Lunch with an Author:

Check out Amazing Women of Power Radio with Raven Blair Davis as she does a segment called:
Lunch with an Author  TONIGHT - Monday, April 30 at 8pm PST or 10pm CST or 11 pm EST

WWW.AWOPTALK247.com

If you miss it check it out tomorrow morning on AWOP radio at 10am PST.

Paint the Town:

***

It takes an entire community  working together to
 FIGHT
 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE!
Won't you do your part?
TALK about it.
SEEK help for the victim.
Become a Survivor!

Sunday:

***

Oh, Lord, I am not worthy that thou should enter
Under My Roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Write Oh Right:

***

It is right to  write what you know to be right.
And I am in the right place at the right time doing the right thing.
And then there is the rite of being right or of writing.
Really... It's the weather getting the best of me.

Then there is read...or reed. English is a difficult language.
Just start playing scrabble and then you'll find out about words one has
never heard before now.
 I am doing this blog well beforehand and that's why I sound disconnected!
 I will tell you about it when I get back to my computer.
Have a great day.

April Showers Bring May Flowers:

***

You can't exactly count on the showers in  April
or the flowers in May or that someone you know...
a friend of the family, a neighbor...won't take advantage of your
son or daughter. So be aware.

Watch for signs.
Ask for help if you need it.
Protect your children.

Save our Children:

***
 Save our Children.*
They are our future.*
Take good care of them.*
God's gift to us.*

"Angel Guardian,
Angel Guide
Angel watching by our side
Angel loving,
Angel kind,
Angel teach us
how to mind!"
                                     -anonymous

The Serenity Prayer:

***

"Keep the faith..."


God grant me the serenity-
to accept the things I cannot change-
The courage to change the things I can-
And the wisdom to know the difference.

                                         

                 Do you think we can talk God's ear off?
                          I sometimes wonder!  

                              Pray the Lord's Prayer that Jesus taught us...often.

Stop the Silence Walk:

***

You know when you go to a good movie and you're still thinking about it a few days later?
Well. That's how the "Walk to Stop the Silence" in Watsonville affected me.
I still remember the VOICES, SIGNS, numbers of people reaching out
to help other people and the children..


You can't even imagine how your voice helps a victim...
Do you know what to say if someone tells you first?

"I believe you."
It's not your fault."
I'm so sorry this happened to you."
I'm always here to talk with you."
"I love you."
Then report to the 24 hour crisis live line for help:
1-888-900-4232

I know...I just called it.

If you'd like to  purchase a book in support of the Survivor's Healing Center
 use this link:  http://blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3129533  check resource column

          You and your child are already survivors. You'll make it through this with help.

Confession and Communion:

***

Next week is a special time in parishes for children to make their first Communion and
receive the Eucharist in the Catholic Church.

Before they do,  they go to confess their sins or as it is now called
receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

This picture depicts the priest having the power with the grace of the
Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ to absolve you from your sins.

In Remembrance of my First Holy Communion

June 17, 1951

How blessed to be sharing this Holy event with my grandson

on that special Day.

Walk to Stop the Silence Today:

***Today***

You are personally invited to attend
"Walk to Stop the Silence"

                Where: Watsonville Plaza, Main Street in Watsonville, California

                When:  April 21, 2012  Registration at 9:30 am  Walk 11-2pm 

                Why:  To raise awareness in the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse.

               Community Resources/ Dancers/Spoken Words/Art Activities for kids/ books for sale

http://WWW.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3129533
 

                                                                           
                  

The House on the Corner:

Do you know the people who live in this house?

 Do your parents know who your friends are?

Do your parents allow you to go on sleep-overs?

(Many parents are re-thinking this one)

When did you come home last night?

Do your parents know what you are wearing to school today?

Did your have breakfast this morning?

If  not... grab an apple. It will help a lot.

Check Megan's Law. Know where the released sexual perpetrators live.

These are answers you should know.

Even if your child is angry with you...don't let them leave the house without saying, "I love you."

Sit down at the dinner table and eat together. Look for

opportunities to talk.

This is a good question to start a conversation;

"What was the best thing that happened to you today?"

Stay positive.

Signs:

Calling all mothers...

What SIGNS might you see if a small child is being molested?

Regressive behavior after being potty trained-
Starts sucking thumb again-
withholds bowel movements-
Refuses to use the bathroom-
Experiences night terrors
Doesn't want to sleep  in child's own bedroom
Abuses little animals
Acts out sexually with other children
Tries to touch an adults private parts
Throws temper tantrums for no apparent reason
 



"IF A MOTHER THINKS SOMETHING IS AMISS
SOMETHING IS AMISS
IF A MOTHER THINKS SOMETHING IS WRONG
SOMETHING IS WRONG"
       EK



Call for HELP!

Octoberbaby:

I went to a MUST SEE movie tonight called Octoberbaby.
 What a surprise that only 18 other adults were at this great film.
If you believe in the sanctity of life...you'll like it.

 This story gives you an unforgettable understanding
of  things that happen, the consequences and healing.

Hope you take the time to go to the movies!

Writing Prompt:

Thufferin Thuccotash:

There were many yard sales on Saturday in Capitola, California which benefited several charities. I participated as a buyer and went sale to sale with a friend. We picked up several things, met new people, laughed about things we used to have or our parents did. She brought along v8 juice for a pick me up so we could keep on going.

One of my favorites was a Sylvester the Cat drinking glass collected by many back in 1973. It was for sale for $3.00 but I talked him down to $2.00-(which is really the fun part) great price since they go for $15 on E-bay.I have no desire to get rid of it. I just want to drink out of it again.

If you are alone and want to visit with someone or have something to do...go to sales. You really don't have to buy anything (there are also many full "free" things in boxes).  This is great recommended therapy! Just saying...take care of yourself. Don't isolate. Make people connections. Deep breathe the fresh air. Get a good cup of coffee and you are on an adventure.

Sometimes someone else needed to talk and by listening I was helpful. So the moral of the story is:
In order to help yourself- help someone else!

Mothers and Daughters:

Every girl or woman that you see on the street is a daughter and every girl or woman has a mother! Make a relationship that works for both of you if possible. It starts with forgiveness. If there is to be a relationship usually something has to change. All the troubles that we have can be traced back to believing a lie! We actually sin when we tolerate that which we should change.

 Just some thoughts...

     Sometimes "mother" is a noun and sometimes "mother" is a verb!

Where's George:

Where's George ?

If you find a bill and it has that question stamped on it...
Go to the web site dot com, join and then register the bill.
You say where you got it and when and then go out and spend it so it's back on its way again.
You will get feed back eventually and see how far your bill traveled.
It sounded fun and I have always been curious!


Here's what I now know.
My series 2006 - 9B one dollar bill spent 3 years, 220 days, 19 hours and 48 minutes on the road
traveling 149 miles total.

Where was George?
"A stripper gave me this for change at Centerfolds in San Francisco, California."

Centerfolds is a premier nude strip club in the historic North Beach area.
On the reviews, the dancers were reported to be rude. (red flag) I
question the age and background of the girls and how many of the dancers had been
molested before they turned 18?  Are they still victims?
Does our society have blinders on? Look around. Remember the stats...
one out of 3 girls and one out of 6 boys are molested.


I'm sorry George didn't end up in a collection basket at some church. That dollar would have been
of better use. But I have to break the silence here too. Don't be afraid to talk about this stuff.  

April is the National  Child Abuse Awareness month. 
Help in the fight against child sexual abuse. 

Understanding the Comfort of Psalm 23:

                                               Psalm 23
God is my friend. What more could I want?
God sits with me in the quiet times of my life.
God explores with me the meaning of life.
God calls me forth as a whole person.

Even tho I walk along paths of pain, prejudice,
hatred and depression,
My fears are quieted because God is with me.

God's word and thoughts challenge me.
God causes me to be sensitive to the needs of mankind
Then lifts up opportunities for serving.
God's confidence stretches me.

Surely love shall  be mine to share throughout my life,
and I shall be sustained by God's concern forever.
                                                                                   anonymous

Walk to Stop the Silence:

This is a huge collaborative effort:

I went around town and put up posters today for the
WALK TO STOP THE SILENCE.
My biggest response of appreciation was from a collection of
young girls and a clerk in Victoria's Secret at the Mall!
I gave them statistics and a little more info in hopes they would
walk with us,  honk their horns, or TALK about sexual abuse among themselves. If you find a poster in your "break room" at work...bring up the topic.

   Thank you so much to the many sponsors, people, groups and companies for their fiscal sponsorship. 

                                         
                                           www.walktostopthesilence.org   831-423-7601

Promised Prayers :

     There are so many people right now who need prayers. So many people are suffering from great sadness related to illnesses, injuries and injustices. It feels necessary to post a prayer for those who have no one to pray for them, for those we have promised to pray for and for those who are grieving plus you and me.With praise and thanksgiving, God, hear our humble prayer and grant us our petition, in Jesus name, with the intercessory help of your Blessed Mother.

                                               
                                                         

The Memorare

Remember, oh most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known,
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
 Inspired by this confidence,  I fly unto thee, oh Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
 To thee I come. Before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
Oh Mother of the word incarnate,
 Despise not my petitions,but in they mercy,
hear and answer me,
 Amen.

Smash:

This is a clean and pretty picture of someone who looks lovely.

The TV show "Smash" is all about her. 

Do you know who it is?

Raise Awareness-Raise Money:

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month
The purchase of "Under My Roof ~ A Mother's  Story of the Heinous Crime of Incest"
 raises money
to support programs that help heal survivors of child sexual abuse.


Join us in the walk of champions in Watsonville
on April 21. 2012

Happy Easter 2012:

Christ is Risen
Christ will come again  

Writing Prompt: Holy Saturday

                                                             Photo by Emalou King

Good Friday:

Cristo De Limpias

I bought this bust for my mother years ago at Christmas.
She sat stunned beside my father hardly able to look at it.
When she got home she put it back in the box up on the shelf in the closet.

It wasn't until my father died a few years later that she took it down. She said the face
of Christ truly understood how saddened she was with the loss of my father.
Then she placed it on the dresser in my old room and made an altar.

Every morning she went in there and said morning prayers.
It became part of her daily ritual.

There is an absolutely wonderful story connected with this statue.
Just google Cristo De Limpias and read it on this Good Friday, 2012.

Do you have a ritual or a designated space where you pray or keep religious memorabilia? Hope you find one.

Mothers Tell Your Daughters:

 A mother's message to a young woman:


When you have a sexual experience with anyone BEFORE you are married,
 You will not become "bonded" (which is probably what you want)
You will be in BONDAGE.
Now, does your pain make sense?
 

                         

Fear and Faith:

Herbie King

This afternoon Herbie was eating his duck stick like a little piggy.
Next, he made funny sounds and couldn't catch his breath.
 I picked him up, burped him like a baby,
 patted him on his sides because something was wrong.
He just sort of folded up on the bench so I grabbed him up in my arms,
 jumped into the car and
headed a couple of blocks
 down the street to the Animal Hospital emergency room.
 The receptionist reached over the counter and took
him and rushed to ICU.


Fear is such a bugger.
 I was scared because I brought a dog in there once before
and that dog died.
 I couldn't sit down and read a magazine.
I didn't want to talk to anyone.
 I got a glass of water and drank it,
 then another one until my name was called..

The Vet told me I did the right thing...
that he was a little "blue" when he came in.
(I wondered what part of him was blue?
 I only know about people...you know lips, fingernails)
Anyway, he managed to swallow big and  moved it on down and he was fine.

The only way I got through this scary event was by praying.
I asked St. Francis to help intercede because
he loved animals. And added my usual prayers of comfort.

I consider myself his "Dog Mother!"
The slogan for mothers of animals and children is the same:
"When a mother thinks something is amiss, something is amiss.
When a mother thinks something is wrong, something is wrong."

                                   

Hot Cross Buns:

Hot Cross Buns

The legend goes that Clare of Assisi had a reputation for holiness,
so much  the Holy Father wanted to meet her.
St. Clare was very hospitable and placed loaves of bread on the tables
 for the pope to bless as a keepsake for the Sisters. But
the Pope declined and told Clare to bless the bread herself
with the sign of the cross. She did not feel worthy
but since he insisted, she reluctantly did so.
 When she finished her prayer...an image of a cross miraculously
appeared on each loaf.
And now you know the legend of  the hot cross buns.
*

Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! 

One ha' penny, two ha' penny, Hot cross buns! 

If you have no daughters, Give them to your sons 

One ha' penny, Two ha' penny, Hot Cross Buns!

Memories of Woolworths:

     It was American to have a Woolworth’s in every town. Ours was in a good central location on Broadway and Main Street where marching bands paraded by and flags waved from the store front. It was a meeting place, where friends greeted old friends. When I was a child my favorite windows held the back to school displays starting at the end of summer. We were excited and couldn’t wait to return to the classroom with new supplies.

     That afternoon after school, I could smell the burgers and fries before I even pushed open the heavy double door angled on the corner. 

     I stood wide eyed wondering where to go first with my list. Then I spotted my favorite red haired waitress behind the counter right under the neon clock. She wore a uniform, her apron was see through like angel wings and she smiled when she saw me. I walked across the big square black and white tiles and sat down at the horseshoe counter. Ladies in dresses and high heel shoes clicked when they walked by.

     “Hello,” I said as she gave me a glass of ice water and a menu.

     I spun in a circle on the red leather topped stool because there was no one to tell me to stop.

My egg salad sandwich on wonder bread with crunchy lettuce was perfect. And my root beer float was made with one hard scoop of vanilla ice cream. I was almost too full to shop. 

     This was the best place to buy presents when you were a kid. There was even a big old fashioned picture of Mr. F.W. Woolworth on the wall beside the emergency exit.

     The fish tank was tucked in the corner at the back of the store. Some parents left their kids there to watch the fish while they shopped. The little kids scared the fish. They couldn’t read the sign that said not to knock on the glass. The fast moving fish were colorful but I didn’t think mom would like that for her birthday or the baby ducks and chicks that come in all pastel colors. I particularly like the boxes they come in with the wire handles.

     The sweet smells of the aisle with perfumes and aftershave tickled my nose so I didn’t go there.

     There were scarves and neckties and barrettes and hair clips, brushes and combs. There were pet supplies, but dad wouldn’t let us get another dog. There were also curtains and rods and material but she didn’t sew.

     I paused and fingered the candy cigarettes, squeezed the marshmallow chicks, smelled the black jack gum and aimed the cap gun. Sometimes I bought a roll of caps and hit them hard with a big rock on our sidewalk out by the garage...so mom couldn’t see. They popped and sparked.

      I walked up and down each aisle until I found the balloons and party supplies and greeting cards. My mother liked the kitchen aisle and tried out all the gadgets because she was left handed and sometimes they didn’t work for her. I finally found a gravy stir and it didn’t matter if you were left or right handed. I had the lady put it into a medium white box with a wire handle and added a nice card for a great mom.

     I will always miss you Woolworths. Bob Hope said it... “Thanks for the memories.”
                                                                                    by Emalou King, RN,BSN, PHN

Palm Sunday:

This is the beginning of Holy Week.
If Lent has been difficult to follow or you feel badly about how you've done it...
Make this last week a very special time for yourself and attend all the services.
Notice the vestments for the Priests change color at this time.

Do you have your fresh palms?
Traditionally we place them behind the crucifix in our home...

Lists of events at church can be checked on line.
Put in the name of your church and read the bulletin.

May you have a blessed Holy Week.