Happy You Near

My parents can be goofy. With them, for as long as I can remember the phrase "Happy New Year" has more often than not been proclaimed as "Happy You Near".

Silly, I know.

This funny word turn around strikes a particular chord with me this year. As far as resolutions go I'm not aiming for a clear cut result this time around. I am aiming for an awareness of self. I have a hard time not rolling my eyes on the prior sentence because of the way that it sounds. On the one hand I emote a particularly purposeful "too cool for school", punk rock, f authority attitude and on the other I am intensely spiritual, faithful, superstitious and all around earth mother tree goddess hippie. It goes with the overwhelming dichotomy that is my existence. Roman Catholic by rearing, half of a set of boy and girl twins by birth, opposing internal and external forces by circumstances and overwhelmingly fascinated and terrified by the world outside of my very dwelling place. I often feel like I am two different people.

So, I fear that writing this blog and maybe other outlets of mine may not survive the long term. I am writing less about the "issues" and more about the author. But, at this point I don't know what the future holds.

This Feminist has a resolution of figuring out the You in Her and simultaneously learning to keep that you near.

Happy 2012.

Sexist Marketing and a little girl named Riley

Girls Want Superheroes too!

I think Daddy's doing some coaching- doesn't nullify the powerful sentiment. At least not entirely.

The (most) Genderless Gift

Every year I try to donate a toy to some organization that distributes gifts to children who wouldn't otherwise get to open many (or any) presents. It's challenging to find a toy that is not entirely mind numbing, boring or just ridiculous. The harder part is finding a toy that isn't super gender specific.

The best thing that I have come up with thus far is art supplies. A giant box of crayons or markers, colored pencils, a bin of sidewalk chalk or even an etch a sketch- drawing and coloring are safe bets for all. Now, I'm not claiming to be any source of authority but I am speaking from my own search every year to pick out gifts that aren't obviously for a boy or a girl. Of course a girl can be interested in getting a tonka truck or something from "Hot Wheels" but without having any control or say in the gift giving process I don't think organizations have the resources to determine such specifics.

BOOKS. Books are another gift that can avoid gender stereotyping and in fact often address the issue in a comprehensive and appropriate way.

So, if you do have a child on your list that you plan on buying a toy for ask yourself, regardless of gender, what you can gift that doesn't reinforce the lessons that all boys wear blue and play with trucks and all girls wear pink and want to grow up to become princess.

Merry Christmas!

Gift Guide plus!

A friend suggested a print of this as a great gift for the too cool for school (or sexism) person in your life:

Thanks Friend!

Last Minute Gift Giving Guide

Christmas is a mere two weeks away and this Feminist hopes someone gets her these!

The Feminist Majority Foundation has a great selection of gifts here.

One organization that I support is the Heifer Foundation. You don't have to spend a lot to contribute and because the animals are a long term investment for the family and the community; your gift can reach many people over time. To donate directly to all women's projects you can go here.

A neat company based in Brooklyn, Engage Green makes Eco-friendly bags, pouches and even umbrellas!

Want to get someone an awesome pouch, phone case, pillow or drawstring bag? I love the funky feel and aesthetically pleasing work by Aster and Sage.

Lastly, the company Smart Glass makes beautiful Jewelry out of recycled glass. I love (love love!) these earringsYay!

Don't forget to keep an ongoing list of the things you need to gift yourself after the holidays. I'm thinking new earrings all the way.