I’m gonna skip over some folks again. And then circle back. To get this out there now. Because it’s important to me. And this is my blog. And in my blog we focus on what is important to me. The others that I'm circling back to are important, too. It's just. This one contains some … Continue reading The GJBeat Episode 10
Giving back
This Is Why
I finally visited the End Racism Now mural in downtown Roanoke. (If you click on the photo, it will take you to a webpage where you can purchase a t-shirt with the mural on it.) It’s beautiful. And it inspired me. This post has been sitting on my mind for years. It has taken me … Continue reading This Is Why
Call Me Coach
I remember the first time one of my girls called me coach when I saw her out at the store. It was a powerful moment. I have a pretty strong reaction to being left out. Like, unreasonably strong. It's an issue. I know. Plus I'm also one of these awkward introverts that really likes to … Continue reading Call Me Coach
Because I Like To Give Back
I'm sitting in the parking lot of Salem Health & Rehab right now. One of my students is interviewing for her first real job. She just finished her CNA. She just presented at our company's Black History Month Celebration, where the mayor and other community members were in attendance. She leads our Participant Action Committee. … Continue reading Because I Like To Give Back
Acting Out
I'm living my current life on a rewards system. Because that's how you shape behavior. I mean, you could focus on punishing bad behavior. But anyone who works in the juvenile or adult justice system can tell you that punishment doesn't work. And anyone who's ever tried to change my behavior through punishment knows that … Continue reading Acting Out
Because We All Need A Hero
Last weekend, I spent Saturday afternoon with some exceptionally adorable cats and dogs. And some of the hardest working people on earth. When I started volunteering with animal rescue in 2010, I began writing down my thoughts and experiences. When I started fostering later that same year, I began collecting the thoughts and experiences of … Continue reading Because We All Need A Hero
Just Find A Way To Give Back
You know how sometimes I get a little pissy about life and start judging people? I mean, it's not completely my fault, really. I'm usually provoked. Because, the world. It just. *sigh* I'll try not to make this all long and bitchy. But no promises. Because I saw this in my newsfeed today. I wish … Continue reading Just Find A Way To Give Back
Shine My Way 