Expectations:

People don't do what's expected...they do what's inspected.


This starts in childhood. For instance, if you ask your child to make his/her bed
(after showing them how to do it properly) they will do it their way...
 Unless you go into the room, check it, and tell them what a great job they did.
It will always be better if they know you will come in and look at it.
We don't really change when we grow up either.
If our work is going to be seen by others we do a better job.
You already knew this, right?

Social Media:

 Tonight was my last time to be in my writing class after 7+ years. I call it graduation.
Good-byes can be difficult but relationships don't ever end, they only change.
I have completed the task I set for myself to complete 3 books.
Now I am ready to tackle other promotional experiences to help end child sexual abuse.

A huge thank you to my (extended family) writing group for listening
and for telling your own stories. Our teacher Ellen Bass is the best!
And thank you for the fun Chinese dinner tonight.

I expect to pick up a copy of everyone's book and read the magazines that carry your
winning poetry and essay contests at the local bookstores. Everyone in the class is a gifted writer.

It's time for me to turn and learn social media and get started on my mission...
 to help mother's heal and unite to end the fight against child sexual abuse. I know I already
said that, but won't you please help me??? It only takes a minute.

           Put the number for the Survivor's Healing Center in your church bulletin -# 831-423-7601

          Make sure this number is available in all break rooms. RAINN ~ national safe helpline # 1-877-995-5247 

                                          Thank You    Thank You    Thank You

Faith:

Faith is not about everything turning out ok. It's about being okay no matter how things turn out.
                              author unknown 

Writer's Blog: My Weakness

"Limit the exclamation mark. An exclamation mark is like laughing at your own joke."

                                                                         -  F. Scott Fitzgerald

Reflections:

Reconciliation is a sacrament in the Catholic Church. It used to be called confession.
You may have childhood friends who used to "go to confession." There was also a penance

and that would be like 5 Hail Mary's or 3 Our Fathers, etc. 

I would say the penance is a little bit more creative now. 

Tonight at. St. Josephs we have a communal confession where a group of priests gather to listen.

 There is another arena where a similar situation occurs of sharing wrong doings and it's in a 12 Step program. Did you know that the 12 step program is a spiritual program? It is really beautiful

and well laid out and easy to understand  
It is the Step 5 when you share your fearless moral inventory with someone.

It's all about reflection. Looking in the mirror. Who am I? What behaviors do I
need to tell? There is a pamphlet that helps you inventory.

Think about all the things you have said or done that you wish you had not...

 I mentioned just last week the deadly sins. hint..."PALEGAS"-
Pride, Anger, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth.

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned..."
having done this you are absolved and receive grace

and it's hard to explain what that feels like...but it's great!

Choices:

This is the second time I have seen this bumper sticker.
I first saw this one years ago on my way to work  when I was contemplating a choice.
Since I was struggling with what to do, I prayed hard for God to help me.

In the morning after breakfast I headed for work still mumbling to God.
 Life and decisions and consequences can be  difficult.
"Oh, what to do, what to do!"

I came to a stop in a line of cars at the light by Resurrection Church and
The car ahead of me had a bumper sticker and my answer...."DON"T DO IT" in big letters.

If you know me then you' know that when things like that happen...
I have to go with it. Like the song says, "I know that my Redeemer lives..."
Talking to God is praying.
Singing to God is praying twice.
Either of these is a good thing.

Keep on the Lenten Journey...we are almost there.

Good Morning,God:

When the sun shines in the morning, it brings
 bright shadows into the room through the blind slats.
  I stand on the front deck with a cup of coffee, 
The warmth penetrates the soles of my bare feet
And every breath becomes soul-filled with the Son.
My morning has become a prayer...
Always of thanksgiving.

Order today:

"Fresh
insight..!"

"Necessary
story..."

"Outstanding contribution..."

Order today. E-book or softcover. Proceeds to non-profit.

A Mother's Voice: Recipes

circa 1965-present time


There's a mother's story in every recipe box!
When I sift through my recipe box I nearly have flashbacks.
I see names of people, forgotten and foods I've tasted once.
They come from picnic gatherings and church potlucks, weddings, funerals,
school plays, showers and going away parties.
The food is so delicious I have to ask the person for the recipe...often handed back on slips
of paper, stained napkins, matchbook covers, and deposit slips.


The uneven pieces in the picture are sections torn from waiting room magazines
and a few 3x5cards from the grocery store meat counter.

I am sorry I didn't write the year down. If you are looking for a memory lane
This is a great place to start. If you are looking for a topic, it's here.



Have friends over...cook the food and read your story with desert.
Take turns and go to each others homes.
Just a thought!!

Now what should I do with all these lemons?

Break Time:

After the nightly news on TV, I need to picture something nicer than the orange jump suits from the jail!!
I have to change the scenery to pleasant colors like beautiful flowers.
The  news tonight discussed the case of a counselor at a high school  in Salinas who viewed porn,
had sex with two teenagers (so far noted) and video taped teenagers having sex in his office.

There is the case pending of an assistant principal who was voted a "hero" in the school
by the students and his reward was flying with the Thunderbird's. Later, it was discovered
that he molested kids at the school. The students are devastated to hear this about him.

The next case was a babysitter who molested the children. These are crimes of violence.

Don't we all need a break?

At least, I do until tomorrow. In the morning my day is fresh and I am thankful to be alive.
I am happy nothing has happened to me during the night like a stroke or something terrible.
I can move my arms and legs and smile and talk and stretch and speak.

I keep an attitude of gratitude and turn the day over to God.
psssssssssssssssst...He is waiting for YOU to do the same thing!

Marilyn Monroe:

A Writing Prompt 

 
                                                                       

St. Joseph:

I attended a funeral today at St. Joseph's Church.
It so happens to be the feast day of St. Joseph.
A father died...a good father, a grand father, a husband.
It was truly a memorable celebration of his life.
(God Bless the Monte Family)

Three people I know have died this month.
It is wonderful that I know that these relationships don't end, they change.
 What's important to know, is that we don't know when we will move on...die.

This is a good time to mark a calendar, and add it to your to-do list
to pray to the Risen Christ! At least say "hi" once a day.
Don't wait until you are retired or on the senior side of things to recognize that
what we have is a gift and who it came from is our greatest gift.

St. Joseph, Pray for us. 

Gayle's Bakery: Recognition

Photos by Emalou King


I love to recognize people for their talents.
This wonderful latte was made by Drew at Gayle's bakery today.
I did tell him I was going to post it on Facebook which is happening through my blog.

  Remember that ad that encouraged everyone to sign what they did in their occupation? This was because we should offer to our friends and the community the very best. Besides, this helps all of us become the best version of ourselves for the One who made us.


Good job, Drew!

Declutter and Renewal: A Memory...

Lost your marbles?? 
Nope, not I, said the little red hen!
(this doesn't exactly fit...but it's fun to say.)

 I went into a drawer and in a jewelry box found...steelies, peeries, cat-eyes...
I loved playing marbles when I was a kid. I think we had a permanent hole dug straight off the back step.
We had leather pouches we carried them in and played the game over and over.
I liked to yell, "everlastings," at the top of my lungs. I thought it helped win when you played last.

What a healthy way to spend the afternoon outside, laughing, talking, competing and teamwork.
Playing with other kids is an important role in socialization skill building.
You make friends.
Limit television, telephone, iPod use, etc. and encourage this healthy behavior.

Survivor Voices :

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
-Anais Nin

       We all know when there must be a change in our life.How do we know?  Well, like it says...there's pain...and then a release.

The Lord's Prayer: How to Start the Day.

And These are the words that Jesus taught us:

                                                                                                              Emalou King

Our Father who art in Heaven

Hallowed be they name.

They kingdom come

Thy will be done on earth,

as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those

who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil:

for thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

now and forever.

Amen

This prayer is said for all those who have no one to pray for them

and for all those who have asked us to pray for them.

what else should we pray for...

(add your own)

Silence:

"After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."
-Aldous Huxley

So often we are asked to be silent in our noisy world. I noticed today it isn't the horn honking that's distracting  but the sound of locking and unlocking cars that shatters the quiet streets.

I sit in my car in the warm sun and close my eyes.The radio is off and the cell phone put away.How can we have discernment if we are disturbed. My favorite place is the Mercy Chapel at St. Joseph's in Capitola. But, it  is possible to find peace in corners of your own home or even the bathroom.Take this time during Lent.

Participating in a drumming circle is fun,energizing and wonderful. Drums and music make an impact.TALKING to break the silence of child sexual abuse makes even a bigger one!

                                            

Declutter and Renewal: Lent

We all carry a cross.
This cross  reminds me of all the baggage we carry.
We are invited to get rid of it during this season.
To Change!

 Some baggage is two words; PALE GAS and covers the seven deadly sins-
Pride, Anger, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Avarice, Sloth.
Those are the heaviest of things in our back packs.


Our pockets might be full of the smaller things...behaviors we don't even think about because we do it all the time.
Judgement, criticism, gossip, being unkind, better than,or one-upping, etc.

This is the time of the year when we at least take our OWN inventory.
It's part of the declutter and renewal on our insides.

What's your soul look like?
Spend time with HIM.
in Reconciliation

Childhood:

When I was a child about 10, I found this fossil. I don't exactly 

remember where because it seems like I have had it forever...a rock shoe print the size of my palm and fingers. I was being a child. I was safe. I was happy.

Do you have treasures from my childhood?

*The biggest treasure is having a childhood.*

When a child is molested the childhood is unforgettably destroyed, stolen.

When there is NO evidence of sexual abuse, when trauma no longer exists...there will be peace.

This is my prayer.

                                                     

Step Up: Mark April 21,2012 on Your Calendar

April is National Child  Abuse Awareness Month

Come walk with me and other Friends of the
Survivor's Healing Center.

This is a 3 hour event. A lot happens in a short time.
Mother's of survivors...please gather and let's walk together.
Come break the silence.

                                    Call 831-423-7601 for more information or for counseling.

Happy Landings as You Spring Forward:

The Town Clock in Santa Cruz, California


I don't exactly function the best on daylight savings time.
Somehow I am a little "off" and of course blaming it on the clock!
At least give me a few days to get used to it.


Happiness is like the light and windows and sunshine- 
but a little rain is needed each day to fill the reservoir, water the fields and wash things clean.
It should be considered a rebirth and  renewal on the outside while we work on our insides.


Guess I'll  change the clocks before I go to bed.
I'm always amazed that our electronic gadgets change by themselves.
I love it.


Happy landings when you spring forward!

                                                  Continue praying for an end to sexual abuse.

                                                                       

Be Well:

There is a lot of sickness, not only the flu type, but devastating ones like cancer, immune disorders, Alzheimer's. The list goes on and on. We all know about someone who is dealing with something at least temporarily.

Find an image that works for you and close your eyes.

I picture myself as a child being held in the hand of God. And another favorite image of mine is being held beside baby Jesus in the arms of our Blessed Mother. Whenever I am sick I  pray until I fall asleep.

Wishing you good health. That is on the top of my gratitude list. Amen.

Capitola, California:

writing Prompt: vintage

March 7,1964- March 7, 2012:

"The sensational blind date..."

   
The "Under My Roof" memoir began on Saturday, March 7, 1964. This is the story of a 21 year old nursing student "falling in love." At that time there were no records on sexual abuse. It was not dealt with in the 60's. 


Today is Wednesday, March 7, 2012 and we know that one in three girls are molested before the age of 18 and at least one in 6 boys.


This story breaks the silence of a household as told by the mother. We read and hear about sexual abuse daily on television...and it's a common crime in programs.


When you purchase this book in either softcover or as an e-book, the proceeds support programs for survivors and mothers of survivors.




"The ultimate therapy is to identify our own pain with the pain of others, and then band together to resist the conditions that create our common malady."
                 ~Parker Palmer

Changes: Looking Forward to the Newness

Before
*
Garbage In

After
*
Garbage Out

This Lenten Season  is a time for change.It's not going to be as easy as chucking
the garbage in the big dumpster at the back of the building. It is difficult to make changes.Oh, maybe the first day or week is okay but then...it's over. In order to make a change you need to end something.That means stop doing it.Only you know what "it" is that you must not do anymore. No matter how you change there will be always be the 1 % resistance and you'll question yourself about doing it right.  Sounds like a good time for prayer.

The History of a Slogan:

Despite the difficulty and danger, life goes on. 

It was a catch phrase of World War I. 

In a speech in  1914, Winston Churchill said: 

The maxim of the British people is "Business as usual.'"

 The phrase has been used ever since. 

During the Nazi air attacks on London in 1940, one could see the "business as usual"
and "London can take it" slogans chalked up on the walls of destroyed buildings.

                                     Random House Dictionary of American's Popular Proverbs and Sayings


My slogan:
         Mothers, if you think something is amiss...something is amiss.
         Mothers, if you think something is wrong...something is wrong.

Peace Be With You:

Young people do the impossible before they find out it's impossible-
That's why God uses them so often.
                                                      -Loren Cunningham 

                                        

How do we begin...

Love and peace begin in a family by all members sitting at the kitchen table...

(listening, praise, respect, manners, kindness, appropriate behaviors)

Thanking God for your food and sharing a meal together.

Then it extends out in an eccentric circle to relationships with the relatives, friends and the neighborhood.

It also includes involvement with the schools and church community

voting for your  local city people, volunteering in multiple organizations, 

continuing to be connected somehow at the state level, country and continent.

You can probably state this better than I have because I know you know what I mean.

Like the song says, "Let it begin with me!" 

As usual,  pictures can be used for writing prompts.  

Scattered Thoughts:

Hope these (real) flowers brighten your day.
In the winter we see and wear the darker shades of browns,
a variety of deep grays and of course the standard black.

Lipstick helps brighten your face  and you can add a colorful umbrella or a new purse.
I know a  grown lady who wears mismatched anklets but I haven't dared ask why.
It could be a new style at school (she teaches) or her washing machine eats her stockings.
Do you know anyone like that?

The weekend here in Northern California is going to be beautiful but for so many they are in
the midst of ruins from all the tornadoes.
Please say a simple prayer for all the people who have no one to pray for them.
Grab a piece of paper and start a gratitude list. It puts your life in perspective.

There is no such thing as luck. It's all BLESSINGS!
There is no such thing as a coincidence...it's now called a COINCI-GIFT

New Years Resolutions or Lenten Obligations:

If you are starting over on your New Year's Resolutions or if you are catching up with Lent...here's a hint:
It is far better to do something small everyday to improve on that one key point in your soul than to make a big resolution that you can't keep for more than a week or two. Starting over is OKAY. Just do it!

Visual Writing Prompt:

                                                Emalou King