I’m excited because the music came from request this week. Please the request coming, I love to hear what you like.

Xx  M

Sheldon requested Queen, Here’s your surprise.

Van requested James Taylor, You’ve Got A Friend

Daniel @ Hyperion Strum requested The Stones Wild Horses

NEW CHANGE.ORG PETITION

CALLING ALL CAT LOVERS!

When my daughter Brynnan transferred to Culpeper High School in Virginia this year, she was excited that they offered an anatomy class. She wanted to learn more about the human body and how it worked, but her excitement quickly turned to shock and distress.

“Mom, they want me to skin and dissect a CAT,” she told me. “The teacher told us if we have a black cat at home, pick a white cat and vice versa. Like the color of their fur changes how I feel about ripping the fur from a cat who—no matter what—will remind me of my baby Sparta!”

I was horrified. We discussed how to handle it, and she begged me to let her home school instead. As a new student, she already felt alone, and the thought of taking a stand in a class full of strangers was something that caused her more anguish.

Whether she silently took part in skinning and dissecting a companion animal—something that would cause her immense psychological pain—or stood against the practice and further alienated herself from the other students, she was facing trauma either way.

Eventually, I decided it was best to pull her from the high school. As her parent, it is my duty to protect her, first and foremost, and I didn’t want my daughter to go through such a traumatizing event. Now, I want to make sure that other children don’t have to experience something so traumatic as dissecting a pet. I will start with Brynnan’s school district, but I won’t stop there. Will you join me in asking the Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) to ban cat dissection in their classrooms?

Cats are the most popular companion animal in the United States, outnumbering dogs by some 15 million. To expect students to skin and cut up the very same animal that they may sleep with at night is cruel and inhumane, both to the cats and to the students forced to maim them.

There are many alternatives to dissection, including online or computer simulations and 3-D models. It’s time for CCPS in Virginia to put into practice the humane message they should be sending to all students. Please stand with Brynnan and myself to demand an end to cat dissection in the classroom.

Thank you!

Sign Tamira’s petition

https://www.change.org/p/don-t-force-our-children-to-skin-cats?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=482498&alert_id=WDnuSdowjI_AXKyJ%2FT2xtW3aGiPHkralYqDO2R%2B%2Be77J55fCLPm4yk%3D

Thank you for the participation. These petitions do make a difference.

Xx  M

NEW CHANGE.ORG PETITION

READING MADE ME WANT TO WORK HARDER ON WOMENS RIGHTS AROUND THE WORLD.

After having lived for seven years with an abusive husband, I decided it was time to leave. I didn’t think I would survive another year if I stayed, so in 2011, I walked out the door and broke the crippling silence and isolation the abuse had made me feel. I felt empowered and free, and finally looked forward to my future. But because I left my marriage, my husband considered me “disobedient” and, therefore, worthy of punishment. So one day, when he called me to pick up my children at his house and suddenly acid was thrown at my face and body.

The next thing I knew, my face felt as if it were on fire. My skin was literally melting away.
He thought he would break my spirit, but he only made me stronger. Since my attack, I have been fighting to put an end to this horrific practice in my country of Uganda, and I need your help to do it. Please support our petition by asking H.E. President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta to sign the Toxic Chemicals Bill into law.

That is my story, but there are many more, each one as harrowing as the last. Acid violence occurs around the globe and isn’t specific to race or religion. My country, Uganda, has some of the highest rates of acid violence. In fact, since 1985, there have been nearly 400 reported cases of acid attacks here, and in just one hospital alone, they have reported 8 attacks and two deaths this year. And those are just the ones that were reported. The real statistics are likely much higher.

My name is Hanifa Nakiryowa,and my fellow acid attack survivor Gloria Kankunda and I have founded the Center for Rehabilitation of Survivors of Acid and burns Violence (CERESAV). We founded CERESAV because of our personal experiences, and because of the stories we were told by fellow victims. CERESAV’s ultimate goal is to address the issue of acid attacks and gender violence on a global level, but today we have a chance to make a difference in Uganda by helping to pass legislation that would classify products like acid as controlled substances. Cutting off easy access to acid has proven to drastically reduce the rate of attacks in other countries.

Research indicates that the most effective ways to reduce acid violence are through regulation of the sale of acid, tougher jail sentences for perpetrators, and raising awareness of the devastating impact that acid attacks have on individuals and their families. Step by step, CERESAV hopes to make all of these things a reality, but we can’t do it alone.
With collective efforts, we can end this devastating act and save the next potential victim. I know we can make a difference. When strong women and fellow victims of female-directed violence, like Jaha who fought to end female genital mutilation, or Malala who is a champion for girls’ education started Change.org petitions, great things happened.

Please join me in asking H.E. President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta to sign the Toxic Chemicals Bill into law.

Sign Hanifa’s petition

https://www.change.org/p/urge-ugandan-president-museveni-to-pass-the-acid-attack-bill-now?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=481998&alert_id=kKonevTcai_7yqcov%2Bbi4RaihvGVshGQn7%2FjBy1oOyyYoJ1mD6KY%2BA%3D

You have to see her photo to begin to understand her pain.

Xx  M

Thank you for all the hugs and prayers, my heart overflows with sunshine. There is no question I will survive, a cure will come sooner than later.  

Xx  M

I hope to have a Lyme Update post with information on the cost of treatment. Thank you for stopping by today. I am happy to answer any questions.

Xx M

My father committed suicide in 1992 at 52 years old. After his death I questioned if I would reach 52. It’s not that I loved and missed my father, he sexually abused me. The thoughts were tied to deep depression and helping my grandmother grieve.  In time the thoughts faded away until Christmas night. I don’t drink but do suffer from Chronic Lyme Disease which creates extreme pain.

I was sitting on the couch looking at the tree when thoughts of being 52 and my father’s death at 52 resurfaced. Several thoughts overwhelmed me, the most comforting was I made it to 52 years old. My father was Bipolar, suffering until the end. His mental illness and death pushed me to look in the mirror at my lifelong depression. The search for a doctor who knew how to manage Bipolar took seeing several doctors.

The memories will fade with no reason to return. I rarely look back at my life or worry about my age. Living till 52 years old haunted me. 2016 is open for me to shape, improve and focus on getting well.

Thank you for reading. If someone is suffering, please reach out for help.

Xx M

I looked at stats to find WP has already flipped to January. My clock is showing 6:19pm, nowhere near the usual 11:00pm roll over.

Maybe WP is enjoying a vacation in a much different time zone. Who is already enjoying the New Year?

Does it matter, probably not.

:) M

American Crime prompts conversation with story lines about abuse and violence. The show starts 1/16/16 on ABC. One story line is a boy being raped. I believe sexual abuse and violence towards men needs a spotlight and resources. The topics may be disturbing or freeing. Without resources men/boys have no safe to turn for help.

The series deals with topics ripped from current headlines. Audiences see story lines dealing with issues teenagers face, discrimination and transgender, are a few topics.

http://abc.go.com/shows/american-crime

Their site has several options to find more about the program. I look forward to the conversation from WP Bloggers after watching.

Xx  M

I want to thank everyone who reads my post, you are priceless. I feel blessed by the special people in my life who pray for me and cheer me up. The past year has been tough but everyone filled my heart with joy and lots of smiles. You are truly family to me. Happy New Years Eve.

I have plans for the New Year not resolutions. Continue learning, helping others, having more fun, and learning more about the people who follow me.

Now it’s time for great Rock & Roll tunes. Keep the request coming, I love playing your suggestions.

Enjoy.  Xx  M

Josh Groban  rehearsed with Celine Dion when Andrea Bocelli’s plane was delayed. Josh was 17 years old, watch his hands when he meets Celine. That’s called shaking like a leaf. Like fine wine, his voice has matured.Enjoy.

Have a blessed day.  Xx  M

Have a blessed day.  Xx  M

Have a blessed Christmas Day.  Xx  Melinda

Feliz Navidad

Espero que usted está bendecido con tiempo para enviar con familiares y amigos.   XX Melinda

This is a very special gift

That you can never see

The reason it’s so special is

It’s just for you, from me

Whenever you are lonely 

Or you’re feeling blue

You only have to hold this gift 

And know I think of you

You can never unwrap it

Please leave the ribbon tied

Just hold the box close to your heart

It’s filled with love inside

Merry Christmas Granny, you made every Christmas special.

Xx  Melinda 

I think you’ll enjoy this weeks music selection. The comment Hotline is always open for suggestions. Flying during the holidays makes me anxious. Bose Noise Cancelling headphones come in handy.

Enjoy the quality time with friends and family.   Be Safe.   Xx  M

TOYS FOR TOTS CHARITY RUN

Yes, that’s a Corona at 9:00 AM, Santa doesn’t seem to mind. It’s an incredible feeling riding down the freeway with up to 1,000 bikes. People are standing on bridges as you pull into Arlington, Texas. They’re holding signs, American Flags and waving. Whole families on bridge after bridge. Helping the Marines Toys of Tots program is deeply rewarding and tons of fun.  

Wishing everyone around the world a safe Holiday and peace for all.  Xx M 

JOYFUL HEART FOUNDATION

Dear Friend,

In the 24 hours since I emailed you, 29,520 people became victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
The statistics are staggering:

Every minute, 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner.

Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted.

One in three women experience sexual or physical violence in their lives.

One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused or assaulted before their 18th birthdays.

This violence is preventable. And healing is possible.

Yesterday, I wrote to you about Joyful Heart’s signature retreat programs and the work we are doing to make this healing experience available to even more survivors.

Can you help us? Your gift today will guarantee that more survivors benefit from Joyful Heart’s retreats—and take the next step in their healing journey.

29,520 people in the past 24 hours. 20 people in the minute it took you to read this note. You can help change it today.

Please, give what you can.

With gratitude,
Maile Zambuto
Chief Executive Officer
Joyful Heart Foundation

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE FOR WOMEN IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATIONSHIPS

National DV Hotline Retweeted

WomensLaw.org ‏

We’re the leading referral for legal information for many DV advocates, including the @ndvh #15daysofWomensLaw

XO  M

It’s time to share with my WP family how stubborn I can be. I was an innocent child of six years old playing on jungle gym, all things kids do at recess.

I felt a growl in my stomach but the jungle gym was more fun. Another growl, I better tell the teacher I have to potty. She looked at me rather stern, NO! Go back and play.

I went back as instructed and tried to hang on. I had my favorite purple polyester suite with elephants on it. Not wanting to get it dirty, I wondered around watching my friends. GROWL.

Going back to teacher, again she said NO! I pleaded with her. “If I don’t go inside I will poop my pants right here.” She didn’t know I was a kid that meant business. I stood right in her face and pooped my pants.

The look in her eyes. “You pooped your pants”, I told you. Off to the Principles office, she called my mother to come get me. She came about three hours later. I had the pleasure of sitting in poop on a bench outside her office. My classmates had a good laugh, my mother did not.

I sure missed my purple pant suit. Let’s just say it was beyond repair!

Have a great weekend.

XO  M

I am so excited with the suggestions this week. Sheldon gets a surprise with Donna Summer and Gavin likes Janet Jackson. I had the privilege of watching Easy Rider again and can’t quit singing Born to be Wild. I don’t know Peter Fonda rides a chopper, I couldn’t master a chopped bicycle.  XO  M

Continue sending request, now we’re having fun.

As a child I believed music could change feelings, like pump you up or knock you down. We’ve all had rocks thrown at us while we walk forward. There is no way around, doing the time is essential for growth. I’ve  had a rough life, music loved me when no one would. On shitty days I would rush home, hide in my closet with my radio and pray no one found me.

(Sounds so depressing after reading. Sorry, no downer here!)

I’m thrilled for the request. Getting to know each other and surprising each with a song.

Coffee Grounded asked for Annie Lennox and sent the link for the version. I’m so glad she shared this version, what a song it is. Bringing tears to my eyes. She is a genius.

Casey Alexander  jumped in with one of my #1 songs. Lord knows “I’m no Angel”.  Greg Allman  

Carol King “You’ve got a Friend” rips at my heart, good and bad.

My friend Gavin had an awesome request, the video didn’t meet my standards. We’ll see Gavin’s next week.

Hope everyone enjoyed the tunes.

XO M

I send good heath to you, family & friends.  Have a Blessed Hanukkah. The holiday is a sacred time of reflection. Enjoy visiting family and friends.

Peace and Love to you.

 I think you’ll enjoy the music and be sure to leave suggestions.Thank each of you for the kind words. They bring bring me sunshine. My heath will slow me down but I’ll get back up.

XO  M

My previous content has not transferred yet. I’m moving forward with new post       lookingforthelightblog.wp.com.

Thank you for following me, I appreciate your comments and friendship. We can all help others. I’m here for you, just leave a note.

Have A Blessed Day.

XO Melinda

Did you enjoy the British selections? Are you ready to Rock? Please leave suggestions in the comment section.

XO M

:)