Celebrate Life

Blessings for Ramadan

Traveling to Mecca can be a long journey, I wish for you a safe arrival and return. I hope you are spending time with family and friends, sharing laughs and blessings.

Blessings for Ramadan

Melinda

http://time.com/3958256/snapchat-mecca-ramadan-prayers/

Dandelion
Dandelion

 

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward

Learning from Chronic Illness *Tid Bits, Falling and Learning To Fly*

I dedicate this post to the chronically ill, newly diagnosed and their caregivers. You are the Survivors.

It took three painful years to learn I had Chronic Lyme Disease. I’ve had bumps over the years, nothing like Lyme. I’m totally dependent on my husband. Every week he takes countless hours off work. There’s IV Therapy before and after work. Day to-day monitoring the catheter with weekly bandage changes. Out of state doctor appointments once a month, insure medicines are taken properly, on time and everything you can think of.

I didn’t know what life would teach me. Boy have I learned and want to share with you. The ongoing guilt is a challenge for me.Guilt for not getting out of bed, doing laundry, on and on.

I had no concept of how humiliating daily life can get. I march on. At 52, I wear Kotex for daily spills. The agony of not taking extra Kotex on long flight.

I made a list to complete before treatment. HA! It’s hard to prepare for everything when an illness effects everyone different. The post is female oriented, I can’t speak for men. Use your imagination.

Some suggestions will make you laugh and others grateful to know. Here are a few surprises. The list is task you may want to consider.

Any Dental work

Mammogram

Gynecologist

By wardrobe essentials, one size larger, possibly add another half-size or larger.

Shoes become a nightmare, one day your sneakers fit, next day you’re searching for the big ugly pair. Buy a size larger. If you suffer from Edema another half-size makes your day. Edema makes my feet look like melons.

Don’t forget pajamas, undergarments, bra extensions, or Cami.

Your bladder can overflow without warning.

Can’t walk, can’t drive.

Load books, podcast and free College Coursework.

Because the catheter CAN’T EVER get wet, no shower and washing hair a nightmare. I did find a fix. Buy two hairstylist capes with velcro around neck. Wear one backwards the other normal. The backwards one tends to fall forward, I safety pinned arms and pinned back s much as possible. I used 2-1 shampoo, towel close for water in my face and drying towels within distance.

Many households keep rolling due to your efforts.The caregiver will feel like your mother or father at times. Without caregivers, life will weigh you down. Be generous, a thank you goes a long way. Caregivers handle day-to-day task, make appointments, manage medication. Pill maintenance is a full-time job.

I’ll share the next 18-24 month journey to wellness with you.

I can’t express the love in my heart for supporters, friends and followers You’ve stayed by my side in prayer and saying positive words over me.

Xx  Melinda

P.S. The reference learning to fly is Sky Diving from 18,000 feet.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Moving Forward

Inspirational Thoughts

My Back Yard is so Fascinating

IMG_0345_edited-2

“We do not need magic to transform our world

We carry all the power we need inside already

We have the power to imagine better

J.K. Rowling

commencement speech at Harvard University

Celebrate Life · Fun

Throw Back Thursday *Late but not forgotten*

We flew in last night from D.C., slept more than normal. I haven’t missed a Thursday in two years, today is not the day. I’ll keep it short, my body feels much older than reality.  Xx  M

Moving Forward

The Story of my life in 250 words … )

coffeegrounded's avatarCoffeeGrounded's Blog

Is a writing challenge presented by, Jenni, author of the blog, StoryofMyLifeTheBlog.blogspot.com. She wills us to write about our life in the next 31 days. Our task, should we decide to accept it, is to write about specific items each day. Her outline, found in this post, http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/blog-every-day-in-may-challenge.html, defines the specifics.

It was my daughter, M1, author of the blog, ZuPlusTwo.com, who inspired me. M1 is taking on this challenge. I thought I’d try, too. I’ve been listed as AWOL for several months now, occupied by several life changes, but never forgetting how much I miss my friends, their words, their lives, and their inspirations. Come along as Jenni (and all who offer themselves up on this quest). Take the plunge. Come dive into the water, deep, someone will be here to grab you if you begin to sink (me), cuz…well, I’m good at sinking, and my friends…

View original post 670 more words

Men & Womens Health

A Heart A Fire Nominated Me for Blogger Recognition Award

 

A Heart A Fire nominated me for The Blogger Recognition Award. She nominated me months ago. Lyme Disease truly slows you physical and Cognitive ability. I encourage everyone to spend time at http://www.aheartafire.wordpress.com.  You will enjoy her Blog and fantastic writing. Thank you for nominating Looking For The Light Blog for The Blogger Recognition Award

The criteria for this award:

Post an image of award

Thank the person, mention name of the blog and link them to your post

Briefly explain how your blog got started

Give a piece of advice to fellow blogger.

Nominate 15 bloggers for the award and notify them you to accept award as recognition and appreciation of your contribution to a brighter world; the gift of beauty, inspiration, and enlightenment.

A bit of advice to a fellow blogger:

Write what you’re passionate about, show people your personality.  If you are can’t be truthful to yourself, people will know and you’ll burn out fast. Good luck.

I’m not able to include 15 fantastic Bloggers. I feel like a cheater. Those who know me understand the effects of Lyme Diease and how it robs your ability little by little. I’m grateful and wish my body allowed more energy,

Grateful  Xx  Melinda

 

Men & Womens Health

How to Protect the Civil Rights of Sexual Assault Survivors

May 19, 2016

TED Talks
Karen Eng

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Eng is a contributing writer to TED.com, dedicated to covering the feats of the wondrous TED Fellows. Her launchpad located in Cambridge, UK.

My memory attacks me every week. I could not remember how to have the story start here. It’s long, informative and looks like a good resource.  Xx  M

http://www.theredtapeofrape/

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Female Power House Voices*

Adele’s voice is unique, so powerful, She will surprise you with Send My Love ( To Your New Lover ) Enjoy Power Female Artist this week. Amy’s voice is beautiful, life ended to soon for her. Alice Keys is another Power House.

Xx  M

 

Moving Forward

Chewbacca Mom Wednesday..It’s Contagious

Van by the River inspired me with her post, Chewbacca Mom. The Chewbacca Mask has taken the Internet by storm. The video has broken the record on Live Facebook. The video gets crazier as she travels to all the talk shows. I think the TV anchors are having a blast. Please visit my friend  www:vanbytheriver.com

Pass a laugh and smile to all who need it.   Xx  M

Moving Forward

Genuine Laughter

I reblogged from vanbythelake.wordpress.com, reblog must be taking a nap. Luckily I could reblog from her source. Spread the JOY.

George's avatarThe Off Key Of Life

I don’t know this woman but she’s the kind of person I’d like to know. Anyone who can generate this kind of laughter at something as simple as what you’re about to see is worth hanging out with…:)

If you’re not laughing out loud by the time this is over, I think someone should be taking your pulse.

Enjoy.

View original post

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward

Throw Back Thursday *I’m late, you should see my laptop*

I started at 8:30pm deciding on video’s. After years of enjoyment, YouTube and VeVo are enforcing copyright laws. Somebody has an answer, please leave a comment or email msandorm@verizon.net. The Shania Twain video is an example, of the the copyright screen. I stopped at 1:00am, way past bedtime. I’m praying for progress today. Here’s a snack while I work on desert.

Xx  M

 

 

 

Men & Womens Health

Child Marriages, life of beatings and Sexual Assault by husband

 

When I was 14 years old, I was kidnapped for a marriage to a much older man, as depicted in the film Difret. On the day I was abducted, I was raped by my would be “husband.” I knew I had to fight back and escape the first chance I got.
I was taken to a hut and locked up. When I received another visit from my abductors I saw my chance. When he was suddenly called away, he left his gun leaning against the wall and the door unlocked. My father had taught me how to fire a gun, so I took it and ran. When he and his friends chased me, I shot him. It was the most terrifying, horrible ordeal of my entire life — and I’m one of the lucky ones.

I was accused of murder and after 2 years in the courts, the judge ruled that it was, in fact, self-defense. My trial led to a re-examination of this tradition and the Ethiopian government is now working to end child marriage and female genital cutting by 2025. In addition, the African Union recently launched a campaign to end child marriage across the continent.
I am now dedicating my life to working on this issue and to give voice to the screams of unheard rural women and girls. I don’t want to see the same story happen to any more girls. And yet, it still is.

You can help. Please join me in Ending Child Marriage around the world by signing this petition, asking President Obama to sign the executive order that would help prevent an estimated 39,000 child marriages every day.

To see her inner strength, strength to move the process forward. A few World Leaders have signed bills to End Child Marriage. The  World Leaders are moving slow. All victories, women are being heard, conversations are taking place.

Please read her story. It’s painful, unimaginable and most courageous yet my soul feels progress for reading her story. 

The movie Difret@Difretfilm highlights real courage. The movie received an award Sundance and others at it traveled to new audiences.

https://www.change.org/p/barack-obama-john-kerry-michelle-obama-sign-the-executive-order-bring-an-end-to-child-marriage?recruiter=84245119&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink?recruiter=84245119&utm_source=petition_show&utm_medium=copylink

This petition is supported by Global Fund for Women, Ms Magazine, Equality Now and Truth Aid. The petition is supported by highly respected Advocates. Please sign and join advocates around the world.

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward

Throw Back Thursday *Don’t let time pass you by*

I was thinking about tunes to play, Prince came to mind. He’s Mystical, very erotic with dancers and fans enjoy every minute. Prince supported multiple charities, one supported kids education. He heard the library was closing due to lack of funds. The next day, the library doors opened.

I celebrate the life of Prince and pray the family comes together with hearts of love.

Xx  M

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Moving Forward · Survivor

Robert Goldstein Awarded Me Versatile Blogger Award

WOW! Mission Control we landed without to many Starbucks stops.

versatile-blogger-award

I’m thrilled to receive The Versatile Blogger Award from Robert Goldstein at http://www.robertmgoldstein.com. Robert is a generous spirit. Thank you for choosing my blog worthy of The Versatile Award.

Robert has a mental illness called DID, Dissociative Identity Disorder. He is open about the struggles he face. He is a strong advocate for Mental Illness, the treatment patients receive at medical health facilities. Please check out his site, which includes artwork, short stories and Advocacy work. He’s an all around great guy. He always has my back!

The rules for receiving Versatile Blogger Award 

Thank the person who nominated you

Display award

Tell 7 things about yourself

Nominate  Bloggers who are worthy

Tell us 7 things about yourself

  • Buy old cameras
  • I’m a MAC/Apple lover
  • Passion for Photography
  • Collect old leather books
  • I’m afraid a snake will bite me when I go in to garage
  • Cleaning Gramps pieces and parts, old mechanical item.
  • Organized

Nominate 10 Bloggers

https://apatientvoice.com

https://piecesofbipolar.wordpress.com

http://www.Hypervigilant.org

http://www.aheartafire.wordpress.com

http://www.juststuffifoundontheinternet.wordpress.com

http://www.charlypriest.wordpress.com

http://www.coffeegrinder.wordpress.com

http://www.piecesofbipolar.com

http://www.autismthoughts.wordpress.com

http://www.fonzandcancer.com

I’m smiling, it’s new day,

Xx  M

Fun · Moving Forward

Throw Back Thursday *Country? Rock? Country Rock?

Howdy friends,

Thinking about Country Music today, the line between Country and Rock are not always visible. Brad Paisley and many others sound like Rock with riff’s  and jamming guitar solos. The video surprised me, did I wake up in tunesville?  The Country artist are everywhere except in Country music. I hope you enjoy the music. Next week we’re Rocking, flames shooting from the sky. Maybe Big Hair band or you can leave a request 24 hours a day.  Xx  M

 

Celebrate Life

Hearding Chickens awarded Survivors Blog Here with The Versatile Blogger Award

heardingchickens.wordpress.com/2016/02/05/the-versatile-blogger-award

We’re thrilled to receive The Versatile Blogger Award from Herding Chickens. If you have not stopped by http://www.herdingchickens.wordpress.com, today is a great day to start. Her personality shines through her writing. Her and  husband have adopted two children. She shares the successes and struggle of Adoption. She’s a generous person.

Seven Answers

Paola’s Answers

Writing is my therapy. It heals my soul and makes me feel less lonely

I’d love to understand why I spend the whole week waiting for the Friday and the entire year waiting for the spring.

Melinda’s  Answers

I think a snake will bite me every time I enter the garage.

I don’t read instructions

I’m a chocolate addict

A Hawk family returns every year to lounge in our bird bath. I’ve named every generation, Hawke I love the wildlife in our neighborhood.

The Big Revel!

https://sheldonkleemanartworks.com

https://apatientvoice.com

http://www.charlypriest.wordpress.com

http://www.aheartafire.wordpress.com

http://www.coffeegrounded.com

https://mytwosentences.com

http://www.insightsbipolarbear.com

http://www.firefly1275.wordpress.com

 

Men & Womens Health

Avril Lavigne on Her Struggle with Lyme Disease

The post is my opinion based on my own experience and talking to people with Lyme Disease. 

The symptoms of Lyme Disease are the same as many chronic illnesses. The parasites move quickly, if not caught early, the more difficult to treat. Lyme is a serious illness, it moves to major organs which bring on worst symptoms. I have Chronic Lyme and two co-infections. The parasites have moved to my brain, causing cognition, balance, eyesight and pain is severe. Most days I’m in bed due to pain and trying to reducing inflammation.

I’ve included an interview with  Lorraine Johnson, CEO of lymedisease.org. She discusses Lyme, CDC and how Lyme Diseases is a serious illness. The time to take precautions is now.

Xx  M

Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

Dr. Jemsek “Speaks the Truth”About Lyme Disease

Dr Jemsek is an Infectious Disease Doctor who played a pivotal role identifying AIDS in N. Carolina. He is my hero and Lyme Doctor.

 

There are several treatment methods, every doctor is different. I’m on Antibiotic IV Therapy 5 days a week, and a Lactose Ringer when not on IV Therapy, close to 30 supplements, a Morphine Patch, two horrible liquid Rx’s, and close to 35-40 prescriptions.

YouTube is an awesome source for Lyme information.

Xx  M

Men & Womens Health

Throw Back Thursday *Rock & Roll Fantasy*

My Rock-n-Roll soul was empty, the music of choice this week filled my soul.  I enjoyed looking at old and new tunes. I start smiling once I pick the first video. Kick back, grab headphones and lets jam!  Xx  M

 

Moving Forward

Half of American preschoolers with ADHD

Article is from Ideas.Ted.com

Half of the American preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD are given drugs to treat the symptoms. Is that necessary? Is there another way?

Neurobiologist David Anderson is alarmed by the idea of drugging children to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Especially during adolescence, when changing levels of sex hormones and growth hormones are already having a dramatic impact on a teenager’s brain, he questions the long-term use of a drug that promotes a system like dopamine or serotonin. As he puts it: “You can’t take the kid off the drug after puberty and say, ‘Whoops, let’s go back and do puberty without the drug.’” Read on to learn how drugs like Adderall affect the brain — and why Anderson says that drug treatments should be a last resort in children with ADHD.

One in 10 American children is diagnosed with ADHD — but we still don’t understand the disorder. “There’s this traditional view that common brain disorders like ADHD, anxiety and depression are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, as if the brain were some kind of chemical soup that just needed a little more salt,” says Anderson (TEDxCaltech talk: Your brain is more than a bag of chemicals). Then there’s the emerging view, which is that ADHD and other common brain disorders are “actually disturbances in the neural circuits that mediate emotion, mood and affect.” This distinction matters most when parents, doctors and teachers are evaluating the pros and cons of behavioral, environmental and medical treatment options for a growing child, since current drug treatment options act by globally changing brain chemistry. “Many of the drugs that are taken for conditions like these were discovered by accident, not through an understanding of the underlying physiology of the disorder,” says Anderson. “It was just discovered that they work, and we don’t know how they work really or why they work.

 

Follow the link to read entire article.

Autistic people are not failed versions of “normal.” They’re different, not less