A reNEWed Interest

I'm really getting in to some of the fashion blogs out there in the blog-world, and even one "interior design" blog, which I've linked to on my side-bar. Those of you who knew me in my teenage days know that I loved clothes. My senior year in high school I never wore the same outfit twice* (with a nod to the old-school Goodwill prices). Even in junior high, little ole me was nominated for best dressed (a scantily clad beauty won the award though...wonder who was voting for *her*). Since my third precious child came along, I've not had the money or the body to "wear what I want," so fashion has fallen to the way-side as I've focused on more practical things like groceries, diapers, clean counters, vacuumed floors, scrubbed toilets, Starbucks...you get the picture.

But then I found Rebecca's blog. It amazes me how much impact it's had on my little life. It sparked life back into my creative self, allowing me to focus a little more on *me*. It sounds selfish, but it feels healthy. It's nice to walk out the door knowing I look my best (which still isn't great, or perfect, or where I want to be).
And it's fun to see pictures of the fun outfits others have created. Thriftyspend has pictures up almost everyday. Here's a pic of her "day job"...looks familiar doesn't it!

*this is really something to be proud of, huh?

another fly-by post

I came across a couple of comics from the one-and-only "homeschooling" blog I've been reading lately. Pretty funny:

Brothers on Mother's Day

This cracked. me. up. I love a good laugh, so I'm sharin'...

Remembering Mothers

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart - and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." "But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days." The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?" asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one." "That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride." The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."

And she is! Women have strengths that [should] amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

{and then the cheesiest part}
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

I agree with it all. Maybe we don't keep the world turning around, but we definitely make the world a better place for men, other women, and children.

My definition of "feminist" is simple. Women are beautiful, unique, intelligent, and loved by God. We are very important to Him, vital, I should say, and anyone who thinks or treats a woman as inferior or a second class citizen (which I have experienced recently) is out of touch with what God does through women. That said, it's all about God and His love for us, and His opinion. We can argue about 1 Timothy and Titus 2 all day, but it comes down to our Father, and what He calls us to do and be. I am a daughter of the King, not a handmaiden to the son's of God.

I am Feminist**Hear Me Roar

This is why I believe in feminism in it's purest form:

I'm famous! I'm famous!

Well, not quite. I'm actually a little fashion illiterate, so I've kept Rebecca busy at Between My Peers answering a few of my "fashion-illiterate-person-needs-to-know" questions.

Here and here.

And *then*! Take a look at this one! I'm online! Hurray! It's kind of one of those moments where you say, "Oh! My eyes! I can't take it!" I really need to get rid of the excess baby lovin' that forms the new me, but it *is* fun to get feedback about outfits and the chocolate brown jacket I couldn't figure out how to wear!
So I've been meaning to point you all (three) in the direction of Rebecca's blog. It's become a daily read, and has really helped me thin down my closet and focus on what really does look good on me. Knowing the right colors, for me, has given purpose to my shopping. And what more could a girl want than *purpose* for shopping!

Thanks, Rebecca!
:)