Veteran’s Day isn’t to be a memory, but a day to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives and livelihood. We may not set aside the memories and respect we expressed only days ago. The gestures may remain silent for another year, but they remain in our hearts.
As we step ahead in time, we look at this day November 13, 2020, as we remember another milestone in history. We look upon this day as a day when veterans of one era finally receive the respect they deserve. They receive the respect that for more than a decade was silenced, by a narrow-minded view, that certain men and women didn’t deserve respect because they fought an unpopular war.
istockIt is on this day in 1982 that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated. The “Wall” as people commonly refer to it has become an icon. The black granite “v” shaped wall is a symbol of love and loss, war and peace, and the unending cycle of war. The Memorial is inscribed with 57,939 names of those who never came home from Vietnam.
The “Wall” has become a gateway to forgiveness. It is a place where the protesters and defenders meet and remember a time of turmoil that separated a people who before the war were friends. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a place that offered the initial healing. It is one of the most visited memorials in the nation’s capital.
I will take a moment today to remember not only the sacrifice our military endured in Vietnam but the humiliation people subjected them to when they returned home. I salute each of you today; those who look upon the names on the Memorial, and those whose names are inscribed within the black granite. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. My heart goes out to you who suffered in silence. I wish peace for you in your lives.Fair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo.
We offer our veterans a salute of respect and honor today. Let‘s salute all those who sacrificed their existence to secure our freedom, and give thanks to those who endured the pain and hardship of war, so we may feel secure.
Many people blindly walk through life. They go about our day not thinking about the choices they have and the voice they take for granted. We have a voice because of our veterans. Each of us is endowed with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; freedoms secured by our original forefathers. We enjoy these rights at the expense of those who live if not fearlessly; they live sacrificially.
From, the Revolutionary War to the Wars in the Middle East that continue to plague the world. Our Veterans along with our Allies, continue to police the world and offer a choice to those willing to step up and defend the freedoms we often forget about.
Today we offer our thanks to the men and women who keep the peace. I offer my gratitude along with thanks to all our service people. I thank their families too, for their sacrifice.
May your sacrifice be the light that shines in the darkness and spreads love across the globe.
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Human trafficking has been a problem for centuries, I bet, even longer. I’ve been writing to you about the horror that remains hidden from us hoping we will all open our eyes to the truth.
Every year the rate of pedophilia, sex trafficking, and sexual abuse increases. It’s difficult to near impossible to provide accurate data related to Human Trafficking because so much of what happens is kept in the dark. I always suggest you do your research. You can click here for 2019 statistics per the US National Human Trafficking hotline. I’m always hesitant to believe just one source, because so many organizations are claiming to rescue children, when in reality they are part of the problem. Please research the topic.
Below is a video showing one instance where those who are called to keep the peace have been using their positions to rape women and children in the communities they are supposed to be protecting.
This video was recorded in 2017.
You might be surprised to know that it is the people we should be able to trust the most that are part of the problem. Suspect those that you would least expect like wealthy business people, politicians, the elite, people who head organizations or foundations that are put in place to protect human life. It’s scary to think that we have put our trust in these people and places. Again, do your research.
In the case of the above video we find the UN peacekeepers, people who were supposed to be protecting and keeping the peace, were inflicting pain and suffering on the communities they swore to protect.
You can refer to thisAssociated Press investigation where they revealed that over more than ten years there have been around 2,000 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers. It has been estimated that over 300 have been cases that involve children. And are you surprised? Not many of the perpetrators were arrested and convicted of their crimes.
Even more shocking is the child sex ring run by UN peacekeepers in Haiti. Poor children are left to scavenge for food, making them the perfect target for peacekeeper’s crimes. Children were enticed by food. Bribed with something so simple and necessary for survival, in exchange for sex from children as young as 12 years old. I won’t go into details of what these men did here because the details are shocking and horrific. I repeat do your research.
I keep saying “do your research” because you need to read for yourself what has been happening. So many people read articles and brush off the information, saying it can’t be true, because the information seems so horrific. It is because of the horror that you should question and start digging.
We have been asleep for too long. It’s time to wake up realize the truth and find a way to help end the evil that is taking our children. I like you am only one person, but you as an individual has a gift, a way that you could help, even in a small way. So, please take the time to find out what is happening to the children.
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We live in a crazy world. So many things are in our face, going wrong, and worse, we’re being manipulated to comply with an agenda that is not in our best interest.
Throughout all this craziness, there remains one constant.
Life.
Life is precious. In a world where some have a complete disregard for the miracle of life, we must know, there is still hope.
Life continues. Humanity still finds a reason to hope for the best. This as seen as young couples around the world prepare to expand their families with the birth of the next generation.
Today, I see in the eyes of my grandson, the hope that burns eternal. The idea that we as a people will persevere.
We have a beautiful baby boy to show for all my daughter’s hard work and sacrifice (my son-in-law too).
I never thought I’d say it, but, I’m officially a grandma. A role that I will take on with gratitude.
Today I’m thankful for the safety of my family, and the birth of my healthy grandson. A beautiful starseed, who, along with other’s born at this time, will save the world.
I’m not saying I believe or endorse the video below, but it’s a good way to get the mind moving. You may ask questions. You may get angry because you think you’ve been lied to. You may shut down thinking it’s all conjecture and theories.
I encourage you to do some research after you watch the video. You might be surprised what you find. Be careful for cognitive dissonance. Don’t let your ego keep you from processing the information.
Maybe you’ve been asleep and find the video flips the switch causing you to
wake up.
Thant’s a good thing.
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I’ve been discussing the horror that is Human Trafficking. Sometimes it’s difficult to find the words to communicate to the world about the topic.
Today I am sharing this video for you to watch. Two million child slaves and this is only the tip of the iceberg (so to speak).
We must wake up and do our part. You may not know what that looks like today, but think about the role you might be able to play to help.
Fair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo.
Since 2017 our President along with the help of our military has made it his administrations mission to rid the world of human trafficking. Many people Aren’t aware of that. I don’t want this post to become a platform for a political agenda for anyone. This post is written to help my readers become aware of the atrocities that exist in the world that need to be eradicated.
I’m only one person. I don’t have any special abilities or talents. I’m not in the military or a member of any media group. I am me. And I can write. So I offer my blog to the world as a means to provide information and educate when I can.
I am trying to use this platform to help the world wake up. To see what has been going on in the world. I am placing a link to an article here to share with you what our military is doing to save the children.
Please pray for these brave men and women and the children they rescue. All of them will need your prayers.
These rescues are ongoing and world wide. If you’re interested in research, take the time to study human trafficking, child trafficking in particular. You will be shocked and disgusted by what you find, so be careful what you view.Fair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo.
It has been a long year.
And it’s not over yet.
I’m sure anyone who reads this blog will agree with both of those statements. It has been a year of struggles, disappointments, and challenges. I have not been immune, and I’m sure I share many of your frustrations that come on the heel of such a year.
I’m finally catching my breath. I’ve been fortunate enough to remain employed and in my home. These are blessings. And I’m grateful.
I remain in a place where I wonder and worry about my family and friends as they continue to muddle through the mess that, it has become evident, isn’t going away any time soon. Like many of you, my parents aren’t getting any younger and am concerned for their health.
I have adult children who are out in the world, working. One is a nurse. Need I say more. I may not need to, but I will. She works tirelessly each day to comfort and heal the sick. She councils and calms those who are concerned about the current COVID-19 situation. She is brave and beautiful. Oh, and did I mention, she and her husband are pregnant. Someone’s getting old (Hint, it’s not me). In November I will be writing another blog about the latest addition to my family.
My younger daughter spends her days making the world more beautiful by helping others feel better about themselves, working as a hair stylist. She is becoming a creative genius. She is a beautiful soul, usually sacrificing herself and her needs to make others feel better. I am blessed to have such wonderful children.
The point of my blog today isn’t to brag about my family. I love my family. I know they’re not perfect, but what family is? We work to support and help each other when we can. What more can we ask of each other?
So, the point of today’s blog is to mark this day as a new beginning for me. It is a means of holding myself accountable. To be a compass for my thoughts and actions. I’ve written three books all complete and edited. I have been querying agents. I continue to query agents.
My blog is my accountability partner. Or should I say the readers of my blog are my accountability partner. I haven’t been assertive or diligent in blogging and trying to create a fan base or group of followers, because to be honest, I’m scared. I guess I’ve been afraid of rejection. Today that stops.
Today is day one of what will become a life filled with hope and an opportunity to meet new people. It’s a day that brings with it the chance to connect with others. Whether a writer or reader or just a fellow human being searching for the silver lining in this life we live.
I hope my beginning will prompt you to begin again too. Life is what we make it. Let’s make it wonderful together.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I look forward to getting to know all who choose to interact.Fair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo.
Sometimes we need a distraction from life. It keeps us sane. There are days when I’m pulled in multiple directions and I feel like I’ve lost my center. When those days occur, I go home and settle in for the night. But before I do, I spend some time writing a scene of my next book.
This week has been busy. I’m preparing a baby shower for my daughter. It’s a joyous event that has been somewhat dampened by COVID. I never thought I would have to plan an event that would require its attendees to wear masks and stay six feet apart. Such an occasion requires hugs. Something that will be lacking from the event.
We live in the North East. New Hampshire to be exact. I’m planning to have the shower outside under a 20-foot tent at the end of September. I’m holding my breath. I hope the weather holds, and that it will be a warm day.
Two years ago, I hosted her wedding. The wedding was on October 20th and it snowed. Yes, the wedding was outside. Thankfully, we planned appropriately, and rented sides for the tent, and heaters. We ended up needing them. It was a beautiful wedding. We had a wonderful time.
So, I’m hoping this event is blessed with a bright sunny day. There will be no sides to this tent. We want to make sure everyone is safe and to make extra sure, we will have fresh air flowing through the tent.
My younger daughter is working diligently to prepare the menu. She is making a special cake for the guest of honor. It’s a treat shared throughout their dad’s family and she’s making a special effort to please her sister. It warms my heart.
I’m ready for my part. The tent is reserved, party favors ready, and gifts are wrapped. Now we only wait for September 26th where we can shower her with love and gifts to usher in the new little one.
In between the excitement, that brings my family together, I write and wait. Hoping for the response all authors wish for.
Until then I wish you all a wonderful week hoping you realize your dreams.
Did you know September is National Suicide Prevention Month? There is much focus on suicide in recent months. Any life lost is terrible, and the announcement that David Buckel, Kate Spade, and Jon Paul Steuer took their lives was sad, each announcement brought more attention to the epidemic.
Suicide is a national problem that affects communities and families. It also affects our military in a major way. If we look at the statistics of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, they report 20 veterans who commit suicide each day. Veterans’ suicides make up 18% of suicide deaths.
If you look at a research report in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal, you’ll read that Army suicides increased 80% from 2004 to 2008. The Army is not the only branch of the military affected by suicide. In a recent US Veterans Magazine article, they quoted Dr. Gerstenhaber to have said, “The suicide rate for our veterans and active duty is around 50% higher than for their civilian counterparts, showing what a serious issue we have on our hands.” They quoted him as also having said, “This group of people have a tremendous amount of stress, and they need to know it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help. We have programs in place that have been successful in helping to reduce the suicide rates, and we want to expand those to help others around the nation.”
Dr. Gerstenhaber works with the EOD Warrior Foundation to address the need to reduce suicide rates. Together they continue to study and work closely with families affected by suicide. They established the EOD Warrior Foundation (through a merger of the EOD Memorial Foundation and the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation) on March 1, 2013. They work to assist the community of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) technicians. This organization is just one of many working with our veterans to assist our military to eradicate suicide.
We live in a time not so different from our forefathers. The one advantage we have is an openness and acceptance within our communities. We have developed programs to assist those in need. We have taken the time to devote to studies and statistics. Now we have to band together to offer our veterans a hand up (versus a handout). We need to learn to recognize the early signs of suicide and support those that cry out silently for help.
We may not hear their silent cries, but we can learn to recognize the signs and reach out to those that give so much of themselves to their country. We owe it to them, their families, and our country.
Fair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo.
Today, I see in the eyes of my grandson, the hope that burns eternal. The idea that we as a people will persevere.
mission to rid the world of human trafficking. Many people Aren’t aware of that. I don’t want this post to become a platform for a political agenda for anyone. This post is written to help my readers become aware of the atrocities that exist in the world that need to be eradicated.
I’m only one person. I don’t have any special abilities or talents. I’m not in the military or a member of any media group. I am me. And I can write. So I offer my blog to the world as a means to provide information and educate when I can.
I am trying to use this platform to help the world wake up. To see what has been going on in the world.
I’m sure anyone who reads this blog will agree with both of those statements. It has been a year of struggles, disappointments, and challenges. I have not been immune, and I’m sure I share many of your frustrations that come on the heel of such a year.
I’m finally catching my breath. I’ve been fortunate enough to remain employed and in my home. These are blessings. And I’m grateful.
I remain in a place where I wonder and worry about my family and friends as they continue to muddle through the mess that, it has become evident, isn’t going away any time soon. Like many of you, my parents aren’t getting any younger and am concerned for their health.
I have adult children who are out in the world, working. One is a nurse. Need I say more. I may not need to, but I will. She works tirelessly each day to comfort and heal the sick. She councils and calms those who are concerned about the current COVID-19 situation. She is brave and beautiful. Oh, and did I mention, she and her husband are pregnant. Someone’s getting old (Hint, it’s not me). In November I will be writing another blog about the latest addition to my family.
My younger daughter spends her days making the world more beautiful by helping others feel better about themselves, working as a hair stylist. She is becoming a creative genius. She is a beautiful soul, usually sacrificing herself and her needs to make others feel better. I am blessed to have such wonderful children.
The point of my blog today isn’t to brag about my family. I love my family. I know they’re not perfect, but what family is? We work to support and help each other when we can. What more can we ask of each other?
So, the point of today’s blog is to mark this day as a new beginning for me. It is a means of holding myself accountable. To be a compass for my thoughts and actions. I’ve written three books all complete and edited. I have been querying agents. I continue to query agents.
My blog is my accountability partner. Or should I say the readers of my blog are my accountability partner. I haven’t been assertive or diligent in blogging and trying to create a fan base or group of followers, because to be honest, I’m scared. I guess I’ve been afraid of rejection. Today that stops.
Today is day one of what will become a life filled with hope and an opportunity to meet new people. It’s a day that brings with it the chance to connect with others. Whether a writer or reader or just a fellow human being searching for the silver lining in this life we live.
I hope my beginning will prompt you to begin again too. Life is what we make it. Let’s make it wonderful together.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I look forward to getting to know all who choose to interact.Fair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo. 
This week has been busy. I’m preparing a baby shower for my daughter. It’s a joyous event that has been somewhat dampened by COVID. I never thought I would have to plan an event that would require its attendees to wear masks and stay six feet apart. Such an occasion requires hugs. Something that will be lacking from the event.
cake for the guest of honor. It’s a treat shared throughout their dad’s family and she’s making a special effort to please her sister. It warms my heart.