Author: Staci

Staci blogs about travel at TheVoyageer.com.

Writing Elsewhere: Feminist Friday

Today I am over at XOXO, Lib taking part in her Feminist Friday series. It is such an honor to be included in this conversation. I’ve shared about how I became a feminist, what it’s like living on the West Coast vs. the Midwest, and what feminism looks like in my daily life. I’ve been inspired by the interviewees who’ve come before me and I’m very much looking forward to reading those that follow. Please head over and check it out!

Firmoo Glasses

A preview:

What does feminism mean to you?
To me, feminism means recognizing my inherent worth in comparison to those around me. Spoiler alert: we all have equal worth! Our opinions are worthy to be shared, our feelings are worthy of being felt, and our goals are worthy of being explored. After a lifetime of low self-esteem, becoming feminist has helped me gain more self-confidence. I wouldn’t say those things are one and the same, but in my journey, both aspects have helped each other grow.

Click on over to XOXO, Lib to read the rest.

Selfie Challenge Reflection

It always stumped me that Instagram pictures of myself got many likes, compared to the most artistic neighborhood shot, or perfectly edited food pic. After all, that’s what I like to see, and its what my feed consists of! Nope, actually there are people out there who like me for me, and not because of my delicious meals or artful pics of plants.

Selfie Challenge

Participating in Libby’s #xoxoselfie challenge opened my eyes to the fact that, honestly, I love getting glimpses into my friends’ lives, and they probably like getting glimpses into mine. Sure, a picture of my croissant is a glimpse into my life, but it’s easier to make that a “fluff” post as opposed to — BAM– a pic of my face and a little personal update. Selfies are often seen as narcissistic, but aren’t “show-off-y” pics of an amazing brunch just as self-centered if not more so? “Look at what a great time I’m having” can occasionally blur into “be jealous of me,” right? I mean, it’s totally possible I am having a great time and for that matter, too self conscious to put myself in the photo so I let the food/coffee/scenery speak for me.

Especially considering that I haven’t been that crazy about my own looks lately, it’s nice to have that little nudge. “Hey, you’re OK.” A little exercise in self-appreciation when it’s so easy and we are so used to putting ourselves down. My thoughts are interesting. My stories are mine. I don’t plan for my whole feed to consist of selfies now, or ever, but I might just slip in some more personal thoughts every so often.

My Unread Library

Most people who are into books, I think, have the tendency to pick up volumes when they see a good deal, and then not have time to read them all. I am one of those people– and so this year I’m going to make an effort to read through a big chunk of my unread library! Some of these books are partially read, some of them I’ve had for (ugh) years and still haven’t gotten to. Changes are afoot!

Books

One of my problems is that I have quite a few “heavy” books on here that I’m never “in the mood” to read. I’m sure if I make myself invest the time, I’ll be happy I did. I’m not gonna force myself to read 50 books this year, or even 12 for that matter, because between work and life I am always busy. BUT! I’m definitely trying to go “screen free” a couple of nights a week and spend that time reading or playing board games or other interesting activities.

Below is a partial list. I have more unread books, but these are the ones on my “hit list” for the near future. Have you read any of them? Did you like or dislike them? Anything I should know!

A Passage to India – EM Forster
Don’t Stop the Carnival – Herman Wouk
After Long Silence – Helen Fremont
Suite Francaise – Irene Nemirovsky
Maps for Lost Lovers – Nadeen Aslam
Reading Lolita in Tehran – Azar Nafisi
A Bloodsmoor Romance – Joyce Carol Oates – working on right now!
Daughter of Fortune – Isabel Allende
The Joy Luck Club – Amy Tan
Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert

There are more on my Kindle but I won’t go there (right now).

Many of these will be found at your local library! If you want to read along with me shoot me a message! Maybe we should do a monthly reading club? I enjoyed when A Beautiful Mess had their “book of the month.”