Celebrate Life · Fun · Moving Forward · Survivor

The Respect Award From Friend Danica Piche

The Respect Award comes to me from Danica Piche at Living The Beautiful Life.   Hugs to you my dear friend. I’m honored.  If you’re not already following her blog, you are missing a slice of the pie. http://www.danicapiche@wordpress.com

respect award round two

What is the Respect Award?

The Respect Award is given by Rob once a year to acknowledge and show respect to fellow bloggers who, in his words, make him a better blogger and make him feel human.  They also:

  • are compassionate, witty, interesting, rebellious, imaginative, patient, open-minded, and creative.
  • are generous with their words and support; they walk their talk.
  • raise spirits and make people smile.

 What are the rules for The Respect Award?

Nominees don’t have to do a thing.  Nothing.

This is a no obligation award, which means you don’t have to nominate anyone.

I’m taking the award at face value of doing nothing.

A Big Texas thank y’all  to everyone who follows, comments, likes, or peaks in my blog.

M

Celebrate Life · Fun · Moving Forward · Survivor

The Respect Award From Friend Robert Goldstein

The Respect Award comes to me from Robert at Art by Rob Goldstein.  Thank you so much, Robert.  My Blog is Award Free, I accept for the reason of no commitment. This is the second year to receive the award, I’m very grateful. If you’re not already following his blog, please pay him a visit —your world will never be the same.

respect award round two

What is the Respect Award?

The Respect Award is given by Rob once a year to acknowledge and show respect to fellow bloggers who, in his words, make him a better blogger and make him feel human.  They also:

  • are compassionate, witty, interesting, rebellious, imaginative, patient, open-minded, and creative.
  • are generous with their words and support; they walk their talk.
  • raise spirits and make people smile.

 What are the rules for The Respect Award?

Nominees don’t have to do a thing. Nothing.

I plan the do nothing route. Thanks again Robert.

A huge Texas thank y’all to everyone who follows, comments, likes, or drops in for a peak.   Melinda

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward

Triple Shot Thursday * Awesome Mix From Request Line*

 

This week is a great compilation from the request line. Each song compliments the other so well. I know you want the DJ to play your song, I spin for you. Come on, make my day.

Houston and outlying areas were devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The best way you can help is search the list of organizations assembled by Charity Navigator. It’s a list of respected organizations focused on specific relief needed in the areas effected. I give to the Red Cross, they are not government-funded yet often the first responders. On the Charity Navigator list is an animal rescue group on the ground. Every penny counts. Thanks.  M

For Danica

For Gavin

For You

Moving Forward

SENSUAL/SEXUAL TOUCH

Patricia is brutally honest about her past, she’s written a book but pain isn’t solved by writing. We have to work deep in our soul to understand and reconcile the trauma. Patricia has a beautiful blog and is one great photographer. May sure you stop by to say hello.
M

grace to survive's avatarPatricia J Grace

There are many shattering losses due to childhood sexual abuse and the lingering ramifications are substantial. One in particular is difficult to talk about, sexual intimacy in a loving relationship. That was stolen from me and I mourn what was lost.

When a child loves and trusts her brother (substitute father, uncle, mother, etc.), the closeness, warmth, and time spent together is not sexual. A hug is benign, just a hug, filled with warmth and love. That’s it. And when she gets older, perhaps adolescence, she might feel a twinge of her sexuality at her first kiss with a boy she likes her own age.

Then she’s a teenager and it’s said the hormones take over, not me. I was scared and frozen when my boyfriend tried to touch me in any sexual way. But this is when one explores happily, both boy and girl enjoying the closeness and exploration.

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Moving Forward · Survivor

Where’s Waldo? Where’s Reblog Button?

 

Reblogging is a frustrating feeling and one I’ve heard for years. Last week I could not remember how to find post to reblog. Here’s the most simplistic way I know to reblog.  Go back to basic’s. There’s information on WordPress on the process of reblogging if you want to read.

You can write from either Writer page, the key is where you are when publishing. The newer stark white Writer with all tools compact on the right side. I write in this section  often but do not reblog from here. I do cleanup, previews all the processes we go thru.

Then make sure it’s saved and I switch over to old Writer. I hit the back button at top left next to name of blog. Then go down to Admin, click, scroll to post and you arrive at old Writer. The page is laid out vertical with the tools down below post and you scroll thru each process.

After preview and last-minute changes, I save draft, then click publish. once published at the Top Left of Page it reads, Preview Post. Click their, scroll down your post to find  reblog button is there.

M

Moving Forward · Survivor

Charitable Organization: Men’s Movement 

I’m honored to join the community at Men’s Movement. Being apart of the men’s community, sharing to help others always fills me with sunshine. There is another important aspect to joining the community, expanding my knowledge. I can’t speak for men and how they process mental illness or other trauma. I urge you to check out the site, http://www.mensmovement.com Exciting growth is happening, webcast are in development and a second site is coming together.  M

Men’s Movement Mission Statement

Here at The Men’s Movement Community we are passionate about on-line (and off-line) transformative education, and we promote and sell books, apps and courses in psychology, therapy, and coaching. The products we sell is often within a narrow niche and deals with a highly specific problem and offer a very particular solution. We will present solutions in anger management, neurodiversity, and sexual abuse healing.
Our goal is to bring the most effective tools in personal development out to the general male population, not only as a producer and seller of programs but also as a campaigner for the raising of men’s collective self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-care. We are using the latest technology to deepen our humanity.
Our work centers around men’s personal development, helping you to Step Into Your Power. The Men’s Movement community is about empowering you to live who you are. Your empowering can take many forms depending on where you are in life, what struggles you are in, and where you think you’re going. No matter where that is, we want to be a part of that journey and provide the best support possible.
The Men’s Movement Community is raising all the good examples of people doing fantastic work around issues deeply affecting boys and men, such as sexual abuse, eating, addiction, violence, grief, and relationships, among others. We have only started this work and invite any therapist, coach or instructor working with boys or men to become a member and enrich the community members lives with your work.

It is our dream that this site in a few years will become mainstream, or rather, that the content and information shared here will be common knowledge, something everybody knows. We can pretend that it is the year 2030, and what we would like to see is:

  • That it is perfectly ok for any man, regardless of age to admit he seeks therapy for his depression without being heckled.
  • That it is ok for a man to go down in work time when his children are young.
  • That it is ok for a man to be openly homosexual in any of life’s arenas.
  • That all men have basic knowledge of their medical needs and the most common symptoms relevant to them.
  • That all men have the same rights as women when it comes to custody and family law.
  • That boys can be affectionate and show care towards each other without this behavior is labeled as gay.
  • That every man has the right to express his feelings without being ridiculed.
  • That all men have the basic knowledge of which resources there is in society when it comes to mental health, organizations, help lines, friends, sponsors.
  • That men, in general, feel that they do have someone to talk to about the things that matter most to them.

As we see when we read this list we have som little work to do. Welcome to join the movement, to join our force of societal progression. Help us give tools to all the beautiful men out so that they can find what is inside their hearts and so that they can start giving their gifts.

FAQ Men’s Movement Community

What is the Men’s Movement Community?

The Men’s Movement Community is an online personal development community for men. It’s a gathering place for men and the people who love and support them. We built the community around an online social network with support groups, a blog with guest authors and a course catalogue filled with courses in transformational learning and personal development. We are also creating a database of available resources for men.

What is the aim of The Men’s Movement Community?

We are a safe space for men to share our story and to get support, knowledge, and resources to get on with the journey we are on.  We share around situations like; divorce, custody battles, legal struggle, struggle with mental health, a personal crisis, a career shift, midlife changes or an exploration of one’s story.

In service
David Pilbäck

Founder of the Men’s Movement community

Fun · Moving Forward

Triple Shot Thursday Historic NFL Half-Time Shows

Hearing the NFL comments behind the scenes is priceless. You can hear the amazement and testament to the professionals they were. Fans of Prince and Michael Jackson already knew their ability to command an audience. I love Coldplay, for me no need for other acts. Coldplay’s performance was spectacular, other acts disrupted my concert. I hope you enjoy the off the beaten trail picks. Thank you for stopping by today. M

https://youtu.be/7NN3gsSf-Ys

https://youtu.be/-VhFiSHeBn4

https://youtu.be/c9cUytejf1k

Moving Forward

35 Year-Old Woman Sexual Assaults a 10 Year-Old Boy

News stories on Adults sexually assaulting children are on the local news weekly. I don’t know how we protect our children from predators traumatizing our children.

MILWAUKEE (WGN) -– A 35-year-old Wisconsin woman is accused of drugging a 10-year-old child’s slushy and sexually assaulting him.

Tara Gotovnik has been charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child and delivery of a controlled substance.


Photo: Milwaukee County Jail

On August 7, the child’s father told police Gotovnik had assaulted his son, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WITI.

The boy told investigators Gotovnik put sleeping pills in his slushie, causing him to have double vision and slurred speech, the complaint said. He said Gotovnik then took off her clothes and told him to perform a sex act on her, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Moving Forward

Genetic Response:Stress Predict Risk Related Brain Function, Psychiatric Disorders

Another interesting post from 23 and Me Blog.

Genetic Differences in the Immediate Transcriptome Response to Stress Predict Risk-Related Brain Function and Psychiatric Disorders

http://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(15)00473-0

Moving Forward · Survivor

Update On Twitter Advocacy Success: *Let’s Celebrate*

Five weeks ago I broadened my Advocacy work by jumping on Twitter. On 7/5/17 there were 100 followers, today the number is 1,962. What a nice surprise.

The configuration on my Twitter timeline only shows the organizations I follow. The timeline updates twice a day focussing on organizations I follow, avoiding the toxic dump.

I’m writing for Men’s Movement in Sweden. My first post is in review. Focusing a limited number helps gain more information outside their mission statement.

I want to thank you for supporting, encouraging and cheerleading me on. Moving my Advocacy to the level is a goal important to me. Let’s celebrate! The New York Times twitter feed gave a shout out for the content this week. Big surprise and honored.

Next week I’m writing an overview of Men’s Movement. Thrilled to join of the community.

 I follow 47 Charities, Charitable Organizations, Writers, News Outlets and a few followers.

I want to share the names of the some of the organizations.

  • I Am Evidence
  • ENDTHEBACKLOG.ORG
  • Mental Health Channel
  • Bipolar Connect
  • Time to Change
  • Bring Change To Mind
  • Men’s Movement
  • 1in6
  • Jeff Emerson
  • WomensLaw.org

M

Moving Forward

The fantasy held by someone else

A honest look at how we see people, not seeing the version we really are. The rose colored glasses work quite nice. M

TheFeatheredSleep's avatarTheFeatheredSleep

il_570xN.690115987_nnkdNever been good at receiving, prefer to give, in all things …

I gave you everything I had left, it wasn’t much, a persistent hole, had formed long ago and I was seeping out.

I look whole, but that’s just mythology. I may outwardly appear, to stand upright, but in truth I sag, even in wind.

If I had more I would have given it. You believed I did, as many before you did. I call that the capture of delusion, you see in me, what you want to see, not who is actually standing there.

And if I were a pirate, I’d have a wooden leg and a parrot. If I were a dragon, well hell, I’d be a dragon (and yes, I really want to be a dragon).

The doctor said I had a flabby heart, and still you believe me an angel. But angels play the lyre…

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Fun · Moving Forward

Triple Shot Thursday Joss Stone & Melissa Etheridge Pay Tribute To Janice.

I enjoyed shaking up the tunes this week. Hope you enjoy, Have a great weekend.  M

https://youtu.be/-OQHqBXuxA4

Moving Forward · Survivor

Former Homeless Woman Treats Homeless Women to Make-Overs Once A Month

This is a feel good story, those who don’t make it to Network News. She has a heart of gold to give back to her community. I was so proud of the effort she takes with each woman. It looks like a social gathering, what a great way to affirm one another.  M

https://www.aol.com/?vid=598e0ae8e0fa17497be0df64

Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

My Father

In the 1950’s doctors diagnosed my father Hyperactive as a teen, with little knowledge doctors prescribed tranquilizers. I can only imagine how this much-loved teen prankster turned zombie like. What doctors didn’t know was my father suffered from Bipolar Disorder. After leaving home, he never sought a second opinion or took medications. He committed suicide in 1992. I can’t say if his mental illness would get a proper diagnoses or if he would take medications. It’s a question I ask myself.

I share my story to show there are different sides to the puzzle. If a doctor diagnoses your child, teen or yourself with ADD/ADHD seek out several medical opinions before starting medication. Without question include a referral for a Child Psychiatrist. Please remember anyone at any age can have a Mental Illnesses.

M

Moving Forward

And another adventure begins…KarseCoteHowm

Awesome post from our friend Sunflower Solace Farm. M

sheketechad's avatarSunflower Solace Farm

Well, they don’t call me the wandering Jew for lack of a reason, but I’m putting down tentative roots once more.  I bought a house.  I’ll try not to burden my mind with calling it my ‘forever’ home, as I did once before when I found a little slice of heaven – making it like a tearing asunder when I had to leave it once I’d just barely gotten to know it in all four seasons, and the wildlife, herbage and sounds that shared the space with me.

LegoMan and I will be heading out this Friday to yet another new state – this time landing in North Carolina.  This took a bending, nay, I dare say a partial abandoning, of my long habored inner dreams of carving out a place in the woods, building from cobbled together salvage pieces, sweat, pained fingers and broken nails, that I could truly…

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Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

23 & Me: Genetic Findings on Depression

23 & Me has a wealth of information if you’re a member. To receive membership all you have to do is have your DNA tested by them. This Genetic Study discusses findings to Depression.

Did you clink on the 23 & Me link last week? Did you encounter any problems? Was the information helpful? What did you think about the Genetic Study?

I hope the information about this study helps you.  M

https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/new-genetic-findings-on-depression/

 

 

 

Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

Triple Shot Wed/Thur *This is the Part of Me You Can’t Ever Take Away From Me*

My lyme brain is missing this week, as you tell I don’t know what day it is. I like the videos very their strong survival skills of kicking addiction, abusive behavior or coming from the depths of depression. I don’t often say, I’m fighting the black dog, I’m Survive.

TAKING CONTROL BACK, SURVIVORS!   M

Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward · Survivor

Genetic Study finds Efficacy of Popular Antidepressants

Another Genetic Study from 23 & Me, gives me hope and makes by blood boil. One technology will allow people who suffer with mental illness, have a better life. New drugs, clinical trials, preclinical trials, cover you ass just in case issues. I believe there are drugs being tested now who will make a difference for future generations.

I don’t foresee a cure, but anything is possible after I’m long gone. If we have the Genetic information to determine if an antidepressant will work, where is it! I spent my 20 & 30’s suffering, wanting ti die many times. Taking over 40 medications, having ECT 20 times, implanted with a Vagus Nerve Stimulator to get any relieve from the black dog.

Maybe it’s not cost effect to roll out or on the scale needed for the general public. Logically I know every generation moves the bar closer for the next generation. I firmly believe its up to us to speak out, shout out with Advocates Groups for better care and cost of insurance. We have the right to vote people in or out of office based on track record and views on Mental Illness.

I’m more outspoken and angry because the black dog has me by the neck pulling me further done. I also want people with Stigma’s to get out of dark ages and educate themselves.

Many of you know part of my brain doesn’t work so if I forgot what it said or misunderstood, please read and make up your mind what it means to our community. The black dog is choking me hard, I’m eager to hear from my doctor for some relief. I’m tired of not liking myself and not being productive.

Thank you Melinda

https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/genetic-association-found-for-the-efficacy-of-a-popular-antidepressant/

Moving Forward · Survivor

Texas Becomes First in Nation to Implement Comprehensive Rape Kit Reform

“Hope. Courage. Freedom. Fearlessness. All things are possible with an open heart—and a joyful heart.”

— Mariska Hargitay, Founder & President

NEW YORK – The Joyful Heart Foundation today announced that Texas has become the first state in the nation to implement comprehensive rape kit reform. With the passage of H.B. 281, which requires the Department of Public Safety to establish a comprehensive statewide tracking system to monitor rape kits from collection to analysis, Texas has now enacted all six pillars of reform recommended by Joyful Heart and leaders in this field.

“Joyful Heart is proud to stand with State Representative Donna Howard, former State Senator Wendy Davis, and our tireless advocacy partners, including the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, who have fought for years for comprehensive rape kit reform,” said Ilse Knecht, Joyful Heart’s Director of Policy and Advocacy. “With this passage, Texas has demonstrated its commitment to bringing justice to survivors, holding violent perpetrators accountable for their crimes, and promoting public safety for all residents.”

Ending the rape kit backlog requires a coordinated effort and deep commitment at all levels of our government and in communities across the United States. Joyful Heart has developed a national campaign that combines direct legislative efforts, press and media outreach, strategic partnerships, and survivor advocacy. The goal: pass comprehensive rape kit reform legislation in all 50 states by 2020.

Joyful Heart’s campaign was developed following a comprehensive review of rape kit reform efforts, as well as interviews with trusted experts across the country—advocates, survivors, prosecutors, investigators, and crime lab personnel—and local, state and national leaders. The assessment formalized six essential pillars for comprehensive rape kit reform:

  1. Annual statewide audit: Inventory all untested rape kits periodically to understand the scope of the problem and monitor progress.
  2. Mandatory testing of backlogged kits: Eliminate the existing backlog by requiring law enforcement agencies to submit all previously untested kits to the lab, and requiring that these kits be tested.
  3. Mandatory testing of new kits: Prevent future backlogs by requiring law enforcement agencies to promptly submit all newly collected kits to the lab, and mandating the lab test these kits within a specific timeframe.
  4. Tracking system: Ensure that hospitals, law enforcement, and labs are using the same system to track rape kits. Build in a way for survivors to check the status of their kits throughout the process, from collection to analysis.
  5. Victims’ right to notice: Grant victims the right to receive information about the status and location of their rape kits.
  6. Funding for reform: Appropriate state funding to address these issues.

“Since 2011, Texas legislators have worked to implement pieces of rape kit reform. Today, Texas becomes the first state to pass all key pillars necessary to truly address a state’s untested sexual assault kits,” said Knecht. “In particular, the tracking of rape kits mandated by H.B. 281 is critical. Only after law enforcement agencies track and account for the untested kits in their custody can communities begin to take steps to test those kits, hold offenders accountable, and bring justice to sexual assault survivors whose cases have languished, often for years—or even decades.”

Joyful Heart has created the premier national resource about the rape kit backlog, which includes an interactive map and resources for survivors, legislators, and the media. Learn more at: ENDTHEBACKLOG.org.

For Immediate Release: June 7, 2017

Contact: Melissa Schwartz, media@endthebacklog.org.

###

The mission of the Joyful Heart Foundation is to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

ENDTHEBACKLOG is a program of the Joyful Heart Foundation to shine a light on the backlog of untested rape kits throughout the United States. Our goal is to end this injustice by conducting groundbreaking research identifying the extent of the nation’s backlog and best practices for eliminating it, expanding the national dialogue on rape kit testing through increased public awareness, engaging communities and government agencies and officials and advocating for comprehensive rape kit reform legislation and policies at the localstate and federal levels. We urge you to learn more about the backlogwhere it exists and why it matters. We invite you to take action and support efforts to test rape kits. Help us send the message that we must take rape seriously.

Moving Forward

Honor Killing? Father Murders Own Daughter For Taking Muslim

Universal Life Church <newsletter@themonastery.org>

Father Murders Daughter: “Honor Killing” Sends Shockwaves Through Community

It’s a deeply painful personal answer based on religion. There is no one answer. Was this a case of Domestic Violence or Honor Killing. We are a diverse World. We have to make decisions based on our religious beliefs and know there is another view.
What should his punishment be?

https://www.themonastery.org/blog/2017/07/honor-killing-father-murders-own-daughter-for-taking-muslim-boyfriend/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=Father+Murders+Daughter%3A+%22Honor+Killing%22+Sends+Shockwaves+Through+Community&utm_campaign=Aug+2nd+2017

Moving Forward

Bipolar & Dementia

Reblogged from Kitt O’Malley

I fear dementia. Both of my parents have dementia and live in a memory care community. They love one another and seem happy where they are now, but it took a while to make that happen. They wanted to maintain their independence. Understandable. I fear dementia. Though I hope by avoiding alcohol and taking my […]

via Bipolar

Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Genetic connection to Schizophrenia

Have you had your DNA tested? Did the results surprise you? National Geographic and 23 & Me tested my DNA. The 23 & Me site sent information on complete chain which provided time lines for my Genealogy work. The bonus is anyone who test DNA with 23 & Me is compared to your data and sends information on anyone who is related to you. This week I recieved an email saying 53 relatives had joined in last 34 days. Wow! Last night I looked at the Blog, bingo! Articles written about Genetic Science. I found several Genetic studies on Mental Illness to share with you. Click the link to see how science has discovered the Genetic connection to Schizophrenia.  M

http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-02346-3

Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Sincerely, X: Pepper Spray *Talks About Triggers*

Sincerely, X

By TED

SINCERELY, X: PEPPER SPRAY

Listen to TED and Audible’s new podcast, Sincerely, X. This episode, titled “Pepper Spray,” follows a woman whose visit to the store triggers a panic attack, giving listeners an inside look into those suffering from PTSD and how to help. Available now on Apple Podcasts, the TED Android app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Moving Forward

Triple Shot Thursday *Great Oldies, Not That Old*

The past two weeks has challenged me. I took several steps backwards with Lyme which has opened the door to the black dog. Music always soothes my soul, I’ve picked some great tunes and dedicated each one. Request lines are but phone is not ringing. I know you want your tunes played! Whisper in my ear, comment section open 24/7. Thank you for stopping by today, I always look forward to seeing you. M

Dedicated to Survivors Blog Here

Dedicated to Twin P 

Dedicated to Charly Priest

https://youtu.be/rKaQzQAlNn4

Moving Forward

The seeking fingers of tomorrow

A thought provoking post by The Feathered Sleep. She is gifted with words and a beautiful person. I hope you will visit her site. thefeatheredsleep.wordpress.com Enjoy. M

TheFeatheredSleep's avatarTheFeatheredSleep

http://hijackedamygdala.com/2017/07/31/the-seeking-fingers-of-tomorrow/

When we were young we thought
just as the saying goes or the first line of every youthful book
we had all the time in the world
time does not speed up as you age
it simply reveals itself, standing unclothed in dawn, still wet with dew
the sundial of life moving slowly in circle
once you believed yourself invulnerable, not because you were young
but the blister in your heart that said
i will never stay here and take this crap!
so you urged yourself to sprout and using every strength
sometimes in the form of what you did not yet know
flew into the reddened sun and burned there a good long while….

later when shade gave salve
it seemed foolhardy to have done battle
but that was the ire of twenty and five
seen differently when scope is set ten years advancing
through all the steps…

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