on heros and mentors (giveaway)
i remember reading in a counseling textbook at some point during my divinity school education that women are particularly drawn toward mentors — other women who are modeling the kind of lives we want to lead. the theory is that in order to make up for a part of ourselves that is not yet fully realized, we integrate others into our identities by our associations with them. we perceive these others to have gifts in the areas where we have deficits. mentors are like the lily pads or resting places that can usher us into the kind of self-improvement that we seek.
i was struck by yesterday’s “mother of invention,” lindsey, who remarked that she’s been looking for “an everything mentor” for some time now. lindsey’s everything mentor would essentially be someone whose life is eerily similar to lindsey’s life, only the mentor would have all of the secrets to the holy grails of balance and wholeness. since, as lindsey laments, this “everything mentor” doesn’t seem to exist, she has resorted to filling her life with a variety of positive people and following her own instincts when it comes to shaping a life for herself.
i too searched my external world for models of balanced motherhood that were custom-made for the parameters of my life. in the absence of this model, i decided to start this blog by way of constructing my own. secretly i hoped that interviewing women of various backgrounds and circumstances would lead me to my “everything mentor,” and help others to find theirs too. but what i’ve learned is what lindsey has also learned: at some point, we just have to trust our own instincts and shape the best lives for ourselves that we can. though there are little gems in each “mothers of invention” feature that can help enhance a mother’s quality of life, it seems that the real inspiration comes when we read about someone who is living comfortably in their own authenticity, and we are inspired to find this self-acceptance and a new level of being real. i love connecting with all of the “mothers of invention” because i am doing what lindsey is doing — surrounding myself with positive people as i walk my particular path.
but enough of this waxing philosophic. let’s have a giveaway! my dear friend, jessa, over at happily home sewn has agreed to make a precious superkid cape for the lucky winner of this contest.
as you can see, the capes jessa sells in her etsy store are custom-made with the initial of the superkid in question and with fabric that fits the personality of said superkid. i love the idea of kids powering through life as they imagine their own heroic potential instead of that of spiderman or superwoman. below are instructions for entering the contest but if you don’t win, don’t fret! jessa has offered to waive the cost of shipping for MakeShift revolution readers who purchase capes from her site. you can take advantage of this discount by using this link to her store.
[update: winner posted here.]
 for one chance to win a custom-made superkid cape:
- Â post a comment below, and include the initial of a super kid in your life and what makes him/her super. for example, my super kid, M, has the climbing powers of a monkey!
for additional chances to win a custom-made superkid cape:
- link to this giveaway from your blog (tell me you’ve done so in a comment below)
- subscribe to my blog via rss or email (tell me you’ve done so in a comment below)
- follow themsrevolution on twitter (leave your twitterIDÂ in a comment below)
- follow my blog on google friend connect, which is located on the sidebar and WAAAY down to the right (tell me you’ve done so in a comment below)
be sure to include your email address in your comment (will not be published) so that i can contact the winner. the contest will end at midnight on tuesday, may 4th.
Tags: giveaway, happily home sewn, heroes, jessa, mentors, superkid cape
April 27th, 2010 at 10:04 am
C for Charlie who races like a fast Car!
April 27th, 2010 at 11:22 am
My super kid is my precious 3 yr old nephew PH….we are a family full of girls so he was my first taste of “frogs and snails and puppy dog tails”. I loved him from the moment he exited my sister’s womb (I was there for the birth). He is so loving and affectionate and has the best little imagination EVER. Every time he sees me he tells me he loves me VERY MUCH! He is one SUPER KID!!
April 27th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Im now a subscriber M.A.!! I WANT THAT CAPE!!!
April 27th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
my daughter is superdoll as she is so sweet.
April 27th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
My 3-year-old, Jack, is a super kid for his joy and enthusiasm for life. It is contagious. He makes us laugh and be grateful for our lives each day.
April 27th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I have a couple ALMOST everything role models. Do they count? And not only must she be eerily similar to me, but they must be about five years older- old enough that I can see they succeeded with kids in the young years, but not too old that it was a really long time ago.
I don’t ask that much, really. If I do ever find this woman, I swear she’s going to think I’m a stalker.
My superkid R manages to be a middle child and still stand out- fall into a coffee table, get up with two black eyes, and keep on moving without a tear- have horrible colic for the first four months of her life, and then quit and get happier and happier ever since- have a laugh that makes people think she’s coughing- be the most blond, angelic looking little angel you ever saw… but probably has the intent to take over the world someday.
April 27th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
My super kid S has amazing charm power over the girlies! lol
April 27th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
subscribed via email: hellasaunders@yahoo.com
April 27th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
following you on twitter: CricketSaunders
April 27th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
following you on google friend connect
April 27th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
E for Emie. Love the cape.
teisalinscott@gmail.com
April 27th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
My 2 year old, A, has the super ability to go and go all day like the energizer bunny. And my 1 year old, K…well my husband calls him our catfish because he eats everything on the floor. Gross but true.
April 27th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Following with GFC
April 27th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Subscribe by email! Can’t wait to read everything!
April 27th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I had to post this on my blog. We have a two year old, and 1 year old and soon to be our third little boy this summer. These are great!
http://ndmarshalls.blogspot.com/2010/04/custom-superkid-cape-giveaway.html
April 27th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
My super boy, D, loves to seek out adventure and the thrill of jumping off things!
April 27th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
My son and his first letter is “S”. He is super because he’s gone through alot with major delays from infancy through toddlerhood and now that he’s doing better(Though ADHD, and possibly Autism) he’s a wonderful older brother and helps as much as he can
April 27th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
subscribed to google rss feed
April 28th, 2010 at 2:21 am
I know a super kid, J, who can always make us laugh.
April 28th, 2010 at 2:22 am
im now following themsrevolution on twitter as @boosandrawrs
April 28th, 2010 at 2:55 am
My Super Kid S can leap over tall grass in a single bound.
April 28th, 2010 at 6:51 am
L, for Lark, who, while not old enough to wear a cape just yet, is already showing her super-qualities. When she is excited–whether in her high chair, on her tummy, or on the diaper changing table– she waves her ‘wings’ so high and fast, we expect her to take flight any moment. Adorable, bird-like screeches often accompany the excitement as well.
Also, I’m subscribed and have connected through google friends!
April 28th, 2010 at 7:12 am
My super kid, A, is the girlyest girl in the world. Everything must be ruffles and bows.
mframe00@yahoo.com
April 28th, 2010 at 7:13 am
twitter follower- mframe00
mframe00@yahoo.com
April 28th, 2010 at 7:13 am
GFC blog follower
mframe00@yahoo.com
April 28th, 2010 at 7:40 am
My super Kid E loves to “fly” around the house. What is even more adorable is now his little sister does it too.
April 28th, 2010 at 9:02 am
those capes are so cute..my super j…can bounce off walls and chairs, and tables
nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net
April 28th, 2010 at 9:14 am
My super kid MA, has the charm of a southern belle, voice of a raspy blues singer, and personality of a daytime soap opera star.
I am a registered email subscriber!!!
April 28th, 2010 at 9:38 am
my super J has the power to make ANYONE smile.
ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com
April 28th, 2010 at 9:39 am
My daughter, M, will make you laugh out loud with her dance move. What?!? Making one laugh is not a super power, you say?!? I say, if afterward, your abs are aching, then it is.
April 28th, 2010 at 9:39 am
I’m a follower
April 28th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I linked to this post from my side-bar.
April 28th, 2010 at 9:45 am
confirmed subscriber!!
“W”- wallyman, walnut, Wall-yyyyyyyyyyy (as he flies off his bed and gets a black eye from cape malfunction).
we might need a new cape, but, hopefully no more black eyes!!
April 28th, 2010 at 9:50 am
I forgot my email; can you delete last entry?
Grandson G, he’s high energy!
freeindeed at myfairpoint dot net
April 28th, 2010 at 10:46 am
My super kid, C, is a super protector! He takes care of his baby sistere and makes sure nothing hurts her.
kimhigueria at gmail dot com
April 28th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Following on twitter @kimhigueria
kimhigueria at gmail dot com
April 28th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
My Super Kid “H” has the ability to destroy a perfectly clean room in under three minutes
April 28th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Subscriber
gkstratos at yahoo dot com
April 28th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
L for our last name so that it will fit either child, both of who we are adopting from ET and will hopefully be home by Christmas!!
April 28th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
My super K is Kind.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
My super F is Funny.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I have posted a link to this great giveaway on my blog.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I have subscribed via google friends.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
I am already an email subscriber.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I’m following you on twitter. I’m semihandmade on twitter.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
My super kid A, can light up a room with her smile!
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
April 28th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
G is for Groover (that’s our last name but their are two little boys who would share this!) because they are great brothers!
April 28th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
My superkid “E” has super singing power – he can sing for hours!
April 28th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
My superkid “W” has super smiling powers – his giggle can make anyone smile!
April 28th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
H has an amazing ability to remember cool facts about the natural world!
April 28th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I have two super kids. One is “T” for Teagan the Tremendous and the other is “K” for Kaitlyn the Kind-hearted. They are my toddler girls who are my heroes for they saved me when they came into our lives and they rescue my heart on bad days. Even though I know their secret identities they will always be super in my book.
April 28th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Google Friend.
April 28th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
My super kid, M, has the miracle power to make other smile and fill others with light and joy!
April 28th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
I am now a follower via Google Friend!
April 28th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Following you on Twitter via @pettravelcom!
April 28th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
C has the ability to make anyone laugh.
April 28th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
G has the musical skills of a prodigy and the dancing skills of a turtle.
Thanks for the giveaway!
April 29th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
C is for Clementine who is my darling, growling little tiger.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
N is my superkid! He is as fast as a cheetah!
May 1st, 2010 at 5:10 pm
My super nephew J runs as fast as a car!
May 1st, 2010 at 5:11 pm
I subscribe via email
May 1st, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I follow your blog!
May 1st, 2010 at 7:37 pm
My superkid, E, is awesome. She has a magically infectious laugh, goofy sense of humor, and loves sharing with others.
soluckyducky (at) gmail (dot) com
May 1st, 2010 at 7:38 pm
email subscriber
soluckyducky (at) gmail (dot) com
May 1st, 2010 at 7:39 pm
MS Revolution Twitter follower soluckyducky
soluckyducky (at) gmail (dot) com
May 1st, 2010 at 7:40 pm
GFC follower
soluckyducky (at) gmail (dot) com
May 2nd, 2010 at 9:36 pm
My super kid R has the power to see tiny things on the floor mommy can’t see
May 2nd, 2010 at 9:36 pm
blog follower
May 2nd, 2010 at 9:36 pm
follow on twitter- WeeShare
May 2nd, 2010 at 10:33 pm
My super boy Ethan has amazing snuggling powers!
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:03 am
Super J has the power of observations, most of the time hilarious ones! And the power to pee pee in the grass, a power he is VERY proud of!
What a cute cape!
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:04 am
Oh and now am following you on twitter! Which is silly, since you were following me first and I never reciprocated! Hee hee
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:23 am
My super-daughter L has the power of making everyone laugh, especially when someone is having a bad day!
May 3rd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
My super B-boy is really quite the climber. More like Super Billy Goat..he can climb anything. I am subscribing to your feed and already follow you on twitter. I am in the makeshiftrevolution know
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:57 pm
my super kid D. has never ending energy.he can go forever
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:46 pm
My super kid M has the super power of cuteness. She can make the worst day into my best just by looking at me with her sweet little grin.
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:47 pm
I am a twitter addict so I am following you on twitter too @maylees_garden
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:48 pm
I am following on friend connect too!
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
My super kid, D has some dance superpowers. Girl has rhythm.
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
I’m following via Google Friend Connect.
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:23 pm
I would need a T. My son is very small for his age but don’t let that fool you. He’s super strong with super amounts of energy. His super power is his laugh which is very infectious.
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:23 pm
I follow on Twitter- @ksh123
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:24 pm
I follow on GFC.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:02 am
My super kid, Easy E, would love to visit the MOON.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:54 am
My super toddler, B, has super camouflage powers!
May 4th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
My Superkid is my 2.5 year old D, whose super power is definitely that of debate! This child is exceedingly verbal and can argue clearly and at great length, all day long!
May 4th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
“A” for Alan and my superkid who has the power of the chatterbox – he never stops talking! He even talks in his sleep!
May 4th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
S has the super power of never running out of energy – he just keeps going and going and going, etc.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
follow themsrevolution on twitter – debijot
May 4th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
blog follower
May 4th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
i think my toddler is about ready for a cape! her name starts with Q.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
i follow with gfc (as john/sb)
May 4th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
My superkid M is as magical as a flying princess!
May 4th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
My super kid C has superpowers like a monkey. He can climb up anything in a split second.
May 5th, 2010 at 1:37 am
My friend’s super kid, M, has the power to charm animals.
May 5th, 2010 at 1:38 am
I subscribed by email.