Sunday in Outer Blogness: Holiday Pantsuit Edition!

It’s Donna again, giving Chanson another well-deserved break from her weekly column. As always, I’m humbled but also very excited to be here, as I just learned that one of our own, the amazing writer, Johnny Townsend, has earned some high praise from Kirkus Book Reviews. His collection of short stories, Marginal Mormons, was just named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2012 and was chosen as one of their Top 25 Indie Books of 2012. — Just in time for a last minute holiday gift! (Hint-hint.) Read this interesting interview about Johnny’s book as well.

Speaking of holiday gifts, Bishop Flat Lander suggested two excellent scholarly texts on Mormonism, as well as an entertaining novel. (If I do say so myself.) Other ideas included a twist on the Secret Santa tradition and maybe an upcoming new hymnal. Books and music aside, the must-have gift for this year’s holiday is pants.

Even though a week has passed, the controversy over women in pants continued to dominate Outer Blogness. One blogger hoped the church would change, another was more concerned with what’s on top, a sister explained why she is a Mormon and a feminist, a poster on exmormon reddit wrote about why Mormon feminism is dangerous, while a brother argued that the church is a dress!

Of course the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary inspired much discussion as well. Most of it thoughtful, some not so thoughtful, and all of it steeped in sadness.

Also there was the usual hodgepodge of topics, including LSD, mental gymnastics, the choices the church gives gays and lesbians, a new poll, a proclamation to the Brethren and the Mission President’s Handbook. A convert spoke about being repressed and an abuse survivor shared her story. The 200th post went up on Polygamy Chic and the 600th post went up on Hackman’s Musings. There were the expected eye-rolls when the world didn’t end on 12/21/12—except for one poor soul who may wish it had. And an article in the Deseret News linking porn use to support of same-sex marriage drew this ingenious response.

Finally there were the many thoughts on Christmas, the traditions, the doctrine and complex feelings surrounding it, the good works and not so good works the season inspires. Also musings on Jesus, Joseph Smith, and of course, Santa.

Happy Holiday blogging to all!