Month: August 2015

Celebrate Life · Survivor

Putting foot in the Dirt *Nominated Me For Liebster Award* Yay!

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Michelle from puttingmyfeetinthedirt.wp.com  nominated me for the prized Liebster Award. Michele’s blog is informative, Christian based and makes you stop and soul search at times. I really enjoy talking to her and learning about her life outside of blogging. You have to check out her site puttingmyfeetinthedirt.wp.com , Michelle’s writing will inspire you.

11 facts about me

I watch true crimes programs on tv. I’ve learned so much about basic self-defense, stalking and how many family members kill each other. It’s very informative.

I’m concerned about underserved children in my community and shelters. My concern expands to children around the world. Working with children is the first initiative of the charity.

I love Pop Tarts, grateful for delicious gluten-free brands.

I loved jewelry as a child and have several necklaces made as a little one. Making  jewelry builds my confidence, growing when each piece comes out correctly.

A family of Hawks hang out on the bird bath. They enjoy drinking and cooling off. Sometimes three get in bath, making it a bit overcrowded.

I love to compost, worms and all.

Love to decorate and or planning changes.

Enjoy mapping my Ancestors, have found big surprises along the way.

Enjoy learning, there are thousands of free courses. I recently started a course at Stanford University on Human Trafficking.

Riding horses is a spiritual experience.

Love antique Leica rangefinder camera’s.

I have to duck out on nominations due to health. Take a look at your blog, have you worked hard to achieve original goals. If so you deserve the award. Follow the rules and pass the award along.

XO M

Men & Womens Health

I’m Mourning and She is Still Alive

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vintage-butterfly_zyEH0ddO

Originally posted February 27, 2006

My grandmother passed away in 2005 from Dementia brought on by two strokes. I’m reposting for caregivers with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. For those who have not been a caregiver, the post may help you down the road. Caregivers commit every ounce of energy to keep their loved one comfortable, take care of yourself. Your body can physically break down. Due to her lack of memory it’s hard to take an eye off her, 24/7. I was fortunate we had hospice care, allowing Gramps to play domino’s everyday until the last months.  He was strong in accepting his life changed dramatically. He never complained. 

A month ago my grandmother fell and broke her hip, a bad situation for any 85-year-old. Made worse with the memory loss. The hospital had the worst staff.. She’s home after a week in the hospital and another in a nursing home. That was hard on me, thinking about leaving her there and the response when Gramps wasn’t at her side. I took the grave shift and slept on floor next to her. 

My mind runs to at high level by switching to what I call “caregiver mode”. I can manage tons of information, what drugs each takes, scheduling appointments, discuss test results or anything needed to take care of two people who are dying and “switch back” when at home.

Before the fall, my grandmother knew me and though our conversations were limited, I enjoyed sharing  memories with her. She really enjoyed a photo book I put together that had many photos of her beloved dog, Blackie. Thinking about Blackie always made her smile and even though he died twenty years ago she remembered like it was today.

Driving to their house one day, tears started rolling down my face. I could not stop crying. It took a few minutes to figure out what was causing so much pain. I switched from caregiver to granddaughter.  My grandmother no longer knew me. We would not share our memories again. I knew the day would come and  prayed our memories calmed her in some way. Seeing her memory fade by the days was harder than I imagined. I’m blessed being a caregiver to both grandparents  

I”m miss my granny and think of her several times a day.

XO Melinda

Men & Womens Health

I'm Mourning and She is Still Alive

Looking for the Light1 Comment

vintage-butterfly_zyEH0ddO

Originally posted February 27, 2006

My grandmother passed away in 2005 from Dementia brought on by two strokes. I’m reposting for caregivers with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. For those who have not been a caregiver, the post may help you down the road. Caregivers commit every ounce of energy to keep their loved one comfortable, take care of yourself. Your body can physically break down. Due to her lack of memory it’s hard to take an eye off her, 24/7. I was fortunate we had hospice care, allowing Gramps to play domino’s everyday until the last months.  He was strong in accepting his life changed dramatically. He never complained. 

A month ago my grandmother fell and broke her hip, a bad situation for any 85-year-old. Made worse with the memory loss. The hospital had the worst staff.. She’s home after a week in the hospital and another in a nursing home. That was hard on me, thinking about leaving her there and the response when Gramps wasn’t at her side. I took the grave shift and slept on floor next to her. 

My mind runs to at high level by switching to what I call “caregiver mode”. I can manage tons of information, what drugs each takes, scheduling appointments, discuss test results or anything needed to take care of two people who are dying and “switch back” when at home.

Before the fall, my grandmother knew me and though our conversations were limited, I enjoyed sharing  memories with her. She really enjoyed a photo book I put together that had many photos of her beloved dog, Blackie. Thinking about Blackie always made her smile and even though he died twenty years ago she remembered like it was today.

Driving to their house one day, tears started rolling down my face. I could not stop crying. It took a few minutes to figure out what was causing so much pain. I switched from caregiver to granddaughter.  My grandmother no longer knew me. We would not share our memories again. I knew the day would come and  prayed our memories calmed her in some way. Seeing her memory fade by the days was harder than I imagined. I’m blessed being a caregiver to both grandparents  

I”m miss my granny and think of her several times a day.

XO Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Sunshine…memories of Sail Racing topped with breathtaking sunset

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OH HAPPY DAY!  Dedicated to you.

Recreational Sport Vacation Yachting On The Ocean In The Summer
Sport Racing In The Brilliant Sunshine

I am a Cancer and nothing could fit better. I love the water, sailing and joined a team to race on friends 30′ sailboat. Beautiful memories sailing and watching the sunset enjoying a deep red wine.  I hope you have sunshine in your life today.   XO  M

Marina

 

Images By Graphic Images

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

Happy Friday! Let’s get the grove on…..*I’m A Champion*

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IMG_1089Me in 10th grade, WOW those eyes. I didn’t see any beauty. My thoughts were shallow, a child walking blind. I’m free of past scars with an open heart. I am a champion!    XO Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Happy Friday! Let's get the grove on…..*I'm A Champion*

Looking for the Light13 Comments

IMG_1089Me in 10th grade, WOW those eyes. I didn’t see any beauty. My thoughts were shallow, a child walking blind. I’m free of past scars with an open heart. I am a champion!    XO Melinda

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Words of Love…Your Interpretation*

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concert-poster_zktvGy8u

ROCK ON

Love can look different on the outside. The words are beautiful, videos are your interpretation. Grab a drink, possibly a nice French champagne in good crystal, your snuggle buddy and relax to the sounds of the heart.   XO M

Survivor

When Does RAPE Become RAPE? *You Might Be Surprised*

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Light at end of road.
Light at end of tunnel

At nine years old my brother was my buddy. If someone was my brothers friend, they were mine. I was a tomboy and all my girlfriends lived to far away to play after school. Our gang of misfits would walk the creek nearby, play football, ride bikes, the normal kid activities.

Walking home from school I noticed a couple of friends. One invited me in to the house, he had  something to show me. Several other guys were in foyer. I didn’t think anything about the numbers of people there, I just wanted to see what he had. He already owned a crocodile, I was thinking what can top that.

Before I could blink, guys were holding me down, ripping my clothes off,  being choked. Every one violated me. I was crying and screaming for help as they choked and hit me. I cried as they touched and hurt me. Begging to let me go, when I was let go my mind was whirling, confused and body in pain. At nine years old I didn’t know about rape. I knew what they did was wrong. I had no one to tell.

I aged a couple of years and realized that was gang rape. I was not a willing participant and not allowed to leave. I was held down, clothes ripping off, touching and kissing me. Each one put their fingers inside me, forced their penis down my throat. Every violation except forcing their penis in my vagina.

I’ve been raped since, I know what rape is. These were distant memories, never entering my thoughts. Until I read a post triggering the memories and pain. I was also angry. How could someone write an article suggesting unless the man’s penis entered the vagina/anus, it was not considered rape. This ripped my guts out and dismissed me as woman.

I’ve never spoken about that day. I’m telling you.

I have spent months thinking about the right thing to do, what’s the best for me or let the memories fade in time. Memories triggered in my hidden soul. I feel strongly telling my story is the right decision. The post may help someone, maybe a mother or father. Possibly give a nine-year old somewhere to go. With the resources available today, you always have somewhere to go.

My goal is to help rape survivors, especially young boys and girls unsure what to do. Rush home and tell a parent if possible. If your family would not understand, go to Police department or hospital. After a doctor checks you for injuries. One of the most important calls is to a Rape Support Center. Most are able to help you work thru fears, anger, the emotional and physical  pain. This is a short list of Support Centers, there are several national in other states for support.

Every state has a document which outlines what is considered rape.

SafeHorizon.org 24 hours live hotline is 866-689-4357. Dedicated Rape and Sexual Assault Programs.

RAINN.org  (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) Free Online Support and  confidential and secure hotline 800-656-4673.

Please don’t wait 43 years to tell your story.

XO Melinda

Men & Womens Health

Ted Talk-What My Religion Really Says About Women

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I became interested in other cultures after meeting two Jordanians in High School. Both were so generous, answering every question asked of them. I heard about the Muslim religion for the first time. My dream of traveling the world meant learning other cultures. I thank both for sharing the beauty of Jordan and opening up to me as a friend. 

I have no agenda to offend anyone or call out any religion as good or bad. I continue learn other cultures and religions, it’s my life goal.  XO Melinda