Haiku
To write a haiku
Seems real impossible, now -
I'm all out of syllub...
Koenig's Gallery
Pale yellow ball sits
Over the navy water
Boats sail for lighthouses
Tribute Haiku
First I disliked him.
Then I saw his sweet side.
Now I miss him much.
Kluth's Mobil
Consumers get gas,
Come in & give me money.
How Irritating!
Friends.
I'm blessed with good friends.
They give me good care.
I know I give back.
Video of me reading my haikus.
Video
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Rememberance, it's NOT just for Veterans.
It's Memorial Day, in more ways than one!
Every year, my grandparents had a tradition for Memorial Day. We'd go out to the family plot, clean off the graves, and have a prayer, a lunch, go back to their house, have a cook out or picnic in the back yard, sing songs, etc...
Eventually, as they got older, their role got more passive, and then of course not being able to do it. My grandfather passed early last December, just a few days after Thanksgiving. He'd always wanted to live to be a hundred. At the Thanksgiving family meal, when he was asked if he knew what day it was, Grandpa fondly looked around at family and he happily answered, "Why, it's my birthday"! When someone was going to try to correct him, I'd just shushed them and let them know he should be allowed to think this... His heart was failing, and was barely walking. I'm glad, as that was the last celebration we had him for, was Thanksgiving 2011. His favorite song was Home on the Range, and favorite composer was Mozart.
Mozart Clarinet Concerto
My grandpa was a hard worker, who grew up on the family farm. He learned to milk the cows at age 5, and after finishing 8th grade, came to Racine, went to a community college, became a banker, and married my grandmother. There are too many stories to mention, but I can just say that every family dinner, he'd take the grandkids out for a walk so the moms could regather and reclaim the kitchen to clean up. His favorite sayings were "Oh, goody goody!", "Always be positive" and "Just keep smiling, and everything will be okay". There were more, and we had our special games... After supper, then the news, he'd doze off in his easy chair. My sister and I would bring out every pair of shoes and slippers and dump them in his lap. He'd have to match them without opening his eyes. He humored us every time. Happy memories like these are what I like to remember for memorial day.
Home On the Range
My great uncle Wally, who is a brother to my grandmother (the one who was married to this same grandpa), had passed away long ago. He was a WWII veteran, and was the most gentle person you could possibly meet. I think everyone who met him loved him almost immediately. I have fond memories as a girl, who went out to Eagle Lake, and had such fun swimming, and of course there were lots of cookouts, and he always remembered that my favorite drink was coke. Even when Pepsi was bought, he'd remember to have at least a coke or two reserved for me. He had a golf cart that he'd let one kid ride on with him. The rest of us would chase the cart, and try to jump on, and whom ever did, would get to push the passenger off and be the rider. It was our twisted form of tag. And c'mon, he'd only drive as fast as children can run, so there was never any danger. I don't know if I'd ever thanked him for his service... Stars and Stripes Forever
Back in 1999, I was 33.5 weeks pregnant, and excited to be a mom, but nervous because I had severe health problems. I was eager to have this baby, my first time pregnant. But I was toxic. I had severe preeclampsia, a condition that gives you severe edema and ridiculously high blood pressure. On top of that, I was spilling proteins into my urine. My first baby was stillborn early February. My precious son would never see his mama with his own two eyes. I'd never hear him cry, laugh or call me mama. No first day of school, much less graduation. No wedding or grandchildren to dote over... He'd be 13 now if he were alive. He's buried in the family plot, and we will be remembering him also.
While it seems severe that here we have all these losses, and to be thankful for veterans who fought for our freedoms, I'd like to also be thankful for those we still have today: My 12 year old son, Chad, who is my pride and joy. Those military personnel who are currently serving. The veterans who are disabled, retired and working in the civilian world... Children's March
While it seems severe that here we have all these losses, and to be thankful for veterans who fought for our freedoms, I'd like to also be thankful for those we still have today: My 12 year old son, Chad, who is my pride and joy. Those military personnel who are currently serving. The veterans who are disabled, retired and working in the civilian world...
But not least, I'd like us to remember those who are abused, for they cannot celebrate right now. All too often, while we are out being thankful about those we have, many domestic violence victims are afraid of what their abusers may do today, because alcohol often makes the violence rise. And even with those who are abused, don't they deserve to be remembered also? After you are done celebrating, if you have left over food, or other things, it would be nice to share it with your local shelter. Just a little bit of extra can heal a heart a long way, since it's caring hearts that can help those in difficult situations to recover into the next level. Or, maybe if you know of a situation, invite them over, as it may be a good way to relieve the stress for a few hours, and try not to serve alcohol to the abuser. Let everyone have fun. What Is Love?
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable memorial day! After cleaning off the family plots, my husband and I randomly pick two other plots to clean off, usually those that are heavily grown over, because even those who don't have loved ones left deserve to be remembered. Peace out!
Mozart Clarinet Concerto
My great uncle Wally, who is a brother to my grandmother (the one who was married to this same grandpa), had passed away long ago. He was a WWII veteran, and was the most gentle person you could possibly meet. I think everyone who met him loved him almost immediately. I have fond memories as a girl, who went out to Eagle Lake, and had such fun swimming, and of course there were lots of cookouts, and he always remembered that my favorite drink was coke. Even when Pepsi was bought, he'd remember to have at least a coke or two reserved for me. He had a golf cart that he'd let one kid ride on with him. The rest of us would chase the cart, and try to jump on, and whom ever did, would get to push the passenger off and be the rider. It was our twisted form of tag. And c'mon, he'd only drive as fast as children can run, so there was never any danger. I don't know if I'd ever thanked him for his service... Stars and Stripes Forever
Back in 1999, I was 33.5 weeks pregnant, and excited to be a mom, but nervous because I had severe health problems. I was eager to have this baby, my first time pregnant. But I was toxic. I had severe preeclampsia, a condition that gives you severe edema and ridiculously high blood pressure. On top of that, I was spilling proteins into my urine. My first baby was stillborn early February. My precious son would never see his mama with his own two eyes. I'd never hear him cry, laugh or call me mama. No first day of school, much less graduation. No wedding or grandchildren to dote over... He'd be 13 now if he were alive. He's buried in the family plot, and we will be remembering him also.
While it seems severe that here we have all these losses, and to be thankful for veterans who fought for our freedoms, I'd like to also be thankful for those we still have today: My 12 year old son, Chad, who is my pride and joy. Those military personnel who are currently serving. The veterans who are disabled, retired and working in the civilian world... Children's March
While it seems severe that here we have all these losses, and to be thankful for veterans who fought for our freedoms, I'd like to also be thankful for those we still have today: My 12 year old son, Chad, who is my pride and joy. Those military personnel who are currently serving. The veterans who are disabled, retired and working in the civilian world...
But not least, I'd like us to remember those who are abused, for they cannot celebrate right now. All too often, while we are out being thankful about those we have, many domestic violence victims are afraid of what their abusers may do today, because alcohol often makes the violence rise. And even with those who are abused, don't they deserve to be remembered also? After you are done celebrating, if you have left over food, or other things, it would be nice to share it with your local shelter. Just a little bit of extra can heal a heart a long way, since it's caring hearts that can help those in difficult situations to recover into the next level. Or, maybe if you know of a situation, invite them over, as it may be a good way to relieve the stress for a few hours, and try not to serve alcohol to the abuser. Let everyone have fun. What Is Love?
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable memorial day! After cleaning off the family plots, my husband and I randomly pick two other plots to clean off, usually those that are heavily grown over, because even those who don't have loved ones left deserve to be remembered. Peace out!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Abuse and Men - It IS an issue.
New faces of abuse victims.
We are all aware that abuse happens. What do you think when someone is abused? Do you want to step back and just say "I'm sorry", and walk away from the situation? Maybe we picture the teenage girl that is still getting the strap. Or the meek housewife who doesn't speak up for her self. Or it's the obstinate toddler or preschooler that won't listen to the parents. What if it were said that teenage boys and adult men are also victims of abuse, including domestic violence and rape?
According to several sources, 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by the time he is 18. If in college, it could be even higher. Of course, if a man is incarcerated, especially for a white collar crime, depending on how he is viewed, it can be higher yet. There are many misconceptions about men and being abused.
The fact that because most perpetrators are men, that only gays are either perpetrators or victims. If the boy/man experiences an erection, he may be viewed as enjoying the experience. If the victim was assaulted by a man, he may question his own sexuality, and fear exposing the perpetrator, because others may view him as a "fag" or a "queer". In any instance, these are part of the many myths that surround male abuse. Just remember, rape is not about sex, but about power and control.
Because sex is the abusive tool, just as a belt may be used to physically abuse, being gay has little or nothing to do with the abuse. Also remember that often when the prostate is stimulated, even in pain, that can cause an unwanted erection, so it means nothing about the enjoyment of it when it's happening in an abusive situation. So many don't want to be ostracized, and gay men are still very much discriminated against.
Even if one is not homophobic, after an intimidating sex assault, the last thing a guy needs is to be labeled as being gay. The Surviving Spirit is a place where abuse survivors, especially man, can go for support, inspiration and more. I hope that people will take advantage of this.
The federal government has even included men in the definition of rape, so that forcible sex through oral and anal openings are now being recognized as being part of the crime committed against them. I think this is great. Now men will have recourse, hopefully, and with the petition in memory of Baby Sean, called Sean's Voice: A New Perspective, hopefully there will be a push to educate the public, create safe havens such as support groups, emergency shelter, and other services to help ensure that this will come to fruition.
Baby Sean is a precious baby who has earned his wings. He died from constant abuse at the hands of his mother, Lord knows why. She would physically abuse him in ways that would make many of us physically ill, and the story is NOT for the faint of heart. For his preciousness, the Youth Voice Initiative dedicates this petition. May his death not be in vain.
Links for info & petition.
Surviving Spirit Sexual Abuse of Males: Statistics, Possible effects
Federal Crime Statistics to Expand Rape
Sean's Voice Petition
Youth Voice Initiative
We are all aware that abuse happens. What do you think when someone is abused? Do you want to step back and just say "I'm sorry", and walk away from the situation? Maybe we picture the teenage girl that is still getting the strap. Or the meek housewife who doesn't speak up for her self. Or it's the obstinate toddler or preschooler that won't listen to the parents. What if it were said that teenage boys and adult men are also victims of abuse, including domestic violence and rape?
According to several sources, 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted by the time he is 18. If in college, it could be even higher. Of course, if a man is incarcerated, especially for a white collar crime, depending on how he is viewed, it can be higher yet. There are many misconceptions about men and being abused.
The fact that because most perpetrators are men, that only gays are either perpetrators or victims. If the boy/man experiences an erection, he may be viewed as enjoying the experience. If the victim was assaulted by a man, he may question his own sexuality, and fear exposing the perpetrator, because others may view him as a "fag" or a "queer". In any instance, these are part of the many myths that surround male abuse. Just remember, rape is not about sex, but about power and control.
Because sex is the abusive tool, just as a belt may be used to physically abuse, being gay has little or nothing to do with the abuse. Also remember that often when the prostate is stimulated, even in pain, that can cause an unwanted erection, so it means nothing about the enjoyment of it when it's happening in an abusive situation. So many don't want to be ostracized, and gay men are still very much discriminated against.
Even if one is not homophobic, after an intimidating sex assault, the last thing a guy needs is to be labeled as being gay. The Surviving Spirit is a place where abuse survivors, especially man, can go for support, inspiration and more. I hope that people will take advantage of this.
The federal government has even included men in the definition of rape, so that forcible sex through oral and anal openings are now being recognized as being part of the crime committed against them. I think this is great. Now men will have recourse, hopefully, and with the petition in memory of Baby Sean, called Sean's Voice: A New Perspective, hopefully there will be a push to educate the public, create safe havens such as support groups, emergency shelter, and other services to help ensure that this will come to fruition.
Baby Sean is a precious baby who has earned his wings. He died from constant abuse at the hands of his mother, Lord knows why. She would physically abuse him in ways that would make many of us physically ill, and the story is NOT for the faint of heart. For his preciousness, the Youth Voice Initiative dedicates this petition. May his death not be in vain.
Links for info & petition.
Surviving Spirit Sexual Abuse of Males: Statistics, Possible effects
Federal Crime Statistics to Expand Rape
Sean's Voice Petition
Youth Voice Initiative
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Importance of Voting...
I would like to let people know, that Wisconsin has gone through a rough patch, with midterm elections in 2010, and the divisiveness that Wisconsin politics played. The new governor shoving down legislation about mandatory auto insurance, slashing collective bargaining rights for only SOME of the public employees, cutting huge amounts of funds from health care and education, and more...
Then there are those senators who ran out of state while the budget/bargaining issues were getting pushed through... And the protesters, my gosh!
It got seriously crazy for a while. Thing is, which party is correct? Teachers didn't realize that the public was so outraged. They were, and still are willing to put into their pensions. Now they lost the say into what would be fair or not reasonable as to how much they earn in pay, how much they pay into their own benefits, etc... And we all know that teachers already spend their own money to put into their classrooms. Now with less budget, it's going to just get worse.
I recently talked to a retired teacher, who taught graphic art design. Because of previous budget issues, there was nothing there to pay for a printer and ink so the kids could print their final work to show off. Now, with further budget cuts, what will happen now? As it was, many teachers would have stuff like pens, pencils, paper, crayons, paint, etc for those who could not afford to have all the necessary supplies. Teachers also provided some small snacks so the kids could have something to eat, as many of our students are homeless or in transition.
S.E. Wisconsin has the highest unemployment rate, and I'm actually fortunate to be underemployed, as I could be without a job and having to live in someone's basement. At least I can afford my corner in a transitional neighborhood.
But, with health care and other social programs get cut, I'm seeing that the people I take care of, as I work home care, are also being hurt because now they are trying to help themselves with their elderly problems or disability issues, and now with less resources that cost more money. Is this the way we treat our fellow citizens? Some of these people are well into their 90's, and they are getting pushed further into the corner.
For these reasons, there has been a recall election. June 5th is the general recall election, and I will be voting for the democratic opponents, Tom Barret for Governor, and John Lehman for State Senator. I am hoping that they will return the state to where I can get a better position with better pay, or at least around the same pay with more hours, and that my son will be able to have the resources he needs to be educated properly.
Plus, Senator John Lehman drafted April's Law Wisconsin, before the 2010 election, and will be able to pursue it in 2013. April's Law is an innovative and aggressive piece of legislation to stiffen penalties on those who sexually prey on children on and offline. It is named after a girl named April, whom was repeatedly raped, and contracted an STD at age 6. Her perpetrator only got 12 months. 20 years later, he was sentenced again as a repeat offender, and this time got 10 years. This is way too easy. For drafting this, I want to sincerely thank Mr. John Lehman, whom I hope wins this upcoming election. My current senator denied the request to introduce this piece of legislation.
Just remember, happy children do better in school, and education helps keep our children smart. Smart children are those who don't have to worry about being abused. Just a friendly reminder that 87% of youth who are sexually abused in any way are victims of someone they know, and trust. The stranger danger situation is only a minority of the cases. with acquaintance and date rape being the second biggest category.
Now, regardless of who you are voting for, or which political party you support, please, please please go vote! Show your pride, and go vote! Voting is the American way, and just remember, back in the revolutionary days, our founding fathers put their lives on the line to ensure they could vote, as they were taxed w/o representation. When the black people rightfully and proudly got to be free people, many died in that fight to bring the vote to former slaves. Native Americans, who went through turmoil and near extinction also earned the right to vote. Women's Suffrage was the only time no one died to with the right to vote, yet is also an important monument. My own grandmother was born when women couldn't vote, and she was girl when women got that right, and she's voted through her life. So be a good American patriot, and go vote. It's a power thing.
And please sign this petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/650/959/434/wisconsin-aprils-law/
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Signatures for Children!
Please sign these petitions.
April's Law is a piece of legislation to stiffen the punishments on those who sexually prey on our children. There are two petitions, a federal version, and a state version for Wisconsin. The month of April is child abuse awareness month, and a girl named April is the inspiration behind the concept, as when she was 6 years old, she was repeatedly raped and contracted an STD. Her perpetrator only served 12 months. 10 years later, in December of 2008, he was convicted again, of being a repeat offender, and was sentenced to 10 years. This, and many others are way too light on the perps who violate our children in the worst ways.
The next is Sean's Voice, to make aware and put into place emergency shelter, support and services to the males who are abused and are in need of such protection. We would never turn away abused women and children, so I would like to help protect ALL victims of abuse. Sean's Voice is in memory of baby Sean, who was killed at the hands of his mother.
Please sign these important petitions to ensure we protect our voiceless - the abused.
The petition links:
The federal April's Law petition link:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/worldwide-petition-for-aprils-law-in-the-us/
Wisconsin's April's Law link:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/650/959/434/wisconsin-aprils-law/
Sean's Voice: to protect our abused males:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/a-new-perspective-the-unacknowledged-abuse-survivors/
April's Law is a piece of legislation to stiffen the punishments on those who sexually prey on our children. There are two petitions, a federal version, and a state version for Wisconsin. The month of April is child abuse awareness month, and a girl named April is the inspiration behind the concept, as when she was 6 years old, she was repeatedly raped and contracted an STD. Her perpetrator only served 12 months. 10 years later, in December of 2008, he was convicted again, of being a repeat offender, and was sentenced to 10 years. This, and many others are way too light on the perps who violate our children in the worst ways.
The next is Sean's Voice, to make aware and put into place emergency shelter, support and services to the males who are abused and are in need of such protection. We would never turn away abused women and children, so I would like to help protect ALL victims of abuse. Sean's Voice is in memory of baby Sean, who was killed at the hands of his mother.
Please sign these important petitions to ensure we protect our voiceless - the abused.
The petition links:
The federal April's Law petition link:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/worldwide-petition-for-aprils-law-in-the-us/
Wisconsin's April's Law link:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/650/959/434/wisconsin-aprils-law/
Sean's Voice: to protect our abused males:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/a-new-perspective-the-unacknowledged-abuse-survivors/
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