txbluebonnet2006's Xanga

Donde esta?

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 23:12:34 GMT

I am sorry that I haven't been checking back in here as often as I used to. I do try to check the comments and happenings around here periodically and while many might not think that I am keeping up with you, I do try to from time to time, albeit not even close to 100%. As such, if you drop me a line from time to time to let me know how you are doing, I assure you it will not go wasted.

In the meantime, I have been blogging lots on CherryTap, MyFoxAustin, Statesman, and not quite as much on MySpace, Xanga, Blogger, and Yahoo360, although I miss my friends who were regularily giving me the added push. more recently I have been combining efforts into WordPress which has been an interesting experience, albeit it is still in the early formulation stages and may be still too early to tell. My site on WordPress, I refer to as iWIM - the entire URL though is www.iWIM.WordPress.com. Come check it out when you can.

Besides blogging, I have been basically working and sleeping throughout the day and night. I have, though, started some projects --

Bluebonnet Hunt - my annual search for the perfect Bluebonnet photo

The Cross Project - my photo hunt for pictures of crosses in a variety of resources to create a project that will, hopefully, enable some proceeds go to victims of domestic violence and more trainings available for the Church staffs about domestic violence issues. Currently looking for someone to commit to publishing before I get too deep involved in the cost of searching for all the forms of the crosses.

My blogging has reached new depths now. I truly want to write those books I have had in mind for the past few years, but was not feeling quite ready. I have written out many things before, but they got lost in moves and/or in computer crashes. Now I have writer fever. I am tempted to go rent a cabin for a week to stay at and buckle down with the writing. Trouble is, I am not keen about moving my computer system with me (or even if the cabin is set up for it). Hmmm... maybe, I'll just give my apartment a good cleaning through, open up the windows, and buckle down within my own apartment and "Just Do It!" as the Nike slogan would have you believe that it is a perfectly plausible and simple thing to do.

It will be my birthday soon (well, actually, tomorrow). I'll be 48 years young at that time and on the way to being a Grandma for the first time when my beloved daughter and her significant love have their first baby on/about July 8th.

I will continue from time to time continue to check back here with my friends that I haven't been quite so on top of lately. My projects are inspiring me to climb further up those mountains. I am desperately needing some commitments from publishers to believe in me and give me the incentives to continue working to the light at the end of the tunnels. If you have any ideas/suggestions, please, oh please, let me know.

In the meantime, any words of advice or encouragement will always be appreciated. I look forward to hearing more from you; just don't be discouraged if it seems like for-ever in between my updates to you.

Blessings to all.

Kat

Where Are the Fans???

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:07:18 GMT

I can't stand Sanjaya staying on the American Idol show this season as much as the next person. My stomach just ties into a curl each week as he reappears.

Howard Stern is behind the ploy to vote for the worst, which is why supposedly that the worst has kept flying through the rankings each week and has managed to stay on despite that there are many other talented singers who certainly deserve to remain. The first knee jerk reaction I have is, "If Sanjaya actually wins, I am not watching the American Idol ever again!" But wait. Is that what, perhaps, Howard Stern's true goal is? If I, and all the American Idol fans who are soured by these antics, do suddenly not watch the show any more, then Howard Stern wins with his antics.

Can't help but wonder it the American Idol folks aren't secretly behind this in order to add controversy? or, maybe they had a bet with Howard Stern saying that their fans would outvote whatever votes that he would drive up because the fans would be determined that their favorite fan wins? Perhaps, in driving up the votes, they are hoping that they will actually meet the goals that they have set for themselves to for their charity; even Sanjaya's votes are actually helping them to meet their charity goals as well.

Maybe the fault is American Idol in itself for having some weak singers this season; very few truly stand out above and beyond the rest. The real contest is going to start when it comes down to what I consider the top 6 -- Lakeisha, Melinda, Phil, Blake, Chris R, and Jordan. All of these folks have talents and ways of entertaining that surpass all the others. Haley holds her own because she is beautiful despite she really doesn't have that pizzaz; Gina has her distinct moments when she can entertain (although last night was clearly not a good night for her); but, Sanjaya actually did a decent performance with his determination that he could sing (although he showed the world that he is indeed an entertainer despite that over all he just really can't sing all that well to warrant continuing to move up the ranks). Perhaps, that is the reason that Simons' only comment after Sanjaya's performance was "incredible" (demonstrating his whole frustration in the Sanjaya phenomena). By the way, it certainly won't surprise me at all if this whole antic will go into the Sociology or Marketing textbooks as the "Sanjaya Phenomena".

All that being said though, one certainly has to ask where are all the American Idol fans? The only way I see to combat the evilness of Howard Stern is to out vote his following (or, maybe create a new worst to vote for????).

What do you think????

Dance of the Muse

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 05:39:07 GMT

In going through a Vogue magazine in between crisis calls that was left here at work tonight, I ran across an article by Allegra Kent called, "dance of the muse", wherein she "recalls a time when her playful form was the inspiration for her husband's -- the great ballet master Balanchine's -- art."

What caught my eye, indeed, was the whimsical picture of Allegra in a flowing dress holding a rose in one hand and leaning towards the other in her bare feet. So free. So flowing.

I am thinking, what happend to me? I used to be just a playful and free spirited.

Was it all the responsibilities of being a single parent for all of these years?

Was it being "broken" by two abusive husbands in the past?

Am I hiding behind the injuries that occurred to me almost three years ago? After all, it isn't the swollen ankles that truly represents who I am, but the spirit within me that people generally love about me. I think, sometimes, people really like to get me exceptionally excited about something because they love to hear me stumbling with the excitement, one word over another, because they will look at me, with the biggest grin on their face, and say "slow down, slow down"!! :D Then we are all laughing so very hard that I end up losing a my breath a bit and start coughing these days especially.

I miss the whimsical nature that was represented in the photograph (See Vogue Oct 2006 issue, page 130) about myself.

How do I regain that muse of a nature that is so reminiscent of who I truly am?

Part of it has been restarted by listening to a meditation CD called, Bridging the Gap. I have used the CD for the last 2 days. The first day was a bit awkward because I had a migraine that morning before laying down; as a result it was effective, but, obviously, not as effective as it could be. Today, I used it again and slept so very soundly. In fact, I don’t remember hearing the track 2 for the CD this time; just dozed completely until 4pm today.

I feel rested and rejuvenated. It is absolutely amazing at how this CD has affected me. For the second time within the past week, I feel like doing a jig (the first time in the past week was when I truly started feeling better from being so sick during the last couple of weeks).

Perhaps, this is a journey that I am meant to be on at this time. It feels right. So, for now, I am renaming my pathway the "dance of the muse"!!

:D

SafePlace Walk 2007 - Austin, Texas

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 05:56:27 GMT

Each year I am involved with some form of advocacies to help make this world a better place. Last year, some of you may know, I participated in the SafePlace Walk (2006).

In Austin alone, 1/3 of the homicides were due to domestic violence. We are all striving to change that.

These are some of the photos I took of those who were part of the SafePlace Walk (2006).

I am looking forward to participating in the SafePlace Walk (2007) and have begun recruiting my team as well as have registered to help with various aspects of the walk. If you feel like you can help in some way, please visit my SafePlace Walk 2007 site.

Moobaby's Debut as a Star!!

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 11:44:06 GMT

This is my first attempt at setting up a video on YouTube. Be gentle and please feel free to come and give it some ratings, if you like, by Clicking Here!. I would love a showing for my video I created with the cat chasing the screen curson while laying on top of the monitor!

Thanks! :D

Kat

Abused Men Victims

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 03:12:14 GMT

A friend of mine posted a blog posting on another site complaining that there was nowhere for him to call when he was being abused by his then wife. Here is my response. Please share with other men victims of domestic violence:

"The National Domestic Violence Center is who you would call. 1-800-799-SAFE. It helps victims of domestic violence -- whether you are male or female, straight or gay relationship, etc. The NDVH only serves to those who are in intimate partner abuse. For instance, NDVH doesn't serve the parent-child relationship or the abuse one receives from a bully or assailiant; the exception to that is sexual abuse because NDVH does have sexual assault programs in the database as well.

I work as an advocate in the domestic violence spectrum for many years in many capacities -- and, yes, also being a victim of domestic violence.

Truthfully, even the women services weren't like they are today. I was found and followed my by ex when I was supposedly put up where he couldn't find me in 1987. That still happens today, but less often. They are much more safety conscience than they were before.

That having been said, men services and shelters are being offered these days. Last year there were only known about 5 men shelters across the United States; this year, the numbers have risen drastically as the awareness is being made.

The problem too is that the congress didn't believe that men needed these services too and wouldn't supply the funding. A couple years ago, the funding was cut drastically, and the shelters that once were able to provide hotel vouchers in the past could no longer do so because they lost the funding.

Where do you call, you ask???

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you contact your state coalitions who work with the legistlators to convince them of funding AND you write the legislators themselves to let them know that you have been a victim of domestic violence and you would like - no, demand! - a change in the way that they see things and grant more fundings for more men services and shelters.

Okay...
stepping down...
from my soap box.

Any questions???

Just ask!!

:D"

Del.icio.us - A bookmark system...

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 02:20:47 GMT

that you can access from anywhere anytime. No more, "Dang! I have that bookmarked on my home computer!" (while you are at work)..."...I have that bookmarked on my work computer!" (while you are at home).

Did you know re Teen Dating Abuse????

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:37:56 GMT

Groundbreaking Research Provides Clear Evidence That Technology is Taking Teen Dating Abuse to Disturbing New Levels, Yet Abuse Remains Hidden From Parents?
Thursday February 8, 9:00 am ET
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey on
teens and dating abuse released today reveals that an alarming number of teens in dating relationships are being controlled, threatened and humiliated through cell phones and the Internet with unimaginable frequency. The research also reveals disturbing data that a significant majority of parents are completely unaware of this type of dating abuse and the dangers facing their teens.

Among the many findings:

   Teens report dating abuse via technology is a
serious problem

   * 71% of teens regard boyfriends/girlfriends
spreading rumors about them on cellphones and social networking sites as a serious problem.

   * 68% of teens say boyfriends/girlfriends sharing private or embarrassing pictures/videos on cell phones and computers is a serious problem.

Cell phone calls and texting at unimaginable frequency mean constant control day and night

   * Nearly one in four teens in a relationship (24%) communicated with their partner via cellphone or texting HOURLY between midnight and 5:00am.

   * One in three teens (30%) say they are text
messaged 10, 20, 30 times an hour by a partner
inquiring where they are, what they're doing, or who they're with.

For the complete article go to:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070208/nyth044.html?.v=82

**NEW RESOURCE

New National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline to Provide
Urgent Support For Teens

Loveisrespect.org is the online home of the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
http://www.loveisrespect.com/

** A teen initiative

TEAR, stands for Teens Experiencing Abusive
Relationships. Founded by teen survivors of abusive relationships, it is an organization fully run by teens.

http://www.teensagainstabuse.org/index.php

** Info on dating violence en español

For those of you interested in doing outreach in
Spanish, this 2006 press release (that includes some teen dating violence stats) is also available in Spanish.

Unprecedented Levels of Teen Dating Violence and Abuse Uncovered

13% of Hispanic Teens View Physical Abuse as
Acceptable Compared With 4% National Average

<http://www.hispanicprwire.com/news.php?l=in&id=6015&cha=6>

<http://www.hispanicprwire.com/news.php?l=es&id=6015&cha=6>

I found my glasses today!!

Sun, 14 Jan 2007 00:34:49 GMT

It has been going on about five years now since my husband's death. Somethings haven't changed since then -- ie, leaving the tv on to drown out the silence, leaving a light on in the apartment so I am not afraid of what might may go bump in the night, never dreaming it seems again (perhaps fearing the same dream that I dreamed before he died), and leaving my glasses on (even while sleeping; even if having sex with someone I date since his death).

Two nights ago was significant in some changes, as I finally dreamed. Of course, it was about family and all of us returning to my Dad's roots in a small southwest Texas town, where I had once been close to many of my relatives there.

It was a very moving dream and one that made me feel not quite so abandoned by my family. After all, they haven't known what to say to make it all better for me and have just avoided talking to me; as well as I have avoided talking to them a great deal because of not knowing what to say.

At any rate, last night, I thought I just might take off my glasses and set them aside of me on a dresser for a change of pace. Again, I slept well when I did that. I, at least, got 6 hours of sleep in straight! When I awoke, they weren't there.

I felt around for them but couldn't see them. It is hard to see glasses that are mostly glass with a thin gold frame around them in the recesses of the corner of the room -- especially, when you have fuzzy vision.

I walked away, a bit frustrated and with a small degree of helplessness in being able to find my means of 20/20 vision. I looked for a flashlight, but none could be found. Finally, going back...and feeling around some more...and, perhaps, the cat who had originally knocked them off of the dresser, nudged my arm in a direction. I found them!!

I was never so happy. I wasn't looking forward to having to drive without my glasses for any period of time. While I know that I probably need to see a doctor and get the prescription updated after having these lenses for the last five(?) years, I just wasn't prepared to go get a new set just yet. Perhaps, when I get my tax refund in the Spring, I will; just not now.

The old addage of when you are going through some adversities that, "You didn't get there overnight; you are not going to heal overnight," is very true indeed.

Just when you think that you are completely healed, there comes out of nowhere some other significant factors that occur to remind the recesses of your mind that healing is a continual process, and, if anyone were to tell you that it took them a few months to get over the pains, is probably not being completely truthful to themselves, although, on the surface they can put up appearances that they have indeed completely healed.

Blogging has been my healing process of a means to express. I thank God for that outlet; it has truly been a salvation in many ways, and the friends that I have met and been touched by along the way. I will probably never give up my blogging, but, thankfully, I was able to find my glasses today!!!

IMPACT POWER OF WORDS

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 22:57:53 GMT

Just read an article in a recent publication of ADVANCE (for Medical Laboratory Professionals) dated October 23, 2006. The article, "Mud Tossed Into a Clean Pool: Is there scientific proof that thoughts and words have tangible effects?", by Glen McDaniel, starts off with a twist of the cliche that many think about:

"Incredible as it may sound, it appears that not just sticks and stones, but words, can also hurt."

In the domestic violence world, we know that the words that can resonate loudly to another's soul -- whether it be for the good or bad. Hopefully, it is all good, but, as we know from working with domestic violence victims, the words are often used as triggers to upset the balance of the soul, to belittle the person, to exert power and control over another, etc.

The author of the article goes on further to quote Orison S. Marder's own observation:

"Our destiny changes with our thought, we shall become what we wish to become, do what we wish to do,only when our habitual thought corresponds with our decision."

I do, sincerely, believe that something to exacting some form of a change with decisions that we make, especially if we attempt to set forth positive decisions. Setting forth the positive is sometimes difficult at times; however, finding that silver lining or positive stroke can seem quite distant at times. When we do find that silver lining and/or positive stroke, we can finally set those wheels in motion.

When I work with victims of crimes and domestic violence, I have to say that one of the first things that I encourage them to do is to get the counselling that they need in order to heal their wounds, caused by viscious words that stab through their souls sometimes deeper than any physical harm can do, and allow them to be able to move forward through a variety of steps including, but not necessarily limited to, talking about safety planning and red flag identification so that they don't have to fall into the same trap of being a victim of any crime or domestic violence again. When the cloud that looms over them is removed and they can, once again, be able to see the light, they can also find inklings of that silver lining and/or positive strokes, and set their lives into motion with renewed strength and vigor.

The author ends his article stating, "Words are powerful. Use them wisely." I would certainly have to agree and encourage all to move forward with utilizing this sage advice into their everyday lives and try to affect everyone that they can with their positive words to powerfully affect everyone and project them into positive cycles of their lives!