Upbeat Feat 2015

A Huge Feat!

For those of you you have been reading this all year- thank you.  I appreciate it- although, I never ready know who you are, except for that little counter thing that is clearly reaching almost 3,000!  Not sure how peeps get millions of followers, but my intimate little group is fine with me.  For that I again say THANK YOU!

The holidays were a blast this year. 

Well, can't beat three days with the off-springs, now 24 and 23.  They hung out and bonded, we laughed at each other, gave goofy gifts and they baked and left me a bag full of BUCKEYES.  It can't get better than that! We're talking the peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.  Not that Ohio or OSU thing!

Yesterday was a a great day of playing with Fiberz at my house with seven quirky and creative women.  The challenge was to mix denim, cotton, something shiny and their best UGLY fabric. Picture five art teachers and an outstanding felt artist and you get magic. Two others were on standby, but I think they learned a lot too.

The roller coaster ride with my "dude" has probably gone off the tracks for good.  Aside from moaning about his outlandish remarks..... well, even smart people can be ignorant when showing their true self. This dude is short on feelings.... and that's not where I want to be in '15.

I was really disappointed about my house being underwater due to frozen pipes in early January, my health issues, and a quilt challenge I entered but didn't get in.  It happens, but the time invested on this quilt baby is also lost.  Now it's a UFO and is likely to be that way for a long while.

Girl With a Tear

I wanted to remind you I write for WikiHow under the name AQMM. Several of my articles are about sewing. I also have a GoFundMe project.  Please consider donating.

Finally,  I am posting some pictures of this year's end.  It sure ended better than it started out. I hope you'll enjoy my next years' posts.

Domino Box Painted (a gift!)

Good Thoughts 365 Days (a gift!)

A cake by my older daughter. Yum!

Peaches

                 

                                          

How Many Chances?

For many of us with depression...
We might over re-act.  We might beat our self up about it.
We may try to over analyze.  What is the truth? What is a common response?

Then there is another question.  When you have someone that has you been a big part of your life for a long time and this person hurts you over and over-- and you finally  realize its not YOU- how many chances do you give them?

Does forgive and forget still work when it hurts so much? Is repeated hurt worse than just once, or twice?
How many chances     1     2     3     4    5    6 

#givingchances      #helpforme   

Its On Us

This is about the sensitive subject of rape.


I can't remember ever about writing about rape before.  However, several things have brought this to my mind.  First, a friend's daughter was raped on campus.  I asked my own adult daughter about this, and she said although it had never happened to her personally, it had happened to about eight women she knew.

Retro back to my days in the 1970's.  Back then girls were "good girls" or "bad girls."  We knew how to spot them, or so we thought.  We assumed the girls who were well endowed were the bad ones, the ones with poor self esteem, something about them, and the ones who were "a bit odd" were an easy target.

By college, I can remember being out-casted with my status.  The ladies on my floor boasted that they were active and proud of it.  Today, as I tell my younger friends, the whole thing is far more open than in the past.  The irony of social networking is that today, we tell everything never knowing who reads it.

There is a lot of gray areas to rape. The victim is just that. There are no good or bad girls, just women. The college campus is not the place for this abuse.  They even have a term called the "red zone," a period between the beginning of school and Thanksgiving when women are most vulnerable. They are trying to make new friends, and are more likely to let their guard down. What a depressing thought that is!

I know of a situation I could could call someone out on, myself.  Maybe someday I will get the guts. 

Today, I signed up for  Its On Us ( http://itsonus.org/#pledge) as a tribute to my friends daughter.  Maybe you should consider supporting this too.

#itsonus   #pledge   #ourdaughters     #sexualassault   #redzone   #mentoo

http://depressionheads.blogspot.com/

Depression and Chronic Pain

 I just met with a new doctor. He was typing in verbal information I was giving him and he finally said, "I don't have any more room." 

Yes, my dear Depression Heads, my physical health situation is no longer able to fit in the box.  I have been trying to think outside the box for years-- (laugh)-- but now, I can't fit into the box either.

 He suggested reading Webmd   So here you go:

 http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-chronic-pain#2

_____________________________________________

 Below:  Here are some samples of handmade wool felted pins I have been making.

#depression  #chronicpain  #pain    #artandpain   #felting  #cathyjeffers  #hellodepression



 

Hello Depression

I just made up my mind to post on Go Fund Me.

 http://www.gofundme.com/hptv0o

My project is called Hello Depression

Hello. I am an artist in search of reaching people who suffer from depression. I have been diagnosis with a major depression disorder myself.  I have fought this for years, but it seems to be coming on more frequently despite medication, a better diet and exercise and therapy.

I suffer as I know many others do. I really want to launch a project called Hello Depression using the art quilts and art I create as an avenue for reaching those with depression and for those who do not have it--become aware of those of us with depression.

Last year, there was a huge pause in our daily life when we saw legend Robin Williams, a comic genius die. Although we may never know the true story behind his death, he is forever gone. The press was on it, people were talking about it, some shook their heads and wondered why. For those of us with depression, we hoped it would call attention to this un-healthy situation, but no. We were in the mist of people dumping buckets of water onto their heads! So, it was the other people's disease.

I am old enough to remember the impact the AIDS Quilt Project http://www.aidsquilt.org/ had on our society.  Hello Depression, is not projected to reach that epic number, but I want to start this with the visual  impact of my own work and see where it goes.

In 2013, I began a blog called Depression Heads, http://depressionheads.blogspot.com/ . The blog came to me as an amateur writer, talking about my life as an artist with severe depression. I have written about all aspects of my depression from the early years, people in my life, family, health, sleeping too much, romance, humor and deep sadness. I have reached over 2,000 people and I hope to increase that.

Hello Depression will fund creating new art works, an artist brochure, contacting host galleries, schools, medical facilities, treatment centers,  for exhibitions/ transportation costs, a list of local mental health resources, publicity and postage, travelling costs, insurance, mailing list, and possible hands-on workshops related to the exhibition starting in 2015.

I am a former public school art teacher from Ohio.  I have a B.S. and a M.A. in Art Education with a special endorsement in Gifted Education.  I was the kid in the corner who was always drawing, attending after school art classes when I could and had others asking how do you do that?  I am an award winning art quilter, with a  lot of exhibition experience.  I have great organizational skills. (Think writing art lesson plans, researching, colaborating with other artists, public speaking skills, getting art supplies as cheap as possible, working with inner city, rural school children, preschool, public school, an adjunct at a  college, other art teachers and adults.)
I would consider this my greatest contribution to the darkest thing I know- depression.

If you have any questions, or could see being a part of this project and just want to chat please contact me.

Thank you .

Taking a Break

The best advice I could give you today is to switch it up occasionally.

I am a devoted artist and love the touch of fabric, but last week I learned to make a mosaic planter out broken tile one day and made a paper mache body for a FAIRY a few days later.

 My next door neighbor just put up a 6 ft. wooden fence and all I can  think of is how come spring I am going to add some small bushes, hostas, grasses, and some mosaic stepping stones in front of the fence. 

Sure- it is months away,  but I was getting the learning/technique down for next Spring.  First time in a long time I am anticipating a project in spring when winter is just starting. 

That Whole “Tortured Artist” Thing?

   Ah.......... to be normal.

   1. People think you lead a "cool" artist life.
   2. People think it would be so fun to be you!                                                                         3. Where did you get your talent?  I can't draw a straight ____________.

 I struggle. This art thing started out of loneliness.  I would draw and make doll clothes almost everyday in my youth.  I would make believe and made the neighborhood kids put on plays with me, with me as the director.  I got to take art lessons as a child.

 My dad was a farmer at heart and loved working in the dirt, he had a small farm with a  pond, and woods. I enjoyed playing in the woods, fishing and running with my dog. It was there that I feel in love with nature, especially the wildflower, Queen Anne's Lace. 

Translation:  Art comes from practice.  When you make art nearly everyday and learn to make improvements, your work improves.  The child artist does not judge.  But the adult artists is very reflective and can switch in a heartbeat to art devotion to thinking your work is crap.  (...and who want to hold your hand when you are in that mood?)

I know my art is a reflection of  my mind at the time. Sometimes I think too deeply.

I was a child who: Observed nature, by touch, sight, smell, sound, and occasionally by eating sweet berries in the spring.  I was LEARNING to look. 

I used this to develop my talents.  Plus My acknowledgements for the real grip depression has on me. My critical eye.

 

__Depressionheads

What triggers my depression? 

I have been noticing a swing in my mood the last few days

 which is very likely to TRIGGER my depression. 

 So what brings it on?

I can feel my           broken heart.

Maybe I should call a friend and talk about it.

 Losing friendships that are no longer working.

Thinking of visiting friends but make excuses.

Struggling with MONEY issues again?

Thinking of sleeping as if it was a reward.

Longing to have someone to share a meal.

 So do I keep my feelings all to myself?

"Watching" t.v. from another room.

Another accident-prone situation.
Not interested in creating art.

Pain comes and goes.

I feel like crying.

So I  do.

Recently, I salvage an old fence gate, I imagined I could make

a trellis out of it.  I had it outside and someone stole it for metal.

The dreams I have seem so real.  I want them to happen again,
 and again so I can remember them better. 

Ex: The other night,  I dreamed I was invited to the prom.  

It didn't happen at 17 or 18 years old so not likely to happen at my age. 

I pass on doing meaningful work, each day, and say tomorrow.

(cleaning, organizing, giving my dog a bath, raking leaves, etc.)

   "Get to work." I tell myself.  "Stop thinking...you!"

#depressiontriggers   #meaningfulwork  #prom  #salvage

A Thought About the Holistic

Last weekend I participated in an event featuring a taste of the Holistic. There were psychics, mediums, card and palm readers, a Chinese Meridian Dancer, and many alternative health care workers.  There were just three "artists" there.

Moonlight by Cathy Jeffers

This is the "other side" of my interests.

*New Age*

First, the event planner had big ideas, but did not know how to put it together. She had no concept of the first year attendance, number of vendors, show publicity, so attendance was really poor. It was advertised as having 400 vendors when there were really only 30.

With attendance so low, and a lot of down time,  the vendors shared their knowledge and gave each other their readings and treatments.  I gave away my art to others with whom I had received readings.  I learned a lot.  Sharing skills are a valuable as cash, perhaps more.

I met people I never would have otherwise. I made new connections and talented new friends.

#barter   #holistic    #moonlight   #connections   #readers   #newage

Interesting: How About Asking Me about This?

        How About Asking Me about This?

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

Latest Depression News

THURSDAY, Oct. 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Depression and obesity tend to go hand in hand, U.S. health officials reported Thursday.
The combination was so common that 43 percent of depressed adults were also obese, according to the report. That association was even more prevalent among those taking antidepressants: 55 percent of those patients were also obese.

 Report author Laura Pratt, an epidemiologist at the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, could not explain why or how obesity and depression are so often linked.

(more)

#depressionandobesity

A New Discovery for Me

My Physical Therapist was telling me about this yesterday.

Weird and Artsy: Brain Homunculus

#homunculus

Questions about "Bringing It Up"

(-0-)  (-0-)

 V'

()

   

It was recently invited to my high school reunion.  I did not go.  I didn't want to feel uncomfortable-- since I have my issues.

On the list of those invited, I saw a former classmate of mine who had always called me names. I knew the woman he was married to and sent her a message- stating I didn't go because of feelings I had. I wouldn't do well going and being around classmates like him bringing back hurtful memories.  

She started out saying all 17- year old boys are jerks, but then told me essentially I was

out of line and she wasn't willing to tell her husband my thoughts. She was La-la---

" I won't get in the middle of this."

I told her I was getting this off my chest, trying to get to a higher place. 

She agreed and I said "Have a nice day. "

What do you think?

# highschoolreunion   #itstillhurts   #bringingitup   #namecalling

Why?

    
       This depression thing is an AWFUL thing. Really.

 

•   My "Ocean" quilt recently SOLD.

I've hit a good patch! YAY!!  My quilts have been making me very happy lately.

BUT-- some personal experience (think heart-break) from last week have made every bit of amazing news feel DULL.  Do you know what I mean? I'll get over it- but boy does it hurt for now.

#artquilts  #www.cathyjeffers.com

RIP Robin

*** Maybe-- just maybe --
  **** depression help will come soon.
  *****  I have heard too many people say "so sad."

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200705/genius-and-madness


Nevertheless, some forms of emotional distress are more common among writers, artists and musicians. Serious depression strikes artists ten times more often than it does the general population. The link, however, is not creativity. Artists are more likely to be self-reflective and to ruminate, to mull things over. And that thinking style—as opposed to creativity itself—is a hallmark of depression and commonly leads to it.

#genuis-and-madness

The Fat Ones

I am overweight.  I have been most of my life and it has damaged me.  I've been bullied, and suffered from snide remarks, rejection, judgement, not fitting in.
There is an endless list. 

The polite term is BBW.  Well that in itself is an insult. Because I dread this term. Who would want to be friends with a BBW?

I can only blame myself.

Or can I?   Fat jokes are still UN-exceptible.

In a world where it is not cool to be racist, or anti-gay, we have laughed out loud at the comedian's jokes about big fat men and women.
Kids get away with pointing.  Moms "shh--" them, and then grin themselves.


Watch this:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsNlcr4frs4

Way Out

Sometimes it seems there is no way out. People think you are nuts if you talk too seriously about giving up.  I am independent in many ways.  Losing touch with your own
future, lifestyle, and connections with friends and family --are
major step.
 I think I will start sleeping some more every day (14 hours) and stop being so tormented.   Just don't be stupid.  The people  I want out of my life - still linger. CUT THEM OFF!

You are wired to be creative... so come up with a unique solution. Show you still have some fight in you.

#fightingback
#orangeshoes







Orange Shoes by CBJJ (c)

Bring the Classy Back

 Dear Mystery Person:

 Do not try to hack into (my) Depression Heads again.

 Why would you even try? It's what's going on in my head   
 not yours.

Security notified me.  Thank you!

Also, I promise to bring the classy back.

Men, Women, and FANTASY

My friend and I say we need each other.

About Maya Angelou

I was an admirer from a far.  I liked some of her quotes, her wit and humor.

She seemed bold and intelligent, sensitive and "knowing." Important people admired her. She was independent and tough. She knew how to fight, love and speak wisely.
In a crazy way, she adored her mom, the one who gave her up to a grandmother to raise, and when reunited, forgave her.  She just wasn't good with little kids- but her mom helped her to find and define herself. Maya believed in prayer and God.

All great artists draw from the same resource: the human heart, which tells us that we are all more alike than we are unalike.

Maya Angelou

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/maya_angelou_2.html#ukQvwT5q7c3owkzB.99

 

#mayaangelou

Answer The "Bleep" Phone

Today, like yesterday, and the day before I didn't answer my phone.  No one would be able to understand--so I became withdrawn to avoid the drama that was in my head. I was sewing.

A good friend had been trying to reach me for days.  I meant to call her but I didn't.

                

 Damn Depression & Isolation. 

She called the police and asked them to go to my house to check on me.

The police came. I got EMOTIONAL and the TEARS and FEARS came out.

I went too far and before I knew it the officer was saying he felt he needed to call the

paramedics and send me to the hospital and have me evaluated.  WHAT???

I refused  He insisted.
I refused  He insisted.

I refused  He insisted. The paramedics were on their way.

I was about the get a one-way ride to the ER, even though it wasn't what I wanted.

I fell entering the medical transport. No one seemed too concerned about the knot on my knee. I got to the ER and said I didn't want to be there.  After about an hour, they let me go. I called my friend who called the police for a ride back home.

Answer the phone next time!

Meet Mr. Toxic On-Line

As if real life situations aren't enough.

My recent Mr. Toxic was like the Quick Brown Fox.
I met someone innocently enough and our conversation of choice was ART. No surprise there.
 I recently saw how on-line relationships can be REAL Trouble My interest in talking to him was that he was a professional artist with his own gallery.

I didn't know my interest in the art biz, could turn this "expert" into a fox.  My  questions about how he got his start in his gallery, lead him to tell me his hard knock's life story. It all started with him posing nude in drawing classes. From there he also was a stripper and he asked if I would I like for him to strip for me sometime.

I don't want to seem judgmental. But sometimes you can’t stop laughing at yourself for the toxic weirdos you attract. These people in general, have their own issues. He admitted he had a strict upbringing he rebelled against.

In the future, I'll pick healthier individuals to speak to on line.  #onlinefreaks

My Poor Hand

It was minor this time. But my recovery is only one day old and I am already tired of YOU!!

The bandage wraps around my hand about six time. Hard to do most anything.

Not able to sew.  

#handinjury      #bummer

Birthdays are...

 Birthday Wishes

Then I turned 58.  I celebrate my birthday about every four years.  I did 50, 54 and 58.
Do you celebrate your own birthday...?  Birthdays have clearly changed in this social media era.

In my 20-30's they were an event! We had no money for big gifts- but the excitement was there, and cards were usually handmade. They were such a big deal... we visualized the entire day.

Now we rely on FB to remind us. My one friend who still mails cards is a novelty. Another friend mails me a gift- much to my embarrassment since I can't remember when I did the same. A third friend writes a long hand written note on the back of the envelope praising herself for remembering my birthday. The significant other.... well, he forgot.

Yep, I just turned 58 along with all my other mid-life friends who will soon enough.

The Best Part of Depression?

Okay, that does sound crazy.    

But depression's flip side is feeling good.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Although it rarely happens, a series of good days is amazing!

I must admit I have been pushing myself to return and restore my house after the great winter (frozen pipe flood-) as box by box is returned, I am seeing results.  

WHO knew I had this much FABRIC?

I've also been  <CREATING MORE>  Since moving all of my fabric, it's like stirring the mashed potatoes. It's hard to stir, but it gets the lumps out and the flavor on top gets mixed with the stuff you 
can't see on the bottom.

Organized Threads?

My mural- softer colors are my new inspiration in my studio.

New "Dancing Cat" quilt.

                                                    

Fish

Elephant

 

# my fabric stash
# art quilts
# art studio
# art cats

My OCD Friend

One of my dearest friends, just like a younger sister to me, suffers from OCD.  
My friend is a talented teacher, mother of four, works two jobs, and supports me being an artist and my depression. 

Before- frozen pipe damage.

Back Story: Last January, I had a water pipe break and the mess was amazing.  Insurance, and repairs took two months, and there were way too many men in my house.  The painter though he was Dr. Phil, the handyman thought and said: "You will love this without the clutter." and  while asking why (about the electric) "I don't tell you how to sew!!" 

Thanks to Craigslist(c), I found lots of eager men willing to respond to to my request to help me move for pay, but few were actually available and my pay wasn't shabby.  Let's not even begin to mention those who backed out and those who never showed up!   

But the worst was the floor contractor Billy (the... insert profanity)  YELLED at me that my house wasn't ready for him to do his job. (They changed plans the night before from installing the laminate first to installing the carpet first.)  "He wasn't paid enough to move my things." he said.  Now, moving three tons of fabric, art supplies, art teaching supplies, household items and minimal furniture (hummm...) is no easy task. 

YES, I was BULLIED by the carpet man.  He had 25 years of experience, and he knew everything. "Why wasn't I ready?"  Men--Yeah you might need them sometimes, but you don't have to like them.

             But along comes my friend.

She and two from her family came over Saturday and WOW-EE  knocked out my mess and  created order.  <.Behold.> ....

                        An OCD-er and an artist can live in harmony.  Now I understand that the messy characteristic is my curse and the OCD tendency is hers.  I showed her my clean up efforts first and suggested some places to sort fabric from beads, rulers, scissors, pencils, loose money, artwork, paper supplies, thread, clothes, more beads, tape, glue, pencils, notebooks, cardboard, more beads, more fabric, batting etc.  She was moving like lightening, sorting everything in sight and when the children stopped to "play" with my stuff, it was her telling them to get busy.

I stepped aside and cooked a great lunch of rice and shrimp, deviled eggs, beans, pop, juice, cookies and candy. We enjoyed our lunch. When another friend stopped by she was so impressed, she actually

was able to see some of  my stuff and offered me $30 for my supplies.  Hooray!!

My friend and I hugged at the end.  I was so grateful.  That evening, I texted her and I thanked her and her OCD.  Women Power!!!  Where women unite over a mess.

My friend the sorter would love this!!!!

Welcome Spring!!!  (My doll.)

# OCD    #messy   #artist    #women power     # best friends      #welcome spring      #hugs
#handmade dolls

Re-(Praying) the Past

I know I was a great teacher at one time.

I spent the last eight years of my life working as an art teacher in an inner-city public school.  Unlike so many other teachers who seemed to thrive in this toxic environment, I did not.

This week they reported a student who had stabbed another student with a crochet hook (needle).
I prayed.  The poor art teacher, what a tragic event I feared.  It ha nearly happened in my art class once.  One child pulled jute (rope) used for a fall holiday craft around the neck of another student.
I got in trouble for the child's actions, and it was one of several events that ended my life as a teacher. I now am writing a blog about my art, being an artist and how this added to my depression.

FORTUNATELY, it didn't happen in the art room. The stabbing happened in gym class. A child came into school without passing through any security or a wand.  The student pulled out the needle and pushed it into the other child's arm.

# Violence in Public School America 
# Emotional Turmoil in Public Schools
# Being an Artist

And So It's Mark (Rothko)

Mark Rothko (Artist)

Mark Rothko was born in Dvinsk, Russia (today Daugavpils, Latvia), on September 25, 1903. Rothko and his family immigrated to the United States when he was ten years old, and settled in Portland, Oregon. Rothko attended Yale University in 1921, where he studied to become an engineer or an attorney. Rothko gave up his studies three years later and moved to New York City.
It is here that Rothko turned to art and began painting the subway as a vision of the “underground city.” This atmosphere had low light and visual repetition, which provided a kind of “mystic New York minimalism”. During the 1940s Rothko’s imagery became increasingly symbolic and colors became the dominant element. In the course of this time, Rothko and Gottlieb had written a Manifesto which was printed in the New York Times which stated:
“We favor the simple expression of the complex thought. We are for the large shape because it has the impact of the unequivocal. We wish to reassert the picture plane. We are for flat forms because they destroy illusion and reveal truth.”
By 1947 Rothko had eliminated all elements of surrealism or mythic imagery from his works, and nonobjective compositions and geometric shapes emerged. Rothko’s work is characterized by it’s formal concerns of the elements such as color, shape, balance, depth, composition, and scale. However, he refused to solely limit his paintings to these terms.

(Wiki Credit.)


Rothko Chapel:

 

The Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational chapel in Houston, Texas, founded by John and Dominique de Menil. The interior serves not only as a chapel, but also as a major work of modern art. On its walls are fourteen black but color hued paintings by Mark Rothko. The shape of the building, an octagon inscribed in a Greek cross, and the design of the chapel was largely influenced by the artist. Susan J. Barnes states "The Rothko Chapel...became the world's first broadly ecumenical center, a holy place open to all religions and belonging to none. It became a center for international cultural, religious, and philosophical exchanges, for colloquial and performances. And it became a place of private prayer for individuals of all faiths"      ^{#mark rothko}

I was there years ago and got a bad case of the giggles.  (So much for Contemplation) My gay pal and I got starred down and we had to leave . It was one of the best moments of my life.


 

    

Dancing Cats RIP

Cat-loving Ohio woman, Klonda Richey, mauled to death by ...

Klonda....was a high school classmate of mine and a
kind-hearted person.  Her Dancing Cats will be Remembered. 
We re-united for a summer high school reunion a few
years back and celebrated our big "5-0" together.

Last Friday a grisly discovery was found in Dayton, Ohio; a woman’s body was brutally mauled to death by two dogs and left to die on the sidewalk outside of her home, nearly nude as her clothes and coat were ripped to shreds. Identified as Klonda Richey, 57, the woman had been dubbed a dedicated animal lover by friends and co-workers. Richey worked at the Montgomgery County of Job and Family Services for 25 years. The organization spoke to the press, advising Richey will always be remembered “fondly,” in the hearts of her family, friends and co-workers.
Sadly, this was not the first time Richey would yell for help. The dedicated cat lover had been experiencing trouble with two mixed breeds, potentially Bull Mastiff mixes, who reportedly,  lived next door. Last summer the pair charged at the frightened woman and Richey took shelter in home. She called the police, but police officers stated they followed protocol and contacted the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center (ARC). The officials from the organization showed up two hours after the complaint. No dogs were located and none captured during the call. (--)
 In this situation of no-reply, it took the life of animal lover, Richey who was brutally mauled by two dogs. Potentially the same dogs she had consistently made complaints on.
When police arrived at the horrible scene this past Friday, they reported two big dogs charged them, and the officers shot the animals dead. Richey’s neighbors, Andrew Nason and Julie Custer (pictured above) have been placed under arrest, pending charges of reckless homicide, slated to come this week.

# cat lover   #killed by dogs  #dayton ohio

My Life as a Bonsai Tree

Imagine

Imagine yourself as a bonsai tree

Showing yourself as as living being and free

Making each moment of growth 

Record each twist and bend

 In Youth,

You were much more likely to show every turn

More likely to avoid parent's opinions than friends

In Settling Age,

Your roots are firmly attached

As if mature awareness abounds by itself

As if every day which passes, is simply turning the page

When only visualization has gotten you this far

when 20, then 30, then 40, then more,

pass so soon, as if longevity is a heroic dance partner

for wisdom, faith, meaning, and truth

And one day as our family divides

we can only hope our nurturing and love

will support our own, with guided protection

Display yourself with all of your flaws

Show how your life has been bound by

others seeking

yet their own reward

Grow old with grace and no fear

because there was no real plan

only an artistic vision

CBJ J  Depressionheads 2014

#bonsai   # depression  #family support

Why I am Writing Depressionheads?

Yes, it has been six months on here....

 So who reads this anyhow? 
 Soon I'll be connecting my real website to: 
 Depressionheads.

 I like to think I tell my story one post at a time.


A Depressionheads  POP QUIZ



So dreary here in O-H-I-O!         TRUE      FALSE 




I am an art quilter. TRUE     FALSE 

                                


                                                           

    

                                                                                   I hate color.    TRUE   FALSE

                             

• Debating what to do about these cats.  TRUE    FALSE                                                                                     
                                                                                
  
  I never really knew what this meant until recently.
  
  
  TRUE     FALSE
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  One less cow to Jump Over the Moon.       TRUE     FALSE  

• If  you like my blog, please send me a Thumbs UP!  depressionheads@gmail.com    #depressionheads       #art    #art quilt                 #quilter #creative play   #artist community #depression