2022-07-31 15:02
After the Isolation Hot Mess Horror Film Fest, I find myself wanting to watch more horror movies, good, bad, or ugly. As a horror fan and writer, I can attest to the fact that, more often th… Read More
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Mujer Evolving Blog
mujerevolving.wordpress.com
musings on the personal, political, pop cultural, and maternal
2022-07-24 16:16
I’m so excited to share my new LinkTree. It has links to my podcast as well as my guest appearances on other podcasts.
https://linktr.ee/mujerevolving Read More
2022-06-26 22:51
Yes there’s something in the air or the water or your immune systemAfter two years and a few months of avoiding the coronavirus, I was taken ill and therefore held temporarily hostage… Read More
2022-06-12 14:05
My experience with San Francisco Carnaval began as a spectator. My best friend paraded with an award-winning comparsa. In years to follow, we would go to Carnaval to watch the parade… Read More
2022-02-19 15:23
https://anchor.fm/julie-calderon/episodes/8–The-gift-of-retreat-e1ekcb4/a-a7en9je Read More
2022-02-06 14:54
I’m excited to share Episode 7 of my podcast. Two of my passions are not mutually exclusive. Dance is contemplative practice Read More
2022-01-23 16:40
I published the 6th episode of The Contemplative Corazon this morning. I hope you’ll take a listen on Spotify or Google Podcasts.
https://anchor.fm/julie-calderon Read More
2021-09-25 17:12
I have taken a leap of faith and completed a trailer for my new podcast. I have taken the last two years to ponder and plan. Today, I launched the trailer. More content coming soon.
h… Read More
2021-02-21 15:54
“Every day I am deluged with reminders
that this is not
my land
and this is my land…” from “Poem for the young White man…” by Lorna Dee Cervan… Read More
2021-01-24 17:34
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
E… Read More
2020-12-20 17:29
“It could only be the record of what had had to be done, and what assuredly would have to be done again in the never ending fight against terror and its relentless onslaughts…&r&hell…Read More
2020-10-11 16:27
Classics don’t need a remake, not even if the world is in literal flames. Hollywood is in a bind as far making money or staying relevant during multiple pandemics(viral, environm… Read More
2020-09-13 15:32
For mama Chelia
My Mama Chelia was my kind of woman, She was my very own Sophia Petrillo, a tough broad with no fur on her tongue, strong fists and backbone, not a crybaby at all. S… Read More
2020-07-11 15:27
For Donte
Because the shelter in place has been indefinitely extended, I didn’t know what to expect for my 48th birthday. I had hoped to spend time with my immediate family and close… Read More
2020-07-06 16:52
The rona had me in her sights. Like many, I haven’t always made the most conservative decisions for my health lately. I attended church services twice in the past three weeks. I… Read More
2020-06-14 15:12
“To be a leader, don’t get led on or led in the wrong direction” Rakim
“I will send swarms of flies on you, your officials, and your people, and into your houses&hel&helli…Read More
2020-04-09 14:23
One early October morning, I came home from the Game of Thrones symphony concert. I had enjoyed a good time with my good friend and with my daughter. We came home very late past midnig… Read More
2019-08-25 20:27
Approximately five months ago, during Lent, I had a negative reaction to a photo a friend had taken of me during that time. I had been dreading seeing it. Once I did, it struck me in a… Read More
2019-02-06 14:03
view from a boat on the Sea of Galilee
It has been over a month since I returned from my first pilgrimage. Though I’m back into the hectic pace at work and gearing up for another Carna… Read More
2018-10-06 15:16
How do I explain to my daughter how and why perpetrators of sexual assault and harassment are put forward as leaders? How do I explain the continued objectification and abuse of women?… Read More
2018-09-01 16:40
Dedicated to Michael Goncalves and the loved ones we have lost to suicide
Early in June, I had a day at work that left me drained, overwhelmed, and maybe even frightened at how low I f… Read More
2018-07-20 14:32
For many years, I was afraid to not be busy. I associated little activity or staying at home with being depressed or letting anxiety overwhelm me. I still worry about falling prey to negativ… Read More
2018-05-13 14:25
Mom dilemma #3721: Your child does not turn in a major project. What do you do? Do you email the teacher for an extension? Do you reprimand your child verbally? Do you take away their… Read More
2018-05-05 13:30
When my daughter became a competitive dancer, I struggled with the reality that I’m not your typical dance mom. There are stereotypes that all dance moms are crafty queen bee types obs… Read More
2018-04-28 15:18
A one woman show
Why are y’all texting me right now?
Did I not just say that I was in a car accident?
Now I love your thoughts and prayers and well wishes but I’m really not… Read More
2018-04-11 02:14
“The river of addiction flows
You think it’s hot, but there won’t be no water
When the fire blows…” Pop Life by Prince
So you win
Again
you break rules and… Read More
2018-04-11 02:07
“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul…” Emily Dickinson
I am blessed that I consistently receive reminders of why I work in schools. Motivating… Read More
2018-04-08 19:59
What do you want of me Lord? Where do You want me to serve You?
Where can I sing Your praises? I am Your song. “Servant Song” by Jess Viray
Last Holy Thursday I wrote a reflect… Read More
2018-04-05 18:10
“Morning has broken like the first morning…”
During Lent, I had a goal of getting back into praying the Liturgy of the Hours. I had not done so in about a year unti… Read More
2018-04-02 16:27
I’m talking to the priest
The high priest
And everybody out there in the universe
If what I’m saying is wrong
Then tell me the right way to say it
Cause I wanna be made over &nbs&hell…Read More
2018-04-01 14:58
M and I have not yet progressed to celebrating the Easter Vigil Mass. When I served in a different parish, I was always a lector during this holiest of masses. It is a beautiful mass with mu… Read More
2018-04-01 14:52
Last year I took part in my parish’s Holy Thursday celebration for the first time. The Eucharistic ministers were asked to sit together. At the conclusion of the mass, we were asked to… Read More
2018-03-27 01:46
A good soundtrack is everything. Star Wars, the James Bond films, Shaft, Mission Impossible, Hawaii Five-O and The Wizard of Oz all have famous soundtracks featuring one or more songs that… Read More
2018-03-27 01:20
Holy Week 2018 has arrived. It’s amazing how 40 days or 6 weeks initially seems like a long time. For those of you who gave up alcohol, chocolate, or swearing, maybe that amount of &n&helli…Read More
2018-03-25 15:05
“I been movin’ calm, don’t start no trouble with me
Tryna keep it peaceful is a struggle for me” by Aubrey Drake Graham
To all the fake traitorous former friends in… Read More
2018-03-25 14:57
St. Paul Healing the Cripple by Karel Dujardin
Recently, I had a mystery illness. I woke up itchy one Friday morning. I realized that I was covered in hives. My entire body was red and splot… Read More
2018-03-25 14:51
I had an important presentation at work this week. Of course, I had to stay late past my regular working hours; that is how the educational world rolls(two years ago, I did a major pr… Read More
2018-03-25 14:44
Recently on a Sunday morning, I heard Donnie McClurkin preach about being an example. He noted how often in the church we are told to be examples which we interpret to mean examples of perf… Read More
2018-03-23 01:10
Those who came before me lived through their vocations
From the past until completion, they’ll turn away no more
And still I find it so hard to say what I need to say
But I’m qui… Read More
2018-03-18 18:43
I am more than halfway through Lent. It has been a very different Lent than the last few years. I embarked on less challenges.One of the dangers of seeing Lent as a time of challenge… Read More
2018-03-18 15:10
I’ve decided that I’m going to be experimenting with something new in my writing. I’ve been trying to figure out various ways to blog and I have found some challenges name… Read More
2018-03-18 14:52
Stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before, “Stand” by R.E.M.
I have been intrigued by the apocalypse for quite… Read More
2018-03-11 15:01
St. Dymphna is not here for it.
Psalm 118: This is the Day
by Michael Joncas
(Refrain) This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad.
This is the day the Lord has made;
let u… Read More
2018-03-06 03:25
In my previous leadership role, I did some writing and reflecting on being an exorcist and having to slay demons. I had to face my fears and insecurities. I relied on my teammate to help me… Read More
2018-02-17 15:31
Ash Wednesday was a dark day. I had hoped to attend morning mass but as with many weekday mornings, we ran late and I scolded my daughter. I dropped her off at my parents’… Read More
2018-02-14 14:14
One night this past fall, I was up for two hours between 2 and 4am. M had told me she had misplaced her Moana TsumTsum. She did not yet tell me it had been gone for weeks. M, like both… Read More
2018-01-05 20:44
Nothing of him that doth fade, But doth suffer a sea-change, into something rich and strange…Shakespeare, The Tempest
Two weeks ago, one of my dance sisters asked us on Faceboo… Read More
2017-11-05 15:44
We celebrate All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day is a Catholic holiday. In the past, it rivaled and even overshadowed Halloween with parades of children dressed as patron saints or… Read More
2017-11-05 14:36
Several years ago, I decided to participate in “Thrill the World.” This event used to be held in Oakland; it’s an annual event in which people around the world attempt to b… Read More
2017-10-29 14:55
The #metoo hashtag wasn’t simply a social media trend to me. It was an opportunity to voice concern for my daughter, to open up about my own experiences, and to express my disgust with… Read More
2017-09-24 16:07
Movie posters at IFH premiere
Movie review of The Smudging
I had the good fortune to see The Smudging in its Bay Area premiere. The film and event was hosted by Mike Marin, who grew up at I… Read More
2017-08-25 13:12
I started my new job approximately a month ago. I am energized, excited, happy, and hopeful. These are positive feelings which bode well for my new start. This is my 22nd year i… Read More
2017-08-15 13:18
This year, I decided to celebrate by doing what I love, rather than having a party or gathering. I spent my birthday with my family in Los Angeles enjoying good, though not pricey or f… Read More
2017-07-30 15:37
The Sunday after my 45th birthday was a day filled with dance. My day began with Bay Area Flash Mob. We performed our Bruno Mars medley at several locations in San Francisco. Due… Read More
2017-07-14 14:57
another Nancy DelaCruz mystery
Because our weekdays tend to be busy, I like to cook several meals on the weekend. One spring weekend, we did well. I made a pasta dish with M; sh… Read More
2017-06-17 15:44
Every four years or so, I go through a change. This isn’t only career changes. (The 3.5 year itch) It also has to do with the creative communities in which I participate. T… Read More
2017-05-29 14:45
Game of Thrones is now informing my take on leadership. In the past, The Exorcist was a touchstone to which I always returned. Game of Thrones provides food for thought in every episod… Read More
2017-05-27 13:17
Several years ago, I wrote about the blessing of a busy schedule (La leyenda de SuperMama) and how it positively affected my mental health. Fast forward to the present and many of these… Read More
2017-05-16 03:26
A week ago, I received an invite to the Red Wedding. I’m still feeling some kind of way about it. I am a recent convert to Game of Thrones. We are nearly done with Season 4.&nbs&helli…Read More
2017-05-03 14:11
Over the years, I have been successful in attaining my professional goals. I have been thoughtful about finding opportunities that match my skill set, my vision, and my goals. Then I… Read More
2017-04-22 14:14
I made an exception to my morning soundtrack this Friday. I listened to a different sort of gospel music. I listened to the testimony of a man named Prince Rogers Nelson. A year ago… Read More
2017-04-16 19:40
Alleluia! It is Easter Sunday 2017. I am very happy to have experienced the Triduum and Lent. I had a wonderful journey, full of challenges that ultimately helped me grow as an individual a… Read More
2017-04-15 16:05
I had the privilege of serving as a Eucharistic minister at Holy Thursday Mass. Ministry has been a gift. I have difficulty forgiving myself for the sinful choices I make and I wonder if I… Read More
2017-04-15 16:02
I don’t forgive betrayal. There I said it. My struggles with resentment and self-righteousness are rooted in betrayals by those I have loved and trusted. I pray for an open heart. A fe… Read More
2017-04-15 15:52
This week, I was blessed to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of the Lenten journey. I always come away humbled and motivated by the sacrament. My confessor was a priest… Read More
2017-04-15 15:46
Both Father Ron Rolheiser and Matthew Kelly have reflected on the practice of gratitude in their work. On the Monday of Holy Week, Matthew Kelly discussed gratefulness as a spiritual exercis… Read More
2017-04-13 13:43
I hate feeling and acting like a terrible parent. Yelling. Making statements like “I’m not letting you go to the birthday party if you don’t do x, y, and z.&rdq&hell…Read More
2017-04-12 12:53
For Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday), my parish priest gave a homily about Christ’s Passion in the Gospel of Matthew. It was one of the shortest homilies he has ever given, approximately t… Read More
2017-04-09 14:49
Run, rabbit, run, rabbit, run, run, run
Don’t give the farmer his fun, fun, fun
He’ll get by without his rabbit pie…. “Run Rabbit Run” by Flanagan and Allen
T… Read More
2017-04-08 13:25
For Throwback Thursday, I revisited one of my favorite gospel songs, “Looking for you” by Kirk Franklin. “Looking for you” went all the way to #1 on the Billbo… Read More
2017-04-06 13:39
Twenty five minutes for 10 questions. Why do we expect potential employees to explain themselves and qualification and show their leadership potential with two and a half minutes per broad q… Read More
2017-04-05 16:01
I’m going into my 5th San Francisco Carnaval. Being a carnavalesco has been transformative; it has made me more attuned to fitness, culture, and community. Our Carnaval always fa… Read More
2017-04-05 15:47
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21
For the fifth and final Sunday of Lent, the Gospel was about the raising of Lazarus. Verse 21… Read More
2017-04-05 15:38
Recently, M and I decided to read stories from my children’s Bible. We read the Prodigal Son and the Rich Man and the Beggar. Then we chose to read The Book of Jonah. Jonah has a… Read More
2017-04-05 15:28
A recent Dynamic Catholic reflection focused on a Gospel reading from Mark 9. The disciples are sent out to do ministry. Their final task is to exorcise a demon inside of a boy. They fail. T… Read More
2017-04-05 15:17
“Be still and know that I am God.”Psalm 46:10
It is one of my favorite verses and one of my favorite songs. One morning, I sat in silence to speak to God from my heart. Wit… Read More
2017-04-05 13:56
I’m impressed by my 8 year old. She has a different take on other people and fitting in which is years ahead of where I was at twice her age. I’ve written about girl dynamics bef… Read More
2017-04-05 00:32
I was bursting with giddy happiness after attending NE Karaoke Night at Liege Oakland. The sold out event (with a waiting list!) was sponsored by Oakland’s Family Wellness Group. It wa… Read More
2017-04-04 23:35
As usual, Rambo and I are five to ten years behind the cultural zeitgeist so we are halfway through Season 2 of Game of Thrones. We are both impressed with Arya Stark because she remin… Read More
2017-04-02 12:36
“Open my eyes, Lord
Help me to see your face
Open my eyes, Lord
Help me to see.” Jesse Manibusan
4th Sunday of Lent marked our getting past the season’s halfway point… Read More
2017-04-01 19:23
How does one survive in a desert? Earlier this Lent, I reflected on the image of sitting in the desert with the sun bearing down on me(Days in the desert.) I wouldn’t sit for long beca… Read More
2017-04-01 15:14
Last week, I revisited a theme that recurs in Matthew Kelly’s books, presentations, and now Dynamic Catholic’s Best Lent Ever. Matthew Kelly has always said, “Our lives cha… Read More
2017-04-01 15:09
Te das cuenta how quickly you can go from positive to negative? It happens in a matter of hours. Zas! For example, two weeks ago, I had a great weekend in terms of fitness. I went… Read More
2017-03-27 14:04
We saw Beauty and the Beast on opening night. The movie is the live action version of the 1991 Disney cartoon. From the beginning to the final credits, it was both a tribute to the original… Read More
2017-03-23 13:27
This #transformationtuesday was one of setbacks. As I commuted through a rainstorm, I felt hopeless and helpless. At work, I was in charge for the day while managing ongoing cri… Read More
2017-03-23 03:47
On the 3rd Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading was about the Samaritan Woman at the Well. I’m reflecting on being that woman. I’ve been a lector at my new parish for two yea… Read More
2017-03-22 13:31
An old opponent resurfaced last week in a serendipitous way. This person misbehaved in typical fashion. I had to laugh. There’s comedy in someone intentionally acting spiteful to no a… Read More
2017-03-20 03:33
While I’m not being consistent about completing the Dynamic Catholic spiritual exercises daily, I have begun reading Genevieve Glen’s Lenten reflection book, “Not by B… Read More
2017-03-20 03:05
During the second week of Lent, I had to reassess my progress with my Lenten challenges. Bagging up items I no longer need was going well. There are fewer items to discard though my house st… Read More
2017-03-19 21:50
Benita Lopez was no June Cleaver
I went from happy mom to guilty mom within 24 hours. My goal this Lent was to be more patient, to yell and nag less, to be more kind in my tone and facial ex… Read More
2017-03-19 21:18
I had several moments in the last week when I broke my Lenten promise and lost my patience with M. Despite these challenges, M and I have a great relationship. I have fostered close communic… Read More
2017-03-18 15:11
A week and a half ago, I had a meltdown. I’m not proud of it. I predicted it would happen. But to understand how I nearly lost my mind, I have to explain the context for my… Read More
2017-03-12 22:26
Yesterday I went to a dance competition with M. We were up at 5am. We struggled as usual to get her thick beautiful hair up into a bun. She had four dances (tap, hip hop, and jazz) and four… Read More
2017-03-12 21:06
On the 2nd Friday of Lent, the Dynamic Catholic reflection discussed spiritual health. We were encouraged to nurture our souls as we do our bodies. Matthew Kelly talked about the 10 m… Read More
2017-03-12 15:56
M and I didn’t take part in the January 21st Women’s March. She was nursing a cold that rainy morning and had cheer sometime that day. I had mixed feelings about it. I was a stu… Read More
2017-03-12 14:54
This season, my spiritual reading is Ronald Rolheiser’s Forgotten among the Lilies. In the chapter, “The Martyrdom of Obscurity,” Father Ron points out that so many o… Read More
2017-03-09 13:17
Tank says it all: Better sore than sorry
As I move forward with my 4 challenges in 40 days, there is a goal I didn’t set for the 40 days. An ongoing goal is my fitness challenge.
I hav… Read More
2017-03-05 20:52
Illustration in my Children’s Bible
The Gospel on the first Sunday of Lent describes Jesus’s temptation in the desert. Jesus is tempted by the devil. The devil is an insti… Read More
2017-03-04 17:52
Though I began writing fiction at 9, I started writing personal reflections in my monthly column in La Voz de Berkeley when I was at Cal. I then created a blog, Mujer Hollering, inspired by… Read More
2017-03-04 16:22
On the First Friday of Lent (and Flashback Friday), as I listened to one of my favorite gospel music artists on my morning commute, I thought back to my discovery of gospel music. I fi… Read More
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