Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A Month of Letters 2012:




Today I finished sending out my final letter in the "A Month of Letters"
challenge for February. I wrote someone every day.
This type of behavior is certainly self-esteem building.
And not only does the writer feel good but so does
 the recipient.

I received letters back and I was so joyful I wanted to read them at my mailbox,
but avoided the temptation. After all it doesn't take long to read a letter. I examined the
stamps and the stationary, got my tall latte at my favorite coffee shop.
This stretched out the time period while I
savored opening the handwritten letter and read it, once, then twice and again..

Happy Leap Day to all those who are celebrating their birthdays
and anniversary. I like having an extra day this year.  One of
my favorite quotes and I don't know who said it...but I heard it
at a Nurses convention one  year is:
"I have all the time to do all the things that have to get done!"
Now, I do.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Secret: See and Tell

I read a book that I found quite fascinating. A stranger went into a
small town and told the people that he was writing a book and would like to interview everyone. He would only ask one question.

The question he asked was for the person to tell the author something they had never told anyone before. It was to be a secret.
Can you believe that the people in the community had no trouble telling a stranger who would publish... their biggest secret?

When someone suspects or knows about a secret, possibly sexual abuse happening in a family and they can't seem to say anything to the family (mother) until years later, then for Pete's sake tell it to a stranger or someone else who will help. If it went unsaid, if it was swept under the carpet, if heads turned the other way, then more harm was done. Call the authorities, go to counseling, get help.

NO SECRETS ALLOWED!        

Monday, February 27, 2012

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:



The perfect place to meditate is before the Blessed Sacrament.
The Lenten season is the perfect time to start this discipline.
And YOU are the perfect person...chosen to receive an invitation.

Find one in your neighborhood. Call your Church.
Available at St. Joe's in Capitola, California.
Blessed with devoted adorers covering 24/7. 
                                       

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Visual Writing Prompt:



Add Caption...
                                                   

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Gratitude: Life is Good

                                                                  Capitola, California

        Today was my kind of "paradise" day...
         I started the morning with a special church group (read and prayed)
         And the weather, a perfect 75-80 degrees and all sunshine.                     
         Had a deep tissue 90 minute massage and felt nearly comatose -:0)
         Picked sweet small Meyer lemons from a huge tree.
         Spent one hour in meditation in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
         Took a friend with me to a tasty Fish Fry with fabulous calamari
         Sat in the front row of a great concert of all male singers at St. Joes.
         Visited a woman who downloaded my book on her kindle last night.
         Talked to both of my children and finished off with a grande latte.

"We thank thee God for food we eat,
for family and friends we meet,
for books we read and songs we sing, 
we thank thee God for everything."                      
                                Amen.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Declutter and Renewal:

          Abbott cards


Part of my declutter and renewal plan involved the
removal of carpet from my dining room
which was my high traffic area.


Floors,Etc completed a great job in a short amount of time.
I appreciated their professional service again since
this was the second time they'd worked in my home.
Today I received this cute hand written note card.


Since I have never seen a "thank you cards" for  thank you cards...
I will just express it here!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR THANK YOU NOTE.
I read it several times.


Thursday, February 23, 2012

Make Your Plan:


This is an old  fashioned (antique-vintage)
Candy display. Candy was purchased by the pound.

I thought about all the times we gave up candy for Lent.
Sometimes Lent started before Valentines Day and that was really hard.
We kept the fast even during Sunday, but technically Sunday is not a day of Lent.
We didn't go to movies either. We weren't by ourselves. It was all the Catholic kids.


The 3 major components of Lenten responsibility were:
 PRAYER, FASTING AND ALMS GIVING.
If you happened to mess up your plan you
Started your day over. Amen.


I was amazed as an adult at the number of alcoholics who stopped drinking during this holy season.
Why? It proved they really didn't have a problem.
(It's like a recovery joke...)
As long as the drinker knows when they get their next drink...
they'll hold off until that date agreed upon which is Easter.

Maybe this is the time you'll seek out an Al-anon meeting.
I'm here to tell you it's a life saver.




Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Ash Wednesday: The Sign of the Cross


Today the Lenten Journey begins...

I didn't like Lent when I was a child.
 40  days in a row was way too long to be good.
But now, as an adult...it is my favorite time during the church year.


My blog theme for 2012, "Declutter and Renewal" fits Lent.
 I am getting rid of some things including a few bad habits
that get in the way of me being closer to God... the lover of my soul.

 The Christians "sign of the cross" smudge placed on the forehead
dates back to the fifth century. Some Protestants have even resumed this practice.

In line at the grocery store
a woman actually brushed her hand across my bangs and told me my face was dirty!
What an opportunity for a "lesson on the passion of Christ."


If you don't get ashes, consider how you can help our
world be a better place and become your best self.
Today is a good day to start a new behavior.

So, what did you decide?
Any good ideas?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

You Are Appreciated:


  We see the world through our own filters.
  An artist notices the details in colors and shadows,
  A storyteller finds characters and plot lines,
  A writer can creates a scene from his surroundings
  A singer will hear the tune in the gentle winds.

  If you do not feel appreciated then tell someone.
  I must have mentioned this to my sister who sent me this bookmark.
  It's nice to see this message and know that,
  This is my truth, and how else do I know? I have a dog!
                                                     
  Show/tell someone today that you appreciate them.
                                                     

Monday, February 20, 2012

President's Day:


Do you have a flag?
Do you fly your flag?
What does it mean to you?

This picture is a 10 minute writing prompt.
Starting...now.

Have a nice holiday.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

A Month of Letters: In Honor of My Friend



My 95 year old next door neighbor died in Jan. 2012. Her name was Ilse.
She was very special...a kindergarten teacher before retirement with 5 devoted children.
 She  traveled abroad, alone or with  her adult children to many places in this world.
When Ilse returned from a trip, she sent invitations to 4 neighbors, prepared and served the foods from that country and shared her experiences with a slide show presentation in her living room.
There should have been CEU's for her productions!

Over the last two years she became weaker from a
heart condition but continued to do puzzles and read the New York Times.
 Ilse wrote letters to the editors of  newspapers as well as politicians from her bed.

After her death, I was asked to select something that had belonged to her for a memorial piece.
I was thrilled at their thoughtfulness. I picked a tiny glass swan from her collection that was
cataloged, dated and described...#96. What a woman. The swan was made by her daughter.

 She continued to teach her whole life with such a beautiful mind.
Ilse wrote interesting lengthy letters for all occasions, especially thank you notes.
And even put it though the post when she was only steps from my mail box.

This month of February, I am committed to "A Month of Letters." Each day I've sent one out.
It has been in honor of my friend.
I will miss you, Ilse!
God Bless you.
 

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Foreword Excerpt:

                                       
"Parents, teenager, teachers, clergy, counselors and people in Law Enforcement would surely benefit from reading this book. Conversational in style, Under My Roof gets under the skin as well as startling and moving the heart. I found Emalou's story gripping and the book difficult to put down. I hope and pray Under My Roof has a wide readership."

                                                                    - Fr.Patrick Dooling

Friday, February 17, 2012

Smile: It's contagious


I started out today seeing someone with a big beautiful smile.
His smile hung with me the whole rest of the day.
I even wrote about it for class.


I walked into a doctor's office once and the blow-fish was smiling!
It made those sitting there laugh and began visiting.
I know a woman who never smiles.  That is the biggest way to improve your looks.

In my yearbook from high school it said about someone:
If smiles were miles, she'd travel far.
Wishing for miles of smiles for you tomorrow.


Nothing to smile about?  Try gratitude. Works each time.
God Bless you



Thursday, February 16, 2012

Fruits of the Holy Spirit:



The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

(Observable behaviors in other people who have allowed
the grace of the Holy Spirit to be effective in them.)

Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity,
gentleness, faithfulness, modesty self control, chastity.


Ever think of these behaviors as gifts or fruits or anything special?

What behaviors do you exhibit?
 What thoughts do you have about people who behave in this manner?

I think YOU are special.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Book Club Guide for Discussion:




Conversation guide to facilitate a book club discussion: 

UNDER MY ROOF ~
A MOTHER’S STORY OF THE HEINOUS CRIME OF INCEST
by Emalou King, RN,BSN,PHN

1.      This story took place in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. How have things changed?

2.      What part of this book was the most meaningful to you?

            What part of this book was the most disturbing?

3.      This mother;
(1)  believed her wedding vows...“til death do us part."
 (2) Emma joined Al-anon  
(3) asked Ray to stop drinking, 
(4) made sure the family went to see a counselor(out of state).
 Knowing what you know now what’s the first thing you would do?

4.      What can we learn from this story? And have you had any experience in this area?

5.      Did this author succeed in raising your awareness about survivors and mothers?

   Resources:


MASA   Mother's against sexual abuse     http://againstsexualabuse.org
RAINN  Rape Abuse Incest National Network  http://rainn.org
SHC  Survivor's Healing Center    Http://survivorshealingcenter.org
MOSAC Mother's of sexually abused Children    http://mosac.net

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Be Mine: Valentine's Day Memorial



Hope you don't mind turning your neck a bit to read this one!
Some days it just doesn't work no matter what I do.

Every Valentine's day I  remember a boy from fourth grade
at St. Joseph's school in North Dakota. We all  had a crush on Jon Ross.
 He was fun and liked to be around us.
 I opened my Valentine from Jon and was absolutely thrilled. I didn't even want to show it to anyone
 because I didn't want anyone to feel bad. 
And here's what it said.

"Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall, 
I love you the best of all!"

You might ask how could that make this a bad ending?
Well, the rest of the story is...
We all got the SAME card.

RIP Jon
You were a sweetheart.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Hot Topic: Your Mom


Post # 242


I'm looking for her...maybe you would help me.
 The mother of a survivor may be helped by being with and  talking to other mothers.
I would like to unite a group of " mothers of survivors."

You won't have to share. You don't even have to talk.
Just show up and let go of the outcome.
You will help make this work for all of us.

So, Survivors...show this invitation to your mom, please.
If you are someone who reads my blog and knows someone this might benefit...
Please pass it on.

Contact the Survivor's Healing Center.
#831-423-7601 
                           
                   As a mother comforts her child, so will I [the Lord] comfort you.
                                                                                      Isaiah 66:13

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Writing Prompt: Shame

                                                            collage/EK


SHAME
What...
When...
Why...
Where...
How...

Add in the senses of sight, smell, hear, taste and touch.
It's the start of a short story or essay.
 Good Job.
 Share your storytelling.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Humor: It Helps.

Character from "Mad" magazine (collage)


My story today is about
A Lexus that came from my left into the bakery parking lot. He passed two parking places, gunned his car to get ahead of me (which was totally impossible) to land an even better spot directly in front of my car...which I took.
I smiled to myself at first seeing humor in his behavior, but  
He stopped his car behind me and as I looked over my shoulder, he gave me the finger salute.
I was unjustly "flipped off" in a parking lot by someone my own age! 
I looked away and he peeled out.
 I absolutely hate conflict and being treated disrespectfully.


So, even though it bothered me, I went into the building, smiled at people and was polite
as though nothing had happened and checked out what I wanted to eat.

I had the chance to eyeball him while he waited like everyone else in the bakery.
 He was a handsome ivy league type, well dressed in khakis and
leather loafers. Then he paced impatiently in front of the decorated cookies.  
He opened his wallet and took out several bills, moving the 100 to the outside.
 
He was ninth in line before he got his loaf of bread
and out the door when they called my #10.

I decided I felt sorry for him.


I wanted to say something my mother would have said, "shame on you!"


Friday, February 10, 2012

Book Club Recommendation: Under My Roof ~


    Attention Book Club Members

Please select Under My Roof~ A Mother's Story of the Heinous Crime of Incest.
author, Emalou King, RN, BSN, PHN.
It is available as an e-book memoir and downloads to any type of reader.
 The softcover is printed on demand with a short turn around time.

Your group can help raise awareness, answer questions and open up the topic of sexual abuse.
There is a conversation guide available to facilitate a discussion at no charge.
Books can be ordered from blurb. com  by giving name of book listing under memoir.

The money will be donated to help support programs for survivors and mothers.

Thank You! 

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Starbucks: Love


Whether you like the coffee or not isn't the issue here...
It's a great message this month delivered with every hot drink.
Celebrate every love.

Sometimes I hear people say it's selfish to love yourself.
You are made in God's image. You see, you have to love yourself
first...so much that you have left-overs and that's what's passed around!

And how do you love yourself?
First, don't criticize yourself, accept yourself as you are.
When you approve of yourself, your change is positive.
Be patient and kind and treat yourself like you treat someone you really love.
Take care of your body...how many times do you hear this one...eat right and exercise.
Then, the mirror work; look into your eyes. Tell YOU, that you love you every day.

Practice, Practice, Practice!
You are pretty great ... believe it!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Declutter and Renewal: A Memory...



The Power Mower
                                   by Emalou King 

It’s a white house    with green shutters    on a corner lot
A pine tree in the front   a plum tree in the back    a hedge on the side
The white picket fence painted every three years   the lawn mowed every week.

The long orange cord trails behind my Father   hangs across the kitchen windowsill
Plugs into the outlet   I am afraid   what if he runs over the cord
Will it hurt him    I watch from my bedroom window    just in case.

Perfectly straight    row after row   around the trees     under the hammock
Dad stops    empties the bag   lights his camel cigarette    spits tobacco off his tongue
He lifts his foot   wipes the damp blades of grass from his shoe   on the back of his pants leg.

Mother brings a glass of pink lemonade    stands in adoration    while he tips his head back
He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand    says aaaaaahhhh   and    thanks her
Then he plows down 19 peony bushes   shooting stems and blossoms   onto the sidewalk.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Communication: 3 Secrets Disclosed



I find important pieces of paper in my office; one-liners, notes and lectures.
Here's a good one I could have used.
This particular scrap of paper is the 3 secrets for communicating with men.
But... I don't keep secrets and this information is anonymous.

1. Men communicate best  when they have a focus and a goal for the conversation.
Women are vague, unfocused, process oriented.

 Men will then act disinterested and don't take us seriously.
SO
 women, give the guy an agenda and ask him questions!


2. Men internalize their thinking  process and give the end result.
Women think out loud and complain without sharing the hopefulness.
Then men think women talk too much and men become impatient and try to rush them,
SO
women, discuss how you communicate, give him time for his answer and
warn him if you are going to complain.


3.  It's unfamiliar territory for men to easily access their emotions.
Women blame men for being insensitive. We think if they can articulate their intellect
surely they can articulate their emotions. Then men feel criticized and misunderstood and verbally attack.
SO
women, 
go slower when expressing your feelings and make him feel safe. And be affectionate.
Shouldn't these communication skill differences be taught in school? 
 It might stop several hurt feelings and fights among people.
What do you think about that?

Monday, February 6, 2012

Rules: Motherhood.


Herbie is blind  but I can certainly read this new sign that appears on the lawn.
So, I put his leash on the ground beside the sign and say, "stay."
I go into the clubhouse long enough to sign up for an up coming event.



I feel like I'm a dog-mother but my mind jumps to mother's 
of  all children,  made in the image and likeness of God.

Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have.
No one ever tells you that. But, you will always be the mother.
This child will bring your greatest joy and your greatest pain.


It's important for children to learn early about their bodies.
That whatever their bathing suit covers is not be touched by ANYONE.
The doctor is an exception to that rule because a nurse or parent is present in the exam.

It isn't difficult imagining a stranger or crazy person molesting a child
 but a father or step-father molesting? I mean, after all,
they sit and eat at the same table, help with homework, give rides to school, protect and support this child.

 RAISE YOUR AWARENESS and TALK to the child that
looks normal or excels in school or sports and class. Yes...it can be her.
And TALK to the one that drinks or parties or is angry or promiscuous...Yes, it might
be her too.  Just be aware please and pay close attention to your sons and daughters.


If you think something is amiss...it is.
If you think something is wrong...it is!



Sunday, February 5, 2012

A Memorial: Celebrate Life then Superbowl

1914-2006

I won't celebrate this Super Bowl Sunday without first celebrating my own mother's life. My Mom (Louise Helen) died on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, 2006 at the age of 91+.

     May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, Amen.


We really miss my mom. People in the family sometimes sound like her or do a motion or laugh and bring her to mind  frequently. I guess we all hope to make an impression on someone else and be remembered. She is remembered & dad.

When I de-cluttered a drawer, I found a tape where I interviewed my mother for fun. I listened to a heart warming and funny conversation like we were together and I laughed out loud again. So, tape the members in your family for memories. Okay?

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Colors:

Strawberries

These big strawberries are delicious and were served at a wonderful
party I attended last evening with friends.
A baby sees the colors black/white and red first.
Look how they grab your attention and are exciting.


My house is also black and white and I have red chairs!
When I was a child our house was white with black shutters
If you are from my hometown then you might remember the B/W house across the street
from Central School  on the corner.


I would hope that good patterns get repeated.
 By talking we break the chain of all the bad things that happened.
Now under the roof of my black and white house is peace and joy.
What color is your house? 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Declutter and Renewal:

"I want a dishwasher or a maid.
This is a mess and I don't feel like cleaning it up!
blah, blah, blah..."

There are people who have one pot and one pan,
just enough to go around, or just enough to make ends meet.
There are also those who cannot make ends meet.

Today, on the radio, an announcer said the USA is the least content of peoples.
He said in our country we don't focus on what we do have, but
we all focus on what we DON'T have!

Ouch!
 Who has doubles of things?  Is there something you can donate?
I find with my de-cluttering and renewal a new meaning for abundance.
Let's share like in kindergarten.

And those dishes?
 Before you sit down to eat, fill the empty sink with hot sudsy water.
It's a start. Clean up your mess right away and it's easier.

Just a thought!

It works for me. But do you have another idea to help facilitate a clean up?


      If you like this will you please click on the 1+
      Thank you.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Collage: Storytelling



I once attended a writer's collage making workshop years ago.
While de-cluttering my shed, I found 104 of my collage cards.
Each card told  a story and  was shared with the group attendees.

 This picture was taken while I listened to my daughter perform.
It was an outdoor concert at the International Peace Garden.
It was hot that day and back then most women wore skirts or dresses and
 nylon stockings.
 I had my sunglasses on
and used my umbrella for shade. And, I didn't want the concert to end.

When you can actually see your children, then they are safe.
If you can't see them...you don't know, do you?
The world is scary for parents with young children.
Nothing seems to be the same anymore.

Teach them to pray to their Guardian Angel!