits all about our nerd items. “Go in peace my daughter. And remember that, in a world of ordinary mortals, you are a Wonder Woman.” Queen Hippolyte

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  94. I left a comment yesterday...but I wanted to share something really cool that I did today. I participated in breaking a world record for the most people dressed up as Superman. AnnaMay, you can see how many people love Superman and wanted to be a part of this world record and how different all of these people are. There were older people and younger people, men and women, people of all nationalities, and people of all physical ability levels. I hope you like the video that was posted on our local newspaper: World Record for Costumed Supermen

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    1. Andrea (AnnaMays Mom)June 6, 2013 at 7:17 AM

      AnnaMay thought that video was "amazing" Thank you for sharing.

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  95. AnnaMay, you keep rocking those super hero t-shirts! I have an 8 year-old daughter who has been tormented about her various loves, too. She's an Iron Man adoring, Scooby loving, motorcycle jacket wearing little geek and it's a tough fight. She and I can relate to what you and your mom are going through (though in our case, I am the one with the anxiety issues).

    To paraphrase a line from the movie "Practical Magic": Normal isn't necessarily a virtue. It rather denotes a lack of courage.

    You hang in there and don't ever let anyone else tell you what is worthy of your love! (You hang in there, too, Andrea. Some days it's hard to settle for teaching your kid to deal with the tormenting. It would be SO much more satisfying to go straighten out the other kids instead!)

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  96. Dear AnnaMay,

    There are some people out there who will tell you that your clothes are wrong, that your hair looks funny, that your body isn't perfect. These people will ask you why you want to wear things that aren't featured in the latest fashion magazines, they'll offer advice on how you can change the way you look. They might say things like, "You'd be happier if you were skinnier." or "You'd be so pretty if only you'd dress the way everyone else does."

    Don't listen to these people. They don't understand. They might be afraid of trying something new, or they might just really like to look like everyone else. It doesn't matter, they're wrong. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you're not good enough, that your clothes are wrong, that you have to be a perfect cookie cutter image of every supermodel out there. Now, if you decide that looking like everyone else is truly what makes you happy, then by all means do it. If you decide that wearing a neon yellow sock over a neon green one on your left foot and then the opposite on your right foot makes you happy, then do that (and ask your mom about other crazy fashions from the 80s. Ask for pictures of her. We all looked pretty silly.) The most important thing is that YOU are happy. When you're happy with the way you look on the outside, you'll can focus your energy on feeling better about things going on around you.

    Personally, I think Wonder Woman is amazing. She's always been my favorite. When I need to do something tough, I give myself this little pep talk:
    You can do this. It's not so bad. You are Wonder Woman, and nothing's gonna stop you!
    It works. Try it sometime. And if all else fails, know that it's ok to get angry, to yell and cry and just feel like a pile of ick. I took up dancing to help me work out the mad, and now I've started Zumba. Find something that you can throw yourself into (something safe) when things get rough. Start small- housekeeping is a great way to relieve frustration. Sweep the floor, wash windows, vacuum. Your mom will love it. If there's a sport or activity you like, practice that. If all else fails, sit in your closet and squeeze a pillow as hard as you can and then say whatever it is that's making you mad. Don't hold on to the bad things in life because then the people who are telling you you're wrong for being who you are win. You're gorgeous. You're a beautiful girl, and your clothes reflect your personality. Wear what makes you happy, and you'll be absolutely amazing.

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  97. AnnaMay, your wonder woman shirts are awesome! I want you to know that my 5 year old daughter LOVES super heroes, too. Her favorites are Spiderman, Hulk, Iron Man, and Captain America. She has 3 Spiderman shirts. Keep wearing your rockin shirts and just know that there are LOTS of cool girls just like you with super hero shirts.

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  98. Storm the KlingonJune 6, 2013 at 6:04 AM

    Great Hera, yet again, I'm late to the party! But I wanted to say heyhey to AnnaMay, and agree with my fellow Amazon sisters; you are amazing and cool in your OWN way, JUST as you are. Seriously, I'm an old lady of 45, and when I look at "normal" people looking at me funny, I feel kinda sorry for them for being afraid of someone doing her own thing . But when I was your age, I had anxiety attacks and stuff, too (I still do), and I remember how hard it could be to face mean people. You know what I did? I thought to myself, "Wonder Woman wouldn't take this, and neither will I!" and it made me stronger. Just remember the Amazon Princess inside you, and you'll be unstoppable!

    I've been both a Wonder Woman fan and a costumer since I was a little girl; technically, WW is the first costume I ever made. Well, I drew/painted all over my light blue strapless one-piece bathing suit, made a tiara and bracelets out of foil, and painted a piece of clothesline yellow for my lasso, and pulled my look together with a pair of red rainboots; it was crazy, but as far I was concerned, I was serving Wonder Woman REALNESS, OK? It seems that the Make AnnaMay a Wonder Woman Costume Project is well-covered, but if I can be of any help at all, somebody send up a Red Alert; I *promise* you, I make MUCH better Wonder Woman costumes than I used to! ;)

    Cheers, and rock on, little sister!

    Storm the Klingon

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  99. Dear AnnaMay,
    I'm in university and even though it's meant to be a place where you can be yourself, sometimes I feel a little anxious about doing things that I love, because I'm worried about what other people will think. I wear a lot of retro clothes, and sometimes I feel nervous about what people will think and say when I wear pencil skirts. That's silly! I look like hot stuff in pencil skirts.You know what though? As much as looking good is important, feeling good is so much better. You wear what makes you feel happy and like yourself and it radiates outwards. Sometimes when I'm nervous about what I'm wearing, or being in a new place, or not knowing any people, I pretend to be someone else. Wonder Woman would be good, because she's so strong. I normally go for Sally Lockhart (from the Sally Lockhart Mysteries), Zoe from Firefly, or Buffy, because no one messes with Buffy. It also helps to know that whatever you are feeling, shy or anxious or scared, is only one feeling that you have. Sweetheart, you have so many feelings and characteristics that make you up. You can be tenacious and clever and brave and wry and sad and thoughtful and witty and grumpy and tired. Being anxious is just one feeling that is part of the feelings that make you up, and it's okay to be scared. Remember, when you feel frustrated with other people or with your own emotions, or when you feel shy or sad, this is just what you are feeling and feeling is what makes you human. I have low-level anxiety, and while I can deal with it better now, last year I had a lot of panic attacks. My favourite teacher told me that my anxiety was a part of me , but only a small part. There was this sea of emotion that made up my whole, and the anxiety was just waves on the ocean. Sometimes I got a tsunami, but there's always calm under the waves and the Mariana trench is deeper than the tallest wave (I think, or that ruins the metaphor).

    My little sister is a bit older than you and she's in a similar situation as you, some girls at her school are teasing her because she has alopecia (all her hair has fallen out). When I look at you, your smile is the same as my sister's. I know that you are both so strong! you have the capacity to get through anything life can hand you and you can do it kicking butt the whole way.

    When I'm feeling sad or angry with people, I talk to someone I trust and I do something I love. Oddly enough, I found controlled anger also helped me deal, so I do a lot of feminist things now when I need a controlled space to feel anger. I also found knitting and baking help: they're fun, and you get something at the end! Plus you can knit cool nerd themed things (I did a death star and an adipose).

    Keep on keeping on: remember that no matter what anyone says, there are hundreds of people out here who share your interests. We're rooting for you and we'll always be on your side. And start a blog! We'd totally read that, nerdy girls are underrepresented.

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  100. Dear AnnaMay,
    First off, you are awesome. Please don't let anyone tell you differently. Wonder Woman has always been my favorite super hero. Clearly you have excellent taste.
    Now, we recently went through something similar with our own daughter. She was entering 4th grade last year at a brand new school. We hadn't moved far and she already knew a few of the kids, but she was nervous. Like you she absolutely loves super heroes, especially ones who are girls. She also loves science fiction, fantasy works (like The Dark Crystal, the Black Cauldron series, Lord of the Rings, etc), and really loves Thundercats. She even used some of the money she got for her birthday to buy herself a Thundercats t-shirt. It didn't have her favorite character, Cheetara, on it, but otherwise she loved it. She decided to put it away for her first day of school.
    On the night before the first day of school she came to us in tears. She had decided that she no longer wanted to wear the shirt that had made her so happy when she got it. She was worried that the other kids would make fun of her because Thundercats is considered by some to be a boy thing. We told her that before she let others make her afraid to be herself she should think about what makes her happy. As long as the things that make her happy don't hurt anyone else she shouldn't have to hide them or feel that they are wrong. The people who tear you down because of what you like are not the people who matter. The people who love you and build you up are the ones you should listen to.
    The next morning she tentatively put on her new Thundercats shirt and a pair of leopard print pants. She was nervous, but was determined to not let anyone tell her that what she liked was only for boys. No one said a negative thing about it. In fact, some boys wanted her to play with them because they could never get a girl to be Cheetara.
    She now wears that shirt without a second thought. There have been a few cases where another kid asks her why she likes a 'boy thing,' but she just tells them that people can like whatever they want.
    Lots of hugs going your way.
    P.S. I hope you get a truly epic Wonder Woman costume for Halloween. My daughter plans to be Deborah Sampson, an American Revolutionary War hero and real life Wonder Woman. She dressed as a man so that she could serve in the American Army and protect the freedoms of herself and those that she loved. Because of brave women like her other women, including myself and many of my friends, are able to join and serve in the military.

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  101. Dear Anna May,

    When I first saw that picture of you on Epbot my very first thought was, "What a cool kid!" People have a lot of weird ideas about how girls should or shouldn't act or what they should like or not like (and boys too). You have to ignore them because even if you try to change yourself to fit what they think you should be like, there'll be somebody else telling you you're doing it wrong.

    Know that there are lots of people, kids and adults who think you're awesome and will always think that, even if next year you find you like something different. You're a cool kid no matter what kind of shirt you wear.

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  102. So many awesome girls in this post! Ladies, you are all so beautiful and amazing.

    I was too shy to show my geek side when I was young, afraid of being teased and bullied. So I was quiet and shy, hiding in the corner with my books. It wasn't until I got to my teens that I found friends with similar interests, and started feeling free to let the real me show. I wish I had been braver so much sooner! Now I wear my geek shirts and jewelry all the time, and costume whenever possible.

    You know what? I've met so many brilliant friends by sharing my enthusiasms, and I wish I'd been less afraid a lot sooner because who knows how many great friends I could've made.

    Even as an adult, some people tease me for the things I like. Even my boss likes to tease me for liking "weird stuff," but he's the first to point out when there's a Con nearby because he really likes hearing about the "weird stuff" I enjoy on the weekends. I just tease him back that his car shows are a really weird enthusiasm to me!

    AnnaMay, my family name is May, people always connected my first and last name and then asked me what my last name was, so I think it's really cool to see someone who actually has May as part of their first name!

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  103. Sort of off topic, (but sort of not)...I read this today about a UCLA study on the effects of pro-biotics on brain chemistry. It is a very small study, but seems significant, especially for treating sensory processing disorder and anxiety.
    Here's the link: http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/changing-gut-bacteria-through-245617.aspx

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  104. I just stumbled on to your Blog and wanted to send out a message to Anna May and her mother: I started buying and reading comic books back in the early 1980's. I got the idea to take my little brother, who was 6 years younger than I and severely dyslexic, to the local comic book shop as a way to encourage him to read more. It became something we enjoyed doing together and I became hooked on comics myself. When I went to college and double majored in English Literature and Art, most of my friends thought my interest in comics was strange (because I was a girl as well as because my majors seemed so much more "high-brow") and I constantly had to explain and defend my interest in them. Later I was fortunate to get some jobs working in the comic book industry, the best of which was working for an independent comic book publisher (to this day that was still the best job I ever had!). I no longer work in the comics industry but I am still friends with some of those people and many of them have enjoyed long careers writing and drawing comics. But best of all is the fact that the same friends that used to raise an eyebrow at my interest in comics now come to me to ask about them for their children - and I can assure you that my 7 nephews and all of my friends kids think that I am THE COOLEST person because I used to make my living with comics! So please keep on encouraging Anna May and all little girls to pursue whatever they love regardless of what their peers may say about it. You'll never regret doing what you love and if you're really lucky, some day children may think you are super cool for doing it!

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  105. Anna May: I seriously love your whole outfit. I really want the shorts and the shirt. You are too cute!

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  106. I am late to this party, but I want to see, Anna May - You ROCK ON with your fab self. Let the haters hate, they are just jealous. Be you and do what makes you happy and makes you feel good about yourself. Words can be so hurtful, but in the end they are just words and what you think about you matters way more than what ANYONE else thinks about you.

    I also want to say to you Jen and the entire Epbot community I less than three you all so hard for being such wonderful, giving, supportive, amazing people. You are all Wonder Women (and Men) in my book. You all rock on with yourselves too.

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  107. Hi Jen, I hope you are recovering from life's stresses. I wanted to give you and update on Allie from the exemplars here.
    We recently discovered that Allie suffers from anxiety panic attacks. It breaks your heart to watch your normally happy 7 year old daughter a mess on the floor not able to tell you what is wrong. As parents we had to learn to deal with the situations totally different, and know to look for the warning signs.
    I had shown Allie the Epbot page when you posted her pictures, and she was thrilled. We sat together and went through all your photos of Lady Vadore, and she thought it was totally cool there was someone else who had fun making Darth Vader a girl.
    2 days ago we started having a panic attack about going back to school, being in a new room, with new people who may not like her or think she was weird for liking the things she did. I told her it would be ok, and there would be plenty of people who still thought she was cool. As a reminder we opened the epbot page and looked again at Allie "famous" in her totally cool vader outfit, as well as the photos of other girls and of you.

    I know you are having a rough time right now, but I wanted to thank you. You helped a little 7 year old come down out of a panic attack and realize she was still a totally cool fabulous geeky girl. You may not feel like you help with the world's problems, and that the world is full of mean people who will just never go away; but for our family you will always be Super Jen, spreader of happiness :)

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