Here is where I will put inspirational poems, pictures, quotes, etc. And, hopefully, some submissions by readers.
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 Poems and Inspiration
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In honor of October being National Domestic Violence Month I did this painting. Hadn't painted in 37 years!
| | "FACADE" | |
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| This is "Facade" closed. What the abuser would like the world to think his family is like. Made of an old cast-off window and mini-blind. | |
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| If you crank open the blind you begin to see the truth behind the facade. | |
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| Pull the blind all the way up and it reveals the ugly truth behind the glass. Hopes going up in smoke, dreams shattered, the weeping eye sees no way out, the child is cowering. But once this scene is uncovered, we can provide help and hope. | |
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Below are 2 of my tapestry crochet mandalas that will be entered in the FOV annual art show April 9-11.
This is "Over Under". It measures about 13" in diameter. I like the interplay & interconnection of the complimentary colors of purple and gold.
"Yin Yangin' Around" is another piece that focuses on the interconnection of life. It measures a bit over 18" in diameter.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Found a powerful statement by Philip J. Curtis:
Thought of the Day...none of us can go back and make a brand new start but anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending
This is a terrific music video by Storm Large! Give yourself a break!
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell,
blue skies from pain.
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk-on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have you found? The same old fears.
Wish you were here. Storm Large really gets this. See her do the song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmemEd1RLuU |
Here’s an idea for anyone who wants to help: Initiate a “You Don’t Own Me” party. Have a get-together where it’s okay to talk and laugh and cry about occurrences in your lives. It’ll be a place to share and not feel judged. Have casual food; it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Light all those scented candles that guys don’t care about. Maybe suggest people bring throw pillows to lounge on, hug, or pound on, as the case may warrant. Rent a feel-good movie that helps the mood along. Something like “First Wives Club”, “Chocolat”, or “The Tango Lesson”; just as long as it conveys a feeling of strength and accomplishment and makes you feel like you can identify somehow. Make a moment by toasting each other with statements of affirmation of what you’re going to do, even if it’s a small step. Hey, and if you’re feeling bold, you can perform the toast by biting the heads off of gingerbread men!
The important thing is to interact and feel comfortable about it. Make sure it is in a safe place. You can print handouts from the
Traits and Characteristics page. Let people know how important it is to be supportive; to be a true friend; to offer a place to go where you’ll keep a change of clothes and will make help available. A group shoulder to lean on can do a world of good and make a difference in helping someone in harm’s way understand they are not alone and can make a change with your help.