The Big "C" Word:

     It used to be that no one would say the word cancer. It was always
referred to as the big "C" word. Then after a several years it got it's voice.
That's what I am waiting for...I have not given up on the voice for the big fight against sexual molestation and incest. Some day it will be intolerable like cancer. We will all fight the fight together.  So, put your boxing gloves on and join in this campaign.

    Talk about it at home with your children. Teach them manners, tell them how to dress, what good foods to eat, how to do well in school and how important their bodies are...and there are parts that are never to be touched by anyone else including mommy and daddy!

     And all survivors will thank you for being a good parent.
     And all survivors will thank you for sparing another child.
                     We can do this!

      Thank you...from the mother of a survivor.

Pets vs Pet Peeves:



*****

There were several black cats slinking around my walking path tonight
but this one posted himself in the middle of the street and didn't feel much like moving.
After the flash of light from my cell phone he streched out on his belly near a house.

Are you a cat person?
A dog lover? Both?
Neither?

Let's talk!



Prayer Invitation Request:

Come Join us on Saturday, October 13, 2012 and say the Rosary at the

Santa Cruz Town Clock at 12 noon. No need to sign up...show up. If you

can't stop then do a drive by and honk your horns. We appreciate the support however you can give it in our request for intercession of our beautiful Blessed Mother. 

           America Needs Fatima. Check out any of the 9000 locations!

If you have been attending St. Joseph's in Capitola then you are familiar with what Fr. Wayne says after his beautiful homilies:

"Glory be to God, who can do infinitely more than you and I could ever ask for or begin to imagine.

Glory be to God, from one generation to the next, throught Jesus Christ and his holy church, today, tomorrow and please, God...always. Amen."

Brighten Your Day:

*****

Sometimes it's easy to brighten a day
and sometimes, it's not.
Do you ever entertain yourself?
My friend told me that I do it all the time!
I guess that involves finding humor,
decluttering, being kind to someone,
smiling, and moving around with a walk or riding a bike
or getting out the house can bring one out of a funk.
I call my friends and sharing it helps.

What do you do when you get into that space?

Thundershirts:

*****

I usually talk about protecting children from abuse and tonight I am talking about protecting pets.  My Herbie is terrified of fireworks. Last night I put him in his "Thundershirt" which makes him feel like he is being held and safe. He did great.

People have "comfort" clothes...things we wear when we're in a certain mood!
I bought a thick cotton shirt today with long sleeves and as soon as I put it on... it became a favorite! It's that kind of shirt you wash and pull out of the dryer, shape and smooth it with the palm of your hand and slip it on.
You feel like yourself!

What does your thundershirt look like??

Page 54:

" A week later, I sat in the waiting room with chatty expectant mothers-to-be and held a magazine in front of my face so I wouldn't have to talk to anyone. I was the mother of a dead baby, and the secret I carried was crazy difficult."

    "Under My Roof ~ A Mother's Story of the Heinous Crime of Incest"

Visual Writing Prompt:

                                     
                                      Get Ready...Get set...

St. Francis:

YOU Are Terrific:

 

Thanks to YOUR donations, the Survivors Healing Center of Santa Cruz provides the most comprehensive services for survivors in the United States!

 The "friends of the Center" want to tell you how happy we are in your fight against Child Sexual Abuse. Hope you get a chance to check out the website for SHC

and or click "like" on their facebook page.


 The royalties from "Under My Roof ~ A Mother's Story of the Heinous Crime of Incest," helps promote the 'mothers of survivors group' today.
If you are a mother, you are not alone. Call and get into this group...

Please also consider giving a donation of any size to help continue these services. Write a check today to the Survivor's Healing Center.

Survivors Healing Center
104 Walnut Avenue  suite 208
Santa Cruz, California 95060

tax ID# 94-1716354

THANK YOU

 

Picket Fences:



These worn out fences are in my old hometown. I stood
looking at them with a type of sadness of days, gone.
An ending to something once beautiful, familiar.
Containing, restraining or decorating,
it was someone's dream 50 years ago!

I think it's time to get a new dream...
I mean, replace the missing pieces, paint the fence, or
 tear it down, use it for firewood.
Do something.
Just do it~ like Nike says.



Women:

*****                  anonymous

Our hearts were certainly full after meeting last week with classmates.
It was a fun, memorable and satisfying class reunion.
God continues to bless our class and keep us connected...
We know this and are thankful.

Why not call a friend for coffee today!

The Little Flower:

Happy Feast Day St. Teresa
"The Little Flower"
Pray for us

Happy October:

I'm Back!!!

Don't ask me how I figured this thing out.
I still don't have my pix back but at least I can continue blogging.
It feels good. And I missed doing this although the break was a good one.
More tomorrow.
Many Blessings to all of you who hung in there with me.

Apple:

*****

I will be calling Apple today about my iPhone. I've lost
over 2,000 pictures, video's and text pix and notes and can't retrieve my email. 
I spent five hourson the computer and iPhone trying to figure out the problem
and I guess I made it worse.

I don't know what else has that level of frustration.
I finally walked away from it. Then...was called to do a survey on my service.
The service was exceptional at At&T, but the problem didn't get solved. So I got
a call back from the manager asking to help me and I went back into the store.
 I think the second half of the solution, if there is one, will come from Apple.
Fingers crossed and a heavy prayer to St. Anthony for intercession!

Shut The Refrigerator Door:

1963

 "Shut the refrigerator, you're letting all the cold air out! "
I was one of those kids who stood there with the door open trying to figure out what there was to eat.
It was the after school routine for most of us.
I never heard where other mothers said things like that. Did yours?

When I stood in front of my cupboards today, that
have glass doors, I looked, decided and opened.
And my brilliant idea ... refrigerators should have glass doors too.
Why??
(1) You  wouldn't have to stand there with the door open.
(2) Spills would get cleaned up faster.
(3)  The insides would appear to be much more organized.
(4) You could see that all the milk was gone and wouldn't even have to ask.
(5) No problem for nurses or social workers who go into homes
You would see if the amount of food was adequate.
 It just sounds like it would solve some problems
and clean up some messes.

What say you??

Hope Springs, Anywhere USA:

*****

Is Summer really finished?
The part I don't like is that rule about wearing white.
Even though I am a rule person I plan to break this one and not apologize.
Not exactly ready for it to be over and am not alone here.
Actually after the visitors go home from their vacations the "locals"
come out and  enjoy the best weather of September and October.

I went to the movie last night, "Hope Springs," with Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones.
And I loved it and recommend it for all married couples. It is good.
This movie raises awareness about this couples married life and they are marvelous actors.

My book also raises awareness about families...
Suggestion for the day...
Go to the movie and read my book.
That will be enough mental stimulation for the week.
And will raise awareness and  start a conversation if you...
Voice up!

Help Support Programs:

*****

Available on Smashwords, Apple, B&N Nook,
Amazon Kindle
http://emalouking.blogspot.com

Royalties support programs for Survivors
and families of survivors

Softcover can be purchased at;
http://WWW.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3129533

1in 3 girls are molested before the age of 18
1 in 6 boys are molested before the age of 18

Keep the Faith:

YOU ALREADY KNOW THIS:

We are merely creatures and not gods.
We have limitations as a human being.
We DO NOT have the authority to say
who lives and who dies.
          Don't Forget It!

Have A Great Labor Day Weekend:

*****

Today was rather amazing. That doesn't mean I got anything done on my schedule...
it means that I slept until 10:30 am, had a one and a half hour massage at 11am and
then meditated in Adoration from 1-2pm.  If that isn't mind altering.  Then coffee at Starbucks.

I drank lots of water and did a whole lot of nothing.
I have celebrated my holiday already.
Now to get other things done this weekend.

Hope you Fly your Flag! 

                                                                                 

Pets:

*****
When I came home today, this cat, who thinks she can stop by whenever she wishes,
was visiting. She stayed asleep even after I shut my car off. I watched her  for awhile
until she spotted me. When I opened the car door she
flew off the step and into the neighbors yard.

I guess what comes to mind is how important it is for a child to have a pet.
It's another step in respecting life. There are more opportunities to teach
children with a pet in the house. They name and claim them.
They talk to them and tell them what's going on. This child has a 'friend.'
Parents reiterate things like;
"Be nice!"
"How would you like someone to do that to  you?"
"Feed your cat now."
"Play with the cat."
"Don't bother her right now."
"Be gentle."

Children copy what they see.
If you wonder how the day is going...check out and see how you've treated the dog!"
Think about it.

Freedom:

*****


I heard yesterday that the usual Holiday demand is "I want it!"
but the most popular question for me is, "What do you do all day?"
People who hold a full time job can't exactly fathom a complete life being your own boss.
I can get up when I want, eat what I want, go where I want, do what I want...I
would say for most of us who have worked all our life it's well earned.

I think the most difficult part is not having a scheduled day.
"Lunch time? Oh gosh, it's already 3 pm."
"Oops, we missed the matinee so guess we'll have to catch the late movie."
Did you know that the more choices you have...the greater the burden?
Freedom is not really doing what you want to do but it's when YOU are being open to God!
And now it's time to close out and get myself to the afternoon Mass and Eucharist.
I'm free at last.

Mentoring Spoof:

*****

 I'm heading to my car in the parking lot at my favorite Starbucks today
when I am approached by a young clean cut man.
 He gives me a sales pitch about removing the little scratches here and there on my car.
It would only cost $50...and if I go to a body shop it will be very expensive for me.
He says he wants to give me a good deal and get experience.
He will be trained by his  father and uncle-
 the two men in the white truck who pull up behind me- waiting for my answer.
When I hesitate and sip on my capachino, they both get out.

All four of us are now touching my car and circling like buzzards.
They admire the dark blue color but can make it more beautiful without scratches.
They have a few teeth missing, speak in broken English and have olive skin.
Finally, I say okay. They go to the back of their truck, mumble,
 put something clear on a cloth like an oil(who knows what?)
and rub it on the tiny scratches made by a raccoon on the door handles.
It takes five minutes to complete the whole job.
 The older guys get back into the truck and drives off while the boy waits for the money.
He asks me if I can give him a tip for the work! I say emphatically, "NO!"

I ask if he has a card or if he lives here. He says they live in San Jose but
 moving  here because the weather is so nice.
I didn't tell him that everyone isn't as gullible as I am, but I certainly thought it.

When I pay I stand right next to him like I am going to tell a secret and say,
"Okay, why did you pick me?"
He says, "It's your smile... your beautiful smile, mum."
 I roll my eyes and shake my head, smiling. He joins me with a smile and says, "Thank you so much."

I won't forget their faces. Sorry I didn't take pictures or shoot a video.
Hope I never see them on America's most wanted!
Yes, I knew I was getting screwed and no I'm not going to do it again.
It was just one of those days... you know what I mean?

(Big Smile)

Pepperoni Pizza:

*****

There is something about the power of suggestions-
Do you ever get those days where nothing will satisfy you except a pizza?
Crunchy, cheesy, hot, pepperoni pizza.
Go for it!

It used to be great sometimes for breakfast in college!
Usually you would find it in the smoker- (yes, I said smoker-
that is the room at the end of the hall where you went to smoke.) The
reason you didn't do it in your room was because of fires so the
nurses in my dorm  headed down to the end of the hall and smoked
cigarettes and did homework, gathered around the piano and acted out which meant trying to
rip a phone book in two, lifting someone in the air with two fingers, etc.
You might remember some of those goofy things.

There are kids who don't get to lead these relatively "normal" lives because they
have been so traumatized. Let's pray for their healing...it wasn't their fault no matter what.
Let's pray for their self esteem damaged by an adult they trusted. And let's pray
for an abundance of good graces for them from God, who loves every ounce of them.

Dahlias:

     How to brighten a day:

I went to Soquel High School to see the Monterey Bay Dahlia Show. Here is a sample of a very few of the flowers. They are beautiful. I also bought a bouquet for my neighbor. There are so many varieties of this flower. It happened to be one of my mother's favorites. They also last a long time.It's amazing to see flowers the size of hubcaps! It was difficult picking a favorite and I would not have wanted to be a judge.

Antique shops are also fun to visit if you are in the mood to
remember toys you or your children had or dishes your mom used for special occasions, tools in the garage or art work.

And of course, a pray brings one back to the center and is very effective in brightening the day...usually first on my list.

A Welcome Path:

*****


"When  you are happy, you enjoy the music
but when you are sad, you understand the lyrics."
                                             anonymous