Let’s Talk Turkey…

As I sit here, two nights before Thanksgiving 2017, having just completed the beginning prep for the coming feast, I feel compelled to take a moment to share a few thoughts. I have no idea how many of you ACTUALLY read my blog, but thank you if you do. It means more than you know…

I’ve undergone some seriously major changes in the past year. I’ve found myself again, rid my life of some seriously toxic bullshit, lost some people I loved. But, most of all, I believe I’ve found my true voice, one which I didn’t even realize was missing.

Needless to say, I’m a very different person than I was a year ago.

I’ve tried to take time to reflect; give serious thought to the things I’ve said, done, will do, and more than likely, may do repetitively. I try to approach life with an open mind and heart. I don’t deliberately pass judgement on others. Don’t get me wrong, if you come at me, I will dish it right back atcha ten-fold, but I do honestly try to take others thoughts and feelings into perspective.

Let’s face it, folks, it’s been an VERY interesting year!

So, where am I going with this?

I guess it’s about the things I’m thankful for, at the end of it all.

So, what AM I thankful for? My life; you know, the usual…my health, the fact that I wake up every morning, etc…I’m thankful for Greg, my husband. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without him, and I REALLY can’t figure out how he puts up with my crazy ass.

I’m thankful for my kids, who are all happy, healthy, and doing alright, in the big scheme of things. Grandkids? Well, that goes without saying! What grandparent doesn’t love spoiling the holy hell outta the little crumb crunchers…and then sending their sugar fueled, adrenaline pumped, wild, rowdy asses home to Moms and Pops? My grandkids pretty much think I walk on water. Grandkids rule. Period. Nuff said.

I’m thankful I live in a country where we are free. Ya’ll know I’m a Trump girl, but this…is not THAT. I’m simply a patriot; I have a love and passion for my country that I haven’t had since Bush ’41. America isn’t perfect, not by a long shot. But where else can you freely speak your mind? Walk down the street and NOT get shot? Not starve? I realize, of course, that there are plenty of people who are not that fortunate, but let’s face it, the majority of us are.

I’m thankful that I’ve made the mistakes and seriously MAJOR fuck ups that I have; I would NOT be the woman I am now had I made different choices. I have tried to learn from them, and grow.

I’m thankful for the remaining family I have on my side. My mom, three sisters, their children, and THEIR kids. I may not keep in touch like I should, but they are ALWAYS in my heart. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of them. My pops died a while back, but I think of him often.

Last, but not least by any stretch, I’m thankful for all of you. You guys have opened up worlds and universes for me. Some of you know me for realsies, most of you don’t. That hasn’t stopped friendships being developed. I’ve met fellow musicians, authors, publishers, media personalities, and political folks. People from all walks of life, from all over the globe.  You give me things to think about, different perspectives, outlooks. I have learned about different cultures, and don’t EVEN get me started on the food!

Anyway, I hope that if you’re reading this, that this blog post finds you well; that YOU are happy, healthy and content. Happy Thanksgiving, World, I love ya!!

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I Feel So Special…

Why, you ask? I had my very first set of Twitter haters.

Yep, I feel all kinds of warm and fuzzy now. No more #FOMO.

So here’s how it all went down:

Chuck Woolery (yes, the 2 and 2 guy, of The Dating Game fame), put up this post yesterday, to which I gave my humble opinion:

Excuse my typo (pet peeve). But not too bad, right? Kind of a general, all inclusive everyone-should-hang-their-head kind of thing…This is what happened next:

So, I went and looked at said, deliberately unidentified person’s Twitter account. Liberal, feminist, hates #POTUS. OK, I can appreciate others opinions, but this got personal, and she tried to make an example out of me. So, I responded:

A few moments later:

So, again, I looked at said, deliberately unidentified person’s Twitter account. Same deal. OK, so you know me, I HAD to do it:

Yup. I went there. Here’s what happened, literally, 5 minutes later:

 

My point? This is what trolls do. They try to bait you into an argument. What is wrong with my Twitter identity stating “wife” first? I wear the name proudly, I rather enjoy being a wife. So, is being proud of being a wife something to be ASHAMED of? I, personally, think not. Being a wife and mother is a job to be PROUD of. Something that I would think any feminist would get behind. The strength of a family starts with HER.

How many of you have had similar experiences? Sound off, leave a note, comment.

#MAGA #ProudWife #AmericanJusticeWarrior

Let’s Talk Hollyweird…

Thanks for listening. I feel I should start there. At least with this post. This one’s gonna be a touchy one.

Hollyweird. That’s what a lot of Californians call it. Why? Self explanatory. It’s full of weirdos.

Now, not ALL of them are, I know PLENTY of people from the L.A. scene who are perfectly normal. But, let’s face it, you never hear about the normies. Honestly though, what is normal, right? I know I’m not, not by the clinical definition anyway; chances are, neither are you. If you have ANY doubt, here’s the Merriam-Webster definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normal

That being said, Hollyweird is full of NOT-normals. Normal is treating others as you would like to be treated (see the Golden Rule, folks). Normal is having a carbon footprint the size of a pea (in comparison, of course). Normal, ladies and gents, is NOT sexually assaulting others, male AND female alike.

Yep, I’m going THERE.

I am a victim of sexual abuse. So are a lot of people. Here’s the stats:

The National Center for Victims of Crime – http://victimsofcrime.org/media/reporting-on-child-sexual-abuse/child-sexual-abuse-statistics

RAINN – https://www.rainn.org/statistics

Scary, right? Honestly, I didn’t know how bad it was, either.

Now, true, a lot of people are talking about it more now in light of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. And the Kevin Spacey scandal. And…..

…..

…..

Who’s next, right? Waiting for the other shoe to drop?

It’s going to keep going. I have no doubt that’s a deeeeeep rabbit hole. Corey Feldman came out AGES ago, talking about this very thing. It ultimately cost Corey Haim his life. Now, people are getting death threats, not only to themselves, but their families, as well. Sick.

So, why am I doing this post? As a victim myself, although I put my demons to rest decades ago, it’s caused me to take pause and think…What the holy fuck is happening to our world? I realize this isn’t new but, damn…

The world, as we know it, is unraveling. Coming apart at the seams. What’s happening to US? Not just as a country, but as human fucking beings? When did we become so desensitized to the things around us, that we don’t see these things long before they come down the pipe?

I dunno, guys, I look at the world around me, and it’s a VERY different place than I remember. I am not here preaching world peace, love, and butterflies; people MUST disagree if we are to thrive. Makes us think. Even sometimes about something other than or bigger than ourselves.

Sound off. Leave a comment. Argue. LIVE….

 

A Nation’s Broken Heart…

It’s taken me some time to gather my thoughts; make some kind of sense of them. There’s been so much on my mind lately…

It started with the NFL.

But things have gotten so much worse, haven’t they?

I digress. This blog will be about the Flag, the Anthem, and the NFL.

I had taken some time to talk to a few of our Nation’s honored Veterans, to get some insight into how THEY are thinking. Whether they are young or seasoned, the consensus is the same.

Colton, a 20-something, a Millennial, who served in the Army as a Sergeant, and is currently a deputy sheriff, gave me some food for thought on the Anthem protests:

“The first amendment does not extend to private employment situations. Wish the clowns would shut up about these players rights to freedom of speech. It never has, it never will pertain to private employment.”

“The NFL didn’t let the cowboys honor the victims of the BLM cop killer by sporting a decal because Roger Goodell said they don’t want to voice any political opinions. They can’t honor dead cops, they can’t honor 9/11 victims, and on top of that they have a specific rule that outlines how they act during the National Anthem. It’s great to protest, but not at work. No one want to go sit down and eat, and have the waiter start a conversation about global warming, or their opinion on North Korea. Where was everyone caring and kneeling before Donald Trump made the statements? These owners, coaches and players are only kneeling because Trump made the statement about the owners firing the “sons of a bitches”.”

I also spoke with, Brian, a 40-something, a Gen X-er, like myself, who served as a U.S. Army Combat Medic, 3/17th Infantry, shared some of his thoughts, not only on the flag and Anthem protests, but a great many topics. We’ll start with the flag and the NFL:

“I, and many like me, fought for the right to fly our flag. Granted, there has been very little threat—serious threat—to our nation’s sovereignty. I have, and shall forever have, the right and privilege of flying our Flag in our yard until my last days. I’ve seen men, shrouded in that flag, that no longer have the ability to express their patriotism. I think it’s an absolute disgrace that ANYONE, as a citizen of the U.S., would even think to disrespect our Nations Flag. I understand the claim from the first millionaire wannbe athelete/politician—protesting the violence against blacks. Fine. However, doing it in that manner, unacceptable. You want to actually make a difference, choose the platform or avenue that would actually carry some weight. Doing it for your own personal gain, against, in essence, the founding symbol of this nation—disgraceful. The recent support that has spread, the black power fist; Roger Goodell praising those that are kneeling in protest—my last NFL football game was the second half of the Monday night Cardinal’s game on the 25th. I refuse to support an organization that so blatantly disregards the symbols of our Country that has given them so much opportunity.”

I myself, have never had the honor of serving. But I understand how these guys feel. I grew up in an America where you LEARNED the words to the National Anthem, you held your hand over your heart and said the Pledge of Allegiance, you felt that swelling sense of pride as you did either one. What has happened to the patriotism of the American people?

Sound off, drop me a line, comment. You know where I am.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Censorship-the good, the bad, and the ugly…

What is censorship? The definition is as follows:

the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscence, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.

Understand, I grew up in the era of the Parental Advisory label and my moms thinking Bon Jovi were devil worshippers (my mother is 80 🙃, and now she likes Bon Jovi, BTW). I remember when the PAL was first introduced. The first cassette tape I bought that had the PAL on it (yes, I said CASSETTE TAPE, give it a rest, I’m getting old) was Guns & Roses, Appetite for Destruction. I remember my mother FREAKING out because the label was on the front. The first one got thrown away. I hid the second.  I think I turned out ok listening to that damned rock n’ roll…

Then came rap. Now, I’m not a big fan. There’s a few I like. I remember the PAL was giving itself aneurysms over rap lyrics. But, voices should be heard, no matter the message. It cannot be stopped. And heard, they were. 

Getting more to the point, by definition alone, a MAJORITY of our music, books, films, etc, are obscene, politically unacceptable or a threat to security. That’s part of what makes living in America so righteously awesome. The freedom to speak your mind. 

Let me give you some examples. For instance, one might be offended by this: 

You and your husband have a fight/One of you tries to grab a knife, and during the struggle/He accidentally gets his Adam’s apple sliced (No!)/And while this is going on, his son just woke up/And he walks in, she panics/And he gets his throat cut (Oh my God!)/So now they both dead, and you slash your own throat/So now it’s double homicide and suicide with no note-“Kim”-Eminem

Or perhaps this:

I got blood on my hands and there’s no remorse, and got blood on my dick cause I fucked a corpse-“Bring Ya Whole Crew”-DMX

Now, personally, I don’t particularly care for the subject matter, but to each his own.

NOW, how about this?

Hold back the anger and hate/Let love lead the way/Take back our dignity/Let every voice ring free/’Cuz we know if we don’t watch out/We could all go under and drown-“Make America Great Again!”-Joy Villa

Or THIS?

I’m on this train moving way too slow/Where it stops, ain’t nobody knows/And they say I just gotta let it go/ But the heart can’t want what the heart don’t know-“What the Heart Don’t Know”-Kaya Jones

I guess my point is, if one is ok, then why not the other? I don’t see anyone censoring the likes of DMX, Eminem or Snoop. Nor would I ask anyone to. 

You see, one of the fundamental principles of America is our right to free speech. The ability to freely speak your mind and express yourself openly. 

But, what I see happening to artists like Joy and Kaya, simply because of their political beliefs, is tantamount to book burning.

I believe in free speech. Do I think there are lines that can be crossed? Yes. I don’t personally think inciting violence or hate is productive or creative in any way, BUT, that is not for me to judge. I can choose to listen…or not. I simply choose not to. The point is, that each individual has the right to express themselves, however they choose. Music, writing, sculpture, painting, dressing boldly, green hair, body piercings; these are all different forms of expression. No one should be judged by that form. 

Thoughts?Arguments? General comments? Hit me up. You know where to find me. 🙃

Let’s talk Amendments…

OK, so with all the hoopla about the rights afforded us by the Constitution and the Amendments, let’s take a look, shall we?

Let’s start with numero uno…the First Amendment. According to Cornell Law School, the First Amendment is as follows:

The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.  It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices.  It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely.  It also guarantees the right of citizens to assemble peaceably and to petition their government.

For further information, you can go to the link here: https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment

Seems pretty simple & straightforward, right?

Well, we all know THAT isn’t the case.

Now, honestly, here’s what prompted me to start this to begin with:

Joy Villa.

If you haven’t heard of her, here’s her website: https://joyvilla.net/

Most of you will remember her as the girl in the Trump dress.

Her new song, Make America Great Again, is being censored. Why, you ask? You tell me.

If all people have to right to free speech, then, why Joy? If all groups of people, whether right, wrong, or otherwise, have a voice, then why not her?

Being a musician myself, this sickens and offends me, hence my desire to take some sort of action, albeit a small one.

So, what do you think? Do some investigating, THINK. Comments and discussion are welcome…

 

 

 

 

A new look, a new attitude

Hi everyone, sorry it’s been so long…there’s been an awful lot going on lately. I’ve decided to update the ole blog, and change it’s function. With so many things going on, I really want this to be more about the things I’m passionate about. Food, politics, music, society, whatever. So, that being said, let the games commence! All comments and opinions are welcome here,  I don’t offend easily. 

It’s been a long time…

A long, long time….but, I digress. I want to share some thoughts. Some of you may agree; some of you will not. That’s okay, it’s all part of the human condition. Part of what makes us who we are.

I’ve had a lot of opportunity to sit and reflect on my life, as of late. Not just on a personal level, but a spiritual one, as well as a political one.

Here’s what I see. 

On a personal level, I’ve battled some of my own demons; made peace with some others. I’ve tried to look inward and take a good long look at the person I AM. I recently watched a show, a reality series, the title doesn’t really matter, but it made me take a larger look at people in general.  Made me think. About love, and loving your fellow man. Bottom line? Be a good human. Period. End of story. You never know what someone else is going through. 

Spiritually? My walk with God, or whatever you may call your particular diety of choice, is MINE. I do not need anyone to tell me if how I do it is right or wrong. 

Politically? I’m a Deplorable. Not a secret. I love Trump. But I am, in no way, a racist, misogynist, homophobic, Islamaphobic, or any other phobic you wanna throw at me. I am a human being, with fucking feelings. Just.Like.Everyone.Else. I don’t need a celebrity to tell me it’s okay.

At the end of the day, I’m a human being, with feelings, desires, dreams, and wishes. Like everyone else I know. We just need to remember to be good to one another, or we lose something that makes us unique. Compassion. 

WOW…has it REALLY been THAT long???

My last post..October…Freakin’ really???? OK, OK, so I’ve been neglectful of my little ole blog….There’s been a lot going on, ok..OK? 😉 But I digress…..<Ahem> I do hereby solemnly swear to be better about posting on my….oh look…a parakeet….

 

ANYWAY….’Nuff about that….Haven’t really been reading much..I know, you’re thinking “REALLY? YOU…not reading? WTF is WRONG with you?” BUT,I have been editing, altho’ it has slowed down a mite or two.

Just recently reconnected with some old, dear friends, George Newberry & Randy DelTurco. As fate would have it, George is an author, & I just recently finished the edits on his newest book, which we’re hoping with our heart of hearts, goes somewhere BIG (read between the lines, people….s’all I’m sayin’). If it does, & I truly do believe in my heart it will, George is blessed that way, there’s big things in the works…..Looking so forward to working on this project!!! Super excited!!! But again, I digress….

Life, as we all know too well, has a tendency to get in the way. I know mine has. Any of you who really know me, know what the day to day is like for me, & let me tell ya, it ain’t pretty. But I truck along, what else can I do? Anyway, just a quick update to let you know I’m still breathing, at least for the moment, and that all is as well as it can get in my world….;) I promise not to let 7 months go by before I post again….

 

😉

Susan

A little more conversation & a whole lotta action…

I’ve had so much going on lately. I know, I’ve neglected my blog….Just to give you, my loyal followers, some updates on the life & times of Susan:

I finally launched my own professional editing company, Top Shelf Editing & Publishing. Yes, it also has publishing in the name. I have (perhaps delusions of grandeur) plans to open up a publishing division at some point. It seems as though, and maybe I’m just crazy, since I did this, my editing gig has really taken off. It’s almost like people are taking notice. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I was ignored before, but it just seems like I have authors coming out of the woodwork now. And I am so very thankful for that. I have three new authors that I’m supposed to start working with, one of them as soon as tomorrow, Derrick LaCombe. I’m so excited to get started on his book. He’s very passionate about it, & I have no doubt in my mind, that it’s gonna be great!!

Zombies Eat People. It’s a fact, yes, but I’m talking about the organization. LOL. CW Beier, owner of ZEP, came to me & asked me to join the team. What does that mean? Hmm, good question. I now work for ZEP, as well as their magazine publication, BRAINS Magazine. I’m a featured writer & copy editor for the mag, AND I’m a social networking representative. If you want to check it out, go to either one of the links below. Trust me, it’s well worth the peek.

http://www.zombieseatpeople.net/

http://www.zombieseatpeople.net/brainsmagazine

Zombie Walk Palm Springs, October 25, 2012. Found this on accident. Decided I wanted to go. I’m going as a journalist for BRAINS. How fucking cool is THAT? I’m doing photos, interviews, all that crazy shit that a normal journalist does. The guys who put it all together are super stoked about me coming, and have pretty much told me they’ll give me whatever I want. Again, how cool is THAT? Greg & I are spending Halloween in Las Vegas this year, with our good friends, Jeff & Laurie Dill. It’s gonna be a blast!!!! We were in Vegas once before, when Patrick was about six, and it was, by far, the coolest Halloween I have ever had. Sooooo looking forward to it. It’s gonna be da bomb!!!

Other than that, kids, life is as it always is; SSDD-same shit, different day. The band is playing, the business is good, & everyone is healthy & happy. I appreciate each & every one of you for hanging in there with me, being my friends, and listening to my ramblings. Much love to you all!!!

🙂 Susan