Journal Prompt Answers by *L.V.M.*

 Who makes you feel loved and why?

"My sister because she always tries to make my birthday nice. My best friend because she always remembers to text me and keep me included. My baby boy because he always has a smile for me and gives great hugs. My oldest baby because they are so clever and creative and include me on the way their mind works."

Do you remember much of your past? Why do you think that is?

"I remember bits and pieces. The day-to-day parts blur together and I forget a lot of things until someone reminds me. Probably because they're boring and can't hold my attention."

What does it mean to be a good friend? What type of friend are you?

"Honesty and loyalty are necessary for a good friend. I'm always there to motivate, support, listen, and lift up my friends. I say what I think and do my best to help with problems. Lies are too much drama. My circle of friends know they can trust and rely on me. I can be fun and serious (simultaneously or not) depending on what the situation requires."

TURNING SPARKS INTO FIREWORKS: An Inside Look at Alumni Creativity! by Alanda McRae.

Turning Sparks into Fireworks:

An Inside Look at Alumni Creativity!

Everyone has their own form of creative expression. Some people draw, others pain. Then there are those who have the urge to write novels in front of a computer, and proceed to have their creations critiqued by publishers and editors. So, how are you creative?

Danielle H*, whose favorite artist is Da Vinci, learned from her grandfather how to draw and paint. When asked how often she draws, she had this to say, "Everyday, especially when I have nothing else to do." She then stated, "I love to do artwork because not a lot of people do; most just fake it." When questioned about the emotions she has while drawing, she responds by smiling and says, " I do it for real. I always feel different when I draw, but I always connect to my work."

While listening to Simple Plan, Ruth W* talks about her creative hobbies. They're writing, drawing, acting, directing, and creating computer-generated art. Van Gogh, her favorite artist, is still continuing to inspire her artwork. However, it's her writing that she's most interested in. "I feel happy," she explains. "It's like a rush." When asked about how she plans to tie in writing with her future, she arched an eyebrow and stated coyly, "I can be both a doctor and a writer, you know. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did, after all." While chatting, inquiries were made as to how she discovered she was a talented writer. "Well," she says directly, "my English teachers, including Mrs. Brecheisen, were very persistent on the subject of my writing." 

What inspires our creative sparks? I asked former psychology student and UCHS graduate of 1981, Lyn Marguerite, and she explained it as this, "That is the beauty of creativity - everyone's inspiration is different." She then goes on to say, "For instance, two people can look at the same sunset, and one will be inspired to paint a landscape, while the other will be inspired to write a poem about the death of the day. Creativity," she tells us, "is the art of seeing with your inner eye. While our creativity may sometimes seem dried up, it never dies - it just takes a nap."

Whether our creativity helps us to become the next Michelangelo, or just someone who writes on the walls, the human spirit will forever fulfill the need to share our visions. So, in closing, may we all continue to make masterpieces which turn all the sparks into fireworks for everyone to see. 

Fantasy Forest at Leila Arboretum (Battle Creek, Michigan) Photo by: Lyn McRae.

"Magic Clover" by Sage Sparrow.

*TW!* Sensitive Content ((Poetry))

 #FREE K3$HA: BY VailByNature*

If he wasn't in power,

if the judge didn't wanna be out in the how,

maybe if they knew what we'd been through

they wouldn't do this to you. 

Maybe if he gave a damn

about more than what's in his pants

he wouldn't put you through hell.

Time will never tell.

If he was a woman

instead of a so-called man,

he'd be in jail - it's a fact.

But that "Y" forces you to keep to your contract.

Sad to say this is the normal;

no one stands up against evil.

If your genitalia's external

it's just too easy to destroy the soul.

Women everywhere, we need to take a stand;

we need to stick to our demands.

Destroy this misogynistic bullshit society -

It's passed time to set the Victims FREE...

*Pseudonym*

"Secrets I Hide" (Poetry)

 Floating and I can't come down.

Smiling to hide my frown.

A control freak losing hold of my tether. 

Waiting for the sun to shine down in stormy weather. 

Losing all my feathers as I fly,

drowning the world as a I cry.

Twisted up in the possibilities

as I lose touch with multiple realities.

Rocking side to side, 

lost in a train of thoughts.

These feelings are bona fide. 

In a web of them, I'm caught. 

Like my body and mind

speaking different languages and can't communicate.

Hoping to soon find

help with this string of Fate. 

Earthquake of emotions bringing me down.

Waterfalls of ideas but I don't make a sound.

As I swipe away these tears I've cried,

I remember these are just the secrets I hide...

~A.~

"Obesity due to Anxiety..." By: A.L.M.*

[Welcome to February of 2022, everybody. I promise this won't be about Valentine's Day, though. I originally posted this on my Personal Blog but decided to have this posted on here as well since the physical problem stems from some of my mental health issues.] 

I've had many signs that my already fragile health has been in decline since the pandemic started. I have not gone to see my doctor, however, due to the obvious risk of getting CoVid19 in route. As a pedestrian, I walk and take the bus everywhere I go. This usually doesn't bother me, but the more I tried to get things done this way during this issue, the more uncaring imbeciles I would encounter. Knowing how little our society cares about this very real problem is more than enough to have me embracing my inner hermit. 

The worse I got, the more clear everything became. I read an article where a man having heart problems was denied from over 40 hospitals, eventually ending in his death, due to every hospital being filled with Covid19 patients. It doesn't surprise me that our local hospitals are having the same issue. 

So it isn't really surprising that I went into denial every time my chest started hurting or I couldn't breathe. There are a number of people who'll read this and say, "Maybe it's a panic attack?!" I assure you, as I've had anxiety attacks from the age of 8 years old, I know the difference. 

I take my medicine as prescribed, and my vitamins if things get too bad, but today a new revelation occurred. Now, I've been a bit overweight ever since puberty hit me when I was 10. I became obese somewhere in high school. I've been battling this weight issue for over 20 years. Nothing works because part of it was originally due to my mental health. However, these past few years have definitely made things worse. 

On December 4th I discovered my weight is up to 332 pounds. This is the heaviest I have ever been, including my 2 pregnancies. Was I upset? Absolutely. I have no idea if I've lost or gained since then. I do know my clothes still fit, though...

This said, today was a new revelation. I knew I had gained a lot of weight, specifically in my torso, but I had no idea how bad it really was. I took one of my antacids, as I do when my heartburn and indigestion occurs, only to nearly choke on it. It lodged in my throat because I got distracted and tried to take it like I would my vitamins. My mother was kind enough to perform the Heimlich maneuver about 7 times before she gave up and handed me orange juice instead. I'm too big to properly Heimlich. This is a new low and a new nightmare bringing about a bunch of added anxieties I definitely don't need in my life. 

I realize this isn't helpful in any way, but I have been trying to get back into shape. However, when you have 56DD breasts and asthma on top of being over 30 with all the pain and disfunction that number adds to an already messed up body - is it any wonder I'm having difficulty?

Lazy Girl workouts have been added to my daily life, but having a 5 year old jump on my spine does not encourage me to do much. I had a workout buddy before the pandemic, but this solitude has not been helpful in this tiny hotel room. Have a wonderful day!

*Requested Initials rather than full-name disclosure.*

Submissions by Scott C. (part 3)

***Pain:

Small pain is "normal" a lot of times and is brushed away as being just a little thing to be acceptable. When pain starts to be a little bit more than usual, it's thought of more but isn't to the degree of being a worry or loss of hope. It makes itself known. When pain starts to be a lot of the time, if you have hope - it hasn't gotten you to the point of being totally unable to cope and you're in need of a doctor. If pain starts to get excruciating and last for hours on end, you lose hope and you're no longer in control of certain types of your brain centers. 

Jungles:

Jungles have lots of different types of lives and lots are dangerous. It rains a lot. there are lots of trees, plants, flowers, shrubs, ferns, bushes, and more. There are lots of different types of insects like centipedes, wasps, bees, flies, and more. There are monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas, and they swing on vines that are abundant on trees and even when they fall from a high distance they don't get hurt often. They eat bananas and other fruits. there are lots of deadly snakes and wild pigs, dogs, lions, tigers, and such. Dangerous to other kinds of lives. People shouldn't venture into jungles. 

States of Big Purpose:

Florida, where old people go to retire. It's a state people like because of the weather, Disney World, Sea World, and the house of presidents are big attractions. 

Rich people have their yachts there. It's known for deep sea fishing, surfing, and tanning. The Florida Keys are well known. 

The Rocky Mountains in Colorado and other states are big attractions to take pictures and go camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. 

California is big for Hollywood making films, music, and turning out comedians. There are places that have places with perfect temperatures, and Disneyland gets big business. Fishing is big, too. 

Michigan is big for the car industries, especially in Detroit. The Cereal Capital of the World is in Battle Creek thanks to Post, Kellogg's, and so on. Michigan is also known for Dog Food and pharmaceutical drugs. Plus, that old song about Kalamazoo. 

Being Poor:

Men and women sometimes share the same room of an apartment without the landlord knowing. People shop at Dollar Stores and other low price stores and look in ads of the local Shopper. They go to Charitable Union for clothing, household appliances, and other things. They also frequent garage sales and yard sales. If they can get a pick-up truck, they can scan the streets for things have metal and go to the scrap yard. Finding odd jobs, shoveling snow, cutting grass, janitorial work... getting food stamps. Go to churches for free meals. Picking up returnable containers. Asking churches how to make money. Sometimes checking the junkyard for free furniture... It's hard out here. 

***Disclaimer: These are strictly opinions of the writer and not to be confused with Researched subject material. 

Mental Health - An Acrostic Poem (By L.V.H.)

 Many times I wonder of

Ethers and Realms.

Neverland and normalcy

Together in 

Ambivalence and unlikeliness to

Levy a supporting day. 

Hopefully we all can

Eventually gain

Absolution and

Love for our selves and 

The souls we carry within these

Harping temples of skin and worries. 

Media Recommendations #4 📚🎥🎶

Music:

1. Stevie Nicks
2. Clanadonia
3. Hayley Kiyoko
4. Jessia
5. Elle King

Books:

1. M is for Magic Neil Gaiman
2. Hunting Zoo Cyanide & Happiness
3. The Sleeper and The Spindle Neil Gaiman
4. In Stitchness and in Health Reagan Davis
5. Goodnight, Little Monster Helen Ketteman *(kid's book)*

Movies/T.V. Shows:

1. The Tomorrow War (movie - Amazon Prime)
2. Sabrina the Teenage Witch (t.v. show - from the 90s - Hulu)
3. Riverdale (T.V. Show/ Netflix)
4. The Dangerous Book for Boys (Series. Amazon Prime)
5. Poms (netflix movie)

August Birthdays 🎂 ☻ 💕

 Happy ☻ Birthday 🎂 to the Leos & Virgos of August!

1. Julia P.

• 3. Sally T.
• 5. Robin L.
• 6. Brenda E. / John W.
• 7. Melanie P.
• 8. Dianne P.
• 14. Tyler H. / Glenna J.H.
• 17. Maria P.
• 19. Ella S.
• 21. Tina P.
• 22. Lynn K.
• 23. Staci P.
• 24. John C. / Philip T.
• 26. Alexis F. 
• 30. Leisha G-S.

Whoops it's June!

 First, I'd like to apologize for not posting the May Birthdays or Media Recommendations. It was a chaotic month for everyone.

Musings of 2019 - Curtis McLeichy

Coldwater, MI *Photography by Alanda McRae*

    I like to talk about the weather and how I know it help's me to walk when it's nice. 

    I bathe in the sunshine and clean clothes more often during sunny weather. Sleeping is easier and I feel better in general. 

    I don't forget to eat, listen to music, enjoy television - I even remember to visit my doctor on time when the weather is positive.  

    Now I get a ride to school and doctor appointments. I save money and time. I now use up very little space and have much more time to understand people and read things for school.  

Uncertain Times Call For Desperate Comparative Measures!

Uncertainty reigns supreme this season, as always. 

However, this year is obviously extra morose with all these unnecessary deaths. 

The pandemic stemming from Covid19 has yet to subside and is, once again, rising in numbers. 

The United States prides itself on being a leading nation of the world, yet is too stingy and selfish to follow the simplest of protocols. 

The holidays are right around the corner, but hopefully everyone will have an online get-together rather than risk lives by meeting up in person. 

Wear a mask, if not for your own sake then for the sake of others. There's no need to be selfish! 

If you have an STD, you'd wear a condom. You would use a condom if you're partaking in intercourse without knowledge of your partner's past, as well. 

Yes, this is a comparison of sexual diseases and CoVid19. 

No, it is not a joke or even an extreme comparison. 

If anything, this proves how callous everyone refusing to wear a mask and stay home are actually behaving towards their fellow man, woman, and child. 

Stay safe this season, holidays or not, and try to remember to show compassion to others. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Stereotypes |Prompt Answers| Continued...

 Describe a time when you felt you were unfairly stereotyped because of your age or any other characteristic:

"In my twenties I looked older than now that I'm 41. I like Rap music. People used racial remarks against me. Some people think that because I'm 41 years old, that I'm old. And they think because I smoke that my health is bad. Also, people think I'm fat and too big.  People accuse me of trying to be Black. Now that I'm 41 years old, I look like I'm in my twenties. They also say Asians are hort. And Bruce Lee & Jackie Chan. Also if people go walking at night they might get robbed. By the way, I had and Asian friend. My friend's name was John." -Leon B.

"I was stereotyped on a Thursday when my apartment building caught fire. I tried to call my supervisor early Thursday knowing she would be at work. She was not at work. I tried to get a hold of  another supervisor. She did answer the phone. I asked for emergency leave. She wouldn't grant my request. Stating it had to be granted from my supervisor.  I finally got a hold of my supervisor. She demanded that I come into work on Friday because she was leaving on vacation Saturday. She didn't understand that all my clothes smelled of smoke. The laundry room was on the side of the fire.  My PTSD and Depression was really bad on Friday. I got a newspaper Friday and showed it to my supervisor. She sort of believed me, but told me what I need to have done by the time she got home from vacation.  I got part of the two weeks worth of work done, but I feel she stereotyped me as a lazy person because I didn't get all of it finished.  It was about 6 years ago that she apologized for her actions on that day. My boss said that her actions during that time really bothered her.  I have seen her since, but I talk to her on Facebook now and then more than in person." -Deb G.

"It started when I was 7. I was a self-harmer. The doctor and other people stereotyped that I was doing it for attention, which made me upset. It just made it worse. The cutting went on until I was 21. I cut and cut because people did not understand my illness. It made me sad and upset. People looked at my scars and sometimes would stare. That makes me uncomfortable. Why judge me? It's not fair. Why stare at me? Judge your self. All the doctors look at the past history and not how I am doing now." -Fawnna C.

"I was 8 years old. I went to a foster care home and ran away all the time. So I ran from my problems all my life, never facing them head on. I'm older now and I've come to learn that won't solve anything. My problems are still there and I have been learning to use my coping skills to better my life. Also, I'm tired of running from my problems." -Julie R.

"I cannot think of a time I've been stereotyped, per se. Assumptions have been made by many people, but I don't give those people any of my time. The way I see it, if people can't take the time to know you - then their opinions aren't really worth my emotional investment. It can be annoying when people jump to conclusions, but if you let it get to you - you can't really enjoy your own life and that just doesn't make sense... In the words of Napoleon Bonaparte, 'Life is a battle; stand up and fight.'" -Alanda McRae.

Prompts From Jenny (With Her Answers!)

 List 20 Things That Make Me (You) Smile:

1. Putting on my makeup to start the day
2. Taking a nap with my cat
3. holding my cat
4. listening to music
5. playing on my computer
6. play games with staff
7. riding on the bus
8. money
9. my phone - I drop it & it didn't break! Yes!
10. My nail polishes
11. my paintings
12. shopping
13. my books
14. my music
15. my friends
16. my computer
17. my cat
18. sleeping
19. my skills
20. and my love for people who love me

What I Do When I Hear Voices:

1. Listen to music
2. I keep myself busy
3. I play games with my staff
4. I journal
5. I swing on the park's swings
6. I play and take a nap w/my cat
7. I play on my computer
8. I do crafts
9. I shop
10. I clean

Photography By: Alanda McRae
"Purple Irises"
2009

Autumnal Truths (Scott C.)

 "Fall" by: Scott C.

Trees, grass, flowers, shrubs, and other growths fall asleep before winter settles in. The trees lose their leaves and grow dormant. To me, it's a sign of death, Lives, emotions, thoughts, memories and more change - to a certain extent. The weather starts changing colder. The sky is overcast a lot. Sometimes there is snow and rain. 

"Living with Schizophrenia" by: Scott C.

Sleeping habits vary. Sometimes I sleep a lot and sometimes not. Eating habits vary. And sometimes we think food is poisonous ☠ because of the way it looks or smells. Also, we smell things other people don't smell. Little tasks are sometimes hard. Like making our beds. And to take a shower. Cleaning our room might take hours to finally feel up to getting around and doing it. Pain is also a big factor. Voices are annoying and make it so we can't rest. Forgetfulness is also a part.  

Coldwater Park @ Coldwater, Michigan, USA
September 24th, 2010
Photography by: Alanda McRae

Have a Spooktacular Birthday (OCTOBER BABIES)

OCTOBER Birthdays:

3rd: 

Michael R.

Mike A.

Lynn E.

4th: Darcy Stanton

7th: Diana T.

8th: 

Elizabeth H.

Rhonda G.

9th: Sebastion S.

12th: Mike C.

16th: Donald G. M. (Jr.)

18th: Fawnna C.

19th: Tonja H.

20th: Sheena D.

22nd: Cameron H.

23rd: 

Jenni W.

Za'Mya P.

24th: Avalon B.

25th: Jaime B.

26th: Steve M.

27th: 

Deborah M.

Teresa M. 

29th: Sherylann W.

31st: Joanna W.

ALSO:

Happy Anniversary to Phillis & Daniel M. <3 <3 <3 xoxo.

Diabetes & Low Blood Sugar |Lorrie West|

|Diabetes by Lorrie West|

Living with diabetes has been hard for me. Taking pills and shots every morning and night. Poking my finger for blood for the meter. Reading my meter every day and writing it down so I don't get sick or have high sugar. Or have low sugar. I sure hope I get better and don't have to take shots. It'll be great when that happens. 

Diabetes:

Low blood sugar - you might get low blood sugar {also called hypoglycemia) if you

• Take certain medicines
• eat too few carbohydrates
• skip/delay meals
• take too much insulin or diabetes pills
• are more active than usual

Signs and symptoms - Here's what may happen when your blood sugar is low.

• Shaky / The shakes
• Sweaty
• Dizzy
• Sudden behavior change
• hungry
• weak/tired/fatigue
• headaches
• nervous/upset

If low blood sugar is not treated it can become severe and cause you to pass out. If low blood sugar is a problem for you, talk to your doctor or diabetes care team. 

It is possible to have hypoglycemia without developing diabetes. 

More Core Beliefs (Prompt Answers)

 Five Core Beliefs Which Guide My Life Are:

Deb G.

1. My Religion/Praying
2. Reading Books
3. Writing my novel and poems
4. Visiting with my friends
5. Following my doctor's treatment plans

Laura A.

1. Accept people as they are| They are not going to change because you don't like the way they are
2. There are two things in life: Change and Resistance to Change
3. Your attitude determines your experience
4. Never trust anyone who isn't kind and compassionate to animals
5. There is no mood that cannot be improved by cat pictures
6. (Bonus) Despite all my rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage

*Serenity S.

1. Honesty - Lying is the quickest way to be removed from my life
2. Loyalty - Lack of loyalty can destroy all emotional ties permanently 
3. Empathy - No love 😍 means no trust
4. Baseball - It's exciting, fun, and a great way to pass the time.
5. Music - The best part of emotions and life is found in music.

I know it sounds crazy, but it is what it is...

Scott C.

1. To be good will pay off
2. To be sensitive to others will make a difference
3. That *SUMMER* will make future seasons change my disabilities
4. My beliefs in Christianity will lead me to safety
5. My enemies were tricked & will come back to their senses

*Names were changed as requested.*

Liberty to Love by Alanda McRae

 It is so important to find self acceptance, to be able to laugh in life. Without these things, how can we expect ourselves to love one another? 

How do you find self acceptance when we live in a world full of judgement? In a universe where every move we make is analyzed to the point of not being able to escape rape culture or evolve into a higher state of understanding? Can you find love when you aren't able to laugh (aloud or internally) about anything? 

I want to hear your story. I want to know what you love about yourself. What is the best thing about your life? What makes you smile every day? 

Thank you for your time and I appreciate your reading this through to completion. 

5 Core Beliefs (Prompt Answers)

FIVE CORE BELIEFS THAT GUIDE MY LIFE ARE:

1. Believing in myself
2. Loving myself
3. Loving God
4. Loving Others
5. Loving my Children

---Lorrie W.

1. Stay healthy
2. Have fun
3. See my mom
4. Basketball
5. Looking at pictures of Family & Friends

---Leon B.

1. Best friend
2. Staff members
3. Myself
4. Animals and Pets
5. Talking to my doctor

---Julie R.

#IMMORTALGIRL <-:Click Here & Click Here:-> #THEFOG🌫