I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday-Gulf Shores, Alabama
Category: Celebrate Life
Blogger Highlight-By Ashley Marie
Thank you for all the great feedback and for participating in the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog By Ashley Marie.
By Ashley Marie
Hey there! I’m a self-taught tech enthusiast currently working on full-stack development. I firmly believe that life is meant to be lived deeply, with purpose and fulfillment. That’s why I strive hard every day to manifest a high-quality life, and I’m committed to sharing my expertise with others.
I started following her a couple of weeks ago. She writes about technology and other interesting posts.
Be sure to check her blog.
Melinda
April Is Sexual Assault Month
Joyful Heart and its staff, have changed the landscape for survivors. Sexual Assault happens to men, women, and children. They also support domestic violence, child abuse, and much more.
There are many resources on their website, it’s solid information and real support. Mariska Hargitay blows my mind with her patience, stamina, and her ability to juggle the load she carries.
The numbers are hard to imagine!
From Joyful Heart
1 IN 3 WOMEN experience sexual assault or domestic violence at some point in their lives.
1 IN 6 experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.
65% of victims who come forward say no one helped them.
DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AFFECT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE EACH YEAR
Since 2004, Joyful Heart has been a leading national organization with a mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever.
Joyful Heart carries out its mission through an integrated program portfolio of education and advocacy. Our work is paving the way for innovative approaches to treating trauma; igniting shifts in the way the public views and responds to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse; and reforming and advancing policies and legislation to ensure access to justice for survivors.
I had planned to share my experiences but today doesn’t feel right.
Joyful Heart is one of my top charities to support.
Don’t forget to look at the resources for parents and teens.
Melinda
References:
Tools to Help Navigate Trauma By Don’t Lose Hope
From Family Cookbook-Party Mix
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Granny and Gramps used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need
6 TBS butter or margeriene
4 TSP Worcestershire Sauce
1 TSP seasoning salt
1 TSP garlic powder
6 cups Chex mix
3/4 cup of salted nuts
How To Make
Heat oven to 250 degrees
Slowly melt butter in a shallow pan
Stir in Worchester sauce and salt
Add Chex and nuts, and mix until all pieces are coated
Heat in oven for 45 minutes
Stir every 15 minutes
Spread on absorbent paper to cool
Yields 6 3/4 cups
Granny loved this for a snack, it’s quite good.
Happy Cooking!
Melinda
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Heart , Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin – Kennedy Center Honors HD
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve 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.
Wordless Wednesday-Yosemite Falls From Above
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by.
Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park
Melinda
New Interview With Cindy Knoke, Photographer And Master Traveler
I have followed Cindy for years and she is a great friend. I always have questions with every post published, her photos draw you in. This is my third interview with Cindy, that’s how fascinating she is.
What cameras are you using now?
I have only two types of cameras, one is my wildlife, birds, and flower camera that I use for macro photography. It is a Sony HX400V. I have several of these because Sony discontinued manufacturing them. They are a bit touchy and tend to break down. The one I am using now I bought in Japan, and the last new one I could find for sale from a private seller, and the camera is entirely in Japanese, which can be a bit of a challenge. I dearly love this camera because it has an adjustable lens that zooms up to 1200mm equivalent. It is also not at all expensive. I will eventually have to buy another brand with an adjustable lens and am looking at options.
My second camera I use for everything else, landscapes, etc. It is a Sony RX10M4. I took the mountain goat photos with this camera so it can be for wildlife too, but lacks the extended zoom of the 400. I usually travel with both cameras, carrying one based on what I am expecting to see. Of course, I am often surprised, and have the wrong camera!
Do you have a Bucket List of places to visit and pick one or is it a random conversation that decides the next trip?
I love planning trips. It is definitely half the fun of travel. The only place left on our bucket list is Greenland which we are looking into now for 2024. There are some repeats we would like to do like Antarctica and Iguazu.
What excursion stands out close in your mind?
Antarctica is definitely the most incredible place I have been. It was a spiritual experience for me. All this splendor is untouched by human hands and all the wildlife was unafraid of humans because they had no experience with them. Whales would spy-hop up and stare at you with their plate-sized eyes, Albatross would land on the boat, and penguins would waddle up to you and gently peck at the shiny buttons on your coat. Incredible.
There was a Japanese whaling ship we encountered multiple times harpooning minke whales. Thankfully I never actually witnessed a harpooning, but I saw the loaded harpoons and the beautiful minkes. It was a reminder of human disregard for paradise and her creatures.
How do you describe yourself?
I am definitely not a professional photographer. I am an amateur hobbyist. I love photography because it fully immerses me in the moment. Completely focuses me on the here and now, with no distractions. I am a psychotherapist and Mental Health Director by training and the Zen aspect of photography fully appeals to me. I like the ability photographs have to communicate universal meaning with no words.
What are your top two photos, where are they taken, and what makes them special?
Weirdly enough, two of my favorite photos were not taken on distant trips, but in my home state of California. One series is the tufas in Mono Lake and the other is the first photo of a desert reflecting pool in Palm Springs. I included the links to the posts with these photos.
Mono Lake
Palm Springs
Cindy is the kindest person and an inspiration who loves photography and traveling the world with her husband.
Melinda
Good Times on the Highway to Hell Part 4
Reblog
More antics in my life
I moved to a new apartment for my job and it had a nice fireplace. I was so excited until I lit it. I knew nothing about fireplaces and didn’t open the flue. My place was filling up with smoke, and my fire detector was going crazy. I ran downstairs to the only person I had met and he opened the flue for me. What an embarrassment. Not to mention it got black gunk on the only expensive piece of art I owned.
I’ve always been a curious person, even as a child I was always getting into trouble. When I was five years old, I snuck into the janitor’s closet at daycare. There were big plastic buckets of paint. I opened the lid on one and it looked dried out. So I stuck my arm in the paint and to my surprise only the top was dry. I had to tell on myself because my arm was covered to the shoulder and dripping paint.
This is one of my best stories and one that makes me laugh every time. I stopped to get gas, I put the nozzle in the car as always and put my card in to pay. It wasn’t working, after a few tries, I went in to see what was up. The guy said they were changing shifts and it would be another 30 minutes before the pumps would work. I was so angry, I jumped in my car and took off. I’m driving up the street and people are pointing to the back of my car. I then realized I had torn the nozzle off the gas pump. I laughed till I cried. I got home and threw it in the trash.
When I was 12 years old, my dad’s friend left his car at the house. It was a hot rod and I wanted to drive it. I didn’t know how to drive but I was determined. I asked Daddy, and he said no of course. He was on the phone so when he got really involved in the call, I snuck the keys and went for a ride. I drove it around the cuddle de sac and back to the house. I parked, then thought I was too far away from the curb so I moved it. The only problem was we had a fire hydrate by our driveway and I got on the gas too much and ran right into the fire hydrant. My dad came out screaming words I won’t use here but he was a maniac.
My best friend was close to my grandparents, one day she placed a huge cucumber in the toilet. She didn’t even tell me. Gramps was the victim! He got such a kick out of it.
These are the Hotel Stories
During the construction of a swanky hotel, I lived in the hotel until our job was completed. My job was to expedite all the furniture, carpet, and artwork for the hotel and at night I ran a temporary crew of about 10 guys. The halls were not carpeted yet so I wore my roller skates to make sure they were putting furniture in the right room and placed where specified. I did this for 8 months, it was exhausting but I learned so much.
Speaking of the hotels, the same one, all the craftspeople were still working so getting in an elevator is always a wait because there are so many waiting for two construction elevators. One day my boss and I were going to lunch, a full elevator stopped and I jumped in. The doors didn’t shut, and people were hanging on to me, as we fell four floors landing in the basement. My boss did not get on the elevator and he was looking for and couldn’t find me. I was in shock and had crawled around the corner leaning on a wall-shaking, and thinking I could have died.
Also while working at the same hotel, the Fire Department was testing the fire alarms all the time, several times a day. We stopped paying attention and kept working. A Fire Marshal comes into our office and says the fire is in this room. I looked down and sure enough, my trashcan was on fire. Guess my cigarettes were the cause.
At night before the team started placing furniture in the rooms, we would meet in a staging area and discuss the plan for the night. I also ran the elevator while they worked. We always had to use the service elevator. I had the elevator stop between floors on me, one not open, and one time I had to crawl out the top. Not to mention falling four floors. Surprisingly, I’m not afraid of elevators.
I hope you’re laughing with me!
Melinda
Hobbies That Can Be Beneficial for Your Mental Health
We all know that life can get busy. As a result, it can be hard to find the time to treat ourselves or indulge in doing the things that we really love. However, there are several reasons why having a hobby can be a really great thing. Hobbies are often much more than just enjoying ‘me time’ as they can also be something that can be so vital for our overall well-being and our mental health. A hobby is one of the best ways that you can spend your spare time, unwind from your normal routine, and feel happier and healthier as a result.
In fact, there is research that has shown that people who have hobbies are much less likely to feel stressed, low mood, or depressed. So if that isn’t enough reason to find a hobby that you love, we don’t know what is! No matter what kind of hobby you choose, from an academic hobby, a creative hobby, an athletic hobby, or something else more personal, it is important to find things that give you meaning and that you ultimately find enjoyable. When you enjoy it, you will want to carve out time for it to ensure it happens. So with all of this in mind, here are a few hobbies that can work wonders for your mental health. What would you choose?
Music
If you have an interest in music and want to learn to play an instrument, then it can be an amazing hobby for several reasons. Playing music is something that is a fantastic way to help yourself feel less stressed, and it can be useful when wanting to channel any uncomfortable feelings or emotions that you might have. You can also enjoy a social aspect to a musical hobby if you are interested in joining a group, a band, or an orchestra. Having goals is all part of beating anxiety or depression, and there are plenty of things that are goal-orientated when it comes to music. You will also have the distraction of learning an instrument as you need to fit in time to play it. That will require your focus and mean that you don’t have to focus on other things that are causing you to stress or worry.
Gardening
Gardening is a great hobby for people who love to be outdoors and be at one with nature. Even if you’re not too keen on the outdoors, getting out in your yard can work wonders when you are feeling low. You can plant your favorite flowers which will require planning or research, as well as planting fruits and veggies. You will need to do research to know what will be best to do and when, and it can be a hobby that can definitely help you in a physical way, as well as from a mental health perspective too.
Gardening can be a very rewarding hobby, as you will see things that will grow because of your efforts in taking care of them. Appreciating nature and the outdoors can also go a long way to help your stress levels and anxiety. So it should be a hobby to consider if you are looking for something new to try.
Cars and automobiles
If you have a passion for cars and automobiles, then it can be a good idea to incorporate those into a hobby of yours. You could have a hobby of making kit cars, which can be extremely rewarding as you see something come together that you can then use, all from your hard work, research, and expertise. You could look at replacing things like car batteries, but make sure that you use a good battery finder to get the right one for your needs. You could also look into repairing engines and learning how to do things like oil changes, which can be such a useful thing to know and save you a lot of money down the line.
From another point of view, you could also get into cars and automobile hobbies by getting into racing. It could be off-road racing, it could be sports car racing, or even something like biking, trail bikes, and even BMX biking.
Yoga
Several benefits to our mental health come from physical exercise. Yoga is one of those ways that you can exercise that does have a benefit to mental health. It has grown and grown in popularity in recent years, due to it being a way to move and be active and help your mental health. Yoga works well as a hobby because it can calm our nervous system. It can also help with depression and help to reduce any muscle tension. You can watch classes online or attend them locally. Some easy poses can be done at home, although it is a good idea to seek advice from an instructor if you want to take things to the next level. When you are doing something new, your focus is on the task at hand, which can take your mind off other things.
Writing
Writing is a great hobby, and it is one of the most simple choices out there. It costs very little and can be done at any time. Writing out on pen and paper, rather than on a computer or phone notes can do great things for your mind. You could have the creative element of writing a novel or using the time to write more of a journal which can be very cathartic. As a result, it can offer several benefits, and help you to relieve stress, help depression, eliminate anxiety, and even help your memory and improve your sleep. If you want to dedicate more time to this hobby, you can download the care.com app and find great childcare, for example, to give yourself the time you need to finish your novel – what an achievement that would be!
Putting thoughts down on paper means that you can identify some negative thoughts and behaviors, and then they are no longer in your mind. You can also use this time to write down how things are going as a way to replace negative thoughts with happier and more positive ones.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What is one place you would like to travel to by train?
Why do you think it’d be special to experience it this way?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
Balancing Side Effects And Quality Of Life
Every medication from OTC or from the pharmacy has side effects. Don’t fool yourself. Look at all the cough medication pulled from shelves recently.
Those who take medication usually read the side effects, including long-term ones, and look for balance in their decision-making. You have to know the side effects and weigh them against the quality of life.
If you have taken a medication for a long time, it’s good to go back for a refresher of the side effects. That’s level ground, and you have to make choices. There is no wrong answer here, just facts.
If you are depressed and taking several medications, your Psychiatrist may suggest adding an Antipsychotic to your medication protocol. Read ALL side effects, including long-term, and balance that with quality of life. It was an easy decision for me because the life I was living wasn’t working.
Antipsychotic medications allowed me to live a better quality of life until I got Tardive Dyskensia, one of the most serious side effects, and I can not take Antipsychotics again. Taking the medication is one of the best medical decisions I’ve made.
Remember to call your doctor right away if you’re having difficult side effects, if you can not reach your doctor, go to the emergency room. Don’t use a Doc-in-a-Box, I don’t believe they are equipped to handle a mental health crisis.
I’m having Brain Fog today, I hope this flows and makes sense. :)
Melinda
Eid al-Fitr Celebrates The End Of Ramadan For Muslims
Traveling to Ramadan is a chance of a lifetime, I can’t even guess how many people attend but it’s packed inside and out. I watched a service on television years ago, it’s a time of fasting and intensive praying. Seeing a large group of people who have come from all over the world is quite moving, I felt an energy.
Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims and after Ramadan people celebrate. Eid al-Fitr is a big celebration, it’s a time to feast, pray, and engage in charity. This is a joyous occasion for Muslims around the world.
Eid al-Fitr 2024 is expected to fall at sundown on April 9th or 10th and continue to the sundown on April 11th or April 12th.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as ‘the Festival of Breaking the Fast’, marks the end of the sacred Ramadan fasting month. It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, during which they gather for feasts, offer prayers, and engage in acts of charity. The festival is usually celebrated for 2–3 days.
Things You Should Not Do During Eid al-Fitr 2024
Eid al-Fitr is a joyful event for Muslims all over the world. Muslims celebrate the festival with mouthwatering feasts and happy wishes. Although a happy event, there are still some things you should not do, either so as not to spoil the festival atmosphere or to show your respect:
- Fasting: Eid al-Fitr is a celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims. It is important (for Muslims in particular) not to fast on the day of Eid al-Fitr.
- Drinking alcohol: Consuming alcohol is not allowed during Eid al-Fitr (or at any time for Muslims). Even if you are not a Muslim or do not observe Eid al-Fitr, it is advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol in public, if you are visiting Muslim countries, to show your respect.
- Eating pork and haram foods: Pork and foods that are considered haram (forbidden) in Islamic dietary laws are still prohibited for Muslims during Eid al-Fitr.
After a month of fasting during certain hours, the Eid al-Fitr celebration is a time to rejoice and eat.
Melinda
References:
Blogger Highlight-Susana Cabaço
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 of Susana Cabaco.
Susana Cabaço
Spiritual Insights & Personal Empowerment
Susana Cabaço, PhD, is a biologist who graduated from the University of Algarve (Portugal), where she worked for many years in scientific research on ecology, and a mystic who, for decades, has been journeying the paths of spirituality. Love for Spirit and Nature led her naturally to share her unique spiritual visions and more conscious ways of living, namely veganism, in order to bring forward individual and global expansion of awareness, balance, and well-being.
Copyright © 2024 Susana Cabaço. All rights reserved.
Susana and I started following each other this week and I can already tell you she’s generous. Check out her blog and the books she has written.
Melinda
On The Highway to Hell *Part 3
The original post was in 2019
At five years old I loved my baton and was quite good until the day I got mad at my mother and bashed several holes in my closet door. There went the baton and the dream. No anger issues here!
A large group of friends and I would tube down the Nacogdoches River. It’s a 6-8 hour trip if you do the full stretch. There is a dangerous waterfall along the way. In previous years I would get out with others and haul the beer coolers around the waterfall. It was so hard on my back that one year I decided to go over the waterfall on the other side people were taking photos, clapping, and cheering me on, I was acting like I won a marathon, then someone said look down, no more two pieces after that.
This is one story I debated telling in case my brother ever reads my blog. He was about six and taking a bath. He starts yelling for me to come in the bathroom, I hurried in to find he had a washer and put it on his penis. I’m trying to pull the thing off you know the rest of the story. I gave up and left him to figure it out.
Our oldest dog Shaggy is a gentleman, he makes me enter the house first.
I wore a beautiful white and lightly flowered long dress for a school formal. I had the florist make a flower wreath to wear on my head. I thought it looked beautiful, everyone kept calling me Mother Earth. Today that would be a huge compliment.
My Granny watched my boyfriend paper our house, never interrupted them, just enjoyed in their pleasure. The next morning she wakes me up at 6am to go clean it all up before the neighbors see.
My bedroom was eclectic with a street light, a street sign that said Goodnight, and 12 orange cones. Granny kept asking where the stuff was coming from. It was on the street and it was not a lie.
My girlfriend and I took all the orange cones and scattered them randomly in the neighborhood of a certain person on our shit list that week. It was a great payback.
In high school, I spent an hour on my hair and make-up every morning. Granny was the alarm clock for the household. One day she overslept and there was only time to dress and go to school. I said I can’t go to school today unless I do my hair. Gramps blew a gasket, “School was more important than my hair, you’re going to school!!” I started washing my hair in the sink, we didn’t have a shower. By the time I came out of the bathroom to blow dry hair Granny managed to help Gramps understand how important a girl’s hair is in high school. Yeah, granny!!!!!!!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Lady Antebellum – Need You Now
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve 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.
Friday Quote
So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What a gift it is when something captures our attention while we are going through our everyday routines.
A flower growing in an unlikely place, a rainbow appearing in a puddle…..
What is something that recently made you stop and take in its beauty?
Yesterday, I enjoyed two woodpeckers eating, we have 2 species of woodpeckers, one is tall and the other is a small Ladderback. They are so cool and happy to share food and birdbath.
Melinda
American Awareness Days For April
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
National Autism Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Donate Life Month
National Minority Health Month
National Parkinson’s Awareness Month
National Public Health Week (April 1- 7)
National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (April 10)
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month
No doubt April has many important awareness days and they are worth checking out.
The month of May looks full of Awareness Days.
Melinda
Easter Is Not The Celebration Of Bunnies And Egg Hunts
I say to myself, where did the Easter Bunny tradition start? How did the Holy Day of Easter become commercialized? How many children have no idea what the meaning of the Easter Celebrations is?
There are no egg hunts in the Bible because the Holy Day is about Jesus. I participated in egg hunts as a kid but I knew it was a Celebration of Jesus. My granny read to me from her Bible and I would go to church with anyone on our street who asked me. I didn’t dig deep into the Bible until I was 14 years old and converted to another religion.
Commercialization annoys me.
Here’s what I found out about the history of the Easter Bunny.
It is debated by scholars, one thought is that it began in the 16th century and others believe it was during the 18th century that the tradition started. They were big community celebrations no doubt but were not related to Easter.
The easiest way to help your kids is to teach them about the meaning of the Easter Celebration, without mentioning Egg Hunts. If kids were taught from the youngest age about Easter and other traditions that happen at the same time.
I am sick of seeing ads for Easter Egg Hunting.
I’m sending my best wishes to everyone who celebrates Easter as a Christian Holy Day.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday-Thirsty
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by.
In the Spring and Summer bees have a smorgasbord of flowers to choose from in my backyard.
Melinda
Bullying: Not Like Old Fashion Fighting Anymore
Original post from 2014
In this social media world, kids form ideas of what is right and wrong. They learn from The Nons as I call them. People you think you know from social media may not be who they are. They are not your friends, I don’t think many long-term relationships start here. The reality is that kids’ self-esteem is affected by bullying especially online, which can be nasty.
I was bullied, it started in 6th grade when a rumor was started saying I said something negative about my friend’s cliff palate. Of course, it wasn’t true but that’s how some bullying starts. I was harassed walking home from school and got hit in the back of my head with a coke bottle. I was teased about braces at 12 years old, and the antics continued until I moved to my father’s which meant another school. In eighth grade, I wasn’t bullied. I learned from prior experiences and how to hold my shoulders back.
Social Media is scary to me because many people look at people and say how are skinny and have to do the same. This is where low self-esteem can start. Then sometimes they forget the influencers and they make money on every click Worse yet there are still too many pornographic posts across all platforms.
Children make impressions from day one and share positive language and affirmations. Many people are lonely and looking to make friends, fake friends I remind you. The HUGE problem is you have no idea of the motives of a stranger. I have seen what teens will do.
Teens who are reading and talking, talking trash yourself. They are blinded and don’t realize they’re in trouble or possibly worse.
It’s a total crap shoot and that is why parents have to set hard rules for all kid’s time on the phone, take their fun away, and monitor their computer usage and read some text. After that y
Bullying: Resources for How to Get Help
This documentary explores America’s teen-bullying epidemic. Millions of kids are relentlessly demeaned and physically attacked at school every day. Parents of victims and educators say that a change must take place and everyone can help. Below is a list of resources to help stop bullying and cyberbullying.
For Everyone:
The Bully Project, and ‘Billy’ Movie: The documentary film that sparked a nationwide movement to stop bullying offers stories of those who were bullies and resources for parents, teachers, kids, and communities on how to deal with and stop bullies on their website. “Bully,” which follows the lives of five U.S. students who faced bullying daily at school, including two who committed suicide as a result, will be in theaters on March 30, 2012.
Stop Bullying Now!:
A resource website sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services that addresses the warning signs of bullying, how to talk about bullies, how to report bullies and cyberbullying and offers a 24-hour help hotline for victims at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
For Children and Teens:
Teens Against Bullying: Specifically created to help teens learn about bullying, how to appropriately respond to it, and how to prevent it.
Kids Against Bullying: This was specifically created to help elementary school children learn about bullying, how to appropriately respond to it, and how to prevent it.
STOMP Out Bullying!: A national anti-bullying and cyberbullying program for kids and teens.
National Youth Advocacy Coalition: An advocacy organization for young people.
Trevor Project: A national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,and questioning youth. They also offer the Trevor Lifeline, a 24-hour, national crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth. The number is 1-866-4-U-Trevor.
For Parents and Teachers:
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: Offers resources for how to teach kids of all ages about bullying, state laws and what parents can do if their child is being bullied, and peer advocacy groups.
Education.com: Bullying at School and Online: A resource for both teachers and parents on how to help a bullied child.
Teaching Tolerance: Bullying: Offers guidelines and activities for teachers to help teach students K-12 about bullies.
The Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Schools Guide: A guide to help school administrators, educators, and parents or caring adults make sure that their elementary schools welcome all students and families. Targeted at addressing family diversity, gender stereotyping, and name-calling in K-5th grades.
GLSEN, Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network: Works with school officials to ensure that transgender, gay, and lesbian students are not harassed or bullied.
Family Acceptance Project: Launched out of the Marian Wright Edelman Institute at San Francisco State University, this organization works to decrease major health and related risks for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.
I hope the recourses are of help.
Melinda
Just Pondering
What is the one routine you have that makes you feel content and satisfied?
Why do you value it so much?
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
Fibromyalgia Thoughts #12-Celebrating
This post is really more of a celebration of my Fibromyalgia staying under control or flare’s have been lighter. This year my other health issues have taken center stage, and I was lucky to avoid a total flare.
Some days I wake in a fog, I don’t fight it and go lie down. How productive is staring at a computer screen or out the back window? I’m more forgiving of myself now and know I’m blessed to be able to focus on my health. I can’t imagine how hard it is to have Fibromyalgia, or any chronic illness, and work, care for kids, or other family matters. My hat’s off to those who manage daily life.
Don’t overdo it!
I have Bursitis in both hips and receive steroid shots to manage the pain. The shots start to wear off in two months but I have to wait until the three-month mark. This is when my hip pain elevates, and having a flare on top of is excruciating. Some days it’s hard to walk, especially the stairs, these are the days my husband jumps in to help me manage the day.
I send well wishes to everyone who has Fibromyalgia, remember towmorrow is a new day.
You’re not alone and talking to someone could change the mood of your day.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Dump Cake
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannie’s pecan pie.
What you need
9 x 13-inch baking pan
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 can Cherry Pie Filling
1 yellow cake mix
1 cup pecans
How To Make
Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan
Add pineapples, cherry pie filling, and yellow cake mix
Combine well.
Spread evenly over the fruit
Melt a stick of butter and pour over the dry cake mix
Sprinkle 1 cup pecans over the top
Bake at 350 degrees for about one hour
Enjoy!
Melinda
Caregiver to Grieving in Four Days
Originally posted in 2010
Each day was a roller coaster of how he felt and how exhausted I was. I learned so much being a caregiver to my grandmother and grandfather. As the population ages, many of you will take on the responsibility. One of the most difficult changes was going from granddaughter to caregiver. Even at 92 my grandfather had a strong mind and felt he didn’t need help. I prayed for strength every day.
My grandfather died in 2010 at the young age of 92 years old. I spent more time with him in 2010 year than I spent at home. I cherish the time we had together, no matter how painful. They are my memories and my life changed forever with his death. His health declined so fast that for two days
I did not realize that he was dying now, not in a couple of weeks. He was at home under hospice care and would not get in the hospital bed until two days before he passed. He fell out of bed that morning, he was so weak it was difficult for me to get him back in bed. I don’t think we would have been able to talk him into moving to the hospital bed if he had not fallen. For him the bed meant death and he was still fighting.
My grandfather had End Stage Kidney Disease. An emergency trip to the hospital for his AFIB is how we learned he had about two months to live. We knew his kidneys were losing function but I was not ready for a timeline. His doctor had not given me that impression on a recent visit so I asked her to review the hospital records. I was not surprised but very saddened that she agreed with the prognosis. It took a couple weeks for my grandfather to believe the doctors were right. Kidney failure is a silent killer and luckily for some, it is not a painful one. You start sleeping more until you sleep yourself into a coma.
I arrived on Sunday afternoon after two days of relief of duty and he didn’t look any different. Monday morning I knew he was out of it by the things he was saying but thought it was a bad day. Tuesday I knew he was weak when he fell out of bed and felt like dead weight. It took everything in me to get him back in bed.
My grandfather died on Thursday. What the doctors did not tell me is the older the patients die faster. The end came weeks sooner than we thought. I’m so thankful that my grandfather and I had time together to say what we wanted to say, cry about the loss, and enjoy the memories. I have no regrets.
Cleaning out the house was so hard, years of memories were everywhere. My grandmother left notes on everything, it was like mourning her death as I found each note. Notes on the back of photos, on little pieces of paper, and even on masking tape. I knew all the notes were there, we had looked at them many times but it was different this time. Everything was packed up this time and the house cleared out. My grandparents raised me so I’ve lost my parents, they were the best you could ever pray for. The house is empty but I see my life in every room, the great memories with my grandparents are everywhere you look. I am starting a new chapter in my life. It’s a long journey ahead.
Xx M
Blogger Highlight-Grace of the Sun
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 of Grace of the Sun.
Grace of the Sun
My true intention
is to share,
what brings me joy
because I care.
If what you see
brings on a smile,
then follow me
read for a while.
We have followed each other for the past year, probably more. Her words flow and are soothing. You must check out her blog and read for a while.
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Pound Cake
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
It’s super easy to make and the rewards are high.
What You Need
2 cups sugar
1 cup margarine
4 eggs
2 1/2 TSP. vanilla
1 cup Butter Milk
3 cups flour
1/2 TSP soda
1 TSP salt
Like many recipes, they are old and faded and my Granny made items enough that she didn’t add instructions. This is one of the recipes. I’ll try to read her mind.
Who To Make
In a large bowl add sugar and margarine
Mix eggs beaten well
Add vanilla, buttermilk and salt
Add flour and soda
Combine all ingredients
Cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 1/2
I winged it on the instructions, if you’ve been backing a long time it might make sense to you. If it tastes bad you can say it’s because it had no instructions.
Cooking is fun!
Melinda
From Family Cookbook-Quick Fudge Frosting
The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.
What You Need
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 TBS Cocoa
2 TBS butter or margarine
1/4 cup milk
1 TBS light corn syrup
Dash of salt
1/2 to 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
1 TSP vanilla
How To Make
Mix sugar and cocoa in a saucepan
Add buttermilk, milk, corn syrup and salt
Heat to boiling, stirring frequently
Boil vigorously for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally
Cool and beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla
I love chocolate everything and Granny’s frosting was always so creamy.
Enjoy!
Melinda
Looking for the Light 