Family Matters Christmas Countdown

Every year on December 1st, as many across the globe begin the how many shopping days left 'til Christmas countdown, I rise from my bed with the dreadful memory of my mother's death due to domestic violence.

This year, this day, this moment is to share domestic violence family matters with you. And, make no mistake, these family matters should matter to you. One may never know what goes on behind closed doors.

We often find out too late that a loved one has fallen victim to domestic abuse. Become aware of and watch for the warning signs of domestic violence and abuse.

This holiday season you can help—a family member - a friend - a neighbor - a stranger—lessen the horror of domestic violence by taking a stand, by giving the gift of doing your part to Arise Against Abuse.

Arise Against Abuse Poster by abitosunshine
Search for another posters online at Zazzle
 

I love and miss you, Mommy, always...

I found this unusual Christmas Countdown video and viewing it just felt like I feel at this moment... sadness creeps into this day... there will be no holiday shopping for my Momma...

Rictameter in Concrete

What the heck is a rictameter? And why is it in concrete?

Well, a Rictameter is a form of poetry which lends itself well to writing poems in the shape of a diamond. So, head on over to my ongoing article on How To Write A Concrete Poem and you can read my diamond-shaped poem (and more) as well as find a link there to introduce you to the rictameter form and its creators.

Let me know what you think ... in ink!

Stamp of Approval

Yes, now you can add a sunshine stamp of approval to your writings that you mail! Ship a short (but sweet) note on a postcard, longhand your love on a greeting card or letter--then add a shot of sunshine postage stamp to seal the deal!

Shot Of Sunshine Stamp by abitosunshine

Make unique customized postage.

 

 

This is my first customized postage stamp creation, but you can be pretty sure I will be creating more!

 

 

To Sow Love is To Know Love

Often my readers enjoy the background story that goes along with one of my poetic creations and, of course, I love to share the process. So, not only will I be sharing my latest creation but also the love which led to its creation.

Visiting a newfound blog friend's page on Facebook, 31 Days Early I Rise, I immediately saw that she shared a C.S. Lewis quote graphic. I instantly glanced at my copy of The Four Loves and shared with her it is my favorite book by C.S. Lewis.

Just a bit later I was sorting through incoming email and in popped a blog subscription post from an old friend, Brenda Youngerman.

Brenda hosts the weekly blog hop
Pondering with a Purpose
and this week's discussion prompt is:

Showing Love




Love is ... surely flowing as a topic for me to ponder today! Hmmm... Showing, led to words flowing in my mind, which then led to a bit o' sunshine glowing in a new greeting card design...

Love is...

Sow a bit o' love today!

Emotional Roller Coaster Ride

Last month, in Latter-Day Longings I shared a ride on an emotional roller coaster with a friend. The extremity of disturbance I felt was, I am sure, nothing compared to what Ann was feeling, her spirit crushed by grief over the loss of her dear friend. Friend Chris was an advocate for children; professionally, as well as personally.

Today Ann shares a bit more of the aftermath of emotions she is experiencing over the violent death of her friend in her post "One Month Since My Best Friend Was Murdered".

And, Ann also shares the plea for us to take a child by the hand and take a stand, to arise against abuse.

Arise Against Abuse Poster by abitosunshine
Browse Arise Posters

Stand for Something for the Children

Country music singer Aaron Tippin sings of life lessons he learned from his father, reminding us we've got to stand for something.

You've Got To Stand For Something

With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month (USA) I am here to remind you to join me in taking a stand for the children of the world who are victims of abuse.

You are invited to Like Arise Against Abuse on Facebook and share your personal story, links to your own articles or blog posts on the subject of child abuse, and/or links of interest that pertain to child abuse.

I also invite you to visit a collection of domestic violence and abuse poetry and prose I have written: Arise Against Abuse at Squidoo.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

You can make the call to aid a child abuse victim.

All calls are anonymous and completely confidential.

Let's Hear it For the Boy!

Today is my son's 40th birthday and I have created a very special tribute in honor of our love. Come join the celebration as I tell the greatest mother and son love story ever told.