I’m a huge Sting fan. Hope you enjoy the selection this week. Happy Thursday.
XO Warrior
Author: Looking for the Light
Looking for the Light is a Health and Lifestyle Blog covering topics such as Photography, Cooking, DIY Projects, Fitness, Men's and Women's Health, Lyme Disease, Mental Health, and having fun along the way.
Please stop by, pull up a chair, and read through my archives.
Melinda
Get A Tissue Or Ten *Dedicated to Sharon At 4 Times and Counting*
There are people you meet in life who leave you in awe. The ability to push forward, awe to fight a disease trying to kill them not once but four times. Awe of their strength in the weakest moments to care for their children. Awe not give up, just throw in the towel, who would blame them. Awe with her dedication to educate, awe of the positive energy she exudes. I am in awe of my blogging sister Sharon from 4 Times and Counting, 4timesandcounting.wordpress.com . Please visit Sharon’s site, you’ll see a strong woman with unstoppable determination. Sharon is all the above a much more. Being a survivor does not define who she is or where she’s going. I’m so happy our paths crossed.
I clicked on the video by accident, God reminded me it was no accident. XO Warrior
Happy Birthday To The Best Mom…I Love You
My granny did everything to help with my emotional pain. She had one child by birth but she had two children. There is no question she was my mother. I talk a lot about my gramps, granny stood at his side keeping him in line. She was shy, her father died when she was nine years old, they lost everything and truly lived day-to-day. Granny went cross-eyed at three years old. I believe this made her self-conscious.
One cherished memory is the havoc we created while she was in a wheel chair. For unknown reasons she could not walk for around two years. She was so depressed it was heartbreaking to see her fade. Granny was so straight and never the life of party. I changed a small part of her timid nature. The best way to cheer her up was a trip to the mall. I had a Corvette and her wheel chair was worst than a boat anchor. Getting the chair in the back of Corvette was not an easy job but I made it look like piece of cake. We would go to the usual stores she liked to shop. To liven things up and really throw her off, I started acting like her wheel chair was a race car. I would make racing sounds and turn corners in the clothes racks real close. When we reached the main walk ways I would start pushing her really fast making fast car noises and jump on back. We would cruise, she would say “Melinda you’re going to hit someone”, with a little laugh. I helped take her mind off life for a short period. She is in my heart everyday.
Throw Back Thursday * Clapton Bends Strings To Love…….. *
SPEAK UP FOR EQUALITY IN MENTAL ILLNESS HEALTHCARE
CHANGE.ORG PETITION UPDATE
Fix Mental Healthcare
Theresa Kinley
Norcross, GA
Jan 6, 2015 — I would like to thank everyone who signed or commented on my petition to Cigna. Unfortunately, Cigna is quite accustomed to people complaining about the level of care they provide–or don’t provide–to their premium paying customers; they simply blocked the petition and signatures. The insurance companies’ behavior has finally received some attention from the media, specifically a 60 Minutes piece about Anthem denying care to the seriously mentally ill. I would like to build on that momentum by launching a website dedicated to the stories of those who, in addition to battling serious mental illness, must also battle their insurance companies to get treatment. To the insurers trying to cut costs these people don’t matter; we know they do matter. I would like to encourage anyone with a story to tell about the their experience in dealing with an insurance company while seeking treatment for a mental illness to visit http://fixmentalhealthcare.wordpress.com to submit your story.
Thank you again and God bless you all.
Fix Mental Health Care
Fix Mental Health Care
Mission Statement: With this website we are seeking to raise awareness of the harm the health insurers do to those…
273 Days Since 273 Young School Girls Kidnapped By BoKo Haram’s
Update on Change.org Petition
Boko Haram’s ‘deadliest massacre’: over 2000 children, women, elderly- all dead in Nigeria
Ify Elueze
Bonn, Germany
Jan 11, 2015 — In two days, it would be 273 days since 273 young secondary school girls were taken from the safety of their boarding school and families. It would also be one week since over 2000 children, women, men and elderly people were massacred in a town called Baga, in the north-eastern part of Nigeria (400km from Chibok where the girls were kidnapped in April); and two days since a 10 year old girl who was strapped with a bomb, blew up in a busy market, killing 20 people and leaving many others injured.
International reports have it that hundreds of bodies – too many to count – remain strewn in the bush in Nigeria from the extremist attack in Baga that Amnesty International described as the “deadliest massacre” in the history of Boko Haram. For over five days, Baga and 16 other nearby villages were pillaged and burnt to the ground by members of the Boko Haram sect.
The response of the Nigerian government to this issue has been poor as the country is preparing for political elections. In less than five weeks, it’s citizen would be voting for their next set of leaders. It would seem that there is a real war going on in Nigeria, but only the Nigerians aren’t fully aware of this fact. Too many innocent lives are being lost because actions that must be taken are not being implemented…these mounting issues are not being addressed as priority.
That is why we need to keep demanding that world leaders get involved, they must pressure and collaborate with the Nigerian government to strategize and undertake the necessary steps that would bring this persistent terror and bloodshed to an end!
We ask the government to take action! We ask the world to take action!
#TakeActionOnBokoHaram
#BringBackOurGirls
273 Days Since 273 Young School Girls Kidnapped By BoKo Haram's
Update on Change.org Petition
Boko Haram’s ‘deadliest massacre’: over 2000 children, women, elderly- all dead in Nigeria
Ify Elueze
Bonn, Germany
Jan 11, 2015 — In two days, it would be 273 days since 273 young secondary school girls were taken from the safety of their boarding school and families. It would also be one week since over 2000 children, women, men and elderly people were massacred in a town called Baga, in the north-eastern part of Nigeria (400km from Chibok where the girls were kidnapped in April); and two days since a 10 year old girl who was strapped with a bomb, blew up in a busy market, killing 20 people and leaving many others injured.
International reports have it that hundreds of bodies – too many to count – remain strewn in the bush in Nigeria from the extremist attack in Baga that Amnesty International described as the “deadliest massacre” in the history of Boko Haram. For over five days, Baga and 16 other nearby villages were pillaged and burnt to the ground by members of the Boko Haram sect.
The response of the Nigerian government to this issue has been poor as the country is preparing for political elections. In less than five weeks, it’s citizen would be voting for their next set of leaders. It would seem that there is a real war going on in Nigeria, but only the Nigerians aren’t fully aware of this fact. Too many innocent lives are being lost because actions that must be taken are not being implemented…these mounting issues are not being addressed as priority.
That is why we need to keep demanding that world leaders get involved, they must pressure and collaborate with the Nigerian government to strategize and undertake the necessary steps that would bring this persistent terror and bloodshed to an end!
We ask the government to take action! We ask the world to take action!
#TakeActionOnBokoHaram
#BringBackOurGirls
Tell Your Senators To Support Suicide Prevention For Our Military And Veterans
NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness Needs your help. Call your Senator and tell them to support the Clay Hunt SAV Act.
Tell Your Senators To Support Suicide Prevention For Our Nation’s Military and Veterans
In one of the first actions in the new Congress, the House passed HR 203, The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act. This legislation requires annual assessment of mental health care and suicide prevention programs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and implements a pilot loan forgiveness program for psychiatrists that agree to serve in the VA. The bill passed unanimously – demonstrating the strong bipartisan support for addressing gaps in mental health and suicide prevention programs at the VA.
NAMI strongly supports the Clay Hunt SAV Act.
We are asking you to keep this momentum going by calling your Senators today. Tell them how important this bill is to the mental health care system for our country’s military and veterans.
Our nation’s military and veterans have protected us for decades; it’s time we help protect them. Contact your Senator today,
Take Action
Open Your Top Drawer And Heart To Support Domestic Violence Shelters
Soma Intimates and the National Network to End Domestic Violence are partnering during the Soma Bra Donation event. From January 8th thru February 4th Soma stores are collecting bras with the goal of collecting one million bras. Bras are the most needed yet least donated item of clothing for women. All bras collected will benefit your local domestic violence shelter.
To get more information visit soma.com/givebras
XO Warrior
Throw Back Thursday * Triple Shot of Eagles Past and Present*
My first concert was the Eagles Hotel California tour in 1976. Those were some crazy times. How does the song go? One toke over the like…..the day of $10 four finger bags of pot. I know the concert was good, remember singing, toking and falling down three flight of stairs without injury. A life time ago but the Eagles music is timeless.
XO Warrior
Ticket price $8.50
Throw Back Thursday * Where I’ve been, where will 2015 take me? *
I’ve been blessed in my live, my grandparents love, I’ve loved and been loved. I’ve moved beyond the trauma for physical and sexual abuse. I have traveled and enjoyed lifelong memories with friends. Lyme Disease has halted most of my enjoyment yet I know 2015 is a new year. I picked this week songs for the universal message. XO Warrior
Toy Run 1993
Black Sand Beaches &
Good Friends
Throw Back Thursday * Where I've been, where will 2015 take me? *
I’ve been blessed in my live, my grandparents love, I’ve loved and been loved. I’ve moved beyond the trauma for physical and sexual abuse. I have traveled and enjoyed lifelong memories with friends. Lyme Disease has halted most of my enjoyment yet I know 2015 is a new year. I picked this week songs for the universal message. XO Warrior
Toy Run 1993
Black Sand Beaches &
Good Friends
Happy Kwanzaa…Heri za Kwanzaa
Sending you and family blessings during Kwanzaa XO Melinda
Throw Back Thursday * Santana Bending Strings…Live From Germany *
The idea for this weeks Throw Back Thursday came to me several weeks ago, I didn’t even think twice. My life overflows with sunshine everyday because of you. Every like, comment, follow, friendship, laugh, words of encouragement, allowing me into your life and above all your prayers. You have touched me deeply by allowing me to comment, knock on your door and allowing me into your life. There is not a day go by without thoughts and prayers for my WP family. My husband understands how important blogging is for me, what is hard for him is how people can touch my life without meeting. I started blogging to share my experiences with others. I didn’t have a clue where the first steps would take me. The thought of my heart expanding with joy never crossed my mind. I am thankful for so much and hope to see you often in 2015. XO Melinda
I have seen the Lord Jesus Christ *Merry Christmas to all*
I hope your home is filled with warm memories made with friends and family. XO Melinda
St. Petersburg, Russia 2001
St. Petersburg, Russia 2001
Church of the Spilled Blood
St. Petersburg, Russia 2001
Throw Back Thursday *We are one, not the same, we get to carry each other*
My heart breaks for the families around the world torn apart by violence the past week. I know good people outweigh the evil. The color of skin, religion practiced or area of globe we live does not make a person bad. Let us all stand together, shoulder to shoulder to help our brothers and sisters. XO Warrior
Happy Hanukkah
Happy Hanukkah
May blessings come to you and your family
Melinda
What can we learn from Alaska’s law on Domestic Violence……
I flipped to the National Geographic channel to find Alaska State Troopers one day. Watching was a blessing. The show opened my eyes to ending domestic violence. Ending domestic violence is happening now, not somewhere in the future. We have to raise our voices louder and demand the same protection for all abused in other states. Below are notes taken while watching several episodes.
Fairbanks, Alaska has the highest number of domestic violence cases in the America.
Domestic violence calls dispatch to Troopers as top priority status. Everyone on scene interviewed, once established as domestic violence case, it’s an automatic assault charge and trip to jail. Other charges will follow based on situation.
This is a very condensed version of what I watched:
A fight escalates, the female screaming loudly to get out of house. Punched multiple times, raped and once outside pulled by the hair back into house. When police arrive she’s in front yard in bra and panties, visible marks of being hit in face, crying and trying to convince police nothing happened. Troopers receive education on domestic violence behavior. One officer goes in to house with gun drawn. The second keeps lightly pushing, why is she in the front yard in her bra and panties with visible marks to her face. The male taken to side of house, interviewed, handcuffed and lead to car. Officer’s provide jacket to cover herself and support, she tells what happened leaving out being raped. Her disheveled appearance tips one officer to ask what else happened. She bows head crying not wanting to got to hospital, tells of being raped. Thru the support and gentle urging she agrees to hospital. The male charged with assault and kidnapping for not allow her to leave.
A neighbor hears a woman screaming, goes to investigate. He witnesses a man beating a women which quickly spills to front yard. Neighbor calls police, they arrive to see a man running into woods. One heads in to woods with gun drawn. The second officer discovers the male running is jealous of her other boyfriend. He looked thru window see other boyfriend there and breaks in back door. He also assaulted the man. The abuser charged with assault and taken into jail.
In Alaska there is no first time pass, first time and every time abuser goes to jail. The top priority status given to DV calls backed by state laws written to protect all citizens, gives me hope. The laws in other states sound good to those who turn an eye on the problem. When states charge a teen for smoking pot to a seven-year jail term and a murderer walks out in less than two years on good behavior, the legal system requires an overhaul. As a paying taxpayer we have the right to vote, speak out and advocate for change. My illness keeps me from taking the time to research Alaska state laws and start Change.org petitions. I challenge you to start petitions and once circulating, commit to signing. How to make a Change.org petition on domestic violence successful? A separate petition to each states political leaders, national law makers and the President. Petitions are more effective if quotes from supportive law makers or an influential maker in your state included. Yesterday all NFL owners met in Texas to agree on a Domestic Violence Policy. I blew a gasket at the message the NFL sent to women. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys spoke after the meeting. Asked if he thought the policy went far enough. Jerry replied enough is never enough. I felt proud an influential maker lived in our state. I commit all the support possible to everyone who starts petition.
XO Warrior
What can we learn from Alaska's law on Domestic Violence……
I flipped to the National Geographic channel to find Alaska State Troopers one day. Watching was a blessing. The show opened my eyes to ending domestic violence. Ending domestic violence is happening now, not somewhere in the future. We have to raise our voices louder and demand the same protection for all abused in other states. Below are notes taken while watching several episodes.
Fairbanks, Alaska has the highest number of domestic violence cases in the America.
Domestic violence calls dispatch to Troopers as top priority status. Everyone on scene interviewed, once established as domestic violence case, it’s an automatic assault charge and trip to jail. Other charges will follow based on situation.
This is a very condensed version of what I watched:
A fight escalates, the female screaming loudly to get out of house. Punched multiple times, raped and once outside pulled by the hair back into house. When police arrive she’s in front yard in bra and panties, visible marks of being hit in face, crying and trying to convince police nothing happened. Troopers receive education on domestic violence behavior. One officer goes in to house with gun drawn. The second keeps lightly pushing, why is she in the front yard in her bra and panties with visible marks to her face. The male taken to side of house, interviewed, handcuffed and lead to car. Officer’s provide jacket to cover herself and support, she tells what happened leaving out being raped. Her disheveled appearance tips one officer to ask what else happened. She bows head crying not wanting to got to hospital, tells of being raped. Thru the support and gentle urging she agrees to hospital. The male charged with assault and kidnapping for not allow her to leave.
A neighbor hears a woman screaming, goes to investigate. He witnesses a man beating a women which quickly spills to front yard. Neighbor calls police, they arrive to see a man running into woods. One heads in to woods with gun drawn. The second officer discovers the male running is jealous of her other boyfriend. He looked thru window see other boyfriend there and breaks in back door. He also assaulted the man. The abuser charged with assault and taken into jail.
In Alaska there is no first time pass, first time and every time abuser goes to jail. The top priority status given to DV calls backed by state laws written to protect all citizens, gives me hope. The laws in other states sound good to those who turn an eye on the problem. When states charge a teen for smoking pot to a seven-year jail term and a murderer walks out in less than two years on good behavior, the legal system requires an overhaul. As a paying taxpayer we have the right to vote, speak out and advocate for change. My illness keeps me from taking the time to research Alaska state laws and start Change.org petitions. I challenge you to start petitions and once circulating, commit to signing. How to make a Change.org petition on domestic violence successful? A separate petition to each states political leaders, national law makers and the President. Petitions are more effective if quotes from supportive law makers or an influential maker in your state included. Yesterday all NFL owners met in Texas to agree on a Domestic Violence Policy. I blew a gasket at the message the NFL sent to women. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys spoke after the meeting. Asked if he thought the policy went far enough. Jerry replied enough is never enough. I felt proud an influential maker lived in our state. I commit all the support possible to everyone who starts petition.
XO Warrior
Throwback Thursday * Reflection….What if today was your last day? *
There are three tick born illnesses making a home in my body. I’ve been kicked in the gut, stomped to the ground and rolled over by a truck the past few weeks. The monsters inside have met their match. I ain’t going down that easy. I’ve been to sick to update my Lyme Journal, many days I feel like death. On better days I feel like an ice pick is stabbing my forehead. My body rejects me, today falling when only three feet from the ground. The doctor said I could die at my last appointment. I do not visualized myself not getting up and won’t. I want to live each minute, feel it, make plans, add to my bucket list (Tango Lessons), keep learning and looking forward. Both songs are strong inspirations to me, enjoy today, the people I love and keep an open heart.
Many have sent me words of encouragement, love, well wishes and lots of laughs. Thank you from the bottom of my big Texas heart. I appreciate everyone who prays for me and takes the time to write. My heart overflows with sunshine. Life is short, if we could live each day like it was our last, what a wonderful world it would be. XO Warrior
The Journey Of Life……
“There are no wrong turns, only unexpected paths” Mark Nepo
Throw Back Thursday Triple Shot of U2 * Meaningful words will touch your heart *
I’m a huge U2 fan, Joshua Tree my first album. The words caught my attention and who couldn’t notice the Irish accents. I watched interviews, learning they were childhood friends and belonged to choir in school. Money can change the core beliefs of people. I don’t feel U2 has strayed from their original beliefs. I was the kid who always played the B side of every single and albums, finding gems with an open mind. These three songs have more than surface meaning to me. I hope you will put aside any ideas you have of what U2 are as a band, let your mind hear the words. The music is world music.
Grab the headphone, kick off the shoes and clear your head. Be ready to see another side of U2. XO Warrior
Throw Back Thursday ** Sit back relax, let the music take you there…**
Happy Thursday XO Warrior
Please watch new video from One.org and Sign to end Ebola now
http://one.org/ebola?source=taf&referring_akid=6682.4074310.QdVk3j
ONE.org
We waited too long to react to Ebola.
We’re still waiting for world leaders to finish the job.
We can’t wait to stop crises like Ebola once and for all.
Watch our new video with Morgan Freeman, Akon, Will Ferrell (and more). And sign our petition right here (more than 200,000 have now added their name). Let’s end Ebola now.
Our petition says:
Dear World Leaders,
We’re counting on you to quickly make and deliver bold commitments and help end the Ebola epidemic now.
Some countries – like the US – have stepped up. But there is more to do. We need Congress to pass emergency funding for Ebola now.
Talk is cheap. It’s time for action.
Add your name to our petition here: one.org/ebola
– ONE
XO Warrior
Throw Back Thursday * Great Day For Eric Clapton And Friends *
Time to kick back in the lounge chair, headphones on and your best air guitar. EC is in the house joined by several great artist this week. XO Warrior
“Help me, I don’t know if I’ll be alive tomorrow” ** Trigger Warning **
By sharing photos of one woman’s face over the course of a year, this video conveys a powerful message that needs to be shared. “One photo a day in the worst year of my life” was created by the Croatian government in response to a danger that many women across the globe live with every day. The harrowing message is made even more impactful by the sign the woman holds up at the end. It reads, “Help me, I don’t know if I will be alive tomorrow”.
I applaud the Croatian Government for taking a stand of Domestic Violence. A special thanks to Heather at The Starting End. XO Warrior
Warning: the video contains graphic images towards the end.
"Help me, I don't know if I'll be alive tomorrow" ** Trigger Warning **
By sharing photos of one woman’s face over the course of a year, this video conveys a powerful message that needs to be shared. “One photo a day in the worst year of my life” was created by the Croatian government in response to a danger that many women across the globe live with every day. The harrowing message is made even more impactful by the sign the woman holds up at the end. It reads, “Help me, I don’t know if I will be alive tomorrow”.
I applaud the Croatian Government for taking a stand of Domestic Violence. A special thanks to Heather at The Starting End. XO Warrior
Warning: the video contains graphic images towards the end.
Love Is A Verb, It Ain’t A Thing **Gramps Thank You For Showing Your Love**
Gramps would skip my nick name “Pud” and go straight to first name asking why I wrote this. Because I love you and want to thank you for being the father I never had. You taught me thru love when I needed it most. Your rules strict and set in cement. You taught me responsibility by setting an example. The nuggets we learn and realize when we’re older. I work to live by your example except for telling dirty jokes and I cuss way more.
I went to work at 15 years old and drove his car. He had me pay $50 for yearly insurance and $8.00 a week for gas, gas cost 0.89 at the time. My first car was a puck green Dodge Duster, the car was ugly but the tunes blared out. I was jamming. The rules were clear-cut, I could only drive my car to school, work, journalism, girls basketball and granny to mall. Granny told me years later he checked to make sure I was working on school paper, I was, he never checked again. When I started dating at 17 years old my curfew was 12:00, not 12:05. No phone calls after 9:00 PM, no leaving the house after 9:00PM, “you could get into no good if leaving after 9:00PM”. If not working I was home by 4:30PM for supper. Both of my grandparents showed me their love. He only raised his voice one time. His temper a slow burn, when it blew there was no convincing him, he might be wrong. He and granny were both stubborn and I didn’t fall far from the tree.
Being raised by the generation who faced the great depression, dust bowl and WWII was a blessing. I heard how poor most people were, you took any job you could get because there went many. How the war effected businesses, many jobs were frozen which meant you could not leave for another job. All efforts at home focused on supporting the war, granny became a riveter, some women worked in large sewing areas and most struggled to keep their head above water. It seems hard to think about today, my grandmother cut tin cans to use for curlers, she had two dresses, every night she had to wash one.
I didn’t have designers clothes, phone in my room, Atari, pool or new car. I never expected nor did I care what others wore or drove. I thought everyone lived this way. Was I naïve.
I miss my grandparents everyday and blessed by the lessons taught. Most important was their love, showing me their love.
“Love is a verb, it ain’t a thing” John Mayer
XO Warrior
Love Is A Verb, It Ain't A Thing **Gramps Thank You For Showing Your Love**
Gramps would skip my nick name “Pud” and go straight to first name asking why I wrote this. Because I love you and want to thank you for being the father I never had. You taught me thru love when I needed it most. Your rules strict and set in cement. You taught me responsibility by setting an example. The nuggets we learn and realize when we’re older. I work to live by your example except for telling dirty jokes and I cuss way more.
I went to work at 15 years old and drove his car. He had me pay $50 for yearly insurance and $8.00 a week for gas, gas cost 0.89 at the time. My first car was a puck green Dodge Duster, the car was ugly but the tunes blared out. I was jamming. The rules were clear-cut, I could only drive my car to school, work, journalism, girls basketball and granny to mall. Granny told me years later he checked to make sure I was working on school paper, I was, he never checked again. When I started dating at 17 years old my curfew was 12:00, not 12:05. No phone calls after 9:00 PM, no leaving the house after 9:00PM, “you could get into no good if leaving after 9:00PM”. If not working I was home by 4:30PM for supper. Both of my grandparents showed me their love. He only raised his voice one time. His temper a slow burn, when it blew there was no convincing him, he might be wrong. He and granny were both stubborn and I didn’t fall far from the tree.
Being raised by the generation who faced the great depression, dust bowl and WWII was a blessing. I heard how poor most people were, you took any job you could get because there went many. How the war effected businesses, many jobs were frozen which meant you could not leave for another job. All efforts at home focused on supporting the war, granny became a riveter, some women worked in large sewing areas and most struggled to keep their head above water. It seems hard to think about today, my grandmother cut tin cans to use for curlers, she had two dresses, every night she had to wash one.
I didn’t have designers clothes, phone in my room, Atari, pool or new car. I never expected nor did I care what others wore or drove. I thought everyone lived this way. Was I naïve.
I miss my grandparents everyday and blessed by the lessons taught. Most important was their love, showing me their love.
“Love is a verb, it ain’t a thing” John Mayer
XO Warrior
Throw Back Thursday ** Add Some Glory To Your Day **
Hope you enjoy this weeks choice. We can all use some glory in our life. XO Warrior
Looking for the Light 