Choices

I was reading  The Alternative Foundry blog (if you haven't visited it do go and have a look) on the 'Politics of Women' - it was a really interesting and touching post which I have been thinking a lot about.   


My sisters and I were fortunate to grow up in an environment in which we were encouraged to believe that our gender should never be a barrier.  I don't ever remember being told 'oh no, you shouldn't/can't do that you're a girl'.  Now, as a feminist and a mother I am trying to imbue in my own daughter and son that same sense of equality.  


As my daughter moves into her teenage years we are dealing with questions like 'when is it OK to wear makeup?' and 'can you buy me that amazingly short skirt?'.  I have to confess that I am extremely ambivalent about fashion.  I mean have you seen the heels on some shoes?  It seems dangerously akin to the old Chinese practice of foot wrapping and incredibly anti-women. On the other hand I love the sense of personal style my daughter is developing (she's one of those people that possesses the ability to drape and wear scarves).  I have been asking myself how do I put this in a feminist context so that I can guide my daughter and answer her questions with confidence.  So bear with me as I work through this.


I think the first thing is that it's about choice.  Women have fought long and hard to have the freedom to make their own choices (I know we haven't completely won this battle yet and in many cultures women still have no choice).  This means being able to choose what we study, do for a living, wear and so on.  I think it then becomes really important to consider why we make the choices that we do.  Are our choices informed? Do they empower us?


I think fashion, jewelry - self adornment of any sort - can be really empowering. It allows us to express something of ourselves.  I know that sometimes, when I put on a particular piece of clothing or jewelry it makes me feel brave, like I could do anything and it's a really good feeling.  I also know that, on the odd occasion, when I have bought something just because it is in fashion or all the rage, I don't get that same sense of empowerment - rather than being an extension or reflection of me (or the me I want to be) it's a mask that I am hiding behind and this is not such a good feeling.    


I am glad that my daughter seems to have a very strong sense of self and whilst, of course, what she wears is influenced by the what's on TV or in magazines this is not the sole criteria for selection.   I hope this sense of self will extend to all her choices including the much more important decisions she will need to make in her life - these can wait a few years though.


'Til next time.

Teenagers and critters ...

So, I was sitting in the car the other day waiting for my husband Piers (it's usually the other way around) and came across this text message sent a few a weeks ago, using my phone, to Piers from my daughter Billie:


'In the car as mother has forgotten me as she talks to a friend just letting you know I love you one last time before I die of boredom ...'   Teenagers!!


As an update to my last post, clearly I'm not the only one who has had critter issues, judging by your comments.  Anvil Artifacts' squirrels sounded like they were bowling in her attic. Actually, it's entirely possible they were as I gather squirrels do like to bowl!

Chelsea's cat has taken control of a naughty possum at her parents house. I remember my in-laws had a resident possum in their garage for a little while, although all it seemed to do is sleep.    Our possum has been very quiet lately, I hope it's okay.  At the end of the day, much as it's a nuisance I agree with Lucie, it is kinda sweet.


Jewelry wise I've been on a bit of an earring and bangle kick lately.  

A few of these pieces have already sold so I must be doing something right.  


The white/pink bangle stack (top right) and copper wrapped set (bottom left) are in my madeit shop.  This is a site for Australian artisans a little bit like, but nowhere near as sophisticated, as etsy. I thought I'd give it a try and am getting lots of views but no sales as yet.    I know there was a huge kerfuffle when etsy switched it's default search to relevancy rather than recency,  but personally I think it's better. madeit uses recency and this, together with the fact that it's tagging system is non-existent, means that you tend to get lots of looks when you first list and then it dies off to nothing as you drop off the first few pages.    My media consultant (aka daughter Billie) encouraged me to try madeit.  She's also helping me with my facebook page - an example of teenagers using their powers for good rather than evil.  


I'm  working on a wrist cuff at the moment.  I haven't made one of these for ages as they are quite time intensive.  But, it's cold and dreary here so sitting in front of the fire with my box of textiles and trims is quite appealing.


'til next time