The Empress on Being Thankful

So What are you thankful for?

Whenever I am asked this question, the first answer that pops into my head is ... I'm  thankful for not being one of these people who walk around with their head stuck up their ass!

While that answer, for some, may come across as crass -- it is my sincerest  heartfelt feelings.  And I don't make any apologies for it.

It is my hope  that one day,  I can say with conviction ... I am thankful there are no more people walking around with their heads up their asses!

I can dream -- can't I?

I could go on and on about what I am thankful for ... but I won't.  The list is enormous and  there isn't enough room on this note to list every single thing I am thankful for.   Sufficient to say ... I am one very  thankful person. 

I'll be spending the last Thursday in November helping those in need.  Paying it forward by continuing my work in doing all I can to relieve the Earth of the gruesome  burden  of this ever increasing epidemic known as  cranial uppitus gluteus maximus malfuctionus more commonly known as ... head up the ass disorder.

And yes, before you say anything ... I realize I have my work cut out for me. 

At any rate ... I wish to express my utmost thanks to ALL of You for being a part of my journey!  Granted, Some of you, I really think I  could have done without.   Irregardless, know that I am thankful for the time we shared -- even more  thankful that it was a short length of time!  Not to mention,  I am extremely thankful knowing our paths will never cross outside this virtual world.  

For those of you who have been with me the longest, and continue walking with me on this path ... you are some really twisted and  sick so and so's!  Something I truly appreciate in a person!    I am so very thankful that you are MY  twisted and sick so and so's!

 With sincerest gratitude ... I am compelled to say in closing,  that no matter how far your head may be up your ass ... no matter how sick and twisted you are ... no matter  how long you may be in my life or how short that time may be ... I am Thankful for each and every one of you! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Extreme and Unncessary Punishment: Changes Need to Be Made Within Our School System

My daughter attends High School here in Jefferson County, Kentucky. She was placed in ISAP (Detention) for the full day due to a “dress code” violation.   She wasn’t wearing a belt.

While I appreciate the importance of rules and the need to enforce them, I am appalled by the extreme disciplinary tactics in dealing with dress code infractions.  Denying a child access to her/his classes and then placing them in the same room with children with distinct and continuous  behavioral problems?  All due to not having a belt to wear?

Is it me or does anyone else find this extreme?   

And not only is it extreme -- but is cheating a child out of their class time and their education. 

This, in my opinion, is not only a form of neglect, but an abuse of power by the faculty and staff. And I assure you, I am not alone in my opinion in this regard.

My child (and a few other children as well)  missed out on her classes, denied her education, and will be counted as an UNEXCUSED ABSENTEE due to this infraction.   Again, for emphasis, I will point out that She was placed in the same detention room with children that exhibit behavioral problems -- all due to the simple fact she was not wearing a belt.

Now again ...  ask yourselves -- isn't this a bit extreme? 

I do understand the "No Sagging Pants" rule!  And trust me, I am ALL for it!  Nothing irritates me more than seeing boys and men alike with their backsides hanging out.  Disgusting!


But my daughter's pants were NOT sagging.   In fact, her not wearing a belt was barely even noticeable.     I am by no means saying she should not have incurred discipline for the infraction.    Rules are rules.  But to be forced to miss an entire day of school?   Does anyone else see the problem here?  

*~*~*~*~*~*

Now please understand.  Had my daughter been given detention after school, neither she nor I would have taken issue. She would have gotten her day of education, paid for her infraction and everyone would have gone about their merry way. 

Instead, the individual "in charge" of handing out punishment chose to take it a few steps further. Instead of taking into consideration my child's educational needs; instead of choosing a more appropriate venue to discipline her for the infraction ... this individual chose instead to abuse her authority, violate my child's legal rights to a proper education,  all in order to prove who was in charge.

So I ask you ... What message is this sending out to not only my daughter, but all the other children who were “written up”, punished and denied their education, due to the same type of infractions?

It is telling them, in short, that abuse of power is perfectly acceptable.      

That wearing a belt is far more important than your education!   

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Now what bothers me and my daughter the most about this little incident is how the staff and faculty alike ... will pick and choose who is to be punished for these dress code infractions!


I have been at this high school on more than one occasion.  And each time I have seen young girls wearing skirts so short that you could see their underwear each time they moved.  I have seen both boys and girls wearing pants so tight, you would swear they had been spray painted on.     I have sat in the office of this very high school  and seen first hand some rather offensive and inappropriate outfits on young teenage girls --- outfits that the staff and faculty of this particular high school who seem to not even notice.  Or just choose to ignore altogether. 

 
I have actually mentioned these infractions to a few of the teachers online ... each of them denying seeing anything like that in their class room.     Not that I am saying they are lying.  I wasn't in their class room.  Perhaps the students I saw dressed inappropriately didn't attend their classes.  Apparently by the responses I have gotten ... those particular students didn't.  :-)


And then there is the information I got from not only by my daughter, but by other students as well, regarding incidents involving  a few male students who had dress code infractions but were giving after school detention.    Furthermore, I was informed that these particular students had on cargo pants -- a few who had on regular pants were not wearing belts!

*~*~*~*~*~*

Some of you may be asking why I didn't just bring her the belt.   When she called me, I was literally on my way out to two job interviews on the opposite side of town.  I don't have a car, I have no friends or family close by who could have helped get her the belt.  And I don't have money for cab fare. 


To get to the school, I have to take two buses.  The second bus I have to take that brings me to the school does not run as often as the bus I take to get to the transfer point.   In fact, when I finally was able to get to the school that day, I actually had  to wait 35 minutes for that  second bus.  And once you are on that second bus, it's a little over 45 minutes ride, by the way.   In short, it takes almost 2 hours by bus to get to the school.  


Now why would I choose going on job interviews over bringing my child a belt?  

Our finances are rapidly depleting, and I need a job to keep a roof over our heads, utilities to pay and have to put food on the table.  

Not to mention I couldn't reschedule the interviews -- So I made an executive decision. 

In short -- I am a single parent with no other resources available.  And whose money is running out.   And in all seriousness ... I really found it hard to believe that they would actually force her to stay in detention all day for not wearing a belt!   

Other parents are in similar situations.  Some in worse predicaments.   Please understand, I'm not implying that special treatment be given to any of us who find themselves in these situations.  I am only asking that if you, the educator,  find yourself in a position to discipline my child, then do so -- but don't cheat him/her out of an education because of he/ she has either forgot or was unable to obtain suitable attire.     There are other means of discipline available that doesn't include deliberately withholding their education! 

*~*~*~*~*~*

Of course, many would say that I, as the parent, should have made sure my daughter had the belt.    And this is what I have to say to that.  My daughter is a very responsible young woman.  She doesn't make a habit of non-compliance.     She is 16 yrs old and old enough to know the difference from right and wrong.     She works very hard to follow the rules.  And she doesn't require me doing a spot check before she leaves for school.    She always dresses appropriately.  

This particular day was an exception.   And I will state once again, I am not saying nor am I implying that she should not have been disciplined for the infraction.    

What I am stating -- out right-- is the  punishment for this infraction was way over the top -- no matter how you look at it.


Again, for emphasis ... my daughter  was willing to take the punishment ... but she had no idea it would mean she would not be allowed to attend class all day.  Her first period teacher was also under the impression that she would be given detention AFTER school.  

*~*~*~*~*~*

Please know and understand ... 

• I am not placing blame on the school for my child's failure to remember to wear a belt.    On the contrary! If and when my child breaks the rules, I stand behind the school.  My children know this about me.

• I am not saying she should not have been disciplined for the infraction.    She broke the rules -- intentional or not.  And we both agree that she did break the rules. Not intentionally.  But she was ready to accept the consequences. 

• I am saying (again for emphasis) there is no clear way that this school nor the school board itself can honestly nor in good conscience justify this kind of disciplinary action for this type of infraction! On any scale of the imagination!

THESE are my points!   

*~*~*~*~*~*

Now instead of an all day detention for dress code violations, why not instead ... 

• do an after school detention;  or
• a Saturday detention; or
• have them pay a fine

And if they can't pay the fine, have the child who has been found in non-compliance of the dress code, work in the school lunch room or office during free periods ... or after school ... until that fine has been paid off.

*~*~*~*~*

I am not going to let this matter go.  Even though I have been "advised" by actual members of the school system to do so.   I was actually told out right, and I quote ... you can't win ... not with "them."  Unquote.

And yes, I know exactly what they mean when they say that.    
 

But the internet is a powerful tool.    In short, I will let my voice be heard.  And I will not let this matter go. 

Being The Change Through Ho’Oponopono

If you are thinking and believing one person doesn’t make a difference -- for good or for bad.    If you think and/or believe you can’t do anything about what is going on in the world …  then consider one Dr. Hew Len.

A little over thirty years ago, Dr. Hew Len, through the ancient practice of Ho’Oponopono, worked healing on a mental hospital.  The results were astounding!

Read More about it:  http://rosariomontenegro.hubpages.com/hub/How-Dr-Hew-Len-healed-a-ward-of-mentally-ill-criminals-with-Hooponopono

By taking responsibility for SELF … you change the physical world around you.

Dr. Hew Len took responsibility for his SELF when working with the mental hospital -- and look what happened.

Now if one man can do this with a mental hospital -- imagine what would happen if ALL of us followed in Dr. Hew Len’s foot steps! 

The Great News … I, and countless others, are consciously practicing this ancient Hawaiin ritual of self cleansing and clearing.   Of taking responsibility for Self.

While  I can’t speak for the others -- I can personally tell you since implementing Ho’Oponopono into my daily life … I have seen some pretty amazing things take place… within myself and all around me! 

Those who have known me for a good long time have mentioned the changes they have seen with me.  I’m still me -- just a more improved me! 

It isn’t easy -- no one said it would be.  But it’s worth the effort!  You bet it is!

I have to tell you ... the more I do Ho’Oponopono -- the more I want to do it!  The more I need to do it!  It's very addictive!

Now ... If you are serious about being the change you wish to see in the world … then I urge you to begin implementing Ho’Oponopono in your own life!    Embrace it with all you are -- and then make ready for the incredible results that come pouring forth!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

PLEASE NOTE:

All articles posted on this Blog are protected by International Copy Right Laws. Any portion of these articles copied, whether in part or in whole, are to include full acknowledgements of the author, (Name, website, blog site, as well as any and all contact information) Followed by the copyright symbol © .

All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

The “Occupy ‘Self Responsibility’ Movement”

When it actually began -- no one knows for certain.  But you can bet your bottom dollar -- it has been around for a very, very long time! 

How many are an active part of this particular “occupy movement”  -- is unknown.   But rest assured -- their numbers are vast -- and they are growing. 

 The many members of this "movement"  are All who are ready, willing and desiring to create, initiate and motivate the real changes.    They are  All of those people  who are willing to take and accept 100%  responsibility for Self -- they are those who have already accepted 100% responsibility for everything taking place throughout  the world; they are ALL  those who now know the “other person” isn’t to blame.

They are those who know -- who believe -- who live by-- being the change they desire to see in the world!  They are the ones who do not wait for the "other person"  -- but take the initiative to do it -- to just do it!

*~*~*

“Whatever a man is sowing -- he shall reap.”   
Galations 6:7 ~ The Christian Bible

“Thoughts are energy!  And wherever your thoughts go -- energies flow!” 

~Louise L. Hay~

*~*~*

Each and every single one of us are contributors to this world -- to this reality.  The size of your contribution doesn’t matter.    You -- and you alone -- are responsible for your individual contribution.

Like the tiny pebble that raises the level of the sea -- you too cause a rise in the global consciousness.

And if you don't believe that ... then consider the following:

Over the course of your life -- how many times have you uttered or just thought the phrase …   “I can’t afford it”?    that very thought created the global reality of lack.

How many envy what others have?  How many wished for things they could not afford?  How many have gone into debt for things they could very well do with out -- but bought them because they wanted them?  Because their friends, family and neighbors had them? 

How many have mocked and teased others for being too poor to afford the over priced name brand items?  How many have looked down on others for being poor?  For being homeless?  How many have mistreated others because they were seen as different some how? 

How many go without giving thanks for what they do have?   How many go without helping others in need?

How many have taken more than their fair share?  By stealing and killing.   And this doesn’t just fall on the rich-- the poor fall into this category as well  my friends. 

Those very thoughts have help create the global reality of greed -- and a sense of entitlement!  These very thoughts alone have created a “class warfare” -- one that has been taking place for centuries.

How many of you complain of big corporations polluting our land, water and air?  Now  how many of you drive cars?  Big SUVs?  How many of you routinely pick up the trash off the streets?  How many of you have the luxuries of microwaves, air conditioners, furnaces, computers, the latest cell phones?  How many of you use paper products of all varieties?  How many of you recycle? 

Yes, we ALL have contributed to the pollution -- and continue to contribute in some way or another.

We are ALL responsible.  Each and every single one of us.   No exceptions!

If you hate someone because they hurt another person or hurt an animal -- you are only perpetuating the cycle of hatred.  You are not doing that person and/or  animal any justice by thinking of doing harm and/or acting on that thought of doing harm.

Your thoughts of revenge only perpetuate the cycle of abuse.

*~*~*~*~*

Whatever seed you are planting -- your harvest will be reaped globally.    And if you don’t believe that -- take a good look around you.  Take inventory of all those times you had a certain thought -- and then take note of how that very thought manifested world wide.

Yes, your very thoughts are  spreading -- evolving -- expanding -- and moving across the globe.  Can you feel it?  Can you see it?

*~*~*~*~*

“Be the Change you wish to see in the World!”  ~ Ghandi

Occupying 'Self Responsibility' is the first step in making the real changes you desire to see in this world.  After all -- it all begins and ends with Self!   Your ... Self!

It is -- has always been -- and continues to be … all about …

Y.O.U.  

Your Own Understanding 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Of all these things mentioned above  -- and so much more -- I take 100% responsibility.  No one else is to blame!  No One else is at fault!  I am 100% responsible!

I myself have thought these things stated -- even acted out on some of them.  

I am responsible.  100% Responsible.

I am Sorry!  Please Forgive Me!  I Thank You!  And …
 

I LOVE YOU!

PLEASE NOTE:

All articles posted on this Blog are protected by International Copy Right Laws. Any portion of these articles copied, whether in part or in whole, are to include full acknowledgements of the author, (Name, website, blog site, as well as any and all contact information) Followed by the copyright symbol © .

All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

Domestic Violence: It's EVERYBODY'S Business!

Domestic Violence does not discriminate against age, race, color, creed, gender or sexual orientation.


The U. S. Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) defines domestic violence as a "pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner". 

The definition adds that domestic violence "can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender", and that it can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse

Our society, both here in the United States and world-wide, have been conditioned to think and believe that domestic violence only means women and children.   But the sad fact is, it also includes boys and men.

“When we ignore male victims of domestic abuse, we also ignore their children, who continue to be damaged by witnessing the violence regardless of how severe it is. We cannot break this intergenerational cycle by ignoring half of it. That's why a global coalition of experts has formed to support a research-based, inclusive approach, and their website has solid data showing women initiate the violence as often as men.”

Source:  National Family Violence Legislative Resource Center:


While the “statistics” show a large number of women reporting -- these numbers cannot be trusted as being accurate.   Though there are many, many who are truthfully reporting, there is a growing percentage of reporting done for the sole purpose  to get back at their spouse, boyfriend, significant other.

FACT:  The majority of men who are experiencing domestic violence will not report it.   

As with women, domestic violence against men can take many forms, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse and threats of abuse. Keeping in mind it happens in heterosexual and same sex relationships.

Due to our primary focus being conditioned to read the signs on a woman or child, recognizing those same signs of domestic violence against men isn‘t easy.    They’re there!  You only need to drop the stigma, broaden your perspective in order to see it.

As with women, early in the relationship, a man’s  partner might seem attentive, generous and protective in ways that later turn out to be controlling and frightening. Initially, the abuse might appear as isolated incidents. Their partner might apologize and promise not to abuse them again.

In other relationships, domestic violence against men might include both partners slapping or shoving each other when they get angry — and neither partner seeing himself or herself as being abused or controlled.   This type of violence, however, can still devastate a relationship, causing both physical and emotional damage.

Domestic Violence Against Men:  KNOW THE SIGNS  Click HERE

*~*~**~*~*

If you are a man and are living with abuse, and you are too ashamed to reach out … PLEASE know there are people willing to believe you and help you!  It doesn’t matter where in the world you are -- there is help!

http://www.batteredmen.com/

http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/mens_advice.php


If you or someone you know is living with domestic violence … please seek help! 

http://dahmw.org/

National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE

The Domestic Abuse Hotline is for BOTH men and women!

Knowledge is power!  Get the Information!

 http://www.dm.usda.gov/shmd/aware.htm



My Blog from October 2010:  http://juliakcole.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html


Only TOGETHER can we break the cycle!

Being The Dregs Master

dregs:   the most undesirable parts;  the last remaining parts

Back when I was a kid, I saw this documentary on how gold is made into bullion.  It was fascinating to watch those little nuggets melted down and the man skimming the top of that golden liquid with a ladle like instrument.  The narrator informed us that he was removing the dregs. 

Being a curious child, I asked my mother what dregs were.  She said that was the stuff that was useless and worthless.  The same process was used in making wine, she told me.     I then asked what would happen if they kept those dregs in.  She informed me that the gold would be worthless and the wine would go bad.  It would be of no use to anyone!

The removal of the dregs is a painstaking process that reaps great rewards.  It is a process that cannot be hurried.    Dependent upon the individual product, the removal technique may require numerous efforts before all the dregs are completely removed and the product is ready.    And any one who has enjoyed a great glass of wine or who has held a piece of processed gold can surely appreciate the tireless labors of the dregs master!

Dreg masters are very focused in their jobs.  They have to be!  One dreg, no matter how small, can cause ruin and create a costly do over!

During the course of our spiritual awakening process -- we each must become our very own Dregs Master.   While there are numerous practices that are available to assist us through our self dregs removal -- Ho'O pono pono has proven to be the most affective.  At least it has been for me ... and countless others.

Now there are those who have attempted the practice of Ho’O pono pono  and have   stop doing it after a few tries.  Reason being is  because of what rises to the surface.   They either find it too hard to deal with or just a little bit scary overall. (Speaking from experience, I can tell you -- it does get a little ugly from time to time!  To say the very least!)  Some even stop doing it because they haven’t seen any “instant results!” 

Like the Dreg Masters, we have to keep dipping, skimming and removing until we have reached the final product.   It isn’t easy.  No one said it would be!

Whenever the same dregs keep surfacing, it is a signal of  what we need to work through.  There is a reason it keeps coming back to the top.  Fortunately, you don’t even have to know that reason and/or reasons in order for Ho’O pono pono to work!   As Dregs Master, all you are required to do is:  dip, skim, and remove! 

For those who keep asking …  why does certain issues, circumstances, situations, people … or all of the above … seem to rise to the surface more than others?    The answer is simple.    That which you cling to the most ... is the very thing that rises up so often.

Ignore it all you like, but I promise you … in some way …shape, form or fashion … that issue you cling to … will show itself over and over and OVER again … until you face it -- acknowledge it -- accept responsibility for it -- and then release it  to Creators for completion of the end product.

There are issues I cling to -- and they follow me wherever I go.  Damn thing will pluck out certain people with the same energies to push the dregs up so far -- that I find myself unable to get around it!  Leaving me with the choice of either carrying the stinky shit around or dip, skim and remove it all!

And yes ...  there are days when I choose to just roll around in the shit.  Only because it’s easier than taking responsibility. 

Being a skillful Dregs Master requires patience.    And yes loves!  I am very well aware of how many of us feel about patience.   Patience is something the majority of us shun as though it were a leper.   But the interesting thing about Patience -- it doesn’t like being ignored!    Ever notice that?  It will hound you!  Hunt you down like a fugitive and will pound you until you finally cry UNCLE!!!!  In the end …patience wins out!  Every time! 


Being the Dregs Master in our lives requires persistence and consistency.  You can’t just do it once and declare it finished!  We have had many life times honing our programs to perfection.  As a result, we have accumulated a lot of unnecessary non-essentials along the way.  So it’s going to take a lot of dipping, skimming and removing!  And in some cases, you may have to dip, skim and remove those same dregs many times over before the removal process is complete.

Like the gold nugget and the grapes -- there are processes to undergo in order to reach the desired effect.  No steps can be skipped.   It may take a good long while before the end product can be seen by the physical eye.  But in the end … all the efforts will prove worthwhile!    And just like that gold nugget and those grapes …  Everyone benefits!  And Everyone enjoys the end product!

Being the Dregs Master isn’t easy!  Then again, no one said it would be!   But as long as you keep the end result in mind -- be consistent and persistent in the removal process-- you’ll do just fine!


Namaste!

PLEASE NOTE:

All articles posted on this Blog are protected by International Copy Right Laws. Any portion of these articles copied, whether in part or in whole, are to include full acknowledgements of the author, (Name, website, blog site, as well as any and all contact information) Followed by the copyright symbol © .

All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited

Support The Red Cross

I’m taking this opportunity to remind everyone that The Red Cross needs your continuous support. 

Did you know … The American Red Cross helps people in emergencies every single  day?    It’s True!

Whether its half a million disaster victims or one sick child who needs blood,  their work is made possible by people like you and me.

There are various ways you can help out.  Through financial  donations, blood drives, volunteering to provide assistance in locating and contacting a loved one,  finding and providing shelter and supplies, help others recover from disasters and much, much more!

No special skills are required.    Only your desire to help is needed.  The Red Cross needs people with all kinds of different backgrounds, talents and skill levels. And, if you need training, they will  provide it.

Learn how good it can feel to lend a helping hand -- Support The Red Cross TODAY!

Visit their website at  http://www.redcross.org/ for information