Bucket List Friday Sydney Opera House
Category: Survivor
Blessings to you and family on Good Friday
Throw Back Thursday *Yin Yang Tribute From My Heart*
I hope you enjoy my new fascination with dragons. XO Warrior
Was It Rape?
I was emotionally in shock after reading the post. I have been raped more than once. The post breaks down many scenario’s. It can help parents talk to children of both sexes. The information helps you find out your States law on Rape. Do yourself a favor by reading and when appropriate sharing with your kids. XO Warrior
Unfortunately, sexual violence can come in many forms. In order to better understand the wide range of personal violence’s that can occur, we have included definitions of different types of rape and sexual violence, as well as other kinds of violence that often arise hand-in-hand with sexual violence.
Was I Raped?
How can you figure out if what happened was rape? There are a few questions to consider.
For purposes of this page, we use the term “rape” to mean all crimes of sexual violence, not just those crimes that would qualify as “rape” under the FBI definition or under state laws.
The exact definition of “rape,” “sexual assault,” “sexual abuse” and similar terms differs by state. The wording can get confusing, since states often use different words to mean the same thing or use the same words to describe different things. To see how your state legally defines these…
View original post 1,078 more words
Lyme Journal Entry Eleven *Lyme Winning Me..Mad As Hell*
Four months ago I wrote the last Lyme Journal Entry. I thought my strength would allow me to blog through the illness. Then the 5-6 month point turned my life upside down and it’s been hell. I fired my Lyme doctor and not taking meds at this time. I know many are wondering why the hair photo? I was losing hair by the handful and showering was nearly impossible with longer hair. When you can’t stand, lift your arms or sit down without falling, showering is a problem. I planned a nice Army shave but David would not help. I grabbed the scissors and cut eight inches off. Feels great, looks like crap. Who cares?
I’m sure people have noticed my positive attitude is quickly sliding. The mounting problems are not all Lyme-related. My cat Truffles is dying, lack of communication from my doctor, getting so sick, and walking some days is extremely painful. Our bed was too hard so I moved to a couch months ago. I live on the couch now. Not bad for sleeping except all the animals want to go out, poke me in the back, and the cat wants to attack me. Even attempting to get enough sleep is impossible. With Chronic Lyme Disease sleep is your best friend and a key to survival.
Let me share some Lyme politics for newbies.
Most of the expert Lyme Literate Doctors, are not practicing. Several years ago doctors were watching people die using CDC standards, which state patients can only receive 2-4 weeks of antibiotics at most. The Lyme doctors who understood how the viruses worked knew 4 weeks was a joke. The doctors worked together helping each out calling in antibiotics for the other patients. I have Chronic Lyme, and it can take 1-3 years to get well. Medication is one of the many ways to heal. Getting enough sleep is number one after the meds., take supplements, gluten-free diet and eat foods to help your body heal. No Coffee and drink only electrolyte water.
There was a huge division among Lyme doctors when the CDC allowed several doctors to patent the virus. Makes no sense to me. For years patients were clueless of the division. Both sides fought hard with the CDC to prove their data, from the videos on YouTube it looks like the battle was lost before the presentations started. The expert Lyme Literate doctors were quite vocal and a witch hunt is what followed the meeting. Doctors appeared before the Medical Board and were not able to practice, some for up to a year. Several doctors lost their clinic and everything they owned trying to keep their patients alive. It is a complete mess the CDC let happen, needless to say, I’m pissed. Just a little more background info to burn into your brain.
Many Chronic Lyme patients become so sick they are not able to work. The first reality is you no longer have insurance and can not afford new insurance if you could buy. I’ve watched video after video on YouTube of people with good-paying jobs, racking up several thousand dollars in doctor bills and many having to file bankruptcy, losing everything. One video told of a couple who owed their parents $500,000. Lyme affects everyone in your family, friends, your health, and financial security.
It’s going on Spring in some parts but summer will be here quickly. I don’t want any of you or your family members to struggle with a virus that looks like a worm. The viruses travel through the blood until they can find a way to your major organs. Lyme likes to get cozy in the liver, kidney, heart, and brain. I have three tick-borne illnesses and Epstein Bar Virus. I have cognitive issues, my eyes constantly see things moving by my peripheral vision and balance are fleeting. I was in the bathroom two days ago about to reach for the medicine cabinet. I slammed into a wall hurting my writs and several fingers. If that wasn’t enough I slid down the wall falling on the toilet and hurt my leg. The doctors don’t know how much of your ability will come back if any. You have to keep fighting.
Why I fired my doctor. My husband and I formed an impression at the first appointment, not so good. I was desperate to start treatment and had no other options.
* I start a couple of drugs until the Lab work is back. At the follow-up appointment, the first words out of his mouth are you are in a great deal of pain. REALLY? His communication and organization skills are lacking. No pain meds were prescribed. He has to call someone in to bring him something several times during the appointment.
*I’m loaded down with over 50 pills to take a day plus 15-20 supplements and sleep all I can. The equation doesn’t work. I have gastro issues and the high-powered antibiotics made me nauseous all the time. I asked to have a PICC line in my arm to give my stomach a break. He did not plan to use a PICC line? Almost every patient gets a PICC line so they can fill you full of drugs and bypass your stomach. My wheels are turning. He had lab work for me to do, but I didn’t do it. He never asked about the Labs. He said my Lead levels were three times higher than normal, in the dangerous range. No follow-up test was ordered, it was like “So you know”. I’m scared, my brain is on overload, the test said current and ongoing exposure. I spent about two weeks looking for an answer. I looked at the top of the report one day, it wasn’t my report. Admin acted like no big deal. HIPPA laws are not new.
With the list of experts I start going down the list, ONE of the leading Lyme Literate Doctors still practices. The doctors called before the Medical Board and CDC. Now are full-time advocates/researchers. I phoned his office in DC and they are taking patients. When you have cognitive issues filling out 50 pages is crazy. I stayed up last night to get everything I could without waking my household. With God’s help, I will finish the paperwork tomorrow and get an appointment in the next month.
ILADS is the professional organization Lyme Literate doctors belong to. I saw the tab on site for ILADS Protocol on Lyme. I jumped for joy. Let’s hit them with our best shot. We have boxing gloves on and the truth will come out. The document was extensive for the different stages of Lyme or other tick-borne illnesses. I felt so happy that others may not have to suffer shortly. The document was well-researched by leading scientists, leading hospitals, and large populations of people. I cheered when I read research that outlined how the current system is incorrect, and they went all out. On the issues of insurance, extensive research with real patients exposed what the CDC is keeping from the public. If you want to learn more about Lyme, YouTube has so many videos, you might not have to go anywhere else. If you like the medical jargon go to the ILADS site.
A shout out to others who suffer from Lyme or tick-borne illness. I think of you, pray for you, and send good karma your way.
XO Warrior
When testing positive for horrible diseases or getting a diagnosis is a GOOD thing.
Louise is crazy funny. Don’t let her humor fool you. I love her honesty and cheeky humor.
Stalking Awareness: Spotlight On Marianne Bezaire * Marianne is a true Survivor*
If you’ve been stalked, you understand why the hair on my neck went up reading Marianne Bezaire’s nightmare. Starting in my late 20’s I was stalked for six years. The trauma on my family gut wrenching, we lived paralyzed by fear. At the time women being stalked received similar attitudes from some law enforcement agencies as rape survivors.
1 in 6 women – and 1 in 19 men – have experienced stalking at some point during their lifetime
66% of female stalking victims are stalked by someone they know
46% of stalking victims fear not knowing what will happen next
29% of stalking victims fear the stalking will never stop
1 in 8 employed victims lose time from work as a result of their victimization
1 in 7 stalking victims move as a result of their victimization*
For survivor Marianne Bezaire, these aren’t just statistics – she experienced it all personally when an acquaintance became her rapist, and then her stalker.
Marianne was drugged and sexually assaulted at a friend’s party. When she woke up the next morning and drove herself home, her attacker followed her and discovered where she lived. This was the beginning of an awful ordeal that involved the stalker breaking into her home, blackmailing her with information he found while reading her personal journals, hacking into her computer and email, and more. Marianne says she lived in fear of what he would do next, and “one of the worst parts of the situation was dealing with how hard it was to get support.”
Those around her often minimized the danger Marianne faced, or blamed her for not protecting herself more effectively. “I felt very ashamed and responsible, but also helpless to make the stalking stop,” she says. Even when she was able to go to the police in her town, she says they were unhelpful, suggesting that she simply replace her computer or move to a new address. “I felt as though no one would understand how unsafe I was, or what I had to go through to make myself feel safe again.”
Marianne says that in the 10 years since her experience, the perception of stalking has changed significantly. “There’s more awareness now of how serious a crime it is to stalk someone,” says Marianne. Stalking, generally defined as “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear,” is a crime in all 50 states and Washington, DC, and January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month.
Marianne wants those with similar experiences to feel supported. “Please do not be hard on yourself. Stalkers often purposely try to confuse you and make you feel as though you are responsible for their behavior. Don’t let anyone talk you out of taking proper care of yourself.” To overcome the after-effects of being stalked, Marianne began seeing a therapist, and also started meditating and journaling. She advises others to try a healing physical activity, such as dance or yoga.
Marianne also recommends identifying resources you have available should you discover or suspect you’re being stalked. For instance, whom would you feel comfortable talking to? Do you know where your local police station is? How much of your personal information is shared on social media? “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be your own best advocate,” says Marianne.
Find more information about stalking here, and at the National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org.
*All statistics via The National Center for Victims of Crime.
Melinda
Senate Approves VA Committee Clay Hunt Act *WP helped make this happen*
Senate VA Committee Approves Clay Hunt Act! Share Our Petition!
Anthony Pike with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Jan 27, 2015 — Last week the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee unanimously approved the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act as its first legislative action of the 114th Congress. Now we’re headed to the full Senate and need your help.
Can you share the petition to your networks on Facebook and Twitter? We’ve made it easy — all you have to do is click the links below:
Share on Twitter: http://bit.ly/1JBA2sy
Share on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1CGlbZw
Over 30 Senators are now sponsoring the Clay Hunt SAV Act! So please continue sharing our petition so that more sign on and the Senate brings this important bill to a vote as soon as possible.
Thank you for your support!
Taking my mind where it wants to go…..
Yosemite Park
Taking my mind to where it wants to go. XO Warrior
Throw Back Thrursday *Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone*
Both beautiful versions. I have great memories of the original. I can’t get the picture of John Mayer singing out of my head. Oh, he plays a means blues guitar. Kick back, put your feet up and take in the relaxing tunes. XO Warrior
Throw Back Thrursday *Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone*
Both beautiful versions. I have great memories of the original. I can’t get the picture of John Mayer singing out of my head. Oh, he plays a means blues guitar. Kick back, put your feet up and take in the relaxing tunes. XO Warrior
New PSA #StrongerThanStigma in partnership with Brandon Marshall’s Foundation
Start the conversation. Change the stigma.
We are incredibly excited to share our new PSA, #StrongerThanStigma, with you! Produced in partnership with Brandon Marshall’s foundation, Project 375, this campaign features four men who have each made mental health advocacy a part of his platform. These headliners are Brandon Marshall, NFL All-Pro wide receiver for the Chicago Bears; Michael Angelakos, lead singer of indietronica band Passion Pit; Wayne Brady, comedian and actor; and Ben Scrivens, NHL goalie for the Edmonton Oilers. Each shares his story, and encourages men to start the conversation and end the stigma.
For the past thirty years, the rate of suicide among men has been three to four times that of women. Traditionally, however, men have shied away from talking about their feelings because it is viewed as weak. In addition to a reluctance to seek help, men have higher levels of isolation, higher rates of drug and alcohol misuse, are at a greater risk for homelessness, display more externalized and destructive behaviors, and are more involved with the criminal justice system. Underlying many of these experiences are complex psychological problems, but we rarely empathize with their causes.
We want to erase stereotypes, create a new narrative by raising awareness of the mental health problems that men face, encourage dialogue, and promote help seeking behavior.
We hope that you will be a part of this significant opportunity to talk about the harmful and pervasive discrimination that surrounds mental illness. Please join our conversations on Facebook and Twitter, and visit our website to view and share #StrongerThanStigma, find resources, and help us end stigma.
Sincerely,
Pamela Harrington
Executive Director
Bring Change 2 Mind
1265 Battery Street, Fifth Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111
415.814.8846 | information@bringchange2mind.org
New PSA #StrongerThanStigma in partnership with Brandon Marshall's Foundation
Start the conversation. Change the stigma.
We are incredibly excited to share our new PSA, #StrongerThanStigma, with you! Produced in partnership with Brandon Marshall’s foundation, Project 375, this campaign features four men who have each made mental health advocacy a part of his platform. These headliners are Brandon Marshall, NFL All-Pro wide receiver for the Chicago Bears; Michael Angelakos, lead singer of indietronica band Passion Pit; Wayne Brady, comedian and actor; and Ben Scrivens, NHL goalie for the Edmonton Oilers. Each shares his story, and encourages men to start the conversation and end the stigma.
For the past thirty years, the rate of suicide among men has been three to four times that of women. Traditionally, however, men have shied away from talking about their feelings because it is viewed as weak. In addition to a reluctance to seek help, men have higher levels of isolation, higher rates of drug and alcohol misuse, are at a greater risk for homelessness, display more externalized and destructive behaviors, and are more involved with the criminal justice system. Underlying many of these experiences are complex psychological problems, but we rarely empathize with their causes.
We want to erase stereotypes, create a new narrative by raising awareness of the mental health problems that men face, encourage dialogue, and promote help seeking behavior.
We hope that you will be a part of this significant opportunity to talk about the harmful and pervasive discrimination that surrounds mental illness. Please join our conversations on Facebook and Twitter, and visit our website to view and share #StrongerThanStigma, find resources, and help us end stigma.
Sincerely,
Pamela Harrington
Executive Director
Bring Change 2 Mind
1265 Battery Street, Fifth Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111
415.814.8846 | information@bringchange2mind.org
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…….. *
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
Happy Kwanzaa…Heri za Kwanzaa
Sending you and family blessings during Kwanzaa 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
lookingforthelight.blog 