What I Wore 5.23.12

I feel like I've been running ragged just running errands. I've been to functions that required me to get cleaned up, but all this ragged running has not left me the wherewithal to get my camera.  So all the Wheres will be "running errands."

What: So I wore this tunic top recently but found a better way to wear it.  I like it better with a scarf; I feel less bare.  It also allows me to show off my new Talbot's espadrilles.  Brown tunic top by Zara Collection over a fluorescent green cami.  Brown capri leggings from Kohl's, hand printed silk scarf bought at an artisan shop years ago.

What: White v-neck tee from Talbot's, denim A-line skirt by, black patent wedges by Me Too.  Mixture of gray jewelry.

My photo spot has a little to be desired.  This is much better, right?  I finally figured out another way to configure my camera and you can watch my garden transform through the season.

What: The Talbots tee again, but this time under a black knit jersey cardi with skinny jeans.  Black modified Mary Janes by Naturalizers Natural Souls.  Love my new vintage Bakelite bangle bracelet in pumpkin, with a handmade amber and gray beaded necklace.

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Educating Boo

Several years into our marriage we decided it was time to start a family.  We were older, and we had had enough years to get to know each other and enjoy our child-free time.  As I made my application for the Worldwide Pregnancy Club, I noticed some rules of engagement. 

When a woman enters that distinguished group, it appears that all the world is an adjunct member, whose opinions and advice is readily dispensed.  In any venue.  I saw strangers approach pregnant women and touch them, uninvited, in sensitive areas.  Even men, whose consciousness of social respectability and sense of decorum would prevent them in other circumstances, were seen reaching out to touch the extended sensitive areas.  I told my husband that I would wear a sign that said, "Don't touch me."

But it made me wonder what about a pregnancy allowed such behavior.  Pregnancy, the direct result of physical intimacies that these strangers would never broach, somehow entered the realm of public discussion.  Does the universal experience of child-bearing and child-rearing bear itself to become public property,  allowing for some kind of global membership?  Does the whole world become a member of the Board of Trustees for your pregnancy?  As offended as so many were by Hillary Clinton's It Takes a Village, I always thought, and still think, there is truth to the idea that we all affect each other and take a part in educating our children.

I've recently decided to home school my son. 

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I wanted to give you a few seconds to let that sink in.  Is your response in the same realm as what others have said to me?

"How will he get socialized?"
"Home schooled children are weird."
"You won't have any time to yourself."

[To be fair, I've had as many people say to me, "Only you know what's best for your child."]

There is something global, universal about how children are raised and I have found that the words "home school" is the equivalent of the extended belly which gives people permission to touch me in a personal spot, in public, uninvited.

What I Wore Wednesday - 05.02.12

I don't have a lot of pictures this week.  My excuse this week?  My son has a Science Fair project due on Friday.  NEED I SAY MORE??

What I Wore: black and white patterned cowl-neck, bat-wing sleeve sweater from the clearance rack at Kohl's.  I love it because the cowl drapes gently creating a nice neckline for me, and the tails are long enough to cover some of my "problem" areas.  Black flare pants from at least a million years ago, which are a tad short for my bronze and jute platform sandals by Talbot's.
Where: Church.

 

What I Wore: Yes, I did.  I wore gym pants in public.  Even though I wasn't at the gym.   Or even exercising.  CHAPS polo style top to match Adidas gym pants in slate and marigold.  Large silver stud earrings.  Love my Sally Hanson Salon Manicure (c) polish called Good to Grape.

Where:  Running errands.

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Things I Love Thursday - Talbot's

This is not a fashion post.  In fact, it's not Friday, the day of the ubiquitous Fashion Friday posts.  Which I love. But today, on this Thursday, I love Talbot's because they've done a bold thing:

They are showing women who are... real women. You know, sorta like you and me.  Looky here:

OK so they're still thin and they're probably NOT poor, but look - wrinkles and NOT ridiculously stick thin!  Woohoo!!   Hey check out this brief video:




I don't know if Talbot's is pandering to the demographics of America. As far as I know, they're still trying to make a buck and so I know their first priority is not necessarily for the betterment of society.  I don't expect it to be and I really don't care.   In fact, I don't think they're the first ones to do this.  But every one that does, and stops women [and girls] from feeling inadequate, gets a Kudos from me!

Small steps.

All Ten

"And God spoke all these words, saying: 'I am the LORD your God…

ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'

TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'

THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'

FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.'

FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.'

SIX: 'You shall not murder.'

SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.'

EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.'

NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'

TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'

Not that people these days even respect the 10 Commandments.  The basis that we can buy into, all over the world, the basis for justice in almost all realms, is seen as "religious" and contrary to public display.

Number 4.  That's a kicker.   Nobody follows that anymore.  Never mind that the Sabbath was made for us.  That WE would rest physically, spiritually, emotionally from the struggles of Life.  And rest in Him.  A hundred reasons why we go out to eat, stop at the grocery store, travel, golf and what not (thereby making other people work.)  Not the least of which that Commerce demands that we work on Sunday, either overtly because everything is open on Sunday now, or covertly because they try to squeeze every ounce of life out of employees.  But keeping a day of rest?  It's right up there with 'do not murder.'

Hey, me too!  Yes, I just have to get ONE MORE THING for lunch or dinner or Monday morning. I find all sorts of reasons why I can do the VERY things I believe I shouldn't.

There are 10. Ten.  You can pick and choose the ones you like, but then, don't think of them as the Ten Commandments.  Call it your own Thing.

What I Wore Wednesday 04.18.12

What I Wore: Brown tunic top by Zara Collection over a leaf green cami.  Brown chinos by Lauren and brown patent/suede ankle boots by Bandolino, from a couple of winters ago.  It might be a bit too monochromatic, but I had my orange purse for a pop of color.  Matching necklace and drop earrings in pearl, pink and brown.
Where: An  Open House at a special school I was considering for our son.  I have to confess, I think the neckline is too low.  Next time, I think I'll wear a scarf.

What I Wore: i.e. denim jacket over classic men's oxford shirt from Talbot's, and khakis from Ann Taylor.  My most comfy shoes, by Privo.
Where: After taking all these photos, I realized how cold it was that day, so I quickly went in the house and changed out of the denim jacket and into a real coat!

What I Wore: One of my favorite tee shirts, which alas, needs to go onto the next life.  Worn with a lime green cardi by Jones NY over black skinny jeans.  Black patent wedges by Me Too.  I wore simple silver jewelry - oval hoop earring and bangle bracelet - to go with the large silver buckle on the cardi. 
Where: Church.

What I Wore:  Ribbon-edged black tee from Ann Taylor from several years ago, roll-up shorts in mustard from GAP last year, and new striped espadrilles - which I love love!  Simple silver jewelry.

Where:  It was 88 degrees today!  Changed into this to pick up the child from school.

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Religion

Religion is:

"I obey, therefore I am accepted."

Christianity is:

"I am accepted through what Jesus Christ did, therefore I obey."

Religion gives you control.  You can do, say, be on your terms.  You do your duty or desire, you've paid your dues.  Now you can get what is owed you.

Christianity is all about what God is doing in me, to me, by His Grace.  Now He can ask what He wants from me.

Scary.

Truth often is.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ~1 Peter 2:24

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8, 9

What I Wore Wednesday 04.11.12

What I Wore: Black empire-waist tee - my new favorite! with a black/gray/white silk scarf; tan boot-leg chinos by Mossimo for Target, and denim jacket by Arizona Jean Co.  [I have a dark wash denim jacket, too, but I thought this wash better balanced the tan pants.]  I wore black flat slip-on shoes. 
Where: Meeting with my pastor, and daily running around - errands, pick up child, etc.

What I Wore:  I know, isn't this an exciting outfit?  Hey, what's important is what I DIDN'T wear: sweat pants and an over-sized hoodie! [Didn't want someone to shoot me.] Again the tan chinos, with brown Privos, a pea green top and turquoise fleece jacket.  And make up.
Where: To a county park with my 9-year old son - to go down the playground fire pole - for him, that is! watch people fish, skip stones, walk around the lake.

What I Wore: Ann Taylor wool slacks in charcoal, with Aigner pumps, Talbot's  classic navy double-breasted blazer and Talbot's orchid classic shirt.  Bunch of silver jewelry, including my "dogwood" set.  [Hmmm - I think my jacket's too long.]
Where: Church on Easter Sunday

"Dogwood" earrings

What I Wore: Pinwale cord skirt by Old Navy, rust tee from Talbot's, animal print cardi by Rafaella.  Saddle color sling-backs by Karen Scott, silver tote by Tignanello, "dogwood" jewelry from TJMaxx.  It was a blustery, chilly day so I went a little Fallish.
Where: To chaperone my son's Chess club

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Finding His Way: Theology with The Boo

I was listening to NPR and they were talking about religion.  I love NPR, but when they talk about religion, it's usually what I consider the non-committal, embrace-the-world kind.  [Except that religion is about what you *believe,* which means there are things you *don't* believe.]  The woman they were interviewing said she didn't pray much anymore, but was "finding her own way."

Teaching Moment 101.

"Boo, when you get older, you'll meet people who say they are looking for God, but they are finding their own way..."

"But there's only One way, mom.  Jesus is the way."

I was proud of the brain-washing my church, his school and I have done.  Nothing is worth doing that isn't worth doing well, and all that.  Cuz you know, brain-washing is partly what good parenting is about.  [Chew with your mouth closed, wash your hair, clean your room...] If you let them "find their own way" as children, they'll get lost.  I wouldn't let him find his own way to the store let alone his own way to Eternity.  He may reject our faith one day, or find a different version.  He may say one day, "This is not the path I want," but he'll at least know that I knew the way and I carefully led him down the path that I thought was right.

"That's right, honey.  You don't have to look all over and get lost on your own, because the Bible tells us which way to go."

I continued, "Boo, way on the other side of things, you'll meet people who say you have to look for God a certain way, that you have to say certain words in a certain way in a certain place and tell you exactly what to do...."

He interrupted me:

"Like a bully!"

I was stunned.  Out of the mouth of babes.  Isn't it true?  Maybe everything you need to know, you really did learn in Kindergarten!  Or at least 4th grade.  My Boo has had a Bully in his class for the 3rd year in a row.  I would never wish this on my child, or any child, but here is where the Ugly has been transformed to Good.  My Aspie has learned what a Bully is.  Were it not for his [and my] suffering for 3 THREE three years, I'm not sure he'd know.

Bullies.  Bullies of the worst kind.  The ones that take the weak and the trusting.  The ones that blind you from Grace.  Not just the Koreshes and the Jeffs.  But also the more subtle; the ones that say your clothes have to be a certain color and a certain length; the ones that want to make God black & white and rules all over.

Moonie Wedding

I pray that you will recognize a Bully when you face one.  I hope you know that any God worth His salt doesn't boss you around and make you feel badly about yourself.  That a Good God doesn't bargain with you and make you do stuff to earn His love.



 

Finally...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.    ~ Philippians 4:8

What I Wore Wednesday 04.04.12

I am always surprised when it's Wednesday again!!  I don't have a lot to show you.  But I've put some Polyvore outfits together of the kinds of things I've been wearing.

What I Wore: It was one of those unseasonably warm days we had recently, so I didn't have to wear a jacket or sweater.  Banana Republic khakis, black silk blouse, a bunch of shiny silver jewelry and my lace-up wedge sandals by Moda International.
Where: Pre-theater party, before seeing a terrific local production of "Toys in the Attic" by Lillian Hellman.  It was a casual group at a friend's beautiful home in the country - something like 80 acres, 2 barns and a stream...  I didn't have to walk through the yard so, hence, the ridiculously high wedges!

Stuff I've been wearing, sorta, the basic jeans, tee and denim jacket.  I love me my denim jacket!

04.04.12 by blackbeltoma featuring a pima cotton tee

And on those warmer days, I got my shorts out.  I love navy and I especially love it with yellow.  I'm going to have to go shopping and get more!

WIWW 04.04.12 by blackbeltoma featuring denim shorts