Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week we highlight the blog Yolanda and her creative mind.
My name is Yolanda. From the beginning, I wrote a lot here to teach people about mental illness. I do that sometimes in the present, but now I mostly share my creative perspective in photography, photoshop art, and poetry most of the time.
Yolanda picked up photography when she moved to Stockholm five years ago.
These are one image and one photo she likes and I wanted to share them with you.
Here is a recent favorite of mine.
Yolanda is also a published writer of the book Alternativt.
Baksidan lyder: ”Alternativt” är en bok som jag har skrivit när jag har varit frisk och när jag har varit sjuk. I grunden har jag Aspergers syndrom och lider av bipolär sjukdom. Som person är jag väldigt kreativ. Jag har tidigare givit ut en annan bok, som jag gav namnet ”I skuggan av en siluett skör som glas”. Både den och den här boken är mest baserade på dikter. Den förra boken innehåller även målningar och teckningar. ”Alternativt” bjuder på dikter och texter skrivna av en kreativ och alternativ kvinna, som är mycket mer än bara sina diagnoser.
”Alternativt” finns även att köpa i de flesta nätbokhandlarna!
Here’s a great review.
”Your talent bestowed within u by God endowed you to write and inspire others with the beauty and skills of your royal talent.”_-Van Prince
The interpretation of the photos she takes is amazing. She has Asperger Syndrome which I know very little about but I can feel the world around her and despite her challenges, she gets up and keeps living life. That is what we can all do. Live life.
Be sure to stop by and say hello, not only is she talented, she’s so sweet and grateful. I know you will enjoy her blog, pull up a set and stay awhile.
Many of you know I was extremely close to both of my Grandparents, we loved each other dearly. Not only did they pull me from rock bottom, but they made sure I had the tough love needed to get away from the bad crowd I was hanging with, my drug addiction, and recover from my childhood trauma. It was truly unconditional love. I went to live with them after a year of bad girl boarding school at the age of 14 and they became my legal guardians.
My Granny worked with my Social Worker to find the right type of rehabilitation, it was a boarding school at a Convent that she remembered from her youth. It was just what I needed. They paid for my uniforms, the necessary towels and sheets, and a monthly allowance of $40 to buy a soda pop and a candy bar daily and they bought my cigarettes. Since I was a ward of the State of Texas, the state paid the yearly tuition. They came every Wednesday to the family group sessions and Granny would make enough goodies for my dorm or bring enough of the good candy everyone loved. We weren’t allowed to talk but the nuns let them come in for a minute to give me the goodies to share.
My Gramps had just retired and no doubt thought more about hunting, fishing, and his daily squirrel run to the levees. But he embraced me and taught the lessons of life, the ones that matter, they became my foundation. They cooked every day except for Saturday when they went to El Chico’s for Mexican food, I joined them long after leaving home, it was a special time between us.
A sketch I did of Gramps playing scratch-off games
Gramps enjoyed scratch-off games and we often gave them as treats, he would not but for himself. So we did.
These were his core values:
Work hard
Do it right the first time
If you borrow something, give it back in better shape
Always make time for family
Don’t hate
Stand up for yourself
Marriage was sacred
If you can do it yourself it means more
He was right on target and I have those values today and what I looked for in my husband.
He was very protective all my life but when it came to boys, he was extra tough. With a strict curfew, I couldn’t drive my car on weekends, only to school, to take Granny shopping or doctor appointments, and to work. He knew my schedule like clockwork. I had to pay him 8 dollars a week for gas and 50 dollars for the extra insurance. He taught me responsibility and accountability. There were no excuses unless it was a freak thing and I had to call before my curfew. Even 5 minutes late was late. I can’t thank him enough.
My Gramps was from a very poor family who were sharecroppers and self-taught wielders. He joined the Army in 1939 to leave poverty and build a better life for himself and he did just that. After leaving the Army, he worked as a mechanic for Greyhound Bus Line’s for 38 years, and he never accepted a promotion, he felt most comfortable working with his hands alone and had no BS from management. I can understand that.
He married only once to my Granny and loved her to the day she died. He had the strength to move forward and he built a full life after her death, by going to the recreation center every day, eating a 1 dollar lunch, always giving his milk to a man who needed it, and then playing dominos, for an hour or two. He made great friends there and they were in his life until the end. He tried indoor swimming which shocked me, even had a couple of friends visit him and he visited them. He believed in taking something every time he visited someone.
Money was important to build a simple humble life, never wanting more than he needed to provide. He accepted my Granny’s only son, my father, and no doubt he was a handful. He didn’t discipline my father, that was Granny’s job because he never wanted to impose on her. He was a happy man, witty, like a clean but dirty joke, not raunchy. He accepted people for who they were and felt everyone was equal except for a few. He was racist towards blacks, I’m not sure where that came from. He didn’t hate them but didn’t allow them in his house. He never spoke ill of anyone even though many family members deserved it.
He loved his family and the ones that mattered the most to him who were still alive, visited him during the last few weeks of his life. He didn’t tell anyone until I brought the phone book into the living room one day and said it was time to call family and friends.
The mold was broken when they made my Gramps, he was a proud man, who kept his word and took people at face value even to a fault. There were many hillbilly’s in the family and a few shady dealers but it didn’t matter to him.
Gramps called me Pud since I was a child until the end. It was something just between us and always meant love to me. I’m the person I am today abuse of their love and faith in my future. He only went to 3rd grade and Granny to 5th grade, that is what happens when you are poor and can’t afford the clothes or were needed at home to work. They made sure I went to school every day except the few occasional Granny would write a note so we could go have fun shopping for the formals I needed for high school. We pinched pennies, went to outlets, and found all my formals for under 20 dollars. Gramps wore nothing but Dickies work pants and they wore them out before buying new. I learned late that you don’t need more, but the best you can afford, don’t show off and be proud of what you have.
I spent the last 5 months of his life caring for him around the clock, sleeping in the front bedroom/junk room, and boy was he a handful. He expected me to be like Granny and keep everything like clockwork which is exhausting when you’re a caregiver. He was hard-headed and I get that from him.
My Gramps was a true American, as Toby Kieth sings, he fixed everything with a Craftsman wreck and WD 40, always drove American cars, did all the maintenance and car repairs he could, was an excellent lawnmower repair man, and fixed many for others.
I can go on and on but I will leave it here for another time. He was the only father I had, yes, I had a biological father but he didn’t know how to be a one due to an undiaonosised mental illness and he was an alcoholic.
The video says it all. RIP Keith, your songs added to the fabric of our lives.
Toby Keith – Made In America (Official Music Video)
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon.
Bambaw Insulated Bottle 32 oz
Insulated Water Bottle 32 oz, Blue Water Bottle Stainless Steel, Reusable Water Bottle, BPA Free Water Bottle, Big Water Bottle 32oz, Cold and Hot Water Bottle
The arthritis in my hands has made my old bottles hard to open and these are working much better with the twist of the lid and handle. I love that they are made in Belgium and are a Climate Partner-certified product.
These are YUMMY! I’m underweight and working hard to gain weight the healthy way, these drinks are helping me.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics
Original Formula with 3 Year Fermented Prebiotics, Live Active Probiotics, and The only Product with Postbiotic Metabolites, 30 Capsule
DR. OHHIRA’S PROBIOTICS are backed by over 20 scientific studies and recommended by digestive health and immune system health care providers. Does not include artificial additives, chemicals, preservatives, coloring, flavoring, animal by-products, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Non-GMO and 100% vegetarian. Hypoallergenic (no dairy or gluten). Guaranteed free of soil-based organisms (SBOs).
Paw & Pantry
2-3″ Soft & Chewy USA-Chicken Mini Bones – Pack of 24 Rawhide Free Chicken Dog Treats – Highly Digestible & Chewy Grain Free Dog Treat Mini Bones – Great Non-Rawhide Chews for Small Dog with 100% REAL USA-sourced chicken as our #1 ingredient, Paw & Pantry dog chicken treats are densely packed with natural protein.
Grain? Gluten? Antibiotics? Never heard of ’em! Our chicken treats for dogs are made without all of that extra junk, creating a highly digestible treat and a great rawhide alternative for every dog to enjoy
Effortless 24/7 continuous attraction works day and night to help protect your family from pesky flying insects. Designed for any room or area of your home where flying insects gather including kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and living spaces.
We checked them on Sunday and they work!
Minera Dead Sea Salt – 2 lb. Bag Fine Grain
Minera Dead Sea Salt dissolves easily in warm water to help cleanse and nourish your skin. Our Minera salt is harvested from the Southern end of the Dead Sea, where the mineral content of the water is at its highest. The salts are delivered to our customers in their pure, raw form, containing all the essential minerals that the Dead Sea is famous for.
I have purchased this brand for years and have never been disappointed. Dead sea salt is like no other, not only does it have minerals that are great for your skin but it also removes dead skin without effort. Be sure to rinse after bathing to remove the remaining salt.
WordPress is jiggy this morning, it won’t let me enlarge or remove the duplicate. The duplicate was added by simply by hitting return on the keyboard. NO problem, they can’t stand between you and me. It’s not even allowing me to use spell checker.
Prince was one of a kind, he helped his hometown by donating, his clothes made there and now doubt he left money for the city as well. His talent was overwhelming at times, he’s the only Superbowl half-time artist I’ve seen play through the rain with his electric guitar and high-heeled boots. Check out the video, he is nothing but pure heart and determination. Let’s dance.
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
I wrote this post in 2015 and ran across it today, Gavin and I are even closer now and I wanted to send him some love. Be sure to check out his blog, you will want to stay a while.
GAVIN THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND
Gavin and I met through the blogosphere on 3/31/14. He is truly amazing with a camera and only started in 2009. He can take everyday objects and present them in different perspective.
He started in color then fell in love with black and white and the rest they say is history. I am amazed at what we can do with light. He doesn’t give himself enough credit, he is a professional without question.
Gavin is a great friend, sometimes we go long periods without talking and when we do, it’s like yesterday. He is a survivor of a traumatic background yet he stands tall. Gavin has taken the smart route, surround yourself with friends and family you can trust.
I’m blessed to have Gavin in my life. We BS, lend a shoulder, and make each other laugh. Please pull up a chair, you’ll be amazed at his artistic ability.
I want to thank everyone for their prayers and notes of encouragement, they have been important to my healing. After resting a little there is more to share. I only recall two other breakdowns, the first when I was nine years old and again at 12 years old.
As the violence in the house escalated, we went to our bedrooms, I left my bedroom door cracked open and watched my step-father beat my mother again. Throwing her head from side to side, hitting the wall each time, you could hear her begging for her life. They stopped in front of my bedroom, he had a knife to her throat and she closed her eyes and begged under her breath.
I was 12 years old, can’t remember the events other than it included my dad and me wanting to kill him. I spent two weeks on my bed catatonic, rocking back and forth.
My childhood was a constant trauma until I was 14 years old. When I was 28 years old, my father committed suicide. He was living with an undiagnosed mental illness with no medication by choice. For seven months after his death, I looked inward and sought out a Psychiatrist. After a few false starts, I found an exceptional Psychopharmacologist and he treated me for over 32 years.
Early on he said I needed therapy and introduced me to my current therapist who I’ve seen for over 30 years. With her I was able to slowly unpack the locked box of memories, sharing my life without emotions. I’ve gone through the first three steps of healing from trauma and have chosen not to take the fourth step which is reliving the memories and feeling the emotions. I won’t feel the pain again.
Monday’s breakdown was a combination of many factors. I’m on a new medication and my mood is not stable, that morning a trauma was triggered that had long been forgotten and packed away since I was 19 years old. The memory didn’t shake me, there was no emotion at the time. I’ve also been watching a violent series mostly centered on gang violence and the trafficking of women. Over the past 5-6 episodes I’ve watched one woman who was broken and dead inside, be beaten again and again. Running for her life, she realized there was nowhere to go, so she went back to the man who broke her.
I cried for her each episode but the reality of her future became clear. It broke me, sitting in the chair I sobbed uncontrollably as I grabbed the sides of my body. I fell to the floor, the pain was overwhelming. My husband came over to help me, and I screamed over and over don’t touch me. I grabbed my Xanax and took two. I started to hyperventilate and reached for another Xanax, my husband said no, and my response was quick. At the top of my voice, Fuck you, Fuck you, Fuck you all the way upstairs to my office. I sat in the dark, took another Xanax, and stayed still, soaking in all the pain over again. A short time later, I packed the night away in my box and went to bed only to spend the night away, crying under my breath.
I have experienced many other traumas in life, including being stalked three times, police pulling a gun on me in front of my house and neighbors, and being raped more times than I care to count, yet here I am.
You may be asking yourself why and how can I write this post without a tear? The short answer is I’m a survivor. Buring your trauma in a box is a coping mechanism I learned at birth, it allows you to move forward in life.
I’m raw but crawling, healing my mind and body, and need time to recover. I will not be writing anything traumatic or deep for some time.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog Unique Times with Cindy.
Cindy has 35+ years of experience in health and wellness. She studied Occupational and Recreational Therapy with an emphasis in Psychology at San Jose State University. She started her career in wellness offering personal training, leading health facilities, and teaching workshops. She opened her own aerobics studio and has continued to expand.
“It is not always easy to trust ourselves, to venture out of our comfort zones, and go for our dreams, however, Cindy Georgakas has successfully done this in an eloquent way.”—Dr. Chérie Carter-Scott, New York Times Bestselling Author of If Life is a Game, These are the Rules.
Cindy’s book is undoubtedly worth a peak, a read, and a permanent place on your bookshelves.
I have only followed her for a short time but we clicked right away. She is wickedly smart, gracious, very funny, and has a loving heart. She’s a brilliant writer who truly writes from the heart and shares her experiences with those who are searching. Aren’t we all searching?
Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello, no doubt you will pull up a chair and immerse yourself in her words.
Just a note from a blogging perspective, she blogs for the right reasons, her own. She has replied to all of my comments and is part of the community I love.
I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to seeing you again.
Spending some time near water can be healing for the mind and soul. Take yourself to a source of water, such as the ocean, a river, or even a small pond. Close your eyes and take in the sounds.
In France, June 6th will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day landings during World War II. I imagine young soldiers with so much life ahead of them, facing the battle straight on, fighting for their countries to protect the citizens, not thinking about themselves but focused on their commitment to serving and protecting. How can we ever repay the soldiers who died fighting, how can we make their families whole again, what about the children left without fathers? We can’t repay them for their courageous acts, every single one, down to the last soldier on the ships and ground.
We can acknowledge, and celebrate their lives and thank them for their sacrifices. Without our allies and their military capabilities we would live in a very different world and one I hope to never see. My heart overflows with sadness, joy, and forever gratefulness.
All the countries that fought to abolish Hitler and his unspeakable crimes saved so many Jews and ultimately many other lives who now live in freedom. The concentration camps, the torture, and the sheer evil are a reminder to all that there is evil out there and we must fight to protect the innocent and for freedom for all.
Let’s come together. Put our political and religious differences aside to celebrate and give thanks to those who gave all and those who survived to tell their stories. The story of each individual is important, as is the reason for the war. Never forget the reason behind each war, learn from it, celebrate our heritage, accept one another, and above all else help each other heal.
I celebrate my Gramps for his commitment to our country during WWII, like most who experience wartime trauma, he didn’t share much but I saw the pride in his eyes. He was a proud man and I’m blessed to have had him in my life. He was so young in this photo, and he was decorated with many medals over his career including a Bronze Star which he kept in his dirty toolbox. It was not the medals that made him the man he was. He didn’t want a military funeral but I couldn’t agree, he deserved the respect. I’m so thankful that during a time of war, Fort Hood in Texas found enough soldiers to send him home properly.
I picked this song because these women keep the spirit alive.
Wartime choir The D-Day Darlings DAZZLE the Judges! | Auditions | BGT 2018
An interesting twist on a search I requested from Copilot. I’m so addicted now!!!!!
Flora 🌿
Wildflowers: Sprinkled across the meadow, wildflowers add bursts of color to the otherwise green canvas. Imagine delicate buttercups, vibrant daisies, and perhaps a few shy violets. Their petals sway in harmony with the breeze, creating a soft symphony of hues.\
Tall Grasses: The grasses here are not mere blades; they’re tall and graceful. Their feathery heads catch the sunlight, turning golden as the day progresses. When the wind dances through, the grasses ripple like waves on a tranquil sea.
Ancient Oaks: A few ancient oak trees stand sentinel. Their gnarled trunks tell stories of centuries gone by. Their leaves, a rich emerald, provide dappled shade for our contemplative woman. Perhaps a squirrel or two scampers along their branches, gathering acorns.
Whispering Willows: Down by the water’s edge, willow trees lean gracefully. Their long, slender branches dip into the pond, their leaves trailing like veils. When the wind rustles through, it’s as if the willows murmur secrets to the water.
Ferns and Moss: In the shaded nooks, ferns unfurl their delicate fronds. Their greenery is lush and inviting. Moss clings to rocks and fallen logs, creating a velvety carpet. Tiny insects—nature’s architects—flit about, weaving their own stories.
Fauna 🦋
Butterflies: Butterflies, those ephemeral creatures, flit from flower to flower. Their wings carry patterns of iridescent blue, orange, and black. They sip nectar, their delicate feet barely disturbing the petals.
Songbirds: Hidden among the branches, songbirds serenade the landscape. Robins, sparrows, and finches create a melodic chorus. Their notes blend seamlessly with the rustling leaves and the distant babble of the brook.
Dragonflies: These jewel-toned insects zip through the air, their gossamer wings catching the light.
My first go-round with Copilot image creation. I’m so impressed with the product. I’m working on an avatar but not there yet, it’s so hard to create the image and felling you want to represent.
I was 5 years old when this song came out and my father was a huge Elvis fan. He would play the albums over and over and we would dance and sing until we were exhausted. It’s a cherished memory of my father for which I don’t have many.
Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock (’68 Comeback Special)
Daniel and I have known each other since 2012-2013 and he was a co-founder of Survivors Blog Here. I’ve never met a man as talented at writing, his imagination is expansive. He’s a deep thinker, life lover, husband, a father and I’m so glad to call him a friend. This post is deep, it took a minute to soak in but I find truth in it. Thank you, my friend. You would be remiss if you didn’t check out his blog.
I love the song and it’s a bit of an anthem for me but now that I know the backstory I’m happy he sang the lyrics that Paul Ankna personally wrote for him, Frank asked his good friend Paul to write a song for his retirement. It was deeply personal for both and it revived Franks’s career.
It’s a shame, Frank stopped liking after so many years of singing and getting demands for the song. I think it was his best song. Many went on to record his version or changed versions of the song. The Elvis version is great, I’m a huge Elvis fan and believe he sang it properly even though Paul Anka didn’t want Elvis to record it, they were close friends as well.
The story is quite interesting in musical history,
Here are my two favorite videos, one of Frank Sinatra and the other from Elvis.
Frank Sinatra – My Way (Live At Caesars Palace/1978)
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog Mitch Teemley The Power of Story.
I’m a storyteller (writer, filmmaker, composer, public speaker) with the audacity to believe others might actually want to read, watch or hear the things I come up with. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio with my wise and gorgeous wife Trudy. Together we’ve created our magnum opi: two adorable, wildly creative daughters. More? Well, if you insist: there are mini-bios on me at Wikipedia and IMDb.
Mitch’s post is a ray of sunshine and a dose of reality. He has an incredible storytelling ability. You must check his blog out!
The family cookbook contains recipes my Granny & Gramps used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Many with veggies and tomatoes from the garden. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
The recipe comes from my husband’s Aunt on his Father’s side.
Hi, I’m glad you stopped by and I look forward to seeing you soon.
The quest to create a cozy home doesn’t need to be limited to your indoor space. No matter what size your outdoor space may be, you can add special touches to make it feel extra homey and inviting.
What’s the one thing you can do to make your backyard, balcony, or porch a little cozier?
I’ve followed Muslim Life for a while now and love the common sense posts, they are great reminders of how to live our life. I respect Muslims, their religious practices are different than my own, and that’s cool with me.
Christians, Jews, and Muslims believe in God, and I embrace them.
I know without a doubt that being a Muslim does not make them terrorists, and shame those who think that way.
Here are a few products I’m loving right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may give you ideas for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon except for the candles.
Double-duty self-care products are extra special when they require you to rest and enjoy the benefits.
Grace & Stella
Gold Eye Mask
Royal Nectar Face Mask
Shield Mask with Bee Venom & Manuka Honey
Soon Skincare
Shea Butter Hand Mask for Dry Hands, Moisturizing Gloves, Hand Moisturizer for Cracked Hands Repair, Hand Mask Gloves with Green Tea and Tea Tree Skincare
Lip Masks for Soft Lips, Masks for Lip Care, Korean Skin Care Lip Treatment, Collagen Masks for Lip Hydration, Lip Masks with Aloe Vera
cleo+coco
Natural Dry Shampoo Powder – For Body & Hair – For Women – Absorb Odor & Sweat – Essential Oils & Arrowroot Powder – Free of Talc & Parabens – PCR – Made in USA – Grapefruit Bergamot – 4oz
I’ve also purchased the Figuier (Fig Tree) – Home Fragrance Diffuser Behind the Faceted Glass, a summer landscape, it smells awesome. I only used 3 reeds so the fragrance isn’t overwhelming.
Most candles are made in France
*Korean skincare products like Soon Skincare are awesome. Korea takes skin care seriously and can be less expensive and more effective.
Looking for the Light 