by Carol Petraitis, Duvall Reproductive Rights Project Director
The women’s suffrage (right-to-vote) movement was first articulated at the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. Some states never barred women from voting; others began removing the barrier. Before the 19th Amendment a map of the country shows a distinctive geographic pattern -- the entire western portion of the U.S. plus Michigan and New York gave full suffrage to women, whereas the eastern seaboard from Pennsylvania to Florida allowed none. The middle portion of the country was somewhere in between.
Fast forward to 2012. State legislatures across the country are trying desperately to limit access to the right to vote by passing laws with onerous ID requirements. Pennsylvaniais at the epicenter of that effort. The ACLU-PA, along with several ally organizations, is currently challenging the law’s constitutionality in state court. The vast majority of our clients are women, which is not a coincidence.
For a variety of reasons, women – in addition to people of color, low-income individuals, and young people – are particularly affected by voter ID laws. Women often change their names because of marriage or divorce, resulting in names that don’t match voter registration records. Women who have changed their names also need additional documentation, such as a marriage license, to obtain PennDOT ID.
Around the country there are possibly hundreds of thousands of women whose participation in the electoral process is threatened. We’ve come a long way -- but as we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us be aware that the rights of women to participate fully remain fragile.
This post is part of a series for Women’s History Month.
You’ve Come a Long Way [Baby], But . . . .
by Tiffanny Walsh, ACLU of Pennsylvania Annual Fund Manager
When I made the announcement that I had accepted a position at the ACLU of Pennsylvania, and would be leaving New York City in four days, most of my friends were impressed that I would just up and leave New York so quickly.
One friend, however, accused me of being a hypocrite.
How could I, a proud graduate of an all-women's college, be a part of an organization hell-bent on destroying schools like my alma mater?
Let's get some facts straight.
I went to a private all-women's college. Private schools are allowed to teach religion or segregate by gender; public schools - eh, not so much. The ACLU supports parents’ and students’ rights to send their children to private schools that segregate by gender or promote a specific religion; but the government should not be operating schools that do either. There is also an immense difference between an 18-year-old woman making the conscious decision for herself to attend an all-women's college and a 10-year-old girl who is forced into a single-sex classroom by her public school system.
The ACLU opposes forced single-sex public schools and programs within public schools that divide students by gender. Over the last few years, the ACLU filed complaints against multiple public elementary and middle schools for teaching stereotypes, not kids, including Middleton Heights Elementary School in Middleton, Idaho; Huffman Middle School in Birmingham, Alabama; and the Van Devender Middle School in Wood County, West Virginia (which returned to co-educational programs in 2012).
Don’t think Pennsylvania is immune to the false promises of sexist educational tactics. In 2011, the ACLU-PA and the Women’s Law Project threatened to file a complaint against the Pittsburgh Public School District after they announced plans for sex-segregated classrooms at Westinghouse, a Grades 6-12 public school. Students who were included in the decision-making process notified the ACLU of obvious signs that the plan was geared more to helping boys improve their academic performance at the cost of the academic performance of girls. According to documents provided by the district, some of the false sex stereotypes the school planned to espouse were emphasizing boys as “warrior, protector, and provider” and letting young women have “time to explore…doing make-up and hair”.
Unfortunately, the above are just two examples of the faulty beliefs perpetuated by Leonard Sax and the National Association for Single Sex Public Education, which provided training materials to administrators and teachers in Pittsburgh. Sax and his organization teach that boys are “smart,” “arrogant,” “busy,” and “eager”, whereas girls are “careful,” “insecure,” “patient,” “focused” and “lacking independence”. I’m sorry, I must have missed the memo that we all went back in time to 1913.
The district claimed that students could opt-out of the single-sex classrooms, but doing so would mean transferring to another school altogether. So if you wanted to go to the school of your choice, you had to submit to being segregated by your gender? I'm not a lawyer, but even I know that was an obvious violation of Title IX.
Fortunately, the Pittsburgh Public School District abandoned its disastrous plans for Westinghouse. They recognized that the government should not be sending the message that boys and girls need to be separated based on harmful stereotypes.
The programs in the public single-sex schools and classrooms that the ACLU opposes are based on flawed pseudo-science and outdated gender stereotypes. In the case of the Van Devender Middle School, even the district’s “expert witness”, Professor Rosemary Salomone, dismissed the faulty brain research behind the school’s program (Surprise, it was based on the work of Leonard Sax and the National Association for Single-Sex Public Education). Chief Judge Joseph Goodwin, in his decision for returning the schools to a co-ed program, stated “the court does note that the science behind single-sex education appears to be, at best inconclusive, and certain gender-based teaching techniques based on stereotypes and lacking any scientific basis may very well be harmful to students…”
The course work at my all-women's college was designed for adults of either gender. My Physiological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience textbook was the same text book used at co-ed universities. My Theatre by Robert Cohen book was no different than those used in respected theatre programs nationwide. The only obvious differences of the college experience at all-women’s Marymount College versus the co-ed Rose Hill campus of Fordham University were that Marymount had a significantly lower rate of crime and no drunken idiots strolling into class 45 minutes late. We did have a higher number of people wearing pajamas as outside clothes during the day, but really, is that such a bad thing?
There is nothing wrong with single-sex education when it is done appropriately. However, the programs designed by Leonard Sax for public schools do more harm than good. They rely on outdated gender stereotypes, they are not based on verified scientific-research, and the statistics used by Sax and his proponents are just flat out wrong. These programs do not work.
What the ACLU has a problem with, what I have a problem with, is when public school districts take the decision out of the hands of students, when they force students into single-sex classrooms, when they use faulty "statistics" to exclude students, to segregate by gender, to use outdated techniques to teach sexist curriculum, and force harmful stereotypes onto our children.
An alumna of an all-women's college fighting gender-based stereotypes? Wow, what a hypocrite.
This post is part of a series in honor of Women's History Month.
Single-sex education and the ACLU
Information from the National Institute of Mental Health:
What is Depression?Depression is a common but serious illness. Everyone occasionally feels sad or down; however, these feelings are usually short-lived and pass within a couple of days. When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you.
Signs and Symptoms Include:
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating, or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
The severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.
To help Your Friend or Loved One:
• Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
• Talk to him or her, and listen carefully.
• Never dismiss feelings, but point out realities and offer hope.
• Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your loved one's therapist or doctor.
• Invite your loved one out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don't push him or her to take on too much too soon.
• Provide assistance in getting to the doctor's appointments.
• Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.
• Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
• Talk to him or her, and listen carefully.
• Never dismiss feelings, but point out realities and offer hope.
• Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your loved one's therapist or doctor.
• Invite your loved one out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don't push him or her to take on too much too soon.
• Provide assistance in getting to the doctor's appointments.
• Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.
To Help Yourself:
• Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated. There is research showing the longer one waits, the greater the impairment can be down the road. Try to see a professional as soon as possible.
• Try to be active and exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed.
• Set realistic goals for yourself.
• Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
• Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly "snap out of" your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
• Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment.
• Continue to educate yourself about depression.
• Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated. There is research showing the longer one waits, the greater the impairment can be down the road. Try to see a professional as soon as possible.
• Try to be active and exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed.
• Set realistic goals for yourself.
• Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
• Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly "snap out of" your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
• Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment.
• Continue to educate yourself about depression.
Treatment:
The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor or mental health specialist.
The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor or mental health specialist.
BYU-Idaho Counseling Center-
Hours: 8 am - 5pm Mon - Fri | Phone: 208.496.9370
Hours: 8 am - 5pm Mon - Fri | Phone: 208.496.9370
BYU-Idaho Health Center-
Hours: 8 am - 5pm Mon – Fri (closed Tues. from 2-3 for devotional) | Phone: 208.496.9330
Hours: 8 am - 5pm Mon – Fri (closed Tues. from 2-3 for devotional) | Phone: 208.496.9330
Depression
First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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It is so special to have a grandchild living close enough that I can share my holiday tables, our family traditions, with her. When my son and daughter were children, I loved decorating the house for each holiday to make it a wonderland for them. Beatrice Emaline is 6 months old now, and I know that she won't remember this year's holiday. Therefore, I'm looking at this Easter as a dress rehearsal for celebrations to come. I've had a ball designing my table, and I'm looking forward to many more special occasions with my family gathered around my table. Welcome to a Bunny Easter Parade!
I was thinking of Beatrice Emaline and my darling grandsons, Haden & Jack, so I decided that my table would highlight pinks and blues.
Playing the role of the crowd in the background is the Maryland China Company Minuet Charger Plate. Tip: MCC primarily markets white china blanks for china painters. This one, manufactured in the Czech Republic, reminds me of some of the beautiful Herend patterns, but at a fraction of the cost. Check them out! They also have some good sales on a regular basis.
Pink for Miss Honey Bee...The Copeland Spode Irene Dinner Plate was a fortunate eBay find. I found a set of 12 of these lovelies.
Blue for my precious Haden & Jack...The Royal Staffordshire, Louis XVI, was also a great deal for a set of 12 on eBay. They will be removed for our luncheon and reappear for dessert.
I've long had a fondness for Fitz & Floyd. These bunnies are from their Old World Collection. I found them one at a time at the tail end of different estate sales for far less than they cost on line. I love Mr. Bunny pushing flowers in his wooden cart, and the two lovely lady bunnies are tending my painted Easter eggs. I think that they've been laying them out along the table for an old fashioned egg hunt.
Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits. Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!
I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS. Don't miss it!
Let's take a look at the cast of players...
An unbeatable rim shot...Eat your heart out LeBron James.
Sun kissed and ready to celebrate Easter lunch with our family...
With all the different patterns on our Easter table, I decided that a white napkin was the best choice. I was thinking of you, Rett, and the time that we found the Waterford Ballet Dot Napkin at Tuesday Morning.
I picked my mother-in-love's Reed & Barton Francis I flatware because...it was close at hand. Besides it's hard to go wrong with good ole' Francis.
Each guest will have a pair of the individual salt & peppers by MacKenzie-Childs. I've been slowly collecting them for a number of years. They're kind of a splurge, but I really enjoy them!
The Pink Pier One Goblet has been hiding out in a kitchen cabinet for quite a while. I bought them years ago for $1.00 each on deep clearance. Today it is paired with the Waterford Simply Blue Goblet. I bought the Waterford stems some years ago on eBay, while they were still very reasonable. Their price has increased substantially in the last year or so.
These make me smile every time I walk past the dining room table...and they put the exclamation mark on my pink and blue color story. Have you noticed the navy blue and white eggs? I painted them some years ago. I used a faux, foam-filled egg that I found at Michael's. They've become a dependable design element...especially when I don't have time to go buy flowers...
...Speaking of flowers...The flowers in the centerpiece are all left-overs! The white mop head Hydrangeas were used for my St. Patrick's Day table. They were also used in combination with the smaller green Hydrangeas for a wedding shower for forty that my dear KC hosted in our home this past weekend. I'm hopeful that they'll make it until Sunday, but I'll replace them if necessary.
Our feast will be after church. We'll share a predictable Honey Glazed Ham, baked potatoes, deviled eggs, green salad, fresh asparagus, hot rolls, and an assortment of desserts. Everyone will contribute something to the meal, and we'll enjoy focusing our time on blessed fellowship and lots of laughter. I can hardly wait to celebrate this most special of days...the day when my sweet Jesus Master overcame death and prepared a way for me to have access to eternal life and a relationship with my Almighty God. Now that's worth celebrating! We are truly blessed. I pray that you will have a peace-filled holiday surrounded by family and friends. Happy Easter!
Come join me at Marty's Tabletop Tuesday...always a great place to visit!
I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for Tuesday To Do & Listmakers. So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!
I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for Tuesday To Do & Listmakers. So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!
Wednesday is the 54th edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "Let's Dish". I'm excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!
Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits. Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!
I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS. Don't miss it!
Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, "Tablescape Thursday." Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays. You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.
March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!
March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!
You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube. I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen. You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site. The girl can really write! Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions"" It is available on iTunes or through her website. I hope that you'll give her music a chance. I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!
The Bunny Parade, 2013
by Molly Tack-Hooper, ACLU-PA Staff Attorney
I think about breasts a lot. They have been central to both my professional and personal life recently.
For the past two years, I’ve represented Kayla and Brianna, young women who defied their middle school’s ban on the Keep a Breast Foundation’s “i [heart] boobies!” cancer awareness bracelets, and were suspended for wearing the bracelets to school—on the school’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
According to the Easton Area School District, the bracelets are inappropriate. Although it took the school awhile to settle on a precise explanation, eventually the district claimed that the phrase “i [heart] boobies!” was a sexual double entendre because boobies—breasts—are an “inherently sexual” body part.
I beg to differ.
As a breastfeeding mother, half of Philadelphia has now seen my boobs. Dozens of doctors, strangers in coffee shops. All my friends. My whole extended family. My boss. None of these interactions was sexual in the slightest.
At their best, my boobs are miraculous. They dispense milk that is perfectly nutritionally balanced for my growing child. No cooking, no dishes; my body produces instant comfort food that is warm and ready to go whenever my son gets hungry.
At their worst, they are a source of intense pain, frustration, and embarrassment. Breastfeeding ain’t always easy, and it can take a hell of a toll on the nipples. My milk-laden boobs are often lopsided and leaky. (And don’t even get me started on breast pumping. Let’s just say I now have a great deal of empathy for dairy cows.)
My boobs are many things. Sexual? That’s not high on the list of adjectives I’d use to describe my lactating breasts.
So why would a school tell twelve- and thirteen-year-old girls that breasts are inherently sexual, and an inappropriate topic of conversation, even on Breast Cancer Awareness Day?
The school’s reaction to the bracelets—and its take on breasts, generally—is exactly what the Keep a Breast Foundation is trying to combat with its “i [heart] boobies!” campaign. The exuberant campaign seeks to start conversations with the bracelets, not only to facilitate the exchange of information about breast cancer, but also to empower young women to feel comfortable talking about their breasts. It uses the word “boobies”—a term so familiar and comfortable that it’s how many adults teach little kids to refer to breasts—because it’s notclinical. It’s not scary. And discussion of breasts should not be the exclusive domain of the health sciences, and it shouldn't be intimidating. And it certainly needn't be sexual.
Maybe things would be better if the Keep a Breast Foundation had been around when EASD’s lawyer and its middle school principals and I were growing up. Maybe then discussion of breasts by judges and middle schoolers wouldn't elicit giggles or admonishment by adults. Maybe then writing a blog post about my own boobs wouldn't feel quite so taboo. And maybe then no one would define breasts as mere sexual objects.
We can’t turn back the clock and improve on the breast education adults got when we were younger, but we can certainly stop standing in the way of progress. Our students deserve a safe space to discuss boobies.
This post is part of a series in honor of Women's History Month.
Let’s talk about boobies
The Influence of Righteous Women
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“As we look at the history of this earth and at the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father’s plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children.”“There is a saying that big gates move on small hinges. Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference. This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go. If you adapt your wardrobe to the temple garment and not the other way around, they will know what you consider important, and they will learn from you.”
“What you sisters do today will determine how the principles of the restored gospel can influence the nations of the world tomorrow. It will determine how these heavenly rays of the gospel will light every land in the future.”
“May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. But don’t reach beyond your capacity. Don’t set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. Don’t feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. Don’t compare yourself with others. Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest. Have faith and confidence in Him, and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones. The virtue of your own life will be a light to those who sit in darkness, because you are a living witness of the fullness of the gospel (see D&C 45:28). Wherever you have been planted on this beautiful but often troubled earth of ours, you can be the one to ‘succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees’ (D&C 81:5).”
“My dear sisters, as you live your daily life with all its blessings and challenges, let me assure you that the Lord loves you. He knows you. He listens to your prayers, and He answers those prayers, wherever on this world you may be. He wants you to succeed in this life and in eternity.”
LDS Women Are Incredible!
-Quentin L. Cook
-Quentin L. Cook
“God placed within women divine qualities of strength, virtue, love, and the willingness to sacrifice to raise future generations of His spirit children.”“Much of what we accomplish in the Church is due to the selfless service of women. Whether in the Church or in the home, it is a beautiful thing to see the priesthood and the Relief Society work in perfect harmony. Such a relationship is like a well-tuned orchestra, and the resulting symphony inspires all of us.”
“Our women are not incredible because they have managed to avoid the difficulties of life—quite the opposite. They are incredible because of the way they face the trials of life. Despite the challenges and tests life has to offer—from marriage or lack of marriage, children’s choices, poor health, lack of opportunities, and many other problems—they remain remarkably strong and immovable and true to the faith. Our sisters throughout the Church consistently ‘succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.’”
“You valiant and faithful single sisters, please know that we love and appreciate you, and we assure you that no eternal blessing will be withheld from you.”
“Dear sisters, we love and admire you. We appreciate your service in the Lord’s kingdom. You are incredible! I express particular appreciation for the women in my life.”
May You Have Courage
-President Thomas S. Monson
-President Thomas S. Monson
“Esther, through fasting, faith, and courage, had saved a nation.”
“You will probably not be called upon to put your life on the line, as did Esther, for that which you believe. You will, however, most likely find yourself in situations where great courage will be required as you stand firm for truth and righteousness.”
“Again, my dear young sisters, although there have always been challenges in the world, many of those which you face are unique to this time. But you are some of our Heavenly Father’s strongest children, and He has saved you to come to the earth “for such a time as this.” With His help, you will have the courage to face whatever comes. Though the world may at times appear dark, you have the light of the gospel, which will be as a beacon to guide your way.”
LDS.org
Embracing Your Divine Worth
First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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I'm not entertaining this week. I thought that I'd share a reprise of several Easter tables that I've designed in the past couple of years. I also want to include one of my personal favorite posts featuring many of our dear Nana's treasures that are such a joy to use when entertaining. I'll be back with this year's Easter table next week. If you wish to see the entire post, just click on the title below each picture.
....and the "Nana Table"....
I'm looking forward to Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday...the most important day of each year. I'm eager to see what you have designed to celebrate this special special day.
Come join me at Marty's TABLETOP TUESDAY...always a great place to visit!
I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for TUESDAY TO DO AND LIST MAKERS. So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!
I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for TUESDAY TO DO AND LIST MAKERS. So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!
Wednesday is the 52nd edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH". I'm excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!
Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for TUTORIALS, TIPS, & TIDBITS. Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!
I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS. Don't miss it!
Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, "TABLESCAPE THURSDAY." Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays. You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.
March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!
March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!
You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube. I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen. You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site. The girl can really write! Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions"" It is available on iTunes or through her website. I hope that you'll give her music a chance. I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!
Hippity Hoppity...Revisiting Bunny Trails Past
by Alexandra Morgan-Kurtz, ACLU-PA legal fellow
How does a Texan Southern Baptist, who wore ankle length skirts to church three times a week, didn't speak unless spoken to, and who can chalk her first protest to standing on Main Street with a venomous pro-life sign, grow up to be an attorney at the ACLU? As that woman, the answer is simple. Annoyed by constant judgments based on my gender, I decided that everyone deserves a voice.
One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. Twenty years ago no one talked about domestic violence. School teachers looked the other way when a klutzy girl had another broken wrist. Church elders reminded a nine-year-old that "your father, as the man of the household, is responsible for the uprightness of his family and should not be questioned. You and your mother can be difficult."
A few concussions, several broken bones, and countless bruises later, I admitted that the problem wasn't mine, it was society's. Society wanted to believe his version of the truth. When I encouraged my mom to leave, people (men) accused me of trying to rip my family apart. My father was a good man after all. And I was a stubborn teenage girl who didn't know my place.
But that was years ago, surely in this modern and enlightened age, society has a better appreciation for the prevalence of domestic violence. We recognize that victims and survivors of domestic violence are all around us, from the partners of professional athletes to the woman standing next to you at the bus stop. We understand that it's not just about the punches thrown, but includes a psychological component that is often far more overwhelming and debilitating. We can at least agree that once a woman has taken that terrifying step of calling for help, we should support her instead of persecute her for poor choices…can't we?
Municipalities across the commonwealth, including Pitcairn, Norristown, Pittsburgh, and Forest City, haven't gotten that message. Dozens of municipalities have enacted "disruptive property ordinances," which punish renters for calling police in a three-strikes-you’re-out fashion. Some of the ordinances allow the municipality to evict tenants for having the police called to their home too often (even when the tenant is the victim) while others fine landlords who refuse to evict. The effect is the same—call the police to protect you and find yourself—and your young children—threatened with homelessness.
Proponents argue that these ordinances are directed at cleaning up our neighborhoods by chasing away those noisy problem neighbors. But the effect on domestic violence victims is very real. These ordinances not only infringe on constitutional rights and violate the Fair Housing Act and the Violence Against Women Act, they endanger women's lives. Domestic violence is already one of the leading causes of homelessness in women and finding affordable housing is one of the main reasons women wait to leave violent partners. These ordinances only give women one more reason to be silent.
How does a Texan Southern Baptist, who wore ankle length skirts to church three times a week, didn't speak unless spoken to, and who can chalk her first protest to standing on Main Street with a venomous pro-life sign, grow up to be an attorney at the ACLU? As that woman, the answer is simple. Annoyed by constant judgments based on my gender, I decided that everyone deserves a voice.
One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. Twenty years ago no one talked about domestic violence. School teachers looked the other way when a klutzy girl had another broken wrist. Church elders reminded a nine-year-old that "your father, as the man of the household, is responsible for the uprightness of his family and should not be questioned. You and your mother can be difficult."
A few concussions, several broken bones, and countless bruises later, I admitted that the problem wasn't mine, it was society's. Society wanted to believe his version of the truth. When I encouraged my mom to leave, people (men) accused me of trying to rip my family apart. My father was a good man after all. And I was a stubborn teenage girl who didn't know my place.
But that was years ago, surely in this modern and enlightened age, society has a better appreciation for the prevalence of domestic violence. We recognize that victims and survivors of domestic violence are all around us, from the partners of professional athletes to the woman standing next to you at the bus stop. We understand that it's not just about the punches thrown, but includes a psychological component that is often far more overwhelming and debilitating. We can at least agree that once a woman has taken that terrifying step of calling for help, we should support her instead of persecute her for poor choices…can't we?
Municipalities across the commonwealth, including Pitcairn, Norristown, Pittsburgh, and Forest City, haven't gotten that message. Dozens of municipalities have enacted "disruptive property ordinances," which punish renters for calling police in a three-strikes-you’re-out fashion. Some of the ordinances allow the municipality to evict tenants for having the police called to their home too often (even when the tenant is the victim) while others fine landlords who refuse to evict. The effect is the same—call the police to protect you and find yourself—and your young children—threatened with homelessness.
Proponents argue that these ordinances are directed at cleaning up our neighborhoods by chasing away those noisy problem neighbors. But the effect on domestic violence victims is very real. These ordinances not only infringe on constitutional rights and violate the Fair Housing Act and the Violence Against Women Act, they endanger women's lives. Domestic violence is already one of the leading causes of homelessness in women and finding affordable housing is one of the main reasons women wait to leave violent partners. These ordinances only give women one more reason to be silent.
How Pennsylvania municipalities hurt domestic violence victims
"The guidelines state that we should aim for 30 minutes of moderately intense activity on five or more days of the week or vigorous activity for at least 20 minutes on three or more days of the week," says Ruth Ann Carpenter, MS, RD, LD, director of dissemination at The Cooper Institute in Dallas and author of Active Living Every Day. "This can be done in 10-minute time slots," she adds.
Walk to work or school, or park a good distance away.
- Take the stairs; if you really want to workout your legs, take every other step.
- Instead of fast-forwarding through commercials while watching your favorite shows on TIVO, do jumping jacks or march in place during the commercial break.
- When you pick up your kid, you can use it as an opportunity to do a squat. Pick up your kid by bending down at your legs and then driving up from your knees and hips.
- Whether it's your cat's litter or a huge thing of laundry detergent, try to fire off 10-12 bicep curls. Pause, recover, and do it three times to get in some strength training.
- Sit on an exercise ball while you do your work, instead of a chair. This will help you to develop core strength.
- Use a headset versus a phone, and use dumbbells while at your desk.
- You can do neck rolls, shoulder rolls, and stretch your quadriceps or hamstrings while standing at your desk.
- Go for a walk during your lunch break.
"There are a variety of health benefits that come out of being more physically active," exercise physiologist Robyn Stuhr, executive vice president of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in San Diego, Calif. "But if you need to lose a significant amount of weight, improve your stamina, or achieve a higher degree of cardiovascular protection then you may need higher intensity exercise.”
"Nothing is a problem, something is good, and more is better up to a point," adds Stuhr, "I think people hesitate when they think they have blown a big workout opportunity, but you don't always need to do a whole routine. Anything you can do to increase activity over the course of the day is good."
Easy Exercise Tips for Home, Work, or School
First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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I'm fairly certain that there's a whole lot o' green going on in blogworld this week. St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and Kathleen @ Cuisine Kathleen has challenged us with her 5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl. I've had fun pulling out 'the green' for my tablescape, and I'm extra excited because I also get to celebrate a visit from my sister, Pat! Yes, that's right...I'm blessed to celebrate St. Pat and my sister Pat with a luncheon!
In addition to Pat, we'll be joined by KC and our darling Beatrice Emaline, plus two dear friends. I'm excited for them to have some time to get to know my sister better. If you've read my blog for any time at all, you're not surprised that we're dining at the games table in the living room. I've added the handy dandy flip-top tabletop to create a 60" table.
I made the 120" round tablecloth. Tip: I hate to hem round tablecloths! Instead, I cut strips of fabric and make a hefty cording. I think that it's much easier to attach cording to finish the edge of a round cloth than to hem it. Tip #2: I break the rules when making cording for tablecloths. The books teach to cut fabric on the bias, but I cut it on the grain of the fabric. This makes the cording stiffer, and it also is what causes the bottom of the cloth to hold its nice wavy shape. Just sayin'!
I've used two chargers. The base is an inexpensive black acrylic charger from Hobby Lobby, $1.99. The next layer is the MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Charger....
The dinner plate is Coalport Cathay, an amazing eBay get. This design is also found on the Coalport pattern called Hong Kong in a color way of cobalt, coral, and gold...in case you're in the market for an Imari type pattern. Flanking the stack is the Reed & Barton Francis I flatware. The Williams-Sonoma Hemstitch Linen Napkin is caught in a Coalport Countryware Napkin Ring.
Our opening course will be a cup of Tomato Bisque. After our entrée of Chicken Tetrazzini, Salad, and Hot bread, the Green Charms Dessert Plate will be used for a dessert of individual peach pies.
Continuing with the greens and blacks, I used the AJKA Green Arabella goblet with the Black Amethyst unmarked goblet found on eBay. A number of you have asked me about the AJKA crystal. AJKA, pronounced a-jeece-ka, is manufactured in Hungary, often considered the source of the best in cased (colored) crystal.
Some of you have also asked about the pair of crystal presentation bowls on the refectory table. They are also AJKA, and I found them at the tail end of an estate sale for $30.00. I grabbed them so fast that it made my head spin! Patty @ Pandora's Box has been busy again. She painted the Courtly Check style pattern on the silver pitcher. She's one talented lady!
The centerpiece took only minutes to create. I chose the Mottahedeh Musee Decoratif Tureen to continue with the bird motif found on the plate. The small white birds are Dollar Tree treasures. The trio of Green Mercury Glass Jardinieres came from the clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby. Today they are filled with White Mop Head Hydrangeas from el grocery store.
Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for . Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!
I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS. Don't miss it!
At the first of this week, the temps were in the 30's, and by Friday, we should reach the high 70's. I contemplated dining al fresco, but I may end up leaving the door open and lighting the fire in the fireplace...
No matter the weather, I know that we'll enjoy an afternoon of good food, great fun, and treasured fellowship. If you're passing my way, I'd love for you to come join us and meet my Pat, too! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for TUESDAY TO DO AND LIST MAKERS. So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!
Wednesday is Cuisine Kathleen's 5th Annual ST. PATRICK'S DAY BLOG CRAWL. I'm excited to be a participant. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!
Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for . Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!
I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS. Don't miss it!
Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, "TABLESCAPE THURSDAYS." Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays. You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.
March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!
March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!
You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube. I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen. You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site. The girl can really write! Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions"" It is available on iTunes or through her website. I hope that you'll give her music a chance. I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!
Pat's Day
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