Two Rules for Tuesday

Terrific Tuesday in the making... Two Tuesday Rules to think on.

Seems these days everyone wants to know everything, wants to hear it all, know it all or feels as though they already do.  The news media social sites of Facebook and folks who just let us know each movement of their lives, their doings and goings; what they think, feel, eat for snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. We now have ways to hear it all, to absorb the energy and the words of others into our own lives in ways never before. If we allow it, if we don't filter it or let it just go through us rather than get stuck in us.

Does that make any sense at all? LOL

We hear so much these days it is hard to not be affected or infected along the way. Hard to not stop looking for the good, hard to not embrace the wonder in our world when so much is so hard to understand and so bitter to learn about on a daily basis. There is just so much that folks want the minute to minute updates on. Whatever happened to classified information that is to protect us as a whole. What has happened to privacy in people's own lives and the sanctity of personal lives and experiences? It seems we read about it daily on the internet, self reporting that used to be reserved for journals seldom shared.  It is quite remarkable at times. Things that once were shared in therapy offices now are seen and commented on by those online offering opinions on relationships, parenting skills, life options, politics, race gender issues.  It seems we have so many experts out there in internet/news land nowadays sharing so very openly.  Could that be why the anger has increased so much, the hate being taught more than math or English while beauty and nature is ignored?  People are more fearful than I can remember; is it because they read of the issues, illnesses, The anger and potential of harm being done all over the country, the world and now live in fear of what might be for themselves? Fear wrecks havoc on the brain.

 Yes, there just might be a need to play those cards a bit closer to the chest; with friends acquaintances with social media. It may be good to get outside and away from the internet or social sites where you are subject to hearing or seeing the laundry aired of so many, or even of friends from time to time. It may in fact be a great idea to absorb some Vitamin D while you still can, before the cold months return and you have to get inside to cocoon for winter. It is outside that the eyes, mind, spirit soars on the wind as beauty will still amaze and stir the soul to creativity. It is there where you can still find the child playing within you as you feel the ground under your feet, feel the wind and sun on your face, if only for a little while. There you can hold your private thoughts to yourself, remembering that not everything has to be shared with another, some things are yours to hold sacred within, to nurture, to grow. Just as a seed grows from the darkness it blooms from the light into something unique and beautiful. So do we...

  In the darkness of the night, we can still look up, we can tell our stories to Creator, to spirit, to those who have gone before us that are sacred... we can plant our seeds by moonlight safely knowing that we are sure they will be carefully tended to. There may even be times those seeds are watered with our own tears, our own sweat, our own stories.
In our own time.

Yes, two rules for Tuesday... and a thought to sit with for today. May you laugh through it knowing that YOU are your most valued resource.  
Last words by the famous philosopher, Dr. Seuss:

 I wish you enough!
Walk in beauty
DRSES

Transformation, a legend

Ah, the wonder

of

Butterflies

and the lessons that they teach us.

Transformation

This day has already gifted me with a most beautiful butterfly... she has danced and danced, performing for me for the longest time... reminding me of  transformation with each graceful dip and swoop across the plants and then high up to the trees; and back for me to admire. I love butterflies ...

That reminds me of a story~ and I HOPE it will fill your heart today ~

Many, many years ago back when the Earth was still quite new, there once lived a beautiful butterfly who lost her mate in battle.

 To show her grief, she took off her beautiful wings and wrapped herself in a ashen cocoon. In her sadness, she could not sleep, she could not eat and her relatives kept coming to her lodge to see if she about her.  She grew weary of them asking, she didn't want to be a burden on her people so she gathered her wings and her medicine bundle and went away on a long journey.

She wandered about for many days and months, until  she had gone all around the world.  On her journey she kept her eyes downcast and stepped on each stone she came to as she crossed fields and creeks and streams. There came a time, one day as she was looking down, she happened to notice the stone beneath her feet, and it was so beautiful that it healed her sorrow, almost as if something "clicked" within her right at that moment in time.
 She then cast aside her dark cocoon, shook the dust from her wings, and donned them once more.

 She was so happy she began to dance to give thanks ~ wado~ for another chance to begin her life anew. Then she went home and told The People about her long journey, where she had been, the things at the creek, how it had "clicked" and how it felt to fly differently now with her wings once again, and how it had healed her. 

The Legend Continues To This Day...

To this day,The People dance the "Fancy Shawl Dance" as an expression of renewal, transformation and to give thanks for new seasons, new life, and new beginnings.


The shawl in the Fancy Shawl Dance represents the butterfly's wings, the fancy steps and twirls represent the butterfly's style of flight. This is another reason you will sometimes hear the Fancy Shawl Competition Dance referred to as "the butterfly dance", and it is most beautiful to watch and to participate in.


As we approach the dog days of August, many feel the urge to cocoon now, to stay inside where they can control the temperatures, to shield themselves from the beauty that is outdoors and those dancing beauties of nature around us... Some may want to escape the heat, the moments that soon will turn to cold, snow and the dark months when being outside is hard to do an would prefer the heat once again, but "click" in a moment, you may want to fold your blanket neatly (cocoon of modern times) and STOMP... be a butterfly and dance, to the sounds of life, that magnificent sun and her heat, the drum of your heart beat and rejoice in the great gratitude that you are alive today... 

"The caterpillar dies so the butterfly could be born. And, yet, the caterpillar lives in the butterfly and they are but one. So, when I die, it will be that I have been transformed from the caterpillar of earth to the butterfly of the universe."
{John Harricharan}





The fire is burning brightly with thoughts on the wind for all in our prayer bowl ... special prayers going up for EE in CO, for a Mom here in FL who is grieving the loss of a son for those who have asked, prayers are going UP ... and for all of you I thank you for all that you are.

May you hold gently to knowing that life is filled with transformation and beauty... 

For that I give thanks, and so it is !


Walk In Beauty,
DRSES

*Down the Hallway*, is soon to be published, stay tuned!

 

May you have a day of beauty, prayers going UP

As the prayer bowl is fired up with hope of kindness to walk on our soils, hope to fill our hearts as we leave our mark with each word that echoes within and around this precious life we know. May we cherish the sunrise, the moments shared until finding our breath taken by the sunset as colors paint the skies... Knowing we are leaving the day better than we started it in our homes, our communities and all we see, talk to along the way. A smile can travel a long distance, stand up. Make joyous noise, leave a footprint of kindness even when you have to walk loud and big.

Laugh, laugh, laugh ... make some joyous noise today...
 May you have a day of beauty in all ways from your view, within and around...

Prayers and thoughts for those who are going to it, are in it, are fighting to get through it... one step at a time, one step, then the next.

There are times it is a good idea to turn off the TV, turn up the music, and just look at the beauty surrounding our world, get your hands in the dirt, stomp your feet on the ground, remember that YOU are alive, YOU are enough, just YOU... and to feel the gratitude. The Universal Energy of Oneness that allows you to remember, to feel the oneness of LIFE... and to then "dance your dance". Your own way, your own style, your own brilliant light that comes from within and outshines the sun.

 Blessings to all ... on this most wonderful Sunday.

"Feelings change - memories don't." [Joel]

The sage is filling the air, the fire is burning;
For:

DLB, Dot/COB/Mom, Angela, Kamryn Elijah, D'Vante, Olivia, Joan,  Linda McDonald, Laura, Mitch, Eileen, Audrey, Anne, Pat, Stephen, Matthew, Jane, Walter, Jen, Snoop, Erik, Shari Taylor Webster, Stephen Bright and family, Gayle, Chris W., Penni,
Elizabeth Gardiner Myers, her beloved sister-in-law and family,  little Rylie, Jan, Charlie, Eagan,  John D, John S., Kurt, Kendra, Matt, Stoney, Regina, Suz, Corby, TK, Ericka, Louise, Tommy, Joan, Bob, Fluff, Scott, The Korabek/Shram tribe, AnneMary, Shirley, Karen, Lori, Tanya,  Kendra, Kurt, Joan, Jack, Tom, Chris, Sabian, Rus, Stan, Greg, Scott, Christian, Mike, Richy, Areila, Penny, Ford, Bob, Frank, Eric, Kurt, Bob, Chases Cows, George, Justan, Phillip, Deion, Hunter, Pop, Ledg, Matthew, Stephen, Pat, Jennifer, 
ZERO, soar on dear one, we miss you always yet know you are with us in all the familiar places ... Prayers and strength for Alexis and her family,  Chelsea, Baby Florenzo, and Sara may the Creator welcome you all home to the Ancestors...   Those in Christiansburg VA and surrounding communities for strength and healing, VAAP, Stephen Deirslen and family,  Kurt, Ali, Jeremiah, Pop Spring, Joe, Rachel, Matthew, Nick, Leanne, Leslie, Stephen, Gayle, Karen, Janet, Perry, JT, Moses, Little Nicholas, Karen, Ericka, young Peyton, Bill, Shauna, Dixie, Kurt, J&L, John, Alexis, Kassity, Kelsi, Bob, Lauri, Larry,

KM, Osh Kosh, Choctaw Nation, SODA, Kari, Jamie, Tiffany, Bob, David, The Durant P.D., Windhorse, Hezra and Dan, Pat, Joan, Jane, Mickey, Cynthia, Rubuye, Patches, Charla, Kurt, Lyle, Bear, Sylvia, Heidi, Samatha, Marcus, Brenda McQuire, Jan, Joan,  Louise E. Duckwork and her family, friends, Brother Michael Belford, Rev Bev and family,Erin, Bear, Ellie, Andrei, Maggie, ED, Mary, Ari, Kostas, Jean, Rene, Joanie, Stevie, Nat, Matt, Jamie,

The sage is filling the air...

For Sandy Hook and those in Newtown CT., for all those who have been touched, shattered and devastated by violence we are with you here and pray for an end to such horrible things happening in our world. 

For our warriors, We are fighting alongside you and thinking about you.

Rebecca, Hudson, Peyton, Dottie, Zero, George, Peyton, Billy Ray, Yvonne, Les, Lana, Lanita, Kelly, John, Bill,

~ `~

For:

Erin, Ellie, Andrei, WM, Yvonne Cassie, Mildred, Michele, Evelyn, Kelly, Betsy, The Faulkner Family, Stan, Dan, Christie, Ledge, Rick Paul, Colin G Brady, 

  NYPD, Guardian Angel Hospice and those there, Lanita, Dana, Leslie, Dottie, Kelly, Molly, Evan, Jeff, Ruby, Kevin, Scott, Dakota, Ruby, Dottie, Todd, John, BK, Clare, Yvonne, Evelyn, Sonny, Trace, Lyle, Michael, Beverly, Shauna, Dixie,

Julia Skinner and her NRV ELITE in Christiansburg VA,thank you for a wonderful year.

Coach Woodka, the Tarpon Springs Basketball team, Coach Carb and family, Cooper, Mark, Marvin, Zaden, Zamerion, Daniel, 

Carol, Sandy, Carrie and her family in Aurora,Ali,BK, Carolyn, Karen, Kelly and her family up North,

For those who have asked and we are standing with you in your time of sorrow, angst, difficulties.

   Heidi and family, Dianne, Ken,  Lori, Cynthia, Scott, Ali Legend, and children,  Heather Belle, Carolyn, Rog, Dusty, the 5,000 guardians now standing in the memory of Thomas O'Brien, the family of Trayvon Martin,

For:

  Harriet, Sherry Reed, Mary Grace, Shirley, BK, Stephanie, Lorrie, Pop and his family,

Sherry C.,  Katie and Bill Majestic, Marvin, Layne, Lori, Jim, D, Heidi, Julia, Rolling Thunder, The Patriot Guard, Carol,The Schram/Korabek family, Kyle, Mark, Todd, Yvonne, Harry, Kevin, Jen, Charles,  Glenn, "the littleOne", Anne Klein, Monica Graff, Penny, Chris, Joy, Anne, Sara, Jenn, Shirley, AnneMary, Michael, Jeannie,Patti Labelle and family, The Wounded Warrior Brigades,   Warren Buffet, Best of health be restored to you sir, Kyle Jones in TN; a magic maker, a musician and a good man, M Dave Glenn Alley a talented musician who is extending himself in service to others, blessings to you friend,BK, Kevin, Dash, Graham, Suzannah,

Seth Greenberg and family, Eileen D. and family, Steve and family, Anne, A, Sandy, "EI", Kev, Chris,

Lyle Emerson and his family in Buffalo and little Kendra 3 years old who is fighting Lymphoblastic Leukemia,

Bernice Etsitty and the life of her son, gone too soon Garrett Joe,Joey, Sam, Tyler, Robbie, Elizabeth, Tommy,

Duke Limongello gone too soon,

and all the children of all colors, all ages, and causes

gone to soon.

Sandy Hook Elementary School

in memory and prayers:

  Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/06, female
- Daniel Barden, 9/25/05, male
- Rachel Davino, 7/17/83, female.
- Olivia Engel, 7/18/06, female
- Josephine Gay, 12/11/05, female
- Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/06, female
- Dylan Hockley, 3/8/06, male
- Dawn Hochsprung, 06/28/65, female
- Madeleine F. Hsu, 7/10/06, female
- Catherine V. Hubbard, 6/08/06, female
- Chase Kowalski, 10/31/05, male
- Jesse Lewis, 6/30/06, male
- James Mattioli , 3/22/06, male
- Grace McDonnell, 12/04/05, female
- Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/60, female
- Emilie Parker, 5/12/06, female
- Jack Pinto, 5/06/06, male
- Noah Pozner, 11/20/06, male
- Caroline Previdi, 9/07/06, female
- Jessica Rekos, 5/10/06, female
- Avielle Richman, 10/17/06, female
- Lauren Rousseau, 6/1982, female (full date of birth not specified)
- Mary Sherlach, 2/11/56, female
- Victoria Soto, 11/04/85, female
- Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/06, male
- Allison N. Wyatt, 7/03/06, female

   

and for

OUR President and his family

of our United States of America,

those who are serving our Nation and their service animals

and all who have served

and their families,those who have fallen and are still missing we honor and thank you,

May the Creator bless you for holding us in your arms to protect our freedoms.

We  remember.

danLrene, CJ, Florence, Jenn, Bill, Denise, Ashe, Stuart Jr,  Barry Gibb, his family, Whitney, the Houston family, the family of our disco queen Donna Summer ,

Andre, Bill, Taft Abras, Mary Labyaks' family , Andrea, Patti, Jamie, Sasha, Kerri, Josh, Kar, Cash, Neil, Lori, Cindi, Tom, Shasta, Bill Simpson and Family, Jenn, Steph, Dana, Kari, Sandy, Marty, Marsha, Wanda, Ellen, Cindee, Peggy, Joyce Cruz, a CANCER survivor working at Southwest Airlines *it was an honor to meet you dear one*, Ike Davis, in New Mexico, an artisan who plays in the mud and creates beautiful tings out there, *http://www.negroartist.com/* what a joy you are to so many of SOUTHWEST, thank you for visiting with me, prayers of continued success and tobacco to your Pueblo uncle! and for Christos Fandaros, Thomas Galvin, John Knudson, Curtis, Susie Langham, Stasia and Billy Hall, Christina Chavez and Rick and Ryan, Pam Meyer, Whitney, Diane Bystista, Susan, Leann Vincent, Roxanne Duran, Carole Poppendeck, Mary Jo H-shortes, Bridget, Robert Tanner Mara Tanner, Yolanda L Acosta, Antonio F. Balderrama, Denise Flowers, Lisa Balance, Sherry Stedman, Rose, Marquette, Acosta, Ortega, The Pueblo Peoples,

All those I was honored to spend time with in

" Choctaw Nation, IN, VA, DC, MD, FL, CT, PA, Ohio, Michigan, South Dakotas, Geisinger Medical Center, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, Solaris Hospice, Evercare, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Gesinger, Guardian Angel Hospice,  Crossroads Hospice, New Hope Hospice, Comfort Keepers KS, El Paso, Santa Fe, Albuquerque"

Jeremy, Florence, Cal, Sarch, our friends of Portugal, Mike, AnnMary,Stephanie, Jimmy, Keli, Kasi, Katherine, Julie, Allan, Lynda,LeeAnn, KS Comfort Keepers, Stephen Bright, Linda and staff Melody,Brenda A and children Sarah, David Rachel; Gloria, Pete, Fred, Max, JJ, Barb and Leo Henning, Rick Fechner, Ryan Baurain, Melissa Reid, "Probation Professional pals", Jim Vander May (*who has been working in the Professional field for 45 years in Michigan*, Dale, Herschel, Bonnie, Louise, Holly, Jerry, Faith, Yvette, Happy, Audrey, and Rod Markowski and family, Lynn, Ryan, Jordon, Darryl Markowski, I thank you for your service) Brian Markowski, Shannon Becker, Nick, Reagan, Dr Iris Taylor of Detroit Medical Center,, please take best care of you) Sandy R. Carol, Stephanie, Geri, Chris, Matt, those in Oklahoma City, in Tulsa, In Ft Worth, Dallas, Ike, Isabel, Teresa, Janelle, Patricia, Susan, Karen, Laura in Yuba City CA, The Walter Reed Warrior Transition Brigade, Hope Hospice, Crossroads Hospice and those who care out there working and walking the walk, Perry, Clayton, George, Janet, and all in green! Rick, Calley, Ron, Rebekeh, Brenda, Becca, Audrey, Gabe, Dena, Beth, Lill, Jay Hanson, Jennifer, Beth Jett, Huntsville AL, Sheri, Wendy Reese and family, Sandy, Toby, Edith Vaughn and family,Susan, Greg and Kyle Korabek (Landon Korabek on the other side now), Stephen Bright and family, Walter Littlemoon, Jane, Laura, Mitch, Jenn, Chris, Mary, Taft, Martha Deaver, Morris, Dahlee, Rose Brick, The Baitinger Family, The Yaslowitz Family, The St Petersbug PD, Congresswoman Gabbie and her family, Dahlee in NJ, Judy Kelley, beloved husband and family, Jennifer, (now being watched over by her beloved husband and child), Norma, EE, Little Cub to CJ and Angel eyes Jack, Daniel, Dave, Cindy and Steve, Marty, Sweet Pea and Pie Face, Florence, Jeremy, Dennis, Darrel, Greg, Leroy, Rebekka, Carly, John, Diana, Crystal, Karen, Janet, Callie, Lorie, Laura, Larry, Clive,

2 Wolves and Jinx in SD, (http://www.2wolvescreations.com/)

Kelly and family,Judy W and her 4 sons up there in New England, Cherokee Wick, Benni, Gayle, Jonathan, Great Aunt Effie's family, Marilyn Warren, Ilene, Tweak and Chris, Jen and Brian, Ericka, Shannon, Hannah Sherabow, Pam C. and family, Susan S., Angela A., Nancy W, Sue G, Kelly and family, Susan Brouse, Cindy and Stevie, Kim, Olatz, EVB, Guin, Yiva, Mary, Sandra and family, Christina Helen, Dotti B., Susan and Greg, Amy, Becky and Barry Long, Christina, Matt and children, Aaron, Lisa and family, Freda, Linda Katie, Pat D, Tink and Mitch, LITTLE Ben, Jerry, Trish, Barb, Anastasia, Mary, Rylee, Lindsay, Ann, Sarah, Ruth, Johnny, Bobby and the Tucker Family, The Spraker Family,Kenny H, Michelle, Sandy, Addie and family in Canada, Sandy, BraveHeart, Rowena, Chris, Robyn Elizabeth, Jean, Duke,Rowena, Chris, Baby Robyn Elizabeth, Diane Smallze and family, Patti and family, The Korabek Family and friends, The Gasse Family and Friends,

Officer Crawford of St Petersburg, The Kocab Family, baby Lilly Nicole Kocab, The Curtis Family, Tarpon PD, those serving here and there in Uniform... Those now walking The Thin Blue Line, (far to many joining that line recently across our Nation),

Mylee, Mikey and family in DC, Jack M & Janis in OC, Stephen, Stuart Wittel  of the US MARINES and his parents Sandy and Stuart, Lavie Coltrane and family, Andrea Gasse and family here and in New England, Ali and family, Randy and Winnie in New Mexico, Jill Wheaton L, Dr Peter in NY, Dr Rev Bev, Irene M, Bernice, Eileen and family, Vicki, Matthew and family, Chris, Lovie, Nancy, Pedro and Our adopted family in BRAZIL, Our North American Black American Bears, The Windcross Convservacy and those beautiful Spanish Mustangs known as "pocket ponies"... the dolphins , always our most remarkable dolphins!!!

AND for:

Anne, Jim, JADE, Cynthia, Joseph, Cathy Madden, Nathan, and her family., Cindy in NC, Liz, Lee, Molly, Joanie, Jude, COFA, Judi, Ken, Matthew, Nick, Matt, Mark's family and many friends , Pat, Irene, Kevin, Dr D, Deb, Randy, Dr B, Isabelle, Kelsey, Sabrina , Charlie and family, Jean, Julie, Rhonda, Victoria, Mildred, Andi and family, Faith, Denise, Jim, Tom, Joey, Shelby friends and family, Judi, Phylis, Joyce, Gina, Tonya, Beverly and Family, Janeth, Melissa,Virginia, Stacey, Elizabeth, Nita, Gary Siegal, Adrienna, Brian Mawbey, the Boyan Family, Jean R and friend Christy Rider, Victoria and hubbie, Stephen, Gayle, Steph, Chris, Erica, Eileen, John, Mindy, Jack, Susan Werth Becken, her brother Mike and family, Craig James Lightfoot and his family, Kenny, Audrey, Ed Saner, Patty Crowley, Bennie, Gail, Jonathan, Moe, Beverly, Dennis, Peter, Trish, Cynthia, Heidi and her family, Kathy Knights family, Edith Vaughn, Candy, Cynthia, Jenn, Eve, Edith, Jason, Karen, Linda, Joyce, Belinda, Jeanette, Jennifer, Patti, Sandy S, and . .. 

(Feel free to let me know if you would like to add your/or a friends name to our prayer bowl.

Walk your walk, in beauty
DRSES 

Sage Lesson through the Music: Let it Go

IF you can't change things, figure out a way to
"just let it go"

today's message... through the music

Thanks to Zac Brown, here ya go... sear it into that brilliant brain of yours! "You're not the only ship out on the ocean...

save your strength for things that you can change... forget the ones you can't change.
Let it go!"  Where is that pony?

I wish you enough... as you keep your heart above your head and your eyes wide open!

Music, the universal healer, the thing that moves us, the one thing that we can feel, absorb into our nervous system and at times can just say it all!

 
Walk in beauty,
DRSES
 

Entertainers boycott FL for stand your ground and Trayvon Martin...

Entertainers

We all love them, we listen to them, we buy their music.

Hell, in many cases we've made them who they are today, along with their millions and their ability to keep the music playing.

Now somehow they are confusing justice on the Trayvon Martin case/verdict with stand your ground laws in Florida

and have decided to boycott Florida.

Taking their talents, leaving their fans to wonder.

Leaving me astounded that the one and only Patti Labelle has weighed in and posted this news:

he list of artists that have been reported to join the boycott include Roc Nation's Rihanna and Wale, as well as Kanye, Patti LaBelle, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, R. Kelly, Alicia Keys, Young Jeezy, will.i.am, Erykah Badu, Frankie Beverly, Parliament, Madonna, Eddie Levert, Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones.

Reports from a Florida news outlet indicate that the Jay Z and Justin Timberlake's Summer of the Legends tour stop planned for Aug. 16 is still on as scheduled. Rumors have been circulating that the two as well as several of Jay's Roc Nation artists had joined in solidarity with Stevie Wonder's boycott of the Sunshine State.

According to Local 10, an executive affiliated with the tour made the confirmation. The concert, the final date of the tour, is slated to be at the Sun Life Stadium.

Wonder made his boycott announcement at a Canadian music festival, saying that he refuses to play gigs in states where the "Stand Your Ground" law exists as a response to the verdict in George Zimmerman's criminal trial for the death of Trayvon Martin.

Well now that I've had time to "sit with it", to listen to the music, to really mull it over in my heart... I just do not understand folks anymore.

Entertainers are born to entertain, they proclaim to love their fans, love to do what they do, love the $$$$ that comes with those high price tickets as well. What are they thinking?

If they plan to boycott states with stand your ground, they sure will be sitting at home more these days, and in the years to come, along with losing those faithful fans in the process... 

STand your ground has been around for a long time, in many states.  Some of those very states are the homes of these singers.  Many just might be performing in one now. Are our beloved entertainers "profiling Florida" while furthering the hate being spread and fostering racism here in 2013? Oh God perish the thought...

 Have we confused the issues of the tragedy and loss of one young man in Sanford Florida as many more have died needlessly by the hands that pulled triggers since that day yet do not make headlines across our Nation?  Are we perpetuating and teaching hatred to our youth in this process through what is known to be the Universal healing tool of the music that is heard seen by those we look to pay big money to see, yet now are being confused by as they take a stand against a state that has a law called Stand your Ground?

 

Stars, music, the moon all meant to enjoy to wonder about, to fill excited about, to just feel good about. Now we have those we have watched be discovered, those we have supported, screamed and applauded, have listened to their music that speaks to our souls decide we are not worthy of them... why?

Because they are taking a stand against a law and a cause of one young man who died needlessly.  Bet other families from the poorest to the wealthy would like to think they were as important to those whose voice is their instrument.

 

Meantime in other news; our soldiers are fighting for our very freedoms 24/7. Where do our entertainers stand on performing a special concert for their families, friends loved ones. Would their color, gender matter or their age... Would they meet them at the airport to sing them home, to stand for the flag draped casket... 

In Philadelphia a woman was charged with the brutal murder of her child 4 years old... where is the boycott, the outrage. Her boyfriend who was there is still not charged. Like Florida PA also has a similar Stand Your Ground law, but that child was just too little to use it. We didn't hear news about that though.

We should be able to look to the music for healing, those who fill us up as the ones to find solace in during hard times, bad times and good times. We should be able to hear the words better the sounds of the percussion finer, the sax should be keener, the steps of those who perform should be etched in our souls finer during times like this.

 

Instead they (some of them) have decided to show us a different side of them.. It is not a pleasant view.  Just saying

It's time for rearranging priorities for the greater good of all people, music is a perfect way to do that. To take people over the rainbow, to stand for them, all of them in a brighter light of healing through the healing power of the music.

    Look for the helpers, look for the goodness.

 

 “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” ~ Bob Marley ~

Walk in Beauty

DRSES

After the Jury speaks, the hate grows, boycotts in FL across the lands

Many have watched, have listened since the beginning in Sanford FL where a kid was walking back home after being in the store. We've heard and heard the media, the many and varied takes on the story, the opinions of so many and now the verdict is in. 
Zimmerman is free. Guilty or free with the end verdict for Zimmerman;
 Trayvon Martin would not get his life back, his potential to grow and become something greater than that moment, the night his life ended by gunshot. Greater than what people projected, greater than the kid that he was and more than the hopes that his parents had for him in a life yet to be lived. It does not matter what I think, what you think, what the media continues to blast or the press thinks. It does not matter the "leaks" from here or there, the cries of those who proclaim themselves men of God in rallies, protests and fueling hatred only to divide people stirred in controversy as more murders are committed daily across our lands.
This boy; Trayvon is dead leaving parents to grieve him, to mourn him and the dreams they had for him in life.  That is the second greatest sadness; their grief delayed by the press, by the trial, by the many people getting in the way of true pain of loss and trauma of sudden loss.

 They have not had time to get "to it", to the work involved in grieving the loss of their son. It has been shock/trauma, lawyers, opinions, press, rallies, thousands of people in their business, and it continues.  The "Stand Your Ground" law has somehow gotten ahead of the bullet that killed this kid.  The focus has shifted from senseless murder to rage/racism/to Stand your Ground to self defense. Now we have Al Sharpton, Jessi Jackson, others involved staging rallies, erupting into riots across the lands from one coast to another... tell me "just how does that help Trayvon or his parents?"
How does that help in working toward building a kinder community, country for the betterment of ALL PEOPLE?

There are bad things happening daily, crimes that are hate filled, that are passion filled, that are mistakes. Make no mistake on this though...
George Zimmerman was NOT supposed to be carrying a gun on his neighborhood watch. It stated that in his papers for watch. Rule 1 broken/violated.  He was told to stay in his car when he saw what he felt was suspicious, or in other words to "stand down". Rule 2 violated, putting him and Trayvon in harms' way.

He was NOT standing his ground as the law expresses, as it was NOT his ground; it was public grounds he was on. He was NOT in his home, not in HIS car, but in pursuit of a stranger who was on his way HOME... and a struggle or "fight" happened...
but what I just can't understand>>> he said that he was "pinned down on his back". Legs arms pinned down. So how in the hell did he get to his weapon and shoot this kid in the heart?  Guess that is one of the many things I will just never understand.

But now we have entertainers who are boycotting as a result of the jury decision, justice has spoken.  We have those rallies, those riots we are hearing about from the media and the press. That alone is enough to make ya wonder.  We will all shake our heads for a long time to come on this as we will wonder how big of a role the media really played in everything that was reported, how much was imprinted on the brains of the jurors, how in the world Zimmerman will ever really be free in the world even with a not guilty verdict as he left the court room.  We have to wonder about so many things now. Safety for our kids, our neighborhood watch *(if we are the watch or the watched)* 

The reality is this; there are millions of Trayvon Martin's in our country; most do not get the news that this case has generated for so long or at all. We find the news clip buried under or behind something by accident, or see it on Facebook posted by someone we barely know.  We hear of those things and think how in the world could such ugliness happen in our world, sordid acts of harm being done, yet seldom hear of what happens to the one responsible.  It crosses all color lines, all faith systems, all ages. From the little ones to the Elders, committed by those of the same race or different races, yet seldom do we hear of the riots, rallies, protests of justice on the steps or hear of it at all. Those daily horrid acts do not get the media attention nor do acts of random kindness.

This was different somehow, this was a kid, a hoodie, a bag of skittles on his way home on a rainy night and a guy on neighborhood watch, in all places >>> Florida<<<.

Now the entertainers are going to boycott us, and their loyal fans I've just learned:
Taken from none other than my beloved Patti Labelle's site this new news. I am so disappointed that she has chosen to stand on the side of furthering the great divide setting us back to the 50's in actions that affect the very fans who have stood by her and so many entertainers for so many years... Perhaps they will reconsider when they consider that.

LOVE WINS...
 

Florida Boycott..The list of artists that have been reported to join the boycott include Roc Nation's Rihanna and Wale, as well as Kanye, Patti LaBelle, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, R. Kelly, Alicia Keys, Young Jeezy, will.i.am, Erykah Badu, Frankie Beverly, Parliament, Madonna, Eddie Levert, Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones.

Reports from a Florida news outlet indicate that the Jay Z and Justin Timberlake's Summer of the Legends tour stop planned for Aug. 16 is still on as scheduled. Rumors have been circulating that the two as well as several of Jay's Roc Nation artists had joined in solidarity with Stevie Wonder's boycott of the Sunshine State.

According to Local 10, an executive affiliated with the tour made the confirmation. The concert, the final date of the tour, is slated to be at the Sun Life Stadium.

Wonder made his boycott announcement at a Canadian music festival, saying that he refuses to play gigs in states where the "Stand Your Ground" law exists as a response to the verdict in George Zimmerman's criminal trial for the death of Trayvon Martin.

Florida, where Martin's tragic death occurred, has been the center of the debate, although more than 20 states have some form of the law.

Jay and Justin did, however, dedicate a rendition of "Forever Young" to Martin during their show last week at Yankee Stadium. The following day, Jay and his wife, Beyoncé, stood by Martin's mother at one of the nationwide rallies held in his honor.

 

Justice has spoken the jury has ruled on Trayvon Martin. It is time to let the parents, friends and loved ones have time to begin their grief process and work.  It is past time for this Nation to work on healing, on growing, on finding the path toward each other.

 "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."  ~Martin Luther King, Jr. ~

What would Martin and John say today?

 

Walk in beauty

DRSES 

SUICIDE:

A permanent solution to a temporary feeling; to pain that could should be managed, feelings that need to be talked through... SUICIDE is taking lives that are precious, people that are loved. Leaving behind so many who are numbed, traumatized, feeling guilt, shame, devastation while missing loved ones needlessly.

 Suicide; know the signs, know the number to hotlines should you ever need to call. Should you ever need to call for yourself or someone you care about. DO NOT BE SHY, DO NOT BE AFRAID OF WHAT OTHERS MAY THINK.... YOU might save a life.

Native Americans deaths rank highest by suicide in our country.

Suicide is being grieved across the world and in the USA we are hearing of 10 year olds who complete suicide. Kids killing themselves secondary to "bullying" in schools, on the playgrounds, by their brothers and sisters. Suicide as the only way out of pain for these children; a permanent solution for what should be a temporary problem that adults should be monitoring, that the communities and world should have a zero tolerance toward.

Adults who walk with stress, who drink too much, who worry to frequently, who are in pain that is physical, spiritual, emotional. 

SUICIDE

leaving loved ones behind to find them, to mourn them, to grieve. Some move toward the light of healing while others just give up feeling there is no healing to be had.  Another tragedy.
The statistics are staggering, the lives lost, the potential, the ones they left behind to wonder, to walk aimlessly through the fog of "why".
The statistics of their pain to complex to measure, to horrific and long lasting to place a figure or a number on as each person is so very unique in their path through trauma, grief, healing.  The stigma that is often associated with suicide also brands it as "disenfranchised grief" it seems.  

 The realities:

Those People who try to commit suicide are often trying to get away from a life situation that seems impossible to deal with or something/someone.  They often feel there is "no way out" for the moment, have withdrawn and have not talked it through with another. Many have also experienced bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, are taking substances, alcohol, synthetic drugs, or have PTSD.  Some may be under the influence of drugs/alcohol at the time of the attempt or completion.

Many who make a suicide attempt are seeking relief from:

• Feeling ashamed, guilty,
• Feeling like a victim
• Feelings of rejection, loss, or loneliness
• Feelings of being worthless/loss of job/lack of money
• Pain
• Bullying
• Grief
• Flashbacks
• Trauma
•  Feeling like a burden
• Feeling as though they cannot rise up to expectations of others
• Escape
• Attention seeking

Suicidal behaviors may occur when there is a situation or event that the person finds overwhelming, such as:

• Aging (the elderly have the highest rate of suicide)
• Death of a loved one
• Dependence on drugs or alcohol
• Emotional trauma
• Serious physical illness
• Unemployment or money problems
• Cumulative sorrow
• PTSD
• Depression

Risk factors for suicide in teenagers include:

•  Bullying
• Access to guns
• Family member who committed suicide
• History of hurting themselves on purpose
• History of being neglected or abused
• Living in communities where there have been recent outbreaks of suicide in young people
• Romantic breakup

Some suicide attempts do not result in death. Many of these attempts are done in a way that makes rescue possible. These attempts are often a cry for help, for someone to care/intervene.

Some people attempt suicide in a way that is less likely to be fatal, such as poisoning or overdose. 

Males, especially elderly men, are more likely to choose violent methods, such as shooting themselves. We are however seeing a rise in statistics of women shooting themselves in current times.

As a result, suicide attempts by gunshot are more likely to result in death.

Relatives of people who attempt or commit suicide often blame themselves or become very angry. They may see the suicide attempt as selfish. They will go through stages of grief in so many ways it can make the head spin, from denying suicide to anger at the person, at the way it happened, at themselves and the Creator. They will look for reasons until they find exhaustion takes them to their bed praying they are in the middle of someone else's nightmare. And it will take time and work to get through the pain of such loss if suicide is the means of a loss.

However, people who try to commit suicide often mistakenly believe that they are doing their friends and relatives a favor by taking themselves out of the world.  They are not thinking with their right minds many will tell you, their judgment is skewed, their pain, their moments are not in line with the ability to realize the sheer pain that will be left for those behind, nor the potential of their lives with working through the pain of their now.

THE SYMPTOMS:

More often than not, as many will look back they realize they talk about seeing things that were clues. Not always but sometimes a person will display  certain symptoms or behaviors before a suicide attempt:

•  Withdrawing from friends and family
• Not having much to say
• Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
• Giving away belongings
• Talking about going away or the need to "get my affairs in order", "just getting stuff put away Mom"
• Suddenly changing behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety
• Seeming angry all the time or aloof
• Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Performing self-destructive behaviors, such as heavily drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or cutting their body
• Pulling away from friends or not wanting to go out
• Suddenly having trouble in school or work
• Talking about death or suicide, or even saying that they want to hurt themselves
• "I wish I was just dead", this sucks
• Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty
• "I should have been able to do something to save his/her life"
• Changing sleep or eating habits
• Arranging ways to take their own life (such as buying a gun or many pills on the street)
• Leaving notes/letters
• Closing down social media sites
•  Saying good-byes 

 

WE must talk to our kids, to our peers, our Elders. To understand what is on their minds, in their hearts in the darkest hours and to check our own hearts and minds along this precious life.  

 

Our thoughts; we control them. Our feelings? They are ours, we own them, we must be the master of our destiny.  

 

 

We are losing too many to suicide, to much potential that will never be realized. So many left behind to wonder, to weep, to mourn the "what if's, was it my fault, how, why"... and the missing/longing.

 

Our children are being bullied, our Military our fighting for our freedom, yet wounded warriors are returning home, we must stand. ONE WOUNDED WARRIOR is committing suicide per day... 

 

 
 Veterans suicide hotline:

1 (800) 273 8255

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

 
1-800-273-8255

 

Please, if YOU or someone you know gives you or your gut the feeling that they are thinking of ending their life; make the call and get them some help...

 

  “If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide.”
Gandhi

Find your footing, walk your steps, take baby steps.. laugh even through the tears, just keep laughing through the rain, the darkness, knowing the sun will shine again. Many blessings to all; may you fight to heal and stand in the sun...

Walk in beauty

DRSES