make-believe: witchy woman.

October 11, 2012
witchywoman
October always has me feeling a little witchy. It’s the weather, and halloween, and the reappearance of my black cowgirl boots, surely. But this October I’ve also been doing a lot of thinking about womenfolk, and if there’s one fairytale character that belongs firmly in that camp, it’s the witch. Awesomely. And not so awesomely.

 

 
I’m sure it has to do with getting married, and being in the throes of a challenging career shift, and  preparing for other friends to get married, and listening to a lot of political rhetoric about women, but lately I’m feeling (as someone I know would say) pretty fired up.

 

 
I feel like everywhere I go I’ve been encountering portrayals of unsure, uninspired women. I blame part of this on allowing myself to stream fall TV pilots. Thanks to this thoughtful assessment, I’m not feeling quite so all alone. This one was interesting, too. But still. What do you guys have? Books? Articles? Movies? Blogs? Long talks over whiskey cocktails? I’m game for anything. I haven’t read Caitlin Moran’s How to Be a Woman yet (though I did listen to this interview), but it’s on my list. Have you?

 

 
1. perfect black dress 2. how to be a woman 3. quartz ring* 4. tarot deck candle 5. boots 6. rouge
other things this week: this tweet. and this response.

*Stone & Honey is a Reading My Tea Leaves sponsor, but this is not a sponsored post.

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16 Comments

  • Reply anabela / fieldguided October 11, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    I feel fired up a lot of the time, and pretty angry as well, but I just wanted to say that I sniffed that Tarot Deck candle yesterday and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It's so good.

    • Reply Erin October 11, 2012 at 5:29 pm

      yes! i've sniffed, though never burned. 'tis the season.

  • Reply Anonymous October 11, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    I just finished reading How to Be a Woman! It seems like feminist issues are everywhere lately. I'm an archivist, and last week, I came across a pamphlet published in 1912 by a politician from Missouri arguing against women's suffrage. I *swear* it sounds like some of the crackpot things being espoused today. THAT'S what gets me fired up!! Also this:

    http://sparkamovement.tumblr.com/post/33168668916/girls-toddler-cookie-monster-costume-vs-boys

    • Reply Erin October 11, 2012 at 5:30 pm

      oy. that cookie monster bit is unfortunate (enraging).

  • Reply I am Admina October 11, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Now that you mention it, I've gotten into exponentially more arguments on facebook over feminism and gender roles in the past few weeks.

    I do think the upcoming elections have a lot to do with it. I don't remember women's issues being as big of an issue in any of the past few elections, and that's probably gotten everyone thinking about where they stand on the topic.

    But your make-believe makes me think of Practical Magic! Now there's some fantastic, independent witchy ladies.

    • Reply Erin October 11, 2012 at 5:31 pm

      ha! i've never seen. maybe i'll add it to the queue!

  • Reply Mary October 11, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    I have been loving Amy Pohler's Leslie Knope character on Parks and Rec. She's strong, self-confident, and was even elected to public office in the show. While she's hilariously awkward at times, she feels like a role model and her love of other strong women introduces other female leaders to the t.v. audience. I also love her relationship with the stereotypically manly Ron Swanson — they have a mutual respect for each other that shows viewers that strong men and women don't have to be intimidated by each other.

    I also have been picking up copies of Bitch magazine – they have good articles and good art, music, and book reviews. Always inspires me and gives me something to think about!

    Without inspiration from strong female role models, it can be really easy to get sucked in to traditional and confining gender roles.

    Thanks for bringing this important topic up! Always feel inspired by your writing and beautiful posts.

    • Reply Erin October 11, 2012 at 5:31 pm

      thanks for reading! sounds like i'll have to have a watch.

  • Reply Beth October 11, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    It's really nice to see a lifestyle blog addressing issues like this. Thanks, Erin. Your posts are wonderful!

  • Reply iris October 11, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    I've read "How to be a Woman." It's *fantastic*. It was A Practical Wedding's book club book awhile back, you can read about it here: http://apracticalwedding.com/2011/11/caitlin-morans-how-to-be-a-woman-the-disussion/

    • Reply Erin October 11, 2012 at 5:32 pm

      fantastic. they've got good things happening over there, hunh?

  • Reply Operation: Get Skinny October 11, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    Just finished How to Be a Woman. LOVED it. Recommended it to loads of friends. Moran talks down to earth truths. Awesome. And it's hilarious!

  • Reply Caroline October 11, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    I was also going to recommend apracticalwedding.com. Great blog, even if weddings aren't your thing

  • Reply Niamh Roisin October 11, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Just finished how to be a woman and I laughed so much. It is also extremely sensible!

  • Reply Meredith Grey October 11, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    I'm from australia (though I currently live in new york) and our prime minister is a women (an unmarried, non-religious woman at that!). the leader of the opposition (the more conservative party) is a smug, offensive, sexist man who doesn't know just when to keep his mouth shut, and recently, our prime minister gave him a piece of her mind in parliament- you should watch this! it's amazing. girl power!
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-09/julia-gillard-attacks-abbott-of-hypocrisy/4303634

  • Reply Amielle October 12, 2012 at 8:14 am

    Interesting articles you've linked to. I'm quite excited to see how The Mindy Project plays out. And I might have to check out How to be a Woman. Sounds like a lot of people loved it!

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