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.

"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.~

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. 

[Prompts] Family (part 2) [End...]

In what way do you not fit in with the family you grew up in? Or, are you a perfect fit?

Answers:

"My mom used to fight with my dad. My dad would get drunk and hit my mom, so 13 years later she divorced him and married Dave. My dad's name was Jim. I quit school and went into Youth Foster Care, and now I live in an Adult Foster Care and play basketball with my friends. My mom is 72 years old, lives in a foster care, and quit smoking cigarettes for 4 years now. We talk on the phone and visit sometimes. Sadly, my dad & my step-dad died." -Leon B.

"No, I don't get along with my family because they're drunks and other stuff. My family is not a good fit." -Julie R.

"Because I couldn't sit in front of a T.V. for hours on end every night, I didn't fit in." -Scott C.

"It's hard to fit into a family when my dad died when I was 6 [years old]. My mom died when I was 16 [years old]. I had uncles, aunts, and cousins... But I was not close to them. I had no brothers or sisters, either. I have no family members who are close to me. My family now consists of dear friends & I love them to pieces." -Deb G.

"I am a freak because I'm obsessively organized in a chaos-filled environment. I also don't like potatoes - which gets my mother all sorts of judgmental squirrely nuts! I get along with my sister, though, despite everything different between us. My mom calls me her clone because we look alike,, but also because we argue the same. My brother and I only get along while watching anime. My dad and I butt heads constantly, but it was how we communicated. So none of us fit with each other particularly well..." -Alanda M.

 Click Here for Part 1!

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.

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.

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

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. 

Stereotyped Continued... {Prompt Answers}

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

"When I started coming to Human Behavior Health Services, I had recently been admitted to the Psych Ward of Oaklawn Hospital. I used to chant to myself to keep my every-day going. It wasn't a list of what I needed to do - it was one specific thing. But it helped. I was lashing out at my body in strange ways. Cutting. Not eating. Spacing out. And then the chanting wasn't helping. So I allowed the admittance. Because I just didn't know what to do anymore. So I spent 18 days in the Psych Ward trying to figure out what I already knew, that I was schizophrenic. It runs in the family, so it felt like a waste of time. Then I was suggested for after-care therapy. I am grateful for it, but it seems an inconvenience for both parties." 

-Julia P.

"When I was a freshman in high school, I was an outcast. I thought I was an outcast because I didn't fit in simply. I loved, loved, loved my music. I think people thought I was a rebel based on that and after school I didn't study. I went to the fort me and a few friends made and I smoked my cigarettes. I'd skip school and go to a friend's house. But I wasn't trying to be a rebel, I was just being wild and free - not dangerous or anything at all..."

-Scott C.

"I am unfairly stereotyped because I'm on disability. I am diagnosed Bipolar, PTSD, and I have a seizure disorder. People (my family) assume I don't work because I'm lazy. The family doesn't understand. They don't try to understand. They don't know my details and I haven't corrected them. So, they make up rumors to spread behind my back.. It's hard to describe a specific time because it's been ongoing for years. They won't help me when I need it because they don't believe I try to help myself."

-Melanie P.

Click to read Part 1... 

(I'm not a fan of part one, but I don't think too many folks are. Keep an eye out for part 3 - yes, there are even more answers waiting to be posted. I feel this particular prompt is something many people can relate to because everyone is assumed to be something for some miniscule reason at some point in their lives...)

Mistake Prompt Answer 2.0

WHAT IS A MISTAKE PEOPLE OFTEN MAKE ABOUT YOU?

"People often make the mistake that I'm stupid, especially my family. Today's society is go-getter money-oriented. Money doesn't motivate me. That doesn't make me stupid, it just means my priorities are different. I don't define success with dollar signs.  My children and my art are my priorities. When I'm dead, they will be my legacy.  Guaranteed with four children, my legacy will last longer than someone working double shifts to buy an Xbox. I want my art to live on, too. I hope it lives on long after I'm gone. So, I put my energy into my children, mot just buying them things, but teaching them. I put my energy into painting, with each painting my skills improve." -Melanie Peine.

Highs & Lows *Prompt Answers*

List Your Highs and Lows of this Month and a Good Habit You'd Like to Start:

"My high was walking more. My low was losing *another* love. No good habits come to mind." -Babygirl*

"I've been feeling pretty good this month. One of my lows would be I haven't been eating healthy like usual. So I would like to start eating healthy on a more consistent basis." -Epifanio Ibarra

"My highs this month were getting all of my 'small goals' accomplished, and being amused by my grand-kids. My lows were having my van break down *again*, so I'm back to public transport and begging friends for rides. A good habit I'd like to start is to get more organized with my writing. I'm not comfortable doing a journal right now, but if I can keep up with the writing prompts that I bring to my groups, it will be a step in that direction!" -Lyn McRae.

*Name(s) changed as requested upon the submission.*

Truly Happy *Prompt Answers*

Write about the last moment that made you feel truly happy:

"Walking in the door and my grand-kids were so happy to see me. Just because I'm their Ooma. I was home with them and they could talk to me and read to me and sing to me and play Trains with me and hug me. Their little faces just lit up, because Ooma's home." -Lyn McRae.

"I always feel happy when I'm with my boys. They're happiness and excitement is contagious. They make it seem like the entire world is bright, even when it's dreadful. We watch cartoons together, play with their toys, draw... My oldest is only 6 years old but he's not only an amazing artist but a lover of music, and I'm glad for it. My little one is nearly 4 years old and can dance better than I ever could."
- Lillian Smith.

Reading Suggestions [[Books 📚 To Pass The Time]]

What book are you reading? Would you recommend it to a friend? Why?

"I would recommend Tuesdays with Morrie because it really draws you in. A teacher shares with a past student (who's a reporter) lessons he has learned in life. The teacher has ALS and he shares his views on life with his student. There was a saying in this book, 'In order to learn how to live you must learn how to die.' To be successful you must learn not to be selfish and give of yourself to others."
-Deyon Bell-Wilson

"I just finished reading Wolves and Roses: Fairy Tales of the Magicorum, Book 1 by Christina Bauer. I enjoyed it so much that I actually reviewed it on Amazon! It's an easy read, captures the imagination, and is fun. Based on the premise of Fairy Tale Template Lives, characters in the book actually know that they're living the lives of fairy-tale characters, and what can go wrong if they deviate from the traditional story-line. Fun but thought-provoking. I'll keep the spoilers to myself, but if you get to read this, get comfortable because you just might not put it down until you have finished!"
-Lyn M.

"I haven't been able to read any books lately - my mind just won't focus. But, if you're a teenager, I definitely suggest reading Define "NORMAL" because I have read it every year since I was 12 years old. I make it a point to do so every summer. I relate to both the main character, Antonia Dillon, and the prominent supporting character, Jazz, even though they are total opposites on the surface. The story is deep on multiple issues and has numerous facets to reflect upon."
-Daisy J.*


*Names have been altered by request.*

Empathy in an Apathetic World [by Alanda.]

I used to believe in love. I have nothing figured out. I've become jaded and dark.

No matter how emotional I get in my life, it all evens out in the end. 

I used to believe that. I was never in a place where my kindness and empathy wouldn't get me where I needed to be. Now, however, I feel like these traits are just roadblocks. It seems everyone I know is only getting by because they've cut themselves off from the moral sides of emotional health. You have to be a hateful, spiteful, and selfish type just to get anyone to take you seriously.

It doesn't matter that I went to college. It doesn't matter that I'm creative and talented. It doesn't matter that I'm nice to everyone - even when I want to scream at the top of my lungs. None of these things matter to anyone because they don't come with job experience.

It isn't like I've never worked - but they want taxable jobs.
I'm great at what I do - even if I hate it.
I'm a hard worker and I never quit.
However, my references aren't exactly easy to get in touch with. I understand that being an issue... but shouldn't there be someone who lets me get a chance to show my work ethic?

I feel like I'm constantly being kicked in the ribs and I'm already on the ground scrounging for a sign of hope as it is.

What has this world become?

Distractions (Prompt Answers)

WHAT IS A SURE-FIRE WAY TO DISTRACT YOU FROM THE TASK AT HAND?

"Well, if something goes wrong - like a fire or an accident - that is a sure way to distract me from my task at hand." -Lorrie W.

"People talking to me and trying to ask questions when I'm reading a book or watching a movie. I can't multitask - I try to, but I just can't." -Julie R.

"1. The sound of firetrucks going by. 2. Somebody telling us that they see critters in our yard. The critters are 5 deer, 4 rabbits, 4 woodchucks and 3 cats. I can't have pets in the house I'm living in. 3. A baseball game on T.V. 4. Playing cards with my housemates." -Deb G.

"Playing basketball, video games, or football. I do my comics and bring them in to cut out a little violence and swearing. I need to go for a walk twice a day. Then I'm gonna go to sleep for about 3 hours. Make more comics. When I'm on the phone and people talk to me. All of these can be very distracting." -Leon B.

"Having our house lady ordering me to do something now instead of listening to me that I'll do it in a little while." -Scott C.

"Music and books pretty much guarantee me getting distracted. Asian dramas draw me in and you won't get my attention at all. It's not really difficult to split my focus to be honest." -Lana J.*

*Name changes per request*

(If you aren't distracted by Matt Smith with a bunch of different Benders - you are more focused than a Jedi Master on Ritalin...)

Winter Blues by Lorrie W.

As the cold winter has me stuck inside, I'm trying to watch my weight and thinking about joining a gym. But the cold walk changes my mind. My mood has been a little moody with not much to do - a little blue. My mind has been, too. I'm trying to change my eating habit sense I have diabetes and that's been a little hard. Trying to lose a little weight but you know in the winter we all seem to put that weight on. Missing my kids and grandkids even though two of my kids I haven't seen since birth and it's been like 20 years since Chris and me were together. Will it ever come together again? I'm really not sure how to get with the two younger ones and they were adopted or taken from me. Only God knows the answer, I guess... 

A Prompt to make you Think...

Three qualities I'd like to strengthen about myself are...

"My creativity, my patience, and my emotional strength. My creativity is good but could be better. My patience and emotional strength are definitely works in progress!" 

- Lyn M.