Declutter and Renewal:

I apologize for the blurry picture this time...It's a little noisy in there and it's in motion and the pix is with my cell phone. 
You are looking at the conveyor belt that moves shredded paper, etc.
 So far, I have delivered 205#.

This shredder business is 3 blocks from my house and on the same street.
It's a drive through.They weigh it, charge you and then you watch everything get pulverized.
The operator of this machine says the by products become cardboard boxes.

It is amazing how much lighter I feel delivering, witnessing and driving away-
like confessing my spiritual clutter to a priest
 or writing down food intake to a counselor.
Perhaps, it's just being accountable for my behavior.
Next time...my closet!Goodwill and Grey Bears here I come.

What are you doing to feel lighter in your life?

Under My Roof: Proceeds to Non-Profit

The perfect frame

"I scrambled the eggs, added whole milk, tilted the bowl and knew.
Even without knowing, I knew something was wrong with us."
                                                             -page 87 * in softcover

Dreams: And What Might They Mean

Asleep and Dreaming
On November 01, 2001, I dreamed I was in an office,very pregnant and unsure of the due date.
My belly was glass and I could see my baby in utero. I was anxious and leaned against the wall.
 I slid to the floor where I was comfortable.
I looked down. She opened and closed her eyes. I knew then she was okay.

Awake - Dream Over
As soon as I arrived at work, I received a very important phone call to return home.
 A delivery man was at my house.
My first book (which writers usually call their baby) arrived.
 "Sleeping Upside-Down" was her name. For me, it was like having a preemie,
(Because. I had not developed a platform) so, I wasn't at all prepared, especially emotionally.
That was a long time ago...but I haven't forgotten about it.


Reality Check
No one was around that day. Family and friends unavailable.
 I slowly cut the cardboard box, hoping anyone would drop by.
 My hands trembled with excitement while I opened the box and took my "baby" out.
 I held her next to my chest.
How I enjoyed the feel of the paper, the shiny cover, the colors on the cover, and the font size, but
I believed that joy had more value when it was shared.
 So, I called my mother on the phone, told her my dream and the good news.
She always made me feel better. I was blessed to have her so long.

Today  it's easier to share across the miles on FB and phones.
Do you share your happy moments and have a special way to make your child feel better?


BTW, Just Think...

                                    If you had a glass uterus or a window...you would be watching a miracle.
                                   Say Prayers for all unborn children.

Locks of Love:

Today I received a Certificate of Appreciation
and a big thank you from Locks of Love.
What a powerful picture on the postcard!

It's my pleasure to help keep a child warm
and make them feel better about themselves.

Most of the recipients suffer from an autoimmune disease
called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure.
Other recipients are cancer survivors, victims of trauma such as
burns and rare dermatological conditions that result in permanent hair loss.
 Along with my donation, I send a big hug.

Have you hugged your child today?
Omigosh, I'd love to hug my big kids.
So just in case they read this...
((  ))

Pigeon to Home: Recovery

There is a flock of pigeons living  in cages behind my house over the fence.
They swoop through my back yard and when it's quiet you can hear their wings flutter.
They fly everyday casting shadows in the afternoon sun on the street in front.

 I am in my sun room today and there is this very loud crash.  I jump!
I think perhaps something fell out of the sky or off an airplane! You know,
something crazy like that...so I investigate outside.
 There is nothing below my window on the ground  but eight feet away
 sits a stunned pigeon that looks perfect in my back yard like a cement ornament.
I know he too wonders what the heck happened.

I go over to it (how can you tell if it's a boy or a girl) and access the situation.
The head turns, the beak is still intact and he has 2 legs and no dripping blood, so
I come inside and watch out the window. The pigeon keeps puffing up his feathers and getting bigger.
I hope this is a coping mechanism and he isn't going to blow up.

My neighbor says "just give him some time to recover and he'll
probably leave." And so I do.  When I come home... he's gone.
After all he's a homing pigeon, right?

We're all a little bit like that. When we get in trouble and fall down
we pick ourselves up, brush our knees off and keep right on going.
I bet most of us just go home!
Where do you go?  

Visual Writing Prompt: Tea, Anyone?

                                                                                               Emalou King

Are You Humble?:

A humble person understands that the ultimate
Source of their gifts and talents... is God.
This person also has the ability and grace to acknowledge
God's gift.

The Town Clock: Its time!

It's time!  It's time to share your secrets because keeping
them is in the best interest of the abuser and not the survivor!

I love the town clock at the end of the main street in our town.
It is frequently a gathering place for peoples who stand for a cause.

If "mothers of survivors" were to stand united under the town clock,
I am afraid I'd be the only one standing there...
and that's confusing because if 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 6 boys
are molested we moms would over-flow
into the streets and really sport a message.


Where are all of you?
Will you please call the Survivor's Healing Center ( #831-423-7601) ?
Tell them you would like to be in a group with other mothers?

I need you!

#220 post: Winter

The rain comes and it goes and the sun pops out and then leaves us!
It is predictably unpredictable...it's winter!

Some people change like the seasons. They say one thing but mean another.
They look one way but act another way.
 Say hello on Tuesday and then on Wednesday, do not wave, speak or smile at you.

It's a good time of the year to keep de-cluttering and begin a period of renewal.
I am still in process of doing so and have cornered the market on plastic bins!
If you are one of the above peoples, start this year with a smile for the people you know.
They'd like that!

+ Thomas Merton: MY LORD GOD

I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot
know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact
that I think I am following your will does not mean I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope
that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust
you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

-Thomas Merton

Raising Awareness:

There is something about the rainy weather that is perfect...
for sleeping.  And of course we have been waiting for rain here in California.
So last night I decided to shut off the reruns on TV and go to bed at a decent hour.
That meant I would have to blog this morning.
 I was blessed with  a sweet 11 hours of well deserved sleep!!!

Did you realize that children who are molested do not get good sleep.
They worry and listen and never know when their door will open to the perpetrator.

YOU and ALL CHILDREN deserve a good nights sleep as well. We all do.
That's the way to get revitalized and the world is a little bit clearer.
I am wishing that for you.

I hope this raises your awareness!

Healing:

The Consultation by Harry Anderson


 I purchased and hung this picture in my  bedroom.
I liked everything about it...the nurse with a stripe on her cap -
The doctor at the bedside and Christ with this healing gesture.
My mother died 6 years ago on Superbowl Sunday which happened to be Feb. 5.

Funny how you can buy something, hang it on the wall and not really look at it much.
It becomes part of the wall until someone else notices it and comments.
It was pointed out to me that the woman in the bed looked like mother.
I stared at it like it was a miracle or something. Why didn't I ever notice that this woman
in the bed looks like my mother, I wondered.
 *
 I look at it frequently and find the whole scene very comforting!
I do a "consultation" quite often on all sorts of things in life with Jesus.
Do you know anyone who doesn't need healing?  I don't.

We are all supposed to have a "double"...have you found yours?

                        This picture is also a mural on the wall at several hospitals.

My Favorite Credit Card:

This is my first and favorite credit card!

Being a mother is probably the most difficult task in the world
since our babies do not come with instructions. There are many books written about
what to do now but,  I can remember when there was probably only one or two.

It was such a privilege for me going to the homes of new mothers who had just delivered.
I didn't have anyone nearby. I loved being a Public Health Nurse teaching, assessing and referring my
clients. I got to encourage, support, demonstrate things and answer their questions.

The next step in my "mother" journey is to unite mothers of survivors of sexual abuse.
If you are interested in such a program, please call the Survivors Healing Center where
names are taken for a group to begin in the spring.
The number is 831-423-7601

If you are interested in any survivor groups or you know someone who might be...
 call and talk to office staff and see what's happening. You can also visit the office
and use their lending library and receive more information.

Crutches:

When I first saw this tree on the beach at Carmel
27 years ago, it didn't have a "crutch."
 Aging, just plain worn out and used, stuff gets chips, dings,
aches, pains, and problems that can use helpful devices.


Isn't it nice that we have family, friends, helpful organizations and pets!
And throw in the television, computer, cellphone and the radio.
Recently I have been listening to a new station in the Monterey Bay...
1240 AM Catholic Radio. It's both educational and inspirational.

What's your "crutch?"

Humility: Fulton J. Sheen

"Humility is when we make no comparisons."

                         Fulton J. Sheen

I wrote that on a chopstick in 2001 and found it while decluttering.

It's something I need to review and practice.

I have heard other definitions like...

"humility is the ability to face reality" but I can't

remember who said that.

How does the F.J. Sheen message sit with you?

Having humility is not always an easy task.
Here's a whole pile of shoes. Actually they were found on roads
like "road kill"...by someone locally who works in a shoe store,
then glued on the board and spray painted all the same color.
They are all the same now....just like we are all the same;

We are ALL born equal and children of God!

Writing prompt: For Cat Lovers:

"Kitty Cat, you better go home, your mummies calling you!"

                                                                                            Fafa, age 4

This morning when the sun was shining brightly, these cats found a spot on my gazebo!

Oh, And I don't know how to explain this one!

But, you know how you could be a "cool cat!"

Declutter and Renewal:

Still at it and...

I've discovered more treasures in all shapes and sizes of containers.
I discard what I don't need and save the memories I am not ready to release.
Some of my memories have lived undisturbed and hidden for years.
Funny, after tossing or shredding, I have a prolific dream life
about that item or what it represented. Have you had that happen?


If you have been molested you also hold bad memories.
 You are unable to discard them as easily as a crumpled lined paper or a single earring.
It's like a death of a childhood  but,  unlike a death,
  your experience can only be talked about in measured quantities with a safe person.

Healing... happens, first a teaspoon full and then a tablespoon and then a 1/4 cup, etc.
I think a big part of healing of anything begins with clearing away all of the 'stuff"
that stands between you and a conversation with a loving God.


I specifically heard on 1240 A.M  radio today this message;
" God embraces the survivors in their brokenness."
And my wish is that you feel His strength surround you and
You become inspired to be the best person you can be.

God Bless You.

Bookshops: On line...

This is a tile that hangs in my office.
There is something comforting about it.
I love to visit book shops in and out of town.

In 2012, it's just a little different for many of us.
If you are interested in reading my book...
it is located in an imaginary bookstore in cyberspace where my book can
be quickly (in a matter of minutes ) belong to you on your device.
And another way to purchase a softcover version without even leaving your home is to
click on the web site, request a copy and then it is printed and sent directly to you.

But...there is just something sooo nice about bookshops.
You can meet your friends there, have coffee and browse the bookshelves.
Someone told me if a person picks up your book, feels it and opens a page,
they are much more likely to buy it.

My cover is slick and shiny and the paper is off white with a very readable font.
You'll like it.  I was very pleased with what my publisher sent to me.
And, you will be too. The feed back from  readers is good.

                                       
                                                                   

Vitamin F: A Must Have

Two old friends in Chinatown in a Chinese phone booth
with a Chines secret from childhood!

Real Age doctors tell us that friends are good for our health. Dr. Oz calls them Vitamins F (for Friends) and counts the benefits of friends as essential to our well being. Research shows that people in strong social circles have less risk of depression and terminal strokes. 

If you enjoy Vitamins F constantly you can be up to 30 years younger than your real age. The warmth of friendship stops stress and even in your most intense moments it decreases the chance of a cardiac arrest or stroke by 50%.

Why do I have a variety of friends who are all so different in character? How can I get along with them all? I think that each one helps to bring out a "different" part of me.

With one of them I am polite. I joke with another friend. I sit down and talk about serious matters with one. With another I laugh a lot. I may have a drink with one. I listen to one friend's problems. Then I listen to another one's advice for me.

My friends are all like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. When completed, they form a treasure box. A treasure of friends! 

In summary, we should value our friends and keep in touch with them. We should try to see the funny side of things and laugh together, and pray for each other in the tough moments.

 I'm so happy that I have a stock of Vitamins F!

  (above info taken from an anonymous email)

Brrrrrrrrr: Time to Read More

It's winter. It's cold. Hunker down. Find a good book to read.
Become informed. Raise you awareness and then tell someone about what you read.
Stimulate their interest and  join a book club.
Today.

"Under My Roof" is available as an E-book memoir and can be simply downloaded.
If that isn't the way you want it then order the softcover (print on demand) on this site.
Remember the money from the sales go to help survivors and mothers in their healing process.

Another way to help is to click below and "share" on Facebook or twitter or email to friends and family .
Thank you.
Thank you.

Visual Writing Prompt:

STOP:

STOP !
Now that I have  your  attention, the next de-clutter and organizational
suggestion is -  pick up your telephone and start making calls.

The type of calls to make are for appointments to have things done around your
home for the coming six months.  Look around...
Has your furnace or water heater been checked recently?
Do you need any inside painting done?
How about repairs to faucets or new electrical outlets?
Thinking about a new television service?
Computer service?  Need windows washed? Carpets cleaned?
Clocks running okay? Is you car winterized? Want to join a group?

NOW, in January,  is the best time to schedule
things to get done. If you plan on calling when it is convenient,
you'll be way too busy and we are back headed toward winter.
 You know how fast the time flies.
*
Let your fingers do the walking!

Yes, to Dillydallying:

 "The Art of Doing Nothing," by Vienne & Lennard goes
into detail and describes how doing nothing is like an RX!
It's a wonderful "how-to" book.

I have been talking about how important it is to declutter
but I didn't mention, along with cleaning out and starting over to consider the uncluttered mind. 
   Did you know people
who live in a pressure free environment  tend to dillydally?
So, I didn't get dressed. I dillydallied all day long. 
Sooooooooo, much fun!
Now I have to find the balance.
When is the last time you dilly dallied?

The Epiphany: And Christmas Closes...

                                         

  But let's keep the Spirit of Christmas with us the whole year of 2012. Keep sorting for a real fresh start to the new season.

This is a piece of my music from Dec 13, 1949 in Kindergarten. See what

special things you find and decide whether to keep or toss!  

De-clutter and renewal:

Sometimes you might not notice things around your house.

Is each one of your rooms lived in? 

Is there a place for everything?

There are ways that make it easier to declutter.

I think the most helpful one is not to do it by yourself.

You can hire an organizer and work along side her.

You can have a friend come over for moral support.

You can grab the kids and have a clean up party.

After you have sorted into the "keep, throw, sell, and donate" piles...

Have a garage sale,  pick your favorite charity  or help out a neighbor!

Amazing how much lighter you will feel and it's a great way to start the year. 

Locks of Love: To Someone Special

Today I walked into a shop with my padded

envelope, a completed form and zip-lock bag and asked someone to cut my pony tail off!

Every two years, I've donated 12-14 inches to the Locks of Love. This was donation #5.

Somehow it fits with my plan for the year to downsize, organize, make changes, get rid of clutter and have a do-over!

Have you made plans yet?  It really is the best time of the year to start doing what you've always wanted to do but didn't know when to start.

Hope you get a chance to view the video. I had to chop it in two because

of the length and this is my "first" video on Facebook.  And I have to say that my hair dresser was the best match for me. Don't you love it when things work out perfectly? I do.

Book Sales Support Survivors:

Last evening at the Friends of the Center Meeting,
Emalou King, RN, author of  "Under My Roof ~ A Mother's Story of the Heinous Crime of Incest,"
  presented a $400 check to Kathy Riley for the Survivors Healing Center.
 Everyone who purchased the E-book memoir made this possible.
Thank you.  By popular request, "Under My Roof" is now available in softcover  and
can be ordered from this blog site.


 This non-profit  program helps survivors of sexual abuse.
I would also like to extend an invitation to any mother of a survivor to contact the Center
if you are interested in being in a Mother's group.

  

             *The supplement for book club discussions will be available soon.        
                                                                         

Changes: Looking Forward to the Newness

Money is not the kind of change I'm talking about but it was photographically available!
So far this week my parish priest, Father Matt,  announced that he is leaving...My barista at Starbucks quit and transferred out of town, my park managers, Snookie and Jessie, instantly retired, packed up and moved away and the pharmacist I secretly had a crush on - is gay!  Hey, it's only the fourth of January. Let's see what today will hold. Isn't life a great journey. Funny how unsettling it can become when the boat rocks but I put my seat-belt on. How YOU doing?

                                                                         

Words to Help Downsize:

                                                                                            Francisco Herrera/Louvre


The Saints can be so inspirational. If you even think of a name of a saint perhaps you should read about them.

 St. Basil the Great said: “The bread which you do not use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes that you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the money that you keep locked away is the money of the poor; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit.”

This is a great way to start out the New Year 2012 by getting rid of clutter and things not used. When you clear out these things better things come along.  Happy Cleaning!

Unleash Your Writing Power:

 It can be a love journal,  a diary,  a book of intimate letters to God,  a dialog,  a reflection,  gratuitousness,
 a  recipe. Write a song, tell a story, let the Holy Spirit touch you.  It's a great way to get re-charged!

"I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at,
what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear."
-Joan Didion 

                                                                       

Happy 2012 Everyone:

CLOSED

OPEN

Happy Birthday to my sister Mary Frances!