Feminine Geniuses

On a critical women's issue...

2012-01-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

Facebook dropped the ball and issued an apology:


photo courtesy of lifenews.com

FEMININE GENIUS FAIL

Abortion over the Internet: Facebook Epic FAIL

Holy Name of Mary

2011-09-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

In today's Gospel we hear about the centurion who's slave is very ill. The slave is important to the Roman officer, and upon hearing that Jesus was in the region, he sends Jewish elders to implore Him to come and heal the slave. But, there's a moment of discernment, a turning point on the part of the centurion -- he sends friends out to beg Jesus not to bother to come. The centurion has a second thought -- I AM NOT WORTHY -- but, he trusts and with hope, begs a favor -- ONLY SAY THE WORD, AND MY SLAVE SHALL BE HEALED. (Lk 7:1-10)

This is the Gospel on the Memorial of the Holy Name of Mary.

Why?

I pondered it during the homily. And as the priest expounded on the wonders of Mary's intercession and her protection, I realized that I am like the slave and Mary is the one with great trust who will bring my need to the Lord, her Son. I am weak, sick, subject to sin and temptation, but I am of great value to Our Lady. I am her child. She will run to the Lord and intercede for me -- heal my child, she is sick and I need her to be well.

Ah, the comfort of Mary, my Mother. She is the Mother of God, and by Divine command, she is my Mother, too. Her name is indeed holy, and I am her humble servant.

Aggie Catholics: Top 10 Reasons Women Should Dress Modestly

2011-06-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

Aggie Catholics: Top 10 Reasons Women Should Dress Modestly

This is a great list with lots to think about this summer season. But, with fashion the way it is, and our culture so sexualized, it's worth reading for all seasons.

You might also like reading: Body Art the New Beach Wear

Keep it covered people! It's not only modest, it's good for your health, too. #11?

Poor Mrs. Weiner, Or Maybe Not

2011-06-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Weiner has a humiliating burden to bear right now. Mr. Weiner's been a very bad boy. But has Mrs. Weiner been a very bad girl?

Weinergate gets weirder by the moment.

Now the scandalous chatter is about an alleged hidden lewd relationship between Mrs. Weiner and Hillary Clinton.

It's all in the company you keep, isn't it? Maybe you shouldn't have had the ex-Pres. officiate at the wedding -- bad juju.

Really, can we all just grow up? You folks condone these behaviors when other people do them, why the big secrets when you decide to participate? Choose a higher moral standard, for goodness sakes, and none of this would be looming over either of you or your spouses right now.

Feminine Genius FAIL!

"Mean Girls in the Nursing Home"

2011-06-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Dining room drama....

“What happens to mean girls? Some of them go on to become mean old ladies,” said Marsha Frankel, clinical director of senior services at Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Boston, who has led workshops (innocuously called “Creating a Caring Community”) for staff and residents.

What sort of behavior are we talking about? Ms. Frankel and Robin Bonifas, an assistant professor of social work at Arizona State who has begun research on senior bullying, described various situations:

Attempts to turn public spaces into private fiefdoms. “There’s a TV lounge meant to be used by everyone, but one person tries to monopolize it — what show is on, whether the blinds are open or shut, who can sit where,” said Dr. Bonifas.

Exclusion. “Dining room issues are ubiquitous,” said Ms. Frankel. When there’s no assigned seating, a resident may loudly announce that she’s saving a seat, even if no one else is expected, to avoid someone she dislikes....

General nastiness. “People loudly and publicly say insulting things. ‘You’re stupid.’ ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about.’” Ms. Frankel said. In a Newton, Mass., facility she observed, a resident actually discouraged her daughter from visiting, because the daughter was obese and her mother didn’t want her subjected to disparaging gossip.

Book Review -- Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes

2011-04-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Click here to order book at Amazon.com

Willie is different. He has slippery feet that require him to have special shoes. He's a special kid. Yet, he's worried about how others will perceive him in his new, corrective shoes. This is a window into the mind of a child with differences: physical, psychological and/or intellectual.

Author, Larry Peterson, takes a look at the world of a boy named Willie who is different, not necessarily disabled, but different. Willie's difference is enough to make him feel anxiety over what will help him "fit in". And that is what I think makes this book special. Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes exposes a defect in society -- instead of focusing on what makes us alike, the fact that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, we tend to focus on what makes us different. And, when we do that, we become anxious about what people think, how they will react or behave toward us, and how we will fit in.

I really enjoyed this book and only had a couple of little quirky issues with it. Without telling them that I didn't enjoy the use of the words stupid and hate, I read this book to my girls. Here are some of their comments and my responses to them:

Meggie (age 13) -- "I liked the book, but I wish that the author didn't use the word stupid. This is one of those things that kids say to other kids to make them feel bad. He should have used a different word. Plus, I know you don't like that word. You probably wouldn't ever buy this book or take it out of the library for us. But, I still think it's cute and helpful."

Mom -- You're right, Meg. I didn't like the use of the word stupid. It is something I don't encourage you kids to say...also the word hate. They are strong words that spark strong emotions and tend to be used against people. So, you're more than likely right; if I had not received this book from Larry with a request to review it, I probably wouldn't have selected it off the shelf myself. And then we wouldn't have read this really nice story.

Annie (age 10) -- "I remember when Grace had to go to open house in the wheel chair. People showed her a lot of attention. It wasn't all good. I guess that would make you worry."

Mom -- In the story, Willie didn't even have the shoes on yet and he was worried. I don't remember if Grace was anxious before the open house, but that would be a similar experience if she was. You're right.

Grace (age 9) -- I liked the story and I thought that when everyone was laughing at Willie it was sad that his shoes were so ugly. But, it really didn't matter because they were what he needed and they helped him a lot. It was really mean to laugh at him, though, because he was finally able to do what they did. They should be happy for him.

Mom -- That's right. Lots of people, even your brother Eddie, use equipment and devices that help them access the world in ways similar to the rest of us. It doesn't feel good at all when people stare at your brother or whisper about him. But, we know that it is due to ignorance, and if we simply introduce them to him and the way he is different and the same, it makes everyone more comfortable.

The overall impression of this book was VERY GOOD. The kids liked the story and I liked it, too. It's a great way to introduce children to the fact that kids with differences or disabilities can feel a little anxious about how others with perceive them and accept them. If you can tolerate the words stupid and hate in the story, or substitute other words for pre-readers, you'll enjoy using this book as a conduit to talking to your children about people who are different.

Slippery Willie's Stupid Ugly Shoes, by Larry Peterson, has also received the Catholic Writer's Guild Seal of Approval.

Read more about Slippery Willie at: http://www.slipperywillie.blogspot.com/

Second Chance -- A Review For Tribute Books

2011-01-19T05:38:00.001-08:00

I was looking forward to reading this little book: Second Chance by, Sandra J. Gerencher. Because I have a child with significant special needs (some autistic like tendencies), I was intrigued by the premise of the book -- both a child with autism and a dog being saved by adoption. I am a huge fan of adoption; I believe that more people should explore the option to adopt children, especially children with special needs. But, I didn't quite see the similarities between adopting a child with special needs and a pup.

So, I began to read the book. Immediately, I was concerned. Knowing it was a book meant for children, I tried to swallow hard and work my way through Chance, the adopted dog, narrating the story. I just have a problem with issues as important as those raised in this book being reasoned through by a dog, considering dog's can't reason. (Reminder to self: Children's book, remember children's book...)

I also had a moment of pause when the author suggested that her adopted son, Ryan, a child with autism, could speak DOG. The child was actually able to carry out a conversation with the pooch. Now, I don't have a child with autism, but I also don't believe children with autism are akin to Dr. Doolittle. I am not sure that this image is appropriate to present to curious children reading the book. It was a stretch and a bit too contrived, again, for the importance of the message the author was trying to present.

I did appreciate the attempt to appeal to children and teach them about topics such as special needs, adoption and caring for animals that are destined for euthanasia. This book was written by a mother who obviously loves her child and her pets. Unfortunately, the way in which she presented the content just didn't do it for me.

Below are links to information regarding this Second Chance. Read it, and if you have an opinion you'd like to share, come back and leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Awards:PBS Kids Recommended title
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/adoption/print_books.html

Book web site:http://www.chancetheshelterdog.com
Sandra J. Gerencher Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1579236662
Tribute Books website:http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/ 171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/ TributeBooks

Sandra J. Gerencher Bio: Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher in the Bangor Area public school system. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas as counseling, Behavior Specialist Consultation, behavioral research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. Sandra graduated from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology (1999).

YouTube video book trailer embed html code:
"http://www.youtube.com/v/DemT2iYYgM8?fs=1&hl=en_US">"http://www.youtube.com/v/DemT2iYYgM8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344">

Buy links:
http://www.tribute-books.com/shop.html#children6

Excerpt:
http://www.freado.com/read/8704/second-chance-how-adoption-saved-a-boy-with-autism-his-shelter-dog
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YMCA Says Santa Is Contraversial Figure

2010-12-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

Ho, ho, ho...Frosty? Really?

Secular Santa Is
Politically Incorrect!

I don't get it! What's so funny?

See what I have to say about it:
Faith on the High Wire

Prayer request for a tiny saint's family

2010-12-05T04:58:00.000-08:00

In August, baby Gianna's mother wrote....

We were ushered out of the room and into the perinatologist’s office who confirmed what the other lady had told us. She called it Trisomy 13.

I had been praying to St. Gianna Molla since finding out I was pregnant and had thought that if it was a girl we should call her Gianna.

Gianna was born on Friday night and lived for forty-five minutes. Her short life was spent in baptismal innocence, basking in her family's love. Please pray for her grieving family.

CNA's Catholic Womanhood -- Kathy's Latest Piece

2010-10-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Familiaris Consortio After 30 Years

Does the Pill remake the brain?

2010-10-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

Progesterone and estrogen are steroid hormones, and can cause changes in the very structure of the brain. The Pill works by overriding a woman's natural hormonal cycles and replacing them with artificial hormones on an artificial cycle. Gee! What could go wrong?

It turns out that the brain is a veritable sponge for steroid hormones....

Whereas the subtle structural effects of naturally-occurring steroid hormones and sex differences in the brain have been extensively studied, few studies have examined the role of synthetic hormones on changes in the human brain. What happens, then, when the female brain gets a significant and artificial dose of steroid hormone, either progesterone, estrogen or both?...

It appears that the brain, that sensitive organ replete with steroid receptors, reacts to its hormonal milieu with startling structural modifications. ....women using hormonal contraceptives showed larger gray matter volumes in the prefrontal cortex, pre- and postcentral gyri, the parahippocampal and fusiform gyri and temporal regions, when compared to naturally cycling women. The brain works like a neural beehive; the proper coordinated functioning of groups of tasked neurons are important to successfully accomplish a variety of mental tasks -- even the sensory processing and motor coordination needed for something as simple as picking up a hot cup of coffee without scalding oneself. Again, we do not know whether this increased gray matter translates into better or worse performance, but there likely is little good about treating a woman's brain like a spongy accordion.

How could we have seen that coming?

....a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.

-- Humanae Vitae II.17 (emphasis added)

Spotted at Aliens in this world

2010-09-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

When the Feminine Geniuses get together, there is always fun, food and lively discussion. Such was the case this morning over coffee at my home. It had been a long time since we had gotten together, almost the entire summer. We were well overdue for a little fellowship. So, I laid out the master plan to have the coffee here and to make a wonderful array of offerings.

We all know what happens to the best laid plans, right? It never happens the way you hope. I had one child come down with a rabid sinus infection that has left her exhausted and feeling weak and cranky -- and, home from school, but thankfully not contagious. So, outside of needing to rearrange life for doctor's appointments and pharmacy visits, I found myself only slightly behind in preparation for the get together.

I was able to get the house tidied, and do the necessary shopping for the treats I had in mind. But, priorities being what they are, I didn't have time last night to do the prep work for the savory chorizo frittata that I hoped to bring to the table today. That will have to wait for the next coffee.

To add an additional challenge to the idea of having friends over for coffee, I decided to start Weight Watchers again this past Monday. So, I tried to make something that wouldn't be too outrageous to my points plan and still taste amazing! The Apple Puff I made came out to be only 4 points per serving! YIPEE!

Here's the recipe:

Apple Puff

1 pkg of puff pastry, thawed

8 granny smith apples, peeled and cut into 1 inch bite sized pieces

1/4 cup flour

1 tbsp smart balance buttery spread, cut up into pieces

1/4 cup of granulated sugar

1/4 cup of packed brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

2 mandarine oranges -- zest and juice only

pinch salt

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 cup Craisins

1/8 cup pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 400 degrees; in a large bowl, mix apples and next 10 ingredients; while apple mixture rests, roll out one puff pastry onto a greased baking sheet to approx 9 x12 in., place apple filling in a large mound on the center of the puff pastry; on a large, ligthly floured cutting board, roll out second sheet of puff pastry to approx. the same size as the first; place on top of the filling and fold over the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork around the perimeter; cut two to three vent holes in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape; bake at 400 for 10 min., then lower the oven temp to 375 for the remaining 30 min.; remove from oven when golden brown and allow to cool for about 10 min.

Wow, was this a big hit! And, somehow a wonderful apple puff, joined with the baked goodies that the other ladies brought, set the stage for not only a satisfying visit, but lively conversation, as well. Politics, religion, you name it, everything is fair game at an FG coffee. We're downright fearless in thwarting the rule of avoiding taboo topics at a friendly gathering! And, interesting doesn't even begin to describe the conversation that ensued.

I had a wonderful time and just can't wait for the next one!

Happy Birthday Blessed Mother

2010-09-08T10:08:00.001-07:00

As I was at Mass this morning, the priest mentioned how we typically celebrate in the Mass the birth of a person into eternal life, not their birth into earthly life. He said we commemorate Mary's birth because her being born into the world had both spiritual and temporal implications that were staggering. Through her, the gates of heaven were able to open once again for man in the Birth, Life and Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ Jesus. Her fiat was a necessary and pivotal moment in salvation history and in the history of mankind.

On this Feast Day of her birth, let us remind ourselves of how fortunate we are to have had a woman chosen from all women who was willing to reverse the mistake of the fallen Eve; who could say YES out of love and humility. Let us in our birthday wishes, ask her to give us a gift -- the gift of her constant intercession for us to become holy.

Happy Birthday, Blessed Mother.

All that I am is Thine and all that I have is Thine,
through Mary, Thy Holy Mother!
Amen

What's Sarah Up To?

2010-09-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Feminine Genius?

Or, just bravado?

Drudge Report: Look Who's Going to Iowa!

100 Years Ago Blessed Mother Teresa Entered the World

2010-08-26T20:34:00.001-07:00

Aug. 26, 1910 - 5 Sept. 1997

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Center

Visit this beautiful site to learn more about this amazing women who understood feminine genius in all it's complexity and simplicity.

Assumption Swizzle

2010-08-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

I posted my Seven Quick Takes over at Pansy & Peony, including a link to a seasonal refreshment: the Assumption Swizzle.

The Dominican Sisters and Oprah: Encore Presentation

2010-08-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Did you miss the Dominican Sisters when they rocked Oprah in February?

Well, you'll have another chance is coming up on Monday, August 16, when the episode will be repeated. Check, as they say, your local listings.

Please pray for Kathy and her son....

2010-08-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

...poor Eddie has pneumonia.

Update: Discharged! But follow-up prayers never hurt. :)

Does "Christian" YA lit still send the wrong message?

2010-07-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Over at First Things, David Mills discusses an article about the success of Christian YA lit written for girls, and how it seems that these books have gone from being unbearably preachy to... perhaps a little too subtle?

From [article author Ruth] Graham’s description, these new girls’ books don’t in fact seem particularly Christian, unless Christianity is reduced to a certain code of behavior.

In the newest books, old-fashioned values are embraced for newfangled reasons. Modesty is endorsed, not because of shame, but because of self-respect and practicality: Protagonist DJ in Spring Breakdown opts for a one-piece swimsuit over a teensy bikini because, “I like to swim. And I like to move around.” Besides, another character reflects later, “Sometimes subtle is sexy.”
That is true, but it is not modesty.It’s the opposite. Practicality is not modesty either. None of these reasons, nor those mentioned elsewhere in the story, are actually “Christian values,” even though they support decisions Christians would generally approve. They’re aren’t really “old-fashioned values” either, as that term is usually understood.... If Graham is right, these writers have merely taken the lessons they want to teach and found practical or worldly reasons for them.

Thoughts? I wonder if, in the end, it would be better for kids to read a good secular book than to read a book with the subtle message "Christian living is practical!"

(Off topic, I think it's kind of funny that many of the intended young readers of these books are probably being taught to reject the "works righteousness"of the Catholic Church.

Please do not start trying in the comments box to convince me to reject "works righteousness"; that topic has been flogged to death plenty of other places. Besides, I need to unload the dishwasher.)

Catholic Distance University

2010-07-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

Well, what do you know?...I had no idea that this video was up on Youtube...Fun surprise! I'm not so happy with the goofy look on my face, but I'll not let pride get the better of me. All in the service of God -- even if I have to look goofy!!!

This was produced a couple of years ago and was presented at the annual gala.

God bless, Catholic Distance University!

Nancy's favorite word

2010-06-02T09:47:00.001-07:00

Oh, Nancy....

A Vivid Example of Feminine Genius

2010-06-01T16:04:00.001-07:00

A true sign of Feminine Genius lies in the understanding that life is sacred and deserves dignity because all life is made in the image and likeness of God.

Signora Bocelli displayed Feminine Genius! Watch and listen:

Every 28 Days Or So...

2010-05-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

it is necessary for faithful women friends to gather. There's a camaraderie in that fellowship that makes fully living and practicing the Catholic Faith seem not so "outside reality" -- at least that's how the culture views it. But, it is real, more real that what we experience in the world. It is the filter through which we assess everything around us. And, every 28 days or so, we cycle through a new set of stories to include joys, trials, new adventures and down right aggravations -- from politics to hairstyles -- the aggravations make us laugh the most.

Laughing -- that is key. I know many notable saints frowned on the excesses of joviality -- I wonder if monastic life might have seemed more pleasant with a smile on one's face. We all have different paths to perfection, thank God -- mine must include laughing, because if I didn't laugh, I'd be headed in a more southerly route.

Humor does abound at our coffees; we take ourselves just a little less seriously. We do, however, always manage to have serious discussions through the laughter. It's unbelievable, but true. I always seem to come away with several nuggets of wisdom and information that I need or that may have otherwise escaped me. I am particularly grateful for this!

And as for shared empathy -- my world always seems just a little more manageable when I know that I am not alone in the antics of my hectic life. This might fall under "misery loves company" but, I would prefer to look at it this way: we're here to support one another and muddle through it all as joyfully as possible. And, this is why I so look forward to my coffee once a month with the Feminine Geniuses.

I am reminded of Psalm 126:

A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then we thought we were dreaming.

Our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD had done great things for them."

The LORD has done great things for us; Oh, how happy we were!

Restore again our fortunes, LORD, like the dry stream beds of the Negeb.

Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.

Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed,

Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.

I know that, at least once a month, I need to be reminded of the great things the Lord has done for me and that the heavy lifting that we all do as wives and mothers will be shared in our stories of joys and sorrows.

I know that, at least once a month, we will be restored. Once again, "our mouths will be filled with laughter" and we "will return with cries of joy" because the Lord has done great things for us. We just need to come together and lift each other up in that fact.

I love my coffee with the Feminine Geniuses. I can't wait for next month -- or sooner if we can manage!

Thank you, ladies!

Oh, Brother -- Or Should I Say, Deacon's Wife!?

2010-05-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am constantly pressing the laity to know the Faith. It is their right to be taught correctly. It is their job to demand it -- respectfully, of course. First, you must know some of what you are missing -- please, visit me at Faith on the High Wire and search "laity" to see what you can do to become a more informed member of the Church Militant!

As for the Deacon's Wife -- Feminine Genius FAIL!

Seriously? -- Seriously!

2010-05-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

Can the USCCB please vet the organizations to which they choose to be affiliated? For goodness sakes, how are we supposed to take their leadership seriously on issues of morality if they don't know what the coalitions they support are up to, such as lobbying for pro-abort & homosexual agendas.

USCCB Belongs to Pro-Abort Coalition Supporting

Kagan with Video Ad

LifeSiteNews.com & Deal Hudson deserve a big thank you for bringing this to the surface!