Weekly Blogger Interview — The MakeShift Revolution

What inspired you to start the MakeShift Revolution blog?

Surrounded by empowered women and educated at an all-girls high school, I internalized the notion that someday I could have it all: a top-tier job, a nurturing and fulfilling relationship with my husband and children, and plenty of time for myself and matters of the spirit. The problem is, this ideal has proven to be unattainable in the context of my life as a mother of two and a Presbyterian minister. Conversations with countless other mothers have revealed that I am not alone. Many of us are now searching in vain for models of how to have more balanced lives.

I started the blog to help unite women who trying to put the work/family/wholeness puzzle together in ways that preserve their well-being and authenticity. I interview a diverse array of moms who are also seeking balance. The hope is that we can glean truth and inspiration from each other’s stories and begin to build a healthier, more realistic model for motherhood.

I know you fall in between the two, but which do you see yourself leaning more towards–the 50’s homemaker version of a mom or the superwoman version of a mom?

Perhaps if I had more earning potential or a knack for cleanliness and organization, I could be superwoman or the 50’s housewife. It seems that I am not cut out for the extremes. I fall squarely in the middle, a place that has historically been uncomfortable for me but one that I am currently celebrating and embracing.

You are the mom to two boys. What has been the most surprising thing about being a mom?

I have turned into my own mother, and this is a good thing. When my children misbehave, I find myself saying, “Let’s be sweet boys and girls.” My mom used to say this constantly when my brother and I were little. I sing the same silly lullaby to my kids that my mom sang to my brother and me. I gush forth with the most uncharacteristically optimistic phrases when I’m talking to my children, as if my mother has temporarily taken over my thought patterns and speech. I sew clothes for my boys just as my mother sewed the things my brother and I wore. Now, if I could just surprise myself with a little of my mom’s cleanliness, personal hygiene, and cooking regularity, I’d be all set!

What are your thoughts on reality TV?

I used to be embarrassed by the copious amounts of television I watch, especially since so many people in my line of work do not even have televisions in their homes! Dare I admit that I watch The Bachelor, Top Chef, American Idol, and even True Beauty? I am probably dumber for having watched these shows, especially the latter. But I contend that I am happier. There is nothing better than joining my husband at the end of a long day in a little mind-numbing relaxation. And P.S… Crystal Bowersox was robbed.

Team Edward or Team Jacob?

My bedside table is home to southern fiction, mindless mysteries, and volumes on how to get my kids to eat their suppers and act like little angels. I hope to make my way through the Twilight series someday.

Do you think Justin Bieber is overrated?

Alas, questions like this remind me that I have become hopelessly uncool and out of touch.

What do you consider as lamesauce?

Hairdryers. I ditched mine when I realized that it takes at over thirty minutes a day to dry my hair. This adds up to over seven days a year spent laboring in pursuit of shiny straightness, a look that is unattainable for me anyway. Now I’m all about the wavy wildness.

Who would win a cage match between Oprah and Ellen? and why?

Oooh…. I think it would be more fun to put Oprah and Ellen on the same team. Let’s throw them in a cage match against the oil leak and see what happens. Surely with their creativity and resources they can come up with a workable solution.

Why do you think Modern Bird Studios is so insanely awesome?

I love the fresh, affordable hybrid between photography and painting. It’s modern, personal, and striking. Plus, I find Megan and Gregg’s successful integration of passion, vocation, and family life to be innovative and inspiring.

What bloggers do you love reading?

And Then What’d She Say for quilting inspiration (http://ruthsloan.blogspot.com/)

Thoroughly Modern Medusa for great photography and writing (http://modernmedusahead.blogspot.com/)

Picky Palate for quick, weeknight recipes (http://picky-palate.com/)

Any Day a Beautiful Change for theological musings (http://kewp.blogspot.com/)

Mary Allison, we are impressed with your honesty and shamelessness in admitting to having watched True Beauty. That takes great strength and loads of courage! You can read more about Mary Allison at http://www.themsrevolution.com/, and you can follow her on Twitter @themsrevolution.