A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 3

Today's schedule: A lot! 7:30am Mass, University choir practice, presentations for a nearby Catholic School (see outfit #2), a few music lessons, my Cherubim Catholic Children's Choir practice, a few more lessons, and various tasks in between. :)

Today's outfit #1...


This one is pretty straightforward... my favorite black linen skirt — which I needed for outfit #2, so I kept it simple by using it all day — with a pastel pink turtleneck underneath a coral/pink cotton sweater (both hand-me-downs). Black tights, and my pick slippers above...when outside, I had black Maryjanes. Necklace is my large miraculous medal which I wear almost all the time, either above or underneath my top. I had no time for elaborate hair, so it's only a simple bun with clips (it should have had a few more, because the three shown actually didn't hold it well).

Outfit #2...

In honor of Catholic Schools Week, I was asked to do a first-person portrayal of a relevant saint for a nearby parochial school. I won't say anything more...can you guess who she is?

Today's femininity quote:

"You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long, and the great charm of all power is modesty."

~Louisa May Alcott

Today's feminine website: www.setapartgirl.com (Though I do not necessarily agree with everything on her site, Leslie Ludy's work is very inspiring!)

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 2

Today’s schedule: A Family Day! Last year, Dad and David went to the University of IL-Champaign for something called an “E-Fest” – basically a large, regional gathering of model airplanes and helicopters. They enjoyed it so much that Dad really wanted to take us all to see it this year. I can see how someone with an engineering mind would be totally enthralled, because I found it interesting and enjoyable even though I am not at all scientifically-bent. :)

Following the E-Fest, we went to a very well-attended and vibrant Mass at St. John’s Newman Center, and then to Panera Bread for dinner.

Today’s outfit…


Skirt: Wool and pleated with a pattern of colored lines peeking from the pleats...so comfortable and warm! It’s another thrift-store find from several winters ago. I like to pair it with a red or green top during the Christmas season, but it works nicely throughout the rest of the winter, too.

Top: A sky-blue Worthington pullover I got this Fall from Unique Thrift Store. (You are detecting a pattern here, right? They are usually the best places to find quality modest clothing!). I’m wearing the same black tank underneath that I wore yesterday. The sweater’s dark neckline edge ties in well with the skirt, and there are actually blue lines in the skirt pattern (though you can’t see that in the photo). The black crocheted sweater is my mom’s, which she kindly lets me borrow since I don’t have one. :)

Shoes: Same as yesterday, but with Maggie’s lightweight cotton tights. These are the nicest cotton tights I’ve found: unlike many other brands, this particular Maggie’s design is warm and comfortable, and doesn’t slip down easily. They are trim and classy: a staple ready to pair with any winter skirt! Today I’m wearing charcoal gray, which ties together my black skirt and brown shoes. It’s actually just the right neutral shade against both the black and the brown.

Necklace: My dressy miraculous medal, and on my sweater a “Precious Feet” pin. (You can see the blue top’s cute neckline bow in this photo, too).

Hairstyle: A diagonal/curved French braid, spiraled up into a braided bun and secured with small claw clips (probably my favorite hair invention ever). The flower is of sparkly ribbon and was made by Veronica and I – we designed them for the ladies to wear in our December choir concert. It’s hot-glued to a standard, brown, flat clip which makes it a snap to put in. This do took me about 10-12 minutes this morning.

View 1:

View 2:

Bonus…my sister Veronica’s outfit:

Unbeknownst to one another, we chose similar pleated wool skirts today! She paired hers with what she describes as a “dull plum” colored top (yes, from a thrift store), layered a lighter purple cami underneath, and added a brown shell/stone necklace lent from Mom.

Her paisley-print purple pashmina scarf is worn the same way mine was yesterday, but pulled tighter and tied in the front. She's also enjoying Maggie’s lightweight cotton tights in brown...a perfect color match. Charming, isn't she?

Today’s femininity quote:

"Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor."

~Webster's Dictionary 1828

Today’s feminine website:

A Winter Week in Feminine Dress, Day 1

Since my last week in feminine dress was in Spring, I thought it would be a fitting time to do another, and also a good revival for my poor neglected blog.

I'm often asked about how to dress femininely and warmly in wintertime. Granted, our midwestern winters are not quite as frigid as northern Wisconsin or Canada, but we do get our share of cold! I hope to share tips, ideas, and inspiration this week for feminine (plus stylish and frugal) winter apparel.

Today's schedule: The SpeakOut Illinois 2010 Pro-Life Conference

Today's oufit...

Skirt: A favorite I've had for a number of years (probably a thrift store find). The colors and weight make it a three-season piece. It actually has a second layer attached, which is helpful in warding off static-cling and chill (I do wear an additional slip as well). The dressy print of roses in deep red, dusty purple and deep goldenrod went well with the pro-life theme today.

Shoes: My super-comfortable Maryjane-style Sketchers in deep brown, worn with nylons. These are the most brilliant combination of pretty and practical, especially if you will be all day on your feet. I have wide feet, so a few good quality pairs of wide-width shoes are pretty much all I use. I was able to get these for a great sale price at Famous Footwear this fall. Beautiful footwear does not have to be painful — nor need comfort be dowdy! :)

Top: A v-neck sweater with 3/4 sleeves in deep red ("carmine" according to this...it appears a bit brighter than actuality in the photos). I found this one at a recent thrift store excursion. Layering is great both for warmth and modesty — underneath my sweater is a black tank with sequin accents at the neckline.

Necklace: The same rose necklace I wore here.

Shawl/Scarf: Purple "pashmina"-style ($10 from Burlington Coat Factory). This last season, I've discovered how much I enjoy these scarves! Not only do they bring a classy touch, but worn this way it feels as warm as wearing another sweater. There are many ways to wear them, but the two I use most frequently are demonstrated in this video (my first photo today features the first method shown here):

Todays' hair style: A fairly simple but becoming method I devised in the last few months. It is achieved by starting a side part, then turning it into a "box" part. Leave that small section of hair hanging in front, and draw the rest of your bangs (upper hair) back into a barette, smoothing the top with a comb. Put a braid or twist into the small section of hair, drawing it back and joining it into the barette. This style could work on shoulder-length or longer hair. If you find my directions confusing or need assistance, let me know. :) It takes about 3 minutes to do this on myself.

Today's femininity quote:

"When men wish to be safely impressive, as judges, priests or kings, they do wear skirts, the long trailing robes of female dignity."

-G.K. Chesterton

Media Malpractice

This year's March for Life was bigger than ever. And, once again, the secular news media all but ignored it. Last night I heard a priest comment, "You want to know how to make 250,000 people disappear? Send them to Washington and hand them pro-life signs."

What's even more frustrating is that not only does the media belittle the huge, peaceful pro-life presence, but if they do mention us, they try to say that there are just as many pro-abortion individuals there, too. They like to label us "anti-abortion activists" and say things like, "most protestors are in their 60's or older", and "there are no young women around". Sorry, but anyone in D.C. on January 22 can tell you that YOUTH are the ones who fill the place. And young women? I was there, people. If anything, we are the majority!

Righteous indignation is needed here, folks. And plenty of our own self-publishing of the real, staggering facts, while expressing our vocal dissatisfaction with the seriously deficient average news media. Write your paper, TV station, whatever. Point out their obvious lack of skill and respectfully demand fair and balanced reporting in 2011.

From Catholic Fire: At the 2010 March for Life the media set new standards for journalistic fraud. In its lead photo, CNN showed five pro-abortion picketers, all that could be found, and ignored the 300,000 pro-life marchers. CNN's Rick Sanchez wondered out loud which group dominated. Newsweek claimed that most participants were in their 60's when, in fact, most were under 25. This video sets the record straight.

Weekend Recap...

Thursday: Lively bus ride to D.C. with prayers, songs, hair braiding...all the usual Claire stuff. :)

Friday: Went up 13 floors at the Old Post Office Building in D.C., Marched for Life with 200,000+, interviewed live by EWTN along with my sister, prayed and sang at the Supreme Court steps, enjoyed time with my sister Sarah and my dear friend Malori!

Saturday: Attended Students for Life Conference and had wonderful surprise reunions with friends, went to a packed-full Mass at the crypt church of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, rode the Metro train (first time!) and spread smiles to whomever I could, visited the Servants of the Lord Convent, had precious time with my sister back at Christendom College, and then went to the black-and-white "Oreo" Dance

Sunday: Awesome Christendom Liturgy, afternoon socializing/open house, evening debate society gathering, swing dance practice!

Monday: Sat in on Theology, Astronomy, and Philosophy (where discussion included differing natures of men and woman AND the four temperaments...totally my element), said goodbye to Sarah (love you, sis!), flew to Atlanta for my connecting flight to Chicago, then find out the lovely lady sitting next to me lives a few blocks away (Erika, thanks so much for the ride!)

...just a slightly full and blessed few days. My heart is overflowingly grateful.

Seasonal Humor

A mother gathered her three young children around their Christmas nativity and read the story of the Wise Men who traveled to worship the Christ Child. Mom told the children that the Wise Men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

After the story, her oldest son observed, “You know, Mom, a Wise Woman would have brought diapers.” =)

I'm one day late, but Blessed Epiphany!

What I'd Like to Say

...my goddaughter, Miss Rose, very articulately expressed a lot of what I'd like to say on the whole "Happy-Holidays-versus-Merry-Christmas" thing, as well as the "get-it-over-with-Christmas-starting-in-October-and-ending-Dec-26-rush". How's that for a lot of hyphens? :)

Anyway, take a trip over for some good thoughts.

Blessed Advent Week of Peace!

Advent Message from Papa Benedict

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 30, 2009 (Zenit.org).- As the Church begins Advent, Benedict XVI is recalling that it is a season to recall how God comes to visit us.

The Pope said this during a homily at First Vespers on Saturday, with which the Church began Advent and the new liturgical year.

The Holy Father reflected on the etymology of the word "advent" from the Latin adventus. "With the word adventus an attempt was made essentially to say: God is here, he has not withdrawn from the world, he has not left us alone," he explained. "Although we cannot see or touch him, as is the case with tangible realities, he is here and comes to visit us in multiple ways."

The Pontiff added that the expression advent also includes "visitatio, which means simply and properly 'visit."

"In this case," he said, "it is a visit of God: He enters my life and wants to address me."

Taking time
Benedict XVI acknowledged that we all experience "having little time for the Lord and little time for ourselves."

"We end up by being absorbed in 'doing,'" he said. "Is it not true that often activity possesses us, that society with its many interests monopolizes our attention? Is it not true that we dedicate much time to amusements and leisure of different kinds? Sometimes things 'trap' us."

In this scenario, the Holy Father said, Advent "invites us to pause in silence to grasp a presence." He continued: "It is an invitation to understand that every event of the day is a gesture that God directs to us, sign of the care he has for each one of us. How many times God makes us perceive something of his love! To have, so to speak, an 'interior diary' of this love would be a beautiful and salutary task for our life! Advent invites and stimulates us to contemplate the Lord who is present. Should not the certainty of his presence help us to see the world with different eyes? Should it not help us to see our whole existence as a 'visit,' as a way in which he can come to us and be close to us, in each situation?"

Advent is furthermore a time of joy, the Pontiff said. It is "the time of the presence and the expectation of the eternal. Precisely for this reason it is, in a particular way, the time of joy, of an internalized joy, that no suffering can erase. Joy because of the fact that God became a child. This joy, invisibly present in us, encourages us to walk with confidence."

And this joy, he concluded, finds a model and support in the Virgin Mary, "through whom the Child Jesus has been given to us." He prayed: "May she, faithful disciple of her Son, obtain for us the grace to live this liturgical time vigilant and diligent in waiting."

~from zenit.org

Straightening Out the "2012" Craze

I know that it seems like I've abandoned this poor blog. Not intentionally, to be sure, but that's just how things play out. One of these days perhaps I can play catch-up here.

In the meantime, I can't help but take a moment to share this very informative film review about 2012 from Fr. Barron. He clearly and effectively explains just what is askew with this extravagant movie.

Catholics, let's not put a cent of support towards such flagrant disdain for Holy Mother Church. And not only for Catholicism, but towards all Christianity. Kyrie eleison!

Not In Control

I'm a perfectionist. Anyone who knows me well will tell you I am detailed oriented. I try to be organized.

And the past few days have been the kind that makes one feel and look disorganized, despite one's very best efforts. Ever experience a situation when your best-laid plans get thwarted, and you exhaust your resources to remake them but it still doesn't work out?

In a nutshell, a much-anticipated event I'd planned for my R.E. program families to have tomorrow at a local nursing home was cancelled Friday morning by the Home's Activities Director. I had another prospective location that was to take us (hopeful "plan B"), but at 1:30 this afternoon they decided against it, too! I was left with 75 children prepared to come in saints' costumes with music and talks, and no where for them to give the program...

In this midst of this saga, our main computer officially froze up. AND for awhile the laptop wouldn't access the database of phone numbers I needed to notify the 48 families. (Thankfully Veronica was able to procure the file for me).

The temptation to get deflated and frustrated has definitely been present. I mean, Lord, when I'm trying to go the extra mile and more to serve You, why the dump of this stress? When it looked like the plan B location might work, both relief and excitement came in. "Lord, I can see now why the first place cancelled — this one will be better!" Then when plan B fell through today, and I was forced to come up with plan C (having regular class back at the school with kids in their costumes), I had to hold up my hands and say, "Okay, Lord, I truly don't see the better plan in all this, but I still trust You."

These kind of bumps and glitches are a raw reminder that I am not in control. Oh, most of us try to be. It's nice to feel like we are. But it seems to me that if we get a little overconfident, the Holy Spirit likes to stir things up to keep us in our place and to make us trust the One Who is in control.

As I sought out the meaning in all of this today, it came to mind how many times Our Lady dealt with bumps and glitches in her road. Things like getting woken mid-night and sent to Egypt with a newborn obviously were not her plan. Nor was traveling to Bethlehem at nine months pregnant, for that matter.

No, our Blessed Mother did not have it easy. I'm in good company. I'm just working on having her reponse — the one that made her full of grace.

Fiat. Be it done to me according to Your Word.

What are we coming to?

I'm afraid that I'm coming down with something today, and was wondering why I should be getting sick. Well, a glance at some of the headlines in LifeSiteNews and Catholic News Agency showed that there's an awful lot to make reparation for right now...

Chicago Mayor Daley to Sign Abortion "Bubble Law" Ordinance
New ad backing same-sex ‘marriage’ in Maine misrepresents Catholicism
Obama Criticizes People with "Old Attitudes" in Keynote Speech at Homosexualist Dinner
President of USCCB Congratulates President Obama for Nobel Peace Prize
Homosexual Hate Crimes Law Poised to Become Law after Passing U.S. House
Notre Dame Pays Student Expenses to D.C. March for Homosexual 'Marriage'
Policeman Confiscates Rockford Pro-Lifer's Christ Image

There were a few positive ones, too, but the above type seemed sadly overpowering! Friends, we much pray and sacrifice for our slipping nation.

Music in Utero: The Smile of the Unborn

As both a pro-lifer and a musician, I find this article so beautiful. Here's a taste:

The footage was part of a recent PBS special, The Music Instinct:
Science & Song. The program was an exploration of, among other things,
music’s “biological, emotional and psychological impact on humans.”

Part of this “exploration” included how music affects babies. If we
are, as some scientists believe, “wired for music,” then babies are ideal test
subjects since their reactions are, by definition, instinctual.

Part of this research involved the effect of music on fetuses.
While we knew that mothers often sing to their unborn children, we weren’t sure
that the unborn child could hear them.

We are now. A segment of The Music Instinct featured Sheila C. Woodward of the University of Southern California, who has studied fetal responses to music. A camera and a microphone designed for underwater use were inserted into the uterus of a pregnant woman. And then Woodward sang.

The hydrophone picked up two sounds: the “whooshing” of the uterine
artery and the unmistakable sound of a woman singing a lullaby.

Then something extraordinary happened. Upon hearing the woman’s
voice, the unborn child smiled.

It was one of those moments that makes you catch your breath. The
full humanity of the fetus could not have been clearer if he had turned to the
camera and winked.

Apparently, fetal responses to music aren’t limited to smiling. They have been observed moving their hands in response to music, almost as if conducting. They have been soothed by Vivaldi and disturbed by loud tracks from Beethoven. They have even responded “rhythmically to rhythms tapped on [their] mother’s belly.”

Read the rest here. Thrilling...and powerful!

On Marriage

A few weeks ago, a lady I know who writes for the Herald News called me to get some quotes for an article. It came out today, discussing a current "debate" on the ideal marriageable age for Christians. Although I'm not sure I get the title, I think she did a fairly good job covering the contrasting viewpoints on the topic. One stance says couples should delay marriage until they have finished college, paid off the loans, and established a career. This mindset seems to me to be rather inspired by our me-in-control, individualistic culture. Of course, I've known wonderful people who were called to a longer season of singleness before marriage (evidenced by the fact that they didn't meet their spouse until they were a bit older). But when a couple in their early 20's has been together for some time, truly know one another, and know they want to spend the rest of their lives together, delaying the commitment by a few or several years can usher in plenty of negative effects. Especially when the pair is striving to remain pure. Love desires union, and particularly the full marital union of husband and wife. Don't presume that you are strong enough to indefinitely wait (the key word there is "indefinitely"). Wait, yes! But I have heard plenty of wise couples advise against a long engagement for this very reason — so the passions don't run away.

I think it's no coincidence that another marriage-themed article also appeared in today's paper: 'Playing house' not a good idea. Finally, a reality check! The news? It's not healthy for your relationship to cohabitate before marriage. I find it both sad and amusing when "new studies" come forth confirming what the Church (and common sense) have known and taught for, well, at least the last 2000 years.

How unfortunate for a generation to go such lengths to get rid of moral standards, only to realize that "old-fashioned" values aren't such a bad idea after all.

Prayers For My Friends

The father of some friends of mine (and volunteer catechists for the RE program that I coordinate) was found dead in his bed this morning. He was a devout Catholic husband, father of four (ages 24-4) and history teacher at the local Catholic high school. Please keep his soul and his family in your prayers in their time of grief!

From Sweet Sixteen... to Sweet Seventeen

Dear Veronica,

I can remember — though I was only four — that day you were born: how can it be 17 years ago? What colorful years they have been! Your creativity, personality, and spunk have etched your invaluable place as the third child in our family.

"Sugar and spice and everything nice" always makes me think of you. Your dramatic demeanor has always made it easy for your family to "roast" you, yet you are usually quite gracious as the subject of laughter. ;)


Persistant and devoted, your gifts and talents edify not only your family, but so many others as well.


"His Little Butterfy", how utterly special that from our long-watched cocoon should emerge a gorgeous butterfly — on the morning of your birthday!

You live life with a passion, and though the combination of our assertive personalities has induced "clashes" at times, I love you lots and am so grateful to call this graceful, taller-than-me 17-year-old my sister.


In the spirit of your patron Saint Therese, keep growing as His little flower!

With love,
Claire

P.S. Thanks for letting me have so much fun taking birthday photos of you!

(Explanation for readers... the first few photos were snapped at Grandpa and Grandma's farm in WI when we were there yesterday, the butterfly photo this morning, and the rest this afternoon after I did Veronica's hair to match her 1930's Belles on Their Toes-inspired homemade dress. Isn't she too charming? And so photogenic...I wanted to capture every pose!)

By the apple tree

About to leave on her daddy-daughter date this afternoon

* * *

Happy Birthday, dear Sister!

I Love the Duggars!

In an era that devalues the gift of life, I think the joyful Duggar family is a wonderful witness to the reality of this gift. Parents Jim Bob and Michelle are always so upbeat and positive, and I can never get over how stunning and youthful Michelle looks — just pregnant with number 19, she is more gorgeous and glowing than ever! It's both sad and interesting how many people are derogative about their openness to life. And I'm sure these critics are the very same who claim to stand for "tolerance" and "choice". Why should they be mad about a large, happy, Christian, homeschooling family that chooses life (and that lives debt-free in a home they built themselves)? These well-rounded children will each bring a valuable contribution to society. I also love how beautifully and femininely the ladies of the Duggar family dress — Michelle and all 8 daughters! This family stands for the kind of beautiful values that are all-too-rare today. Though the Duggars are not Catholic, I think it's great how Jim Bob quotes Mother Teresa in this recent video announcing baby #19:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

And there are some very sweet photos in this one. See what I mean about a lovely mama? (At 42, she hardly looks older than her daughter-in-law!)

May the Lord continue to bless this family, and may their courageous witness inspire many to embrace the gift of life.

Butterfly

Thank you all for your prayers! I am doing better. I'd like to share a quote that was timely and encouraging...

Just as the butterfly must wait upon its maker to be transformed, so must we. God is His infinite wisdom has a sovereign and individual plan for the transformation of our hearts and minds. Psalm 27:14 says "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Being transformed is a process, so do not loose heart. "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."

~from a past issue of the Girlhood Home Companion (Volume 1, Issue 12)

Request

I know my readers are pray-ers (if anyone is left reading this neglected blog by now), and I'm having an extraordinarily rough day, so could I please petition for your prayers for this tired soul? I can't go into all the detail, but a boost of grace would be a big help. Thank you so much.

New Blogger; New Baby

I know I've been all-too-absent for all-too-long, but I need to pop in briefly to welcome my dear sister, Sarah (Princess, Pure and Brave), to the blog world! Her lovely web domain is here.

Today, I had the opportunity to (almost) be present at a friend's home birth! I was there for several hours in the morning, helping with tasks like heating and carrying water and preparing food for the daddy and the attendants. I had to leave for an appointment and choral rehearsal, but made it back in the afternoon to see the new baby boy 15 minutes after his arrival! So beautiful and amazing...the gift of life. Deo Gratias.

The King's Castle

This morning's Joliet Herald News ran a beautiful article on what has been an immense but delightful summer project for me: organizing a Catholic Kids' Day Camp through St. Joseph Parish.

If you are visiting this blog because of the link mentioned in the newspaper article, welcome! This is actually my personal blog site; but the website of the purity apostolate mentioned in the article is www.rosamysticamodesty.org. If you are not attending the Camp, but are interested in receiving the children's coloring books mentioned in the article, you can email me at stjosephcre @ sbcglobal.net . net (remove the spaces).

If you're looking for information on the Camp, here is a summary...

THE KING'S CASTLE:

Knights and Princesses in the Family of God

~ ~ ~

Not just your typical Vacation Bible School...4 days of Catholic immersion!

When: July 28-31 (Tue-Fri) • 9am to 12noon
For: Kindergarten-6th Grade

Cost: $35/child • Second child in family $15 • Third child free

Limited openings available until July 25 by contacting Claire:

(815) 325-7361 or stjosephCRE @ sbcglobal . net (remove the spaces)

I will try to post some photos after the event!