tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55207825595882487762024-03-08T02:43:25.683-07:00It May Not Be Pretty, BUT ITS MINE!A Hardcore look at life through my eyes. The good, the bad and everything in between!Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-10933221618137505482011-12-13T18:12:00.002-07:002011-12-13T19:22:20.544-07:00Holiday Spirit? I Must Have Lost Mine Among All These Bills!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The excitement of the holidays is something I probably haven't felt in a very long time. In fact, as a child I remember the very Christmas that ruined all future Christmas' for me.<br />
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1984. The worst Christmas I can remember. Not because I didn't get any presents, I did. In fact, I received quite a few presents that year. The Walkman I wanted, roller skates, a whole lot of [ugly] clothes I would later be forced to wear, and I even got my first pair of concert tickets! The Beastie Boys opening up for Run DMC! To this day the memories of me standing on a chair looking like a damn fool doing the WOP, is still considered one of the highlights of my life. <br />
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But, that was also the Christmas that I received 2 computers. A Commodore from my step father and a Texas Instruments from my father. Not only was I <strong>not</strong> allowed to keep both, but <strong>I</strong> was forced to choose which one to keep.<br />
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After being influenced by my brother, I will never forget the look on my fathers face when I told him I didn't want the Texas Instruments. The guilt I felt after that day would be the beginning of a horrible guilt ridden life.<br />
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Looking back at it now, I don't think that it was fair of my step-father, who was awarded custody of me years earlier after my mother passed away, to force <strong>me</strong> to make that decision. But, that situation left a bad taste in my mouth that would remain for every Christmas that followed.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8Sbs0M9_XA/Tufr5dg_rDI/AAAAAAAAAbs/SqbByMpwQ94/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8Sbs0M9_XA/Tufr5dg_rDI/AAAAAAAAAbs/SqbByMpwQ94/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a>Now, that year wasn't the start of my '<strong>Grinch-like</strong>' attitude or the main cause of my lack luster holiday spirit. By then the tradition of decorating the huge Christmas Trees that sat in the front window of our formal living room, and the tree that sat in our family room where all of the presents would be placed under, the enjoyment of our family dinner with all of the relatives (from my mothers side that would come into town) while listening to the soulful holiday tunes that played in the background, would later be replaced by the '<strong>revised</strong>' tradition of going to over my step-fathers overly religious fellow church members house's where the television played nothing but those old classic religious movies all day long and Silent Night was replaced by old southern hymnals, and the smell of Chitin's never failed to make me want to throw up! By those years my mother had already left this world and Christmas' had definitely changed.<br />
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But, that 1984 Christmas was certainly a turning point.<br />
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Once I was an 'emancipated minor' and didnt have to partake in the various Christmas Day celebrations I was able to finally enjoy the day free from work and school, until I had my own children. For my children's sake, the obligation of celebrating Christmas was back in force and Christmas became a '<strong>chore</strong>' I did (with a fake but always present smile) just so my children might be able to enjoy something that was ruined for me many many years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcJTNDSvkZHaINc9L0iPN04C1bynAEF81b6bGql-BozFX-Wua3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcJTNDSvkZHaINc9L0iPN04C1bynAEF81b6bGql-BozFX-Wua3" width="200" /></a> Today Christmas has taken on a whole other meaning. A celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ has been tainted by stories of ignorant women's who have resorted to violence because someone else grabbed the last Tickle Me Elmo or whatever over priced '<strong>must have</strong>' toy is that year. Nativity Scenes have all but been replaced by various statues of Santa, '<em>Merry Christmas</em>' has now been replaced by more <strong>'politically correct</strong>' terms and the goal seems to be who can get even further in debt [the most] buying gifts for their already, in many cases, overly spoiled unappreciative children.<br />
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I'm not blameless. Most Christmas' I spoiled my children. Probably out of some underlying guilt I felt for all of the struggles my children had to go through that year and I have to admit, I am probably a little resentful that this year I will not be one of those mothers indulging their over spoiled unappreciative children. I'm not a little resentful. I'm A LOT resentful.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXoPIetOKXhVRTDdNAAJvyLtn_-oRlCRkDi1xDAMyVojETd6gVYQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXoPIetOKXhVRTDdNAAJvyLtn_-oRlCRkDi1xDAMyVojETd6gVYQ" width="200" /></a>But, even with the vast number of houses that surround me covered with so many lights that I cant even begin to imagine the electric bill the owners will be sent, I am still very much absent of the Christmas spirit. Maybe its just me but I feel like the meaning of <strong>CHRIST</strong>mas has been lost. How do we get it back?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-13000789293988792882011-12-03T16:24:00.004-07:002011-12-03T17:20:52.349-07:00Serving Up Good Luck And Prosperity With A Side Of Gold!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every New Year’s Day I partake the tradition of eating Black-eyed Peas.<br />
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The meaning behind the tradition is one that dates back to slavery. By eating Black-eyed Peas on New Year's Day you will be met with good luck and prosperity. <br />
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Black-eyed Pea, which symbolize wealth and good fortune, are often cooked with ham hocks,[the pig] representing luck, served with collard green, representing money, and a side of cornbread, representing gold. <br />
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One variation of the tradition is that by eating 365 Black-eyes Peas on the years first day will bring luck and prosperity all 365 days.<br />
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Now, do I really hold my future in a Black-eyed Pea? Of course not! But, it is a deeply rooted tradition, of which the meaning behind it is even deeper, and is as much a part of my ancestry (and struggle) as 'Jumping the Broom'. It has no true merit but symbolic value.<br />
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With everything we have lost in the world in which we live today, as individuals, as a community, historically, and (for many) culturally, it's comforting to be able to, at the very least, hold onto tradition.<br />
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So, on the first day of the coming year, just as we have done the first day of many years, me and my family will respectfully sit down at the dinner table, give thanks to the <strong>Almighty God</strong> for allowing us to make it through another year, ask <strong>Him</strong> to prepare us for the year to come, and enjoy a soulfully delicious bowl of Black-eyed Peas.<br />
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From me and my family to you and your family we would like to wish you all good luck, prosperity, and a happy new year!<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" />Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-50742512791086692292011-11-29T14:41:00.001-07:002011-11-29T14:45:28.530-07:00In My Own Words...Being Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have to admit, I truly enjoy being alone. I probably like being alone more than most people. But when I'm alone I can relax. I can think. I can breathe.<br />
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Being alone gives me the opportunity to put things in perspective. Assess what I need. <br />
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The older I get, the more I enjoy my time with myself. The more I find peace in the silence.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kv0hREoGNtk/TtVOI5yhZJI/AAAAAAAAAX0/AfbTG-8dAYU/s1600/imagesCAQ0XHEM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kv0hREoGNtk/TtVOI5yhZJI/AAAAAAAAAX0/AfbTG-8dAYU/s1600/imagesCAQ0XHEM.jpg" /></a><br />
When I'm alone I reflect on a lot of things. Decisions I've made (good and bad), where I am in my life, if my life is where I want it to be, and what I want to do in my life.<br />
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It's also my time to rest. Rest my body. Rest my mind. Rest my soul.<br />
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From the outside looking in some people might assume that I'm bored (or boring). But, that is so far from the truth. What some may call boring I call stress free. My '<strong><em>Alone Zone</em></strong>' is a '<strong><em>Drama-Free Zone</em></strong>'.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcMptNQZ_qA/TtVQh6WYyeI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Mtq3t-1Ccl0/s1600/imagesCAY8LOJB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rcMptNQZ_qA/TtVQh6WYyeI/AAAAAAAAAX8/Mtq3t-1Ccl0/s200/imagesCAY8LOJB.jpg" width="200" /></a>Whether '<strong><em>my time</em></strong>' is a 15 minute hot bath, or a 48 hour sabbatical in the bedroom, its something that is mine that can not be taken away from me. Its mine to think about whatever I wish, be bothered with whatever I want (or not), and rejuvenate from the life's wear and tear.<br />
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My gift to myself. My '<strong><em>Calgon</em></strong>' moment for me to get <strong><em>'taken away</em></strong>.'<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-70217410364327372112011-11-28T18:15:00.001-07:002011-11-29T13:37:57.756-07:00In My Own Words....Silence Speaks A Thousand Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My step sister used to say '<em>As long as Valerie's arguing with you,</em> <em>you don't have anything to worry about. It's when she <strong>stops</strong> arguing, you need to worry.</em>'<br />
People who knew me understood what that meant. If Ive stopped arguing, Ive stopped caring. I only argue about what I'm passionate about.<br />
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Whether this reaction is right or wrong, that's how I react. When I have gotten to this point, spent energy was wasted energy. When I feel like I'm wasting my energy, time, effort, or what have you. I'm done.<br />
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Struggles are a part of life, but when the struggle is unnecessary <strong><em>and recurring </em></strong>(especially if it impacts my life or my comfort zone), the best thing for me is to tap out! Because if I don't, I end up with drama surrounding me, <strong><em>and I hate drama!</em></strong> There are three types of people: Those who like drama (causing drama, being involved with drama); those who <strong><em>say</em></strong> they don't like drama but every time you turn around, what are they involved in? <strong><em>Drama</em></strong>! And those who really <strong><em>don't like drama</em></strong> and avoid it at all costs. I am the latter. I despise drama. <br />
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To me, recurring issues equal drama. Its like that saying 'First time, shame on them. Second time, shame on you. Third time, either your ignorant or in denial' (I added the last part myself.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj1K3oAW5hA/TtQb_YRmTvI/AAAAAAAAAXc/5fIJPfn7oq4/s1600/silence_8oy2wwof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj1K3oAW5hA/TtQb_YRmTvI/AAAAAAAAAXc/5fIJPfn7oq4/s200/silence_8oy2wwof.jpg" width="150" /></a>Now, I understand that life, like most things, is about trial and error. You try one thing and if it doesn't work, your supposed to <strong><em>learn from what didn't work</em></strong>, and try something else. Its the not learning from what didn't work, or not taking responsibility for <strong><em>your</em></strong> part in what didn't work that I have a problem with.<br />
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Dealing with repetition, to me, is wasted energy and ultimately I remove myself from that part of the equation. That's when the silence kicks in. Because there's nothing else for me to do. If someone is not going to help <strong><em>me</em></strong> try to keep <strong><em>their</em></strong> boat afloat well, they will have to sink by themselves. <strong><em>Cuz' I refuse to sink</em></strong>!<br />
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All I request, at the <strong><em>most</em></strong>, is to acknowledge when something isn't working, and at least an honest effort to try something a little different. If I can't get at least an attempt, If all I get is empty words of what <strong><em>may</em></strong> change in the future when changes need to be made <strong><em>now</em></strong>, I stop arguing. And as my step sister says 'When she <strong><em>stops </em></strong>arguing....'.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-91913388477501865692011-11-22T15:02:00.000-07:002011-11-22T15:02:23.754-07:00Tired of being TIRED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm Tired! Physically tired because I'm mentally drained. Mentally drained because I am emotionally beat down. Plan and simple, I'm warn out! I am so fatigued that at the end of the day my <strong><em>Teeth</em></strong> actually hurt. I honestly can not remember the last time all was calm in my world. <br />
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I have been on this journey recently, trying to figure out what makes me happy. A journey I have started many times before but never completed. I'm a thirty eight year old woman trying to '<strong><em>find herself</em></strong>''. Trying to figure out what happy is and how to get it. Battling between what I <strong><em>want</em></strong> to do and what I know I <strong><em>need</em></strong> to do.<br />
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Now, in my head it sounds so stupid. '<strong><em>Trying to find myself</em></strong>'.<br />
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When I was younger and someone told me they were '<strong><em>finding their self</em></strong>' I used to think, '<strong><em>Find Yourself?! You don't know where the hell you are?!</em></strong>'<br />
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I read something the other day. '<strong><em>Are You Sacred?</em></strong>' I really didn't think much of the question at the time. Honestly, it sometimes take a little while for things to sink in. But, as things often do with me, at 4:00 in the morning some 4 days later, that question was the only thing on my mind. Am I sacred?<br />
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<strong><em>Sacred - Something that is held in high regards. Something beautiful and untarnished. A thing that is left undisturbed so as to be an Inspiration to others. Something loved and revered....worthy of respect or dedication.</em></strong><br />
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I stood in front of the mirror, and asked myself the question. '<strong><em>Am I sacred?</em></strong>'. My response to myself, '<strong><em>I AM SACRED!</em></strong>'. Since I tend to show my true emotions with my eyes and my expressions I quickly realized that my mouth was saying one thing but my face was <u>speaking the truth</u>. <strong><em>Saying</em></strong> you are sacred is not the same as <strong><em>believing</em></strong> you are sacred. <br />
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I'm constantly running on some sort of metaphorical treadmill for reasons I really don't understand just to do things I really could care less about. This is not <strong><em>sacred living</em></strong>. A broken spirit is not a sacred spirit. <br />
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If I truly am sacred and if I <strong><em>believe</em></strong> I am sacred, I need to honor what is sacred by <strong><em>investing </em></strong>in what is sacred. I need to invest in myself. <br />
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Sacredness is something which is venerated. Something whose worth is never diminished. Never depleted of its value.<br />
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I need to replenish my soul. Strengthen inside myself that which I weaken every day. I need to embrace my tears and see the beauty in my struggles. I need to stop being tired! Stop allowing the world to consume me and exhaust me of the gifts I have to offer! I need to be sacred! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-8819375216436826282011-11-07T14:53:00.000-07:002011-11-07T14:53:45.202-07:00Under Construction!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Between the three blogs in my blog series (<a href="http://itmaynotbeprettybutitsmine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It May Not Be Pretty...</a>; <a href="http://gingersnapsvodka.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">GingerSnaps & Vodka</a>; <a href="http://letstalkelephants.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Does Anyone Else See...</a>), I have written about 40 or so entries. I try to be as sensitive as I can be while still being as honest as I promised myself I would be. <br />
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I have opened myself up to readers expressing my thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc. While there are certain topics that are off limits (after all, I'm no dummy. I'm very conscious of the fact the 'Big Brother' is watching and freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from repercussions) I try to, and while continue to try, to cover a wide range of issues.<br />
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With that being said, there are times where I may step away from my own opinion and take the '<strong><em>devil's advocate</em></strong>' approach in an effort to cover all sides of an issue,and start a dialog. That doesn't necessarily always mean a dialog with me, but even a dialog with those in your own lives and hopefully shine a light on something someone never thought about. <br />
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A lot of us, myself included, sometimes think that if <strong><em>we</em></strong> haven't seen it, or <strong><em>we</em></strong> haven't experienced it, or <strong><em>we</em></strong> haven't felt it, it doesn't exist.<br />
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Every day of our lives, we are all under construction. We are never so mentally, physically, emotionally, or morally balanced that we exceed the opportunities for growth. There are always improvements to be made to one's self.<br />
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If my experiences, emotional vulnerabilities, opinions, etc. touches the life of just one person, or opens the mind of just one person, initiates even one person to start a conversation, I feel like I have done what I set out to do.<br />
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In that same respect, I openly welcome all comments others may have on anything that is written in any of the blogs within my blog series. Good, bad, or otherwise. I will never discourage, discriminate, or take offense to constructive feedback, suggestions, opinions, or points of view. <br />
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Just as I hope others can take away something from my experiences, I want to take something away from others. <br />
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<strong>'..there are few so wise that they cannot learn from others.' - <em>Dhammavadaka</em></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-22576120063819775372011-11-03T16:10:00.000-06:002011-11-03T16:10:12.340-06:00'The Quieter You Become, The More You Can See'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSRVcnSRVZXyQCL7QNG4msPAVLjJ1rvgtUOB367kCVeG3IrXxYkTw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSRVcnSRVZXyQCL7QNG4msPAVLjJ1rvgtUOB367kCVeG3IrXxYkTw" /></a></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;"><strong>'The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine<br />eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.'</strong></span></em><br />
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I have some members of my family that have very, well, eccentric beliefs. At least eccentric according to western society's standard. <br />
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During a summer in which I stayed with my grandmother, I started reading that various books she had on Buddhism & Hinduism specifically Third Eye Enlightenment.<br />
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Meditation is an essential part of awakening ones Third Eye. Allowing your <em><strong>'mind'</strong></em> to <em><strong>'see'</strong></em>. Relaxing both your body and conscious mind. Being able to achieve inner silence.<br />
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Between the ages of 12ish to probably 15 or 16 years old, meditation seemed fairly easy for me. I was able to quiet my mind while still being <em><strong>'aware'</strong></em>. Quieting my mind even in the noisiest of conditions. It was something I would also do to control my emotions, and something I obviously took for granted.<br />
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Why do I feel I took the ease of meditation for granted? Because here I am 20 something years later and I cant meditate to save my life!<br />
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Although someone can not force their mind into a silent state, there should still be an ability to control the minds thoughts. Easier said than done! During my multiple attempts at meditation, my thoughts go all over the place. Even when I strategically try to <em><strong>'control'</strong></em> what my minds thoughts are, I find my self <strong><em>thinking about myself controlling my thoughts</em></strong>. It is a never ending cycle.<br />
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Nevertheless, the ability to meditate with ease that I was able to achieve as a teenager is an ability I plan to regain. Not for the purpose of <em><strong>'Awakening'</strong></em> my <strong><em>'Third Eye'</em></strong>, nor to conjure any sort of 'clairvoyance' (although it would be nice), but just to retain and replenish, what I often feel is minimal at best, my sanity. A quiet place I can retreat to among the chaos that's often times all around me. <strong><em>I want a moment of relaxation.</em></strong><br />
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Of course, I will continue my frustrating journey into meditation in an effort to discover my <strong><em>'Inner Sanctum'.</em></strong> Except this time, when I find it I'm holding onto it. Sometimes you never know the true value of something, until its gone!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-80835151892431644582011-10-29T14:21:00.002-06:002011-11-03T13:28:54.941-06:00An Introduction...To Love<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRisJRKJRRjheHbrc3NKdkvJTgPCWDKTV1Hw6lnUOw9V8vj-614VQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRisJRKJRRjheHbrc3NKdkvJTgPCWDKTV1Hw6lnUOw9V8vj-614VQ" /></a></div>
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My tries to announce myself to you continued to go unseen.</div>
I waited.<br />
Waited for you to notice me. To come to me.<br />
Never understanding what it means to be with you.<br />
All the while knowing that I cannot live without you.<br />
You are like a distant passage that hides its path.<br />
Shining your light onto only the purest of souls.<br />
Revealing yourself when your truth will be embraced.<br />
But today, I cry out with tears only you can hear.<br />
Offering you a place to birth changes in me.<br />
To mend the tattered heart within.<br />
Allow me to introduce myself to you.<br />
Love.<br />
I have been waiting to meet you.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-27243035651276590822011-10-28T13:52:00.001-06:002011-10-29T14:32:26.224-06:00Lay Me To Rest Among The Cattails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwLPsakyAPg/Tqr1ttAN9yI/AAAAAAAAAU4/06TIGWXcNR8/s1600/imagesCA665A1S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwLPsakyAPg/Tqr1ttAN9yI/AAAAAAAAAU4/06TIGWXcNR8/s1600/imagesCA665A1S.jpg" /></a>The other day, I attended the funeral of a young woman who had lost her battle with breast cancer. I didn't know the woman personally, I met her young son, and know her son's father only though my husband. </div>
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Coincidentally, her funeral was held in the very church where I watched my mother being baptized and where I was baptized years later. It was also the very church were my mothers funeral, after she also lost her battle with breast cancer when I was 5 almost 6 years old, was held.<br />
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I continued to attend the church for the 6 years following my mothers death, mainly out of obligation, but had not been back since the age of 12. Needless to say the church has not changed a bit! </div>
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Concentrating on the funeral I had come to attend was extremely difficult, in fact almost impossible. Everywhere I looked was a reminder of the day I took, what seemed at the time, to be an endless walk down the middle aisle to the white coffin where my mother lay. The more I tried to focus my attention on the the current funeral, the more my attention seemed to divert to my past history in this church.<br />
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Other than viewing my mothers body, and the drama that occurred after the funeral, I don't remember much else of the actual funeral services. I can recall who gave the eulogy but cant remember what was said. I remember we all congregated in the basement of the church once the funeral services were concluded before the precession to the cemetery.<br />
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After we returned home from the cemetery, I remember being almost in shock at the number of people walking in and out of my mothers home all the while carrying with them my mothers belongings. I watched her fur coat leave, various pieces of jewelry, and even an heirloom Bible. <br />
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I remember sitting there at the dining room table where I often sat on the floor at my mothers feet, getting angrier and angrier with each bite of my glazed donut thinking to myself that my mother would not have been pleases with any part of this day.<br />
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That anger I held onto for years and eventually transformed itself into severe guilt which I can not even begin to explain, but anger and then guilt probably was what took me away from the grieving period that I, as her only daughter and youngest child, was more than entitled to.<br />
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So, there I was 30 years later, back in the same church, attending the funeral of a woman who lost her battle with breast cancer at the very same age (or at least close to the same age) as my mother, who was leaving behind a child who was around the same age as I was when my mother left me, staring down the same middle aisle. And it took all the strength I had inside of me not to cry. I could not allow myself to cry at the funeral of a woman where the tears that would fall would not be for her.<br />
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So, as inconsiderate as it may sound, I started to think about my own funeral. Not my death, but my funeral. The feelings my loved ones would be left with. The words that I would want them to hear. And the thoughts, my thoughts, that I would want to be expressed:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_rCqwOqXtU/TqsE-zOnl9I/AAAAAAAAAVA/asygl1RJXcQ/s1600/393686-a-field-of-cattails-backlit-by-the-setting-sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_rCqwOqXtU/TqsE-zOnl9I/AAAAAAAAAVA/asygl1RJXcQ/s1600/393686-a-field-of-cattails-backlit-by-the-setting-sun.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: red;"><em>"I have lived a long hard life. The years may not have been long but the </em></span><span style="color: red;"><em>road I traveled was. The fact that my life extended far beyond what I </em></span><span style="color: red;"><em>anticipated only shows that I was blessed with time I never expected </em></span><span style="color: red;"><em>nor planned for. I wasn't able to experience a lot of happiness, until now. </em></span><span style="color: red;"><em>Now, I am finally happy. Now, I am finally free. My heart doesn't hurt anymore. </em></span><span style="color: red;"><em>My mind is quiet. My soul can finally rest. I have peace. </em></span></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: red;">God blessed me with the mercy that I wanted and gave to me the peace that I needed. </span><span style="color: red;">HE came to me and led me to stand beside the person that I have wanted </span><span style="color: red;">to be next to my entire live. I am now able to hold the hand of my mother, my angel. And for the first time, I feel at home. </span><span style="color: red;">This is not a time for sadness, but a time for celebration. I am at peace. My soul is at peace. </span><span style="color: red;">At last I can lay down in a field of Cattails and rest in peace." </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cattail flowers represent PEACE)</span></em></div>
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /><br />Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-32812506216267995052011-10-21T16:08:00.003-06:002011-10-21T18:51:08.933-06:00Perfect Imperfections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://pastorblog.cumcdebary.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Njuguna-And-Sings-My-Soul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://pastorblog.cumcdebary.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Njuguna-And-Sings-My-Soul.jpg" width="224" /></a>I admit it! I am not always the best wife I could be, or should be. I can be a bitch! I have never spent as much time in the presence of one person as I have in the past year and a half of marriage. And to be quite honest, I never wanted to. I'm not always the most pleasant person to be around. I like things done a certain way...MY way! I like my space and I like to grab onto what ever peace I can find and wallow in it...ALONE! So needless to say, the past year and a half has been, well, trying.</div>
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There is no doubt in my mind that my husband loves me. He may not always like me, and for good reason, but he always loves me.<br />
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I confess..I'm lucky. Very lucky. When a man's wish is to do nothing other than to see you and make you happy, who wouldn't feel lucky?<br />
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But, being the self-proclaimed bi-polar controlling brat that I can sometimes be, I don't always appreciate his efforts. Or notice them.<br />
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However, when my husband is hurting, may it be physically or emotionally, with pain that I probably can never imagine feeling, my world stops and I can think of nothing else other than making his pain go away. Easing the hurt that ails him!<br />
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The foul mouthed, often smart tongued, flippant man that enjoys trading harmless insults and wise crack comments back and forth with me the majority of any given day, becomes the kind hearted, loving husband, that still get as much comfort by simply laying his head on my lap as he did when we first met.<br />
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The love I have for him, love that is often times trapped behind an emotionally stunted persona, breaks through every barrier in it's path and takes the center stage where it should have been along.<br />
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I don't see the hard core tough bull dog in those moments anymore. Just the devoted partner that has never let a single day go by without telling me I'm beautiful and how much he loves my perfect imperfections.<br />
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I realize that the high maintenance man that I have always accused him of being, is in reality a simple man whose only request is just for me to love him... unconditionally....forever!<br />
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A simple request that I tend to make a challenging reality. All for the sake of not showing weakness. <br />
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But, behind the stone wall that I put up, probably more than I realize, and definitely keep up out of habit, is a heart that is filled with nothing but love, admiration, and adoration for the man that took me as his wife for better or for worse. A heart so fragile that, without him, would break into the millions of pieces that only he was able to put together.<br />
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If I could cleanse his wounds and absorb his pain I would do it in a heartbeat. Because the beat of his heart is what wakes me up everyday and the peace I like to find myself wallowing in is his soul.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-15413819862394829062011-10-07T12:01:00.003-06:002011-10-08T15:25:41.054-06:00Real People Don't Hide Behind Masks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/326/6/0/hide_behind_a_mask_ii_by_catliv-d33dxi5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" kca="true" src="http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/326/6/0/hide_behind_a_mask_ii_by_catliv-d33dxi5.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>
<strong>Part 1 - Real People Don't Hide Behind Masks! The Meaning Behind 'It May Not Be Pretty But It's Mine!'</strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Go to <strong><a href="http://gingersnapsvodka.blogspot.com/2011/10/life-without-rose-colored-glasses.html">Part 2 - Life Without The Rose Colored Glasses! The Meaning Behind 'GingerSnaps And VODKA'</a>)</strong></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Go to <strong><a href="http://letstalkelephants.blogspot.com/2011/10/truth-shall-set-you-free.html">Part 3 - The TRUTH Shall Set You Free! The Meaning Behind 'Does Anyone Else See The Big Ass Elephant In The Room?'</a>)</strong></span></em><br />
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<u><a href="http://itmaynotbeprettybutitsmine.blogspot.com/">'It May Not Be Pretty But It's Mine!'</a></u> Just one of my three blogs in my blog series. I have been asked <em><strong>'Why three blogs? Why not just one?' </strong></em><br />
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Each blog relates to a specific part of the world in which I live yet in totality, make up ME.<br />
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A raw insight to my soul. My personality, my desires, my triumphs, my needs, my struggles, and my vices.<br />
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I consider this blog to be an integral and primary piece of the series. The reason? Because it is the greatest exemplification of my personality. <br />
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I made the decision, at the birth of this blog, that if I'm am going to expose myself to world, I am not going to 'censor' my narrative of myself. <strong><em>'ME'</em></strong> will not be sugar coated. I want to be honest, I want to be transparent, I want to be approachable.<br />
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We dance around daily as if we exist within one giant never ending Masquerade Ball. Everyone veiled behind masks. Everyone is trying to conceal their own flaws beneath a blanket of judgement of others. No one wants to expose themselves in an effort to bring awareness, togetherness, support, or even just a simple empathetic shoulder for others to lean on.<br />
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<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSD22sDKCEnuf0-NEBbFqUDLEk_LMIytsf206OTfnbNiZRBh34M" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSD22sDKCEnuf0-NEBbFqUDLEk_LMIytsf206OTfnbNiZRBh34M" /></a>My goal is to reveal myself so that I may help others learn, grow, or even find comfort in the idea that they are not alone in their experiences.</div>
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Never judge a book by it's cover. We need to expose our 'Perfect Imperfections'.</div>
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My experiences may not be pretty. In fact at times it's grotesqueness can be revolting. But there have been other times when it's awesomeness is amazing. But no matter where it may currently fall within the invisible Pleasure Meter, I hope I can make an impact on someone. I hope someone can finds solace in knowing that they are not alone, I hope I can bring awareness to experiences some may may not understand, and I hope I can provide the courage to allow others to expose themselves.</div>
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Go to <strong><a href="http://gingersnapsvodka.blogspot.com/2011/10/life-without-rose-colored-glasses.html">Part 2 - Life Without The Rose Colored Glasses! The Meaning Behind 'GingerSnaps And VODKA'</a></strong><br />
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Go to <strong><a href="http://letstalkelephants.blogspot.com/2011/10/truth-shall-set-you-free.html">Part 3 - The TRUTH Shall Set You Free! The Meaning Behind 'Does Anyone Else See The Big Ass Elephant In The Room?'</a></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-48942836944119682862011-10-05T18:21:00.001-06:002011-10-08T15:26:04.430-06:00Beautiful Depression<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjt40TlqCzA/Tot9TCxlH2I/AAAAAAAAATU/FU-BIqZ0ETg/s1600/imagesCA0U4HD6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111px" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fjt40TlqCzA/Tot9TCxlH2I/AAAAAAAAATU/FU-BIqZ0ETg/s200/imagesCA0U4HD6.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>
The 'Silent Stalker', the 'Noonday Demon', the 'Black Cloud', what ever you want to call it...<strong>'IT</strong>' can paralyze your world and bring your soul to it's knees.<br />
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You can feel fine one moment, and falling into a dark abyss the next. <br />
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One minute your living in a world of bliss, and the next your dying in a realm of misery.<br />
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'<strong>IT</strong>' appears out of nowhere, latches onto every part of your being, and consumes your mind, body, and spirit. You don't see color anymore rather only shades of grey.<br />
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If '<strong>IT</strong>' is as immersed in <u><em>your</em></u> life as '<strong>IT</strong>' is in mine, you aren't able to hide from '<strong>IT</strong>', '<strong>IT</strong>' finds you no matter where you are.<br />
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If '<strong>IT</strong>' is as transfixed with <em><u>you</u></em> as <strong>'IT</strong>' seems to be with me, <strong>'IT</strong>' will segregate you from any and everyone you ever even thought you cared about.<br />
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You are fooled into believing that '<strong>IT</strong>'s' existence has died, only to witness '<strong>IT</strong>'s' resurrection just as the wounds once last left behind begin to heal.<br />
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'<strong>IT</strong>' becomes so much a part of you that some, like me, have tried to cut '<strong>IT</strong>' out with a blade. Slicing over and over and over again brainwashed into thinking that harming yourself will cripple the nemisis. In the end each cut of the knife only makes '<strong>IT</strong>' stronger.<br />
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'<strong>IT</strong>' can become so much a part of you, that '<strong>IT</strong>' can transmit to your children, and your children's children.<br />
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You don't know how to explain '<strong>IT</strong>' so you don't tell anyone about '<strong>IT</strong>'. You don't know how you got '<strong>IT</strong>' so you don't know how to get rid of '<strong>IT</strong>'.<br />
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<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWR4oknmWSv9TV8TgDOQplXji8AKLOkUlfgOua8idKMz7S3So9DA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWR4oknmWSv9TV8TgDOQplXji8AKLOkUlfgOua8idKMz7S3So9DA" /></a>So instead you embrace '<strong>IT</strong>'. Accepting the ever increasing grip '<strong>IT</strong>' has on you. Day after Day. Month after Month. Year after Year. Treasuring the moments '<strong>IT</strong>' loosens it's grasp, making the most of the times '<strong>IT</strong>' allows you to breathe.<br />
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<strong><em>You don't have to understand depression for your life to be effected by it. Depression is an unseen enemy that could be walking hand in hand with someone you know. </em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Depression may be the intruder that has taken over your own life!</em></strong><br />
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<em><u>(This is a post I felt necesarry to post on all of my Blogs)</u></em><br />
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The following websites provide valuable resources, support and materials for a variety of mental illnesses.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dbsalliance.org/"><span style="color: #4b9f3b;">Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance – DBSA</span></a><br />
Support, educational materials, brochures, resources for family members, and much more.<br />
<a href="http://www.walkers.org/"><span style="color: #4b9f3b;">Walkers In Darkness</span></a><br />
Provides information and support for anyone dealing with mental illness.<br />
<a href="http://www.counselor.org/"><span style="color: #4b9f3b;">Counselor</span></a><br />
Largest informational database containing information on mental health news and resources.<br />
<a href="http://www.nami.org/"><span style="color: #4b9f3b;">National Alliance on Mental Illness – NAMI</span></a><br />
Grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness.<br />
<a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/"><span style="color: #4b9f3b;">National Institute of Mental Health – NIMH</span></a><br />
Largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health. Free brochures and more.<br />
<a href="http://www.mhselfhelp.org/"><span style="color: #4b9f3b;">National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse</span></a><br />
Offers news and alerts, training curricula, resources, publications, technical assistance and a consumer driver services directory<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-69967671707508778352011-10-03T17:20:00.001-06:002011-10-08T15:30:14.904-06:00To Have And To Scold (Blog related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><strong> First off, I would like to start by admitting that I am in NO position to provide advice on the subject of domestic violence. Me offering advice would be extremely hypocritical. So, although I can not provide an answer or resolution, I can share my experience (s) being on the receiving end of a love that hurts!</strong></em><br />
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It always seems to start off the same way. A push against the wall turns into a shove on the floor. That progresses into a slap on the arm, which then turns into a punch.. Before long, it become hands around my throat, and the next thing I know...There is a gun pointed at me with the voice on the other end of the trigger yelling 'Bitch I will kill you!'<br />
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From the outside everything looked wonderful. We were 'so in love'. Our relationship was envied by anyone who saw us. The truth? My children were on 'alert'. Each having a different number programmed into there phones of who to call in case things ever got 'out of control'. A friend of mine given a name and number (with the disclaimer not to ask me WHY I was providing her with this information) of who to contact if 'you don't hear from in X amount of days'.<br />
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No one knew. The numerous bruising on my legs, arms etc. were always written off as me being an 'easy bruiser' (which is actually true). <br />
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<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR5gwG4-CzkwPg655cbYIIty6OIimBM4Q7cmPTDE6TX7COdmvTC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR5gwG4-CzkwPg655cbYIIty6OIimBM4Q7cmPTDE6TX7COdmvTC" /></a>The saddest part of it all? I have not been in one abusive relationship, not two, but THREE. Domestic violence hits home for me more that people will ever realize. In fact, people don't realize it at all. I have always been seen as the woman that will leave a man at the drop of a dime. I have always been seen as the woman that was so strong and independent.<br />
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But in reality, There have been many many times when I have felt like eventually this person is going to kill me. Whether he means to or not. There have been many times when I have contemplated shooting my self so as to not give the man the satisfaction of shooting me.<br />
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I always tried to make sure they were never witnesses to any abuse done to me but unfortunately, my constant attempts to get out of the house rarely ever worked. So I talked to my children regularly. Determined to make sure they understood that what the may see or hear is NEVER the way a anyone should be treated and NEVER the way a person should treat another.<br />
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Again I will say, without saying too much, domestic violence hits closer to home more than people know, and again I will say that I will in no way be so hypocritical as to provide advice to others, But what I can provide is empathy. The knowing that you are not alone. And hoping that others will be stronger than I! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a> <br />
<h3>
<strong><a href="http://www.wandererthoughts.com/battered-again-domestic-violence-poem/">Battered Again</a></strong></h3>
Dark rain fall on me<br />
savage cries spell frustration<br />
loss tangible and thick<br />
like spoiled cream<br />
<br />
Spilled tears to fill a well<br />
misery loves my company<br />
fists swollen in disbelieve<br />
eyes drowned in sorrow<br />
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What love has no pain<br />
a lie told yields no comfort<br />
bruised with affection again<br />
loving it no more<br />
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-Poem by Dragon Blogger<br />
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<strong><u>Resources:</u></strong> <br />
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224<br />
<a href="http://www.thehotline.org/">National Domestic Violence Hotline</a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-65738942502473173662011-10-01T15:50:00.006-06:002011-10-08T15:30:38.788-06:00Amazing Grace!! (Blog related to Breast Cancer Awareness Month)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am 37 about to be 38. 3 Years older than I expected to ever be. I never thought or expected to ever see past 35. In fact, on my 35th birthday I was surprised by a phone call I received from my step mother reminding me of how important that birthday was. It wasn't just my 35th birthday,<em><strong> IT WAS MY 35 BIRTHDAY</strong></em>. The day I never expected to see.<br />
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My mother died when I was around 5. She died of breast cancer. Something that I was very familiar with. She fought with breast cancer probably since before I was born. She had many fights with breast cancer. She put up a good fight, but not good enough.<br />
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I remember my mother very well. Her favorite color was green, her favorite candy bar was a Snickers, her best friends name was Tranz, she was a Mathematics Major, loved to play Scrabble, work the New York Times Crossword Puzzle, and would curse at the drop of a dime!<br />
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I could still remember the layout of her bedroom, what side of the closet she used, what jewelry she had in her jewelry box. Education was extremely important to her, in fact she worked with me so much that I was able to skip first grade and move right into second.<br />
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I also remember the first time I saw her without a bra on. As an adult <strong><em>THAT</em></strong> day still plagues me. Not because she only had one breast, not because the scar on the left side of her chest, where a breast used to be, was<strong> horrible</strong>, but because I never asked her why she was disfigured. I automatically knew. I had lived my entire life, at that time, watching my mother struggle with breast cancer.<br />
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The day my mother finally lost the battle, I didn't cry, I didn't feel anything at the time. My step father told me my mother had passed away, I said 'OK...can I have my lunch money', went back down to my room and got dressed in jeans and rainbow shirt, went next door to my neighbors house and waited to go to school. <br />
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I was not surprised. She had given up! She fought the battle so long that she couldn't fight anymore and by the time she died, cancer had taken over her entire body. She had died weeks before and was brought back, so to hear that she was gone forever was....expected.<br />
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Cancer, especially breast cancer, is a thorn in my family's side. To date I am the only woman (with the exception of my 2 girls) in the immediate bloodline of my mother still alive.<br />
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By the age of 35, My grandmother, mother, and all three aunts had either died of breast cancer or was fighting breast cancer. ALL of those women are now gone. breast cancer is so strong in my family, I was advised at the age of 12, to have my breasts removed once I stopped developing. So, I was not shocked to learn at age 26, that I have the BRCA1 breast cancer gene. But by then, I had already expected, in fact was waiting for the day when I am told I was breast cancer. I had already decided that when that day comes, that that was not going to be a fight I was going to have! No chemo, no radiation! I don't want to do it.<br />
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I am now 37 almost 38. That day has yet to come. I am more shocked at that then anything else. I don't know why I have yet to get breast cancer. I don't do self breast exams (other than the exams my husband gives me), although I should. I have had only one mammogram, and to be honest, have probably abused my body more that I should have.<br />
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I don't understand why It hasn't happened to me yet, and I think It probably worries my family more than me. But, what I do know is that my mother is with me every day.And that she is the angel that watches over me and has made it possible for me to live as long as I have.<br />
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I was born on December 7, 1973. But I don't consider December 7th to be my birthday. I considered it to be hers.<br />
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R.I.P. Emilie Jean Burroughs <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/314/74147BDD6A0CAF05485C131D1909AF79.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-73508314239143816522011-09-25T18:59:00.000-06:002011-09-25T18:59:12.469-06:00The Butterfly Effect<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRVZ4dwG4YfCpjT1MZWH1gChH5GZe5cl5fmdY90pBbuqULa3Y2l" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRVZ4dwG4YfCpjT1MZWH1gChH5GZe5cl5fmdY90pBbuqULa3Y2l" /></a> A <strong>BIG</strong> part of someones character, to me, is about the decisions one makes. The actions of someone, despite, the effects it can have on others, <u>or</u> thinking about how your actions can affect others regardless of your own desires and wants.<br />
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Today, everyone seems to have this <strong><em>Dog Eat Dog</em></strong> mentality. <strong><em>'Gettin' Theirs'</em></strong> by any means necessary; without giving a single thought to how their actions can hurt the lives of those around them, not caring about the damage that can be left behind.<br />
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One thing I have learned time and time again, <strong><u><em>SORRY DOESNT MEAN SHIT!</em></u></strong><br />
It many times requires little effort to say, often has no real feeling behind it, & very rarely change a damn thing! In fact, the so-called '<em><strong>apology</strong></em>' is, in most cases, thought about or '<strong><em>rehearsed</em></strong>' before the action is even done.<br />
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I have been on the receiving end of more them my fair share of <strong><em>'I'm Sorry</em></strong>'s. I have felt the wrath of too many people’s actions. And I have to say, I don’t get it!!<br />
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Are some people really that selfish? Are some people really oblivious to how they hurt those around them?<br />
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My actions, if I can help it, are based largely on the effects it can have on those around me. Granted, there are times when the effect on others cannot be helped, but the times that it can I try to do as minimal outside damage as possible.<br />
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Yet, it is becoming more and more apparent to me that more and more people seem to care less about how things affect others and more about how they can <strong><em>'Get Theirs</em></strong>'!<br />
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But in the end Karma is a real Bitch! And the hurt one puts on others will be returned double. There will come a day when each and every one of us WILL have to answer to the choices we have made and the actions we have taken. <br />
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If we can all take one step towards doing what is 'morally' right rather than what is just 'right for ME', we can slow down the Butterfly Effect.<br />
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When you don’t give someone enough respect to consider how your actions will affect them, you also don’t give them the opportunity to get the hell out of your way!<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: blue;">'Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.' ~Oscar Wilde</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-12268886932076304552011-09-18T14:01:00.000-06:002011-09-18T14:01:35.306-06:00Soul Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was not what I initially expected to blog about today. My initial Blog was quite a bit more...negative. Not, about my husband, my marriage, or my kids..but negativity about life itself at this time.</div>
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But, I took a step back, and realized that, although life is not always wonderful, there is always wonderful things about life. So, I am saving my initial Blog for another day.</div>
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Today is about a wonderful part of life. My Husband!</div>
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I know my husband goes through a lot. Not only within our family, but outside of the family as well. As Mush as I feel like he should already know that I love him deeply, I also know that I don't necessarily 'show' love in the traditional way. </div>
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Its no secret that I am emotionally 'detached', for lack of a better word, and I don't always understand that, although I <strong><em>think</em></strong> that I show him love, I am <strong><em>really</em></strong> not 'showing' him love.</div>
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So, today I decided to cook him a special dinner. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>Val's 'Slap Yo' Mama' Ribs', Au Gratin Potatoes, and Sweet Peas.</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzHRLvFyIDj-cuTBfN87I4x9wwKeTwma6pOpcAOSwy2yjRsnSS" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" rba="true" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzHRLvFyIDj-cuTBfN87I4x9wwKeTwma6pOpcAOSwy2yjRsnSS" width="150px" /></a>Although I know how to cook and I know he loves my cooking, but I cant say I'm a cooker. I don't like cooking. In fact I <strong><em>hate</em></strong> cooking. (I think its the preparation part). So, doing something that I know he will enjoy, no matter how much I dislike doing, is the best way that I can think of to show him how much I appreciate everything he does and everything he is.</div>
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Life is not easy. <strong><em>Our</em></strong> life is not easy. But I know he is in this for the long haul, and I hope he understands that I am as well.<br />
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Marriage ain't easy. It's hard! It's hard as hell! A lot of give and take, ups and downs. But marriage is about getting through it all <strong><em>together</em></strong>! <strong><em>As One!</em></strong></div>
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<em>P.S. [The only draw back ,unfortunately, I'm am sick and cant seem to keep much of anything down (which is nothing new, but why today?) So I wont be able to enjoy it with him. But just knowing he enjoys it, satisfies my appetite.]</em><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-8909543476770420782011-09-10T11:40:00.000-06:002011-09-10T11:40:21.090-06:00Unfinished Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am an artist by blood, artistic creativity runs in my family. I love to draw, paint, write poetry, woodworking, I have done pottery, and dabbled in jewelry making. Basically, anything that requires right brain thinking I can do. <br />
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However, I am what you would call something of an 'uncommitted artist'. Meaning, I have a serious problem committing to any piece of work. The last drawing I finished was a portrait of my mother I did in high school. My collection of drawings since then seem to consist of a lot of unusual drawings, often 'dark' and <strong><u>all unfinished</u></strong>. <br />
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I have written pages and pages of poetry, all probably within a 4 month period, about five or so years ago, and <strong><u>haven't written anything since.</u></strong> <br />
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Over the years I have probably <strong><u>started</u></strong> several pieces of jewelry however, after being left unfinished for months at a time, end up with lost pieces, broken items, etc. that ultimately end up in the city dump somewhere.<br />
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Can you see where I am going with this? Simply put, <strong><em>I DON'T FINISH WHAT I START</em></strong>. I have a very short attention span, but require constant stimulation. My mind has to always be fueled. If not, I have a tendency to fall into a vicious depressive state which, once in, is a hell of a battle to come out of. But, that is neither here nor there. Another topic for another day.<br />
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I realized one day during my<strong><u> short</u></strong> time in college, while sitting in my <u><strong>2 hour art class </strong><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>which took place at 8:00 pm every Wednesday night</strong></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>for 6 extremely long months</strong></span></u>, why I was not able to sketch out a single drawing I was satisfied with. I no longer was fun. I cant be artistic when the art stops being a hobby, and starts being a requirement. <br />
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Needless to say, when that hell of an art class was over I didn't pick up a pencil or paint brush for at least 8 years. <br />
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Same with poetry. When poetry was something I did just for myself, the words seemed to flow freely. When poetry became something being requested <em>of me</em>, the words were harder to grab, less fluent. It would take hours to create what once took minutes. If you check out<a href="http://i%20am%20an%20artist%20by%20blood,%20atristic%20talent%20runs%20in%20my%20family.%20i%20love%20to%20draw,%20paint,%20write%20poetry,%20woodworking,/"> 'The 'P' Spot'</a> which includes my poetry in chronological order, you can probably notice that the later writings seem to be a lot more 'forced' than the earlier. <br />
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Once something reaches a certain point in its process, which usually happens right around the half way point of completing a project, where the project somehow transitions from a hobby and becomes something that puts me right back in that college art class with that same feeling. <em>ITS NOT FUN ANYMORE.</em><br />
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I call it the Lynn Syndrome. (for those of you who have ever seen '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girlfriends">Girlfriends</a>' then you are aware of who <a href="http://sharetv.org/shows/girlfriends/cast/lynn_searcy">Lynn Searcy</a> is) The Lynn Syndrome, is this desire, almost the <strong><u>need</u></strong>, to constantly have your mind stimulated, always be doing something, but unable to finish anything. The constant need to be learning something but never commit to one thing. You constantly bounce from one thing to something else. You go hard in the beginning but when the point of enjoyment is over your done. And when your done, <em>YOUR DONE</em>.<br />
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There was a time some years ago, when I had this very strong desire to teach myself the Spanish Language. So, in the Lynn Syndrome fashion, one day i went out and spent close to $500.00 on various Spanish learning aids. I went hard in the beginning learning as much as I could....<em>for about a week</em>. Then that desire faded, and I put the books down <em>AND NEVER PICKED THEM BACK UP</em>. <br />
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The same cycle was repeated with my craving for Comparative Religions. At one time, I had in excess of 15 Bibles of varying translations, several Qur'ans, a number of books on Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufism, and even a book on Dianetics and Fundamentals of Christian Science. All, of which have remained untouched except for that first few weeks where all I did was eat, sleep, and dream Comparative Religion.<br />
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So I am at a crossroads in my life. Again a seed has been planted in me and I now desire, almost yearn, to go back to school. For something....<u><strong>Anything</strong>.</u> <br />
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My problem is, nevertheless, I am afraid that I cant commit. I fear that once the excitement of being in a class wears off, so will my desire to go.<br />
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So this blog (and my other two companion blogs) is my solution. Blogging is great and provides a wonderful outlet for someone like me who cant ever stop thinking, and always has so much to say, but never says it. This blog and the others will prove to myself that I am able to commit, to Something. <br />
<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLEYZpFXmTlc7LZalRq1M9xzME0R2ReHJrVT4obEUHAgr4Gggbdw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLEYZpFXmTlc7LZalRq1M9xzME0R2ReHJrVT4obEUHAgr4Gggbdw" /></a><br />
If I can continuously blog, even during times when I may feel like blogging at that moment is a chore, and I can do this for at least a year, I will then enroll in school.<br />
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But, in the meantime, I will continue to hope that something will hold my attention long enough for me to actually finish it, and for the moment I seem to have a great desire to go back to jewelry making. <br />
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So, I will be making jewelry, and blogging. I cant guarantee the jewelry making will last, but I damn sure am not going to stop blogging <br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-34602045031627476642011-09-05T12:19:00.001-06:002011-09-06T16:31:23.236-06:00Do I Have....RESENTMENT???<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Part of my <a href="http://itmaynotbeprettybutitsmine.blogspot.com/p/road-to-redemption.html">'Road to Redemption'</a> series)</span><br />
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<a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8TGO0TECK2rnqVSjoOGeItPFhocb6B3NgAoLDdPDdhyMKQic0nQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8TGO0TECK2rnqVSjoOGeItPFhocb6B3NgAoLDdPDdhyMKQic0nQ" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">This journey to 'Find Myself' so that I can become the best wife I can be, is starting to lead me down paths within myself, that I generally stay away from. I am having to ask myself questions that I normally would make a point not to. BUT, sometimes issues that are outside of a relationship can definitely cause issues inside of a relationship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So since I have to 'identify the issues before I can correct them', one thing I have to be honest with myself about is whether or not I am holding some sort of resentment. And if I am...<strong><em>What</em></strong> and <strong><em>Who</em></strong> do I resent?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to identifying emotions, so not to confuse feelings of 'Resentment' with other 'feelings' I need to find out exactly what resentment means:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Resentment - the state of holding something in the mind as a subject of contemplation, or of being inclined to reflect upon something; a state of consciousness; conviction; feeling; impression</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well my 'state of mind' damn sure knows how to 'hold onto' 'reflect' and 'contemplate' the things or people who have hurt me. I'm not easy to forgive, and I make a point never to forget. In fact making sure I don't forget is what, in many ways, keeps me from repeating the same mistakes, or continuing to deal with the same people over and over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Initially my thought with trying to figure out what is cause of my resentment, was that there is too much to ever have time to go through. Too many things to sort through. But after thinking about it, I believe that there is NOT an overwhelming amount if 'who, what, when, where, and why' situations to go through, but that there probably only a few BIG things that are causing me resentment, and just a lot of little things that further fuel the fire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, as far as what those BIG things are?....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Remembering, acknowledging, admitting (what ever you want to call it) what those things are or who is the cause has always posed a problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do I even WANT to go down that road? Am I even ABLE to go down that road... And more importantly, Is going down that road EVEN GONNA MAKE A DIFFERENCE?</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-45923665474710165562011-09-04T12:20:00.001-06:002011-09-06T16:31:34.933-06:00DAMN SURE Not Easily Broken!!!I have always considered myself , not as a rock...but as a boulder. I can take what anyone throws at me, and deal. But even boulders chip away when hit with too much at one time.<br />
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People are struggling right now. People are really hurting right now. And everyone, whether they would like to admit to it or not, is kind of going through similar storms right now. Whether your storms are financial, marital, health issues, employment, 'UN'employement etc. We are ALL weathering the same storms.<br />
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So, in the midst of MY storms, I would like to remind you, and maybe myself too, that like every storm...this too shall pass.<br />
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I read this today: <span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/event/vitality/middle-aged-women-are-the-most-stressed-out-people-in-the-country-2516996/"><span style="color: red;">Middle-aged women are the most stressed-out people in the country</span></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>It's no surprise that people are stressed out these days. We're juggling our jobs, financial problems, and parenthood, our families and relationships and heath issues. But of all of the people in the United States, new research shows, one group stands out as the most stressed: women between the ages of 45 and 64.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>According to data released today by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, women in that age range have the lowest well-being of any age group, regardless of gender. And experts suggest that the problem actually starts much earlier.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Women age 35 and up are more aware of their own mortality and less able to physically rebound from stress the way they used to, explains Thea Singer, author of "Stress Less: The New Science That Shows Women How to Rejuvenate the Body and the Mind". "We also have that 'sandwich' role, parenting our young children and caring for our aging parents."</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Throw in our careers and a struggling economy, and those stress levels skyrocket.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Chalk some of it up to supermom syndrome and that elusive work-life balance. "We thought we could do everything, and do it really well," says Singer. "Then you get older, and you get to mid-life, and think, 'Maybe I'm not really doing any of that really well.' And that's another stressor." All of that stress takes a toll, not just mentally, but physically as well.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"Women that are excessively stressed have very high cortisol levels," Dr. Holly Thacker, director of specialized women's health at the Cleveland Clinic, told ABC News. "Many of them scrimp on sleep to put [first] all the dominions of work and home and care giving and everything else that they're doing for everyone else. So with not enough sleep, not enough time for exercise and good nutrition and high cortisol stress levels, you know it's a recipe for a metabolic disaster."</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Not all stress is bad for you, though. "Acute stress—short term, intermittent stress, or 'challenge' stress—is actually good for us," Singer points out. That includes physical activity like exercise and even sex. The problem is when stress becomes constant, and you don't have a chance to recover.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Suggestions for stress-busting abound, but the bottom line is that women have to make a conscious effort to take better care of themselves.</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQEmMMm1r3_zSITTcOQVuts9BZFYV3GOByGg0b5ReMcFLguv_Wu" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQEmMMm1r3_zSITTcOQVuts9BZFYV3GOByGg0b5ReMcFLguv_Wu" /></em></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="color: blue;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Like the old adage," Thacker says. "When you're flying on a plane, put your oxygen mask on first before you assist others."<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>We, as woman, take on a lot of stress. Now that is not to say men don't, but this is about women. WE CAN NOT LET STRESS, the stress that we put on ourselves,OR THE STRESS THAT OTHERS PUT ON US get the best of us. Always remember that we are not easily broken!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-28583105779810819932011-08-31T17:46:00.000-06:002011-09-06T16:31:48.813-06:00GingerSNAPs and VODKA: Me; Myself; and WHY!<a href="http://gingersnapsvodka.blogspot.com/2011/08/me-myself-and-why.html?spref=bl">GingerSNAPs and VODKA: Me; Myself; and WHY!</a>: A statement was made to me a few days ago in response to my problem (that I have stated quite often) of 'shutting down' "... You have to... <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-64770777596287669512011-08-26T10:10:00.000-06:002011-09-06T16:31:59.015-06:00Why Don't You Ever Talk To Me?Usually, in many relationships of people I know, women are constantly asking their husbands or partners <strong><em>'Why don't you ever talk to me?'</em></strong>. Well, in my marriage, that question is usually asked OF ME. <br />
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Admittedly, I don't communicate, I don't know how. At least not the communication my husband wants. I really don't feel comfortable talking emotionally, and I am very private. Unfortunately, I am private even when it comes to my husband.<br />
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Well today is my turning point. After an argument which reached an all time high yesterday, I realized that my lack of communication is really an issue. I honestly, never assumed that it would be an issue because, after all, how many women have a partner who WANTS to 'talk'. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh7BznxZtRw/TlfBsvmdDMI/AAAAAAAAAK0/iEqy4XaB3RY/s1600/l_6bba08bbd22949e9a0d9a8163bebda84+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh7BznxZtRw/TlfBsvmdDMI/AAAAAAAAAK0/iEqy4XaB3RY/s200/l_6bba08bbd22949e9a0d9a8163bebda84+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>So, I'm really starting from square one with this. In an effort to do as I promised myself with my new 'blogging' venture... my journey to learn how to communicate with my husband will be a shared journey. <br />
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Feedback is not only wanted, its needed! Advice is not only suggested, its needed! <br />
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Follow my journey in <a href="http://itmaynotbeprettybutitsmine.blogspot.com/p/road-to-redemption.html">Road to Redemption</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-70012956840740994602011-08-22T17:46:00.000-06:002011-09-06T16:32:12.803-06:00THE TONGUE CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMY!!<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwU6IZgKXYU/TlLpwVrbyjI/AAAAAAAAAJY/FTegCTzsMbw/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwU6IZgKXYU/TlLpwVrbyjI/AAAAAAAAAJY/FTegCTzsMbw/s200/15.jpg" width="200" /></a>Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
What you speak about, you can bring about. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick. </span></div><span class="text_exposed_show"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
If you keep saying that you are sick or ill, guess what you will stay sick or ill.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">Your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs!</div></span><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"></div></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-63193290131110024672011-08-21T17:42:00.004-06:002011-09-06T16:57:49.906-06:00The Guide to Getting Out of a Slump and Doing Better<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ihustlenation.com/imported-20091001191712/2011/5/3/the-guide-to-getting-out-of-a-slump-and-doing-better.html">Life Skills with iHustleNation.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cyz04um-f9s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-63569870631956062122011-08-20T17:22:00.002-06:002011-09-06T16:32:26.637-06:00Charish Love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GNyMYLKbq2A/TlA_piL5LdI/AAAAAAAAAFE/zPABxkVmdYc/s1600/black+love+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GNyMYLKbq2A/TlA_piL5LdI/AAAAAAAAAFE/zPABxkVmdYc/s1600/black+love+2.jpg" /></a></div>In every marriage, friendship, relationship, etc. The problems may seem enormous. Larger than life. HUGE. And during the storm, we (I) tend to forget about the wonderful, exciting, glorious moments. So, I would like to give thanks to husband, to my children, to all my loved ones for all of the contributions to my life. All of the words of encouragement, all of the support, all of the times when I really wanted to just give up and you reminded me what I was fighting for.<br />
You are all an inspiration in my life! I Love You! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5520782559588248776.post-75670107766743380232011-08-19T17:15:00.005-06:002011-09-06T16:32:37.111-06:00Keeping Up With The Jeffersons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVMeqtnuF_0KzUgKqQA2m5ZTDw5BbuojRcC_QFL2dv3VB137ET" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVMeqtnuF_0KzUgKqQA2m5ZTDw5BbuojRcC_QFL2dv3VB137ET" /></a><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why do black folk, mainly between the ages of let's say 18 - 36ish, think it's cool to live HOOD RICH? That shit ain't cool, <strong>FOOL</strong>. Bragging about the car that you can't afford to put gas in, bragging about the house that, let's face it, will be on the city's foreclosure list any day now, bragging about the clothes that you wear that we all know you bought with the money that you should have used to pay your electric bill (which is also PAST DUE). </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wake up people! Get your priorities in check. Maybe we are living in two different worlds. In <strong>MY</strong> world there are more folks on food stamps than ever before. In <strong>MY</strong> world there are at least 2-3 abandoned homes on any giving block. In <strong>MY</strong> world folks are no longer looking for careers, <strong>THEY</strong> <strong>JUST NEED A DAMN JOB</strong>! So, your world <strong>MUST</strong> be different then mine. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know your probably wondering why I care about what someone else is doing with their money (or their lack of...). Well...1. This is <strong>MY </strong>blog <strong>MY</strong> and is about <strong>ANYTHING MINE</strong> (opinions and all), 2. There are a lot of folks in my life (who seem to think the money in my account is for the sole purpose if giving to them) that suffer from tendencies of <u><strong>HOOD RICHINESS</strong></u> and who are currently in denial of those <strong>HOOD RICHINESS</strong> tendencies. If the <strong>HOOD RICHINESS</strong> tendencies weren't offset by my extreme frugalness...Oh we would be in some serious trouble baby. But how do you make these folks who are in denial realize that that shit is <strong>NOT</strong> okay? Conversation doesn't help, arguing damn sure ain't helping! Now we are at the 'I'm just not saying anything else because<strong> I</strong> got money in<strong> MY</strong> account. <strong>HOPE YOU GOT MONEY IN YOURS</strong>!!' stage.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">How long will this stage last? I don't know. Is this stage effective. I don't care. But one thing I do know...I'M not trying to keep up with the Jefferson's..And If you all are.. I sure don't see you 'Movin on up!!'</span></em> <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/282/CC3E33689FB3288DDB30BF329E6552A9.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Valerie Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864671958381606622noreply@blogger.com0