K.L. Hallam's Blog, page 12

January 23, 2017

Women's March 2017 in New York City

More than one million people protested around the world last Saturday over Trump’s policies. In New York City alone, we had upwards of 400, 000 stand up to the Trump Regime. Have you seen the crowds! It’s a beautiful thing.
Hundreds of cities across our planet rose up against fascism, against hate, and stood up for Civil Rights, for Women’s rights, for Science, for the Arts, for Education, for LGBT, for POC, for clean water, and air we can actually breathe.
We stand together. STRONG.
After the deep anxiety and fear, marching in a crowd of like-minded people put some of those fears to rest. What an empowering experience. Unprecedented numbers!
WE RISE!
There are MORE of US than you GOP, Republicans! Love Wins!
Enjoy the photos and rest assured WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

We Need GUN LAWS!

Me, blowing the whistle.

In front of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza

The gathering at 9 AM.

Spirit Leader morphed into an Information Agent.

Early morning crowds.

Looking North on Second Ave.

The end of the line. At the Tower (of Sauron)

We're Stronger Together … and you’d better watch out!

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Published on January 23, 2017 07:01

January 19, 2017

Inauguration Essays: History Will Be Written By The People.

Saturday I march.
I march for me. I march for my children. I march for those who cannot.
For women. For the childrenFor those who have been victimized by the actions and words of PEOTUS.
This “election” was NOT normal.
A predator-in-chief offers nothing for our country, aside for the example of how women should be treated.
How to start a war.
How to disrespect and insult disabled people.
How to hurt people of color.
How NOT to be a citizen of the people.
How to turn families against one another.
The People of the United States of America demand fairness and justice for ALL.
All races. All religion. All beliefs.
We want a PEOTUS who wasn’t bailed out of bankruptcy by Russia, and in turn become a pawn and a traitor to the American people.
A PEOTUS who doesn’t want to strip the United States of OUR democracy! It belongs to US.
Or strip us of our HEALTH CARE.
What has this Administration NOT tried to TAKE AWAY from the American People, from our children?
A PEOTUS who doesn’t understand the simple equation that investing in our CHILDREN leads to a brighter, richer, more advanced future for EVERYONE, is not wise, or thinking of the future. Not a wise investor.
Or believe climate change isn’t happening. He doesn’t believe in FACTS … or Science.
This administration only understands investment that directly lines their pockets. (By pillaging your Health Care, and Art Foundation, etc.)
From Trump’s failed and bailed out businesses – we can expect a bankrupt USA in months.
That’s what he does. That’s his example.

** see Scott Dworkin #TrumpLeaks on Twitter. @funder

In the old days ...
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Published on January 19, 2017 11:12

January 10, 2017

The Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Link: How to Break It.

Domestic violence is something that usually increases in frequency and severity over time, in the same way substance abuse would. Growing up in an abusive household can put children at a greater risk of trauma, the possibility of turning to substance abuse, and getting involved in their own abusive relationship later in life. What To DoTreatment for a domestic violence situation is tricky. The abuser and victims are not likely to come up with useful solutions for themselves, especially when substance abuse is involved, so help and support will need to come from outside their household. The abused partner and children should be taken somewhere safe to get away from the domestic violence abuser. Treatment staff need to care for any substance abuse problems that the victims may be suffering from along with domestic violence abuse injuries and trauma. Support and validation is imperative to empower them to take charge of their recovery. Treatment for the domestic violence abuser could be more difficult to manage. Batterers often use alcohol or drugs as an excuse for violent behavior or to dull the guilt they might feel from it. So just getting treatment for substance abuse will not end anger and violence. Many blame their behavior on being drunk or under the influence to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions. Taking responsibility for those actions is the only path to rehabilitation for the domestic violence abuser.Extended domestic violence care and support is in more short supply than substance abuse support groups. Unfortunately, there is not much collaboration between the differing care groups for better treatment options that could rehabilitate substance abusing domestic violence batterers. The best option is to seek specialist support to address long term issues and habits that need to be evaluated. Past victimization, anger, and violent behavior need to be treated side by side with substance abuse issues during the recovery process. The cycle of domestic violence and substance abuse can be broken if all facets of the problem are addressed.

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Published on January 10, 2017 06:32

December 22, 2016

Wishing You Peace and Joy this Holiday Season.

With so much uncertainty ahead, our families are paramount to our happiness.
May you find joy and peace, and purpose for helping others in the human family and also in our animal kingdom. I'll spend time this holiday with my children, now teens, my husband, his family, my dog, and bad kitty, and forget the world at large for a day or two.

After the New Year those who stand for truth and justice, to protect our most vulnerable under the fascist regime taking hold of the USA, will return with renewed intensity to remove those in power destroying OUR democracy. It doesn't belong to them!

On another note, my Novella, THE UNMOVING SKY now has an Audio Book! Yay.

Amazon Review

"A truly GRIPPING read!"

I had fun previewing an advance reader copy of K.L. Hallam’s suspenseful debut novella, THE UNMOVING SKY. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. From the start, the set-up is ripe for action: brothers Jackson and Artie run off into the woods to escape their drunken dangerous father, but they get lost and take refuge in a cave to wait out a storm. I won’t recount much more to avoid spoilers, but someone else is hiding out there, too, and the tension ratchets up even further. I liked how Hallam keeps increasing the stakes and maintaining a brisk pace to create a page-turner. She also explores several serious themes, from alcoholism and domestic abuse to teen pregnancy and terrorism, in the course of this fast-paced adventure.

website: klhallam.com

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Published on December 22, 2016 07:50

December 20, 2016

MG Book Review: Almost Paradise by Author Corabel Shofner

Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an ARC for an honest review. A repost from my review on Kidliterati

“I believe places can heal. I believe science can heal. I believe God can heal. And I believe my hands can heal. It is best to use all of the above to get maximum results.”

Twelve-year-old, Ruby Clyde has a strong voice. She has a strong heart. She’s had to be the parent in the relationship with her mother. Her mother, like a child who needs caring for, and her stinky boyfriend Catfish winds up getting them all in deep trouble with the law.

One morning, Ruby wakes up to find she and her mother are being carted across the country, and her mother’s boyfriend, Catfish, whom she can’t stand, is in control. When he finds out her mother has a twin sister, who’s a nun, he wants to head over there and stay a while. But Ruby’s mother won’t have it. The sisters have been estranged for decades. Taking matters into his own hands, Catfish’s criminal mischief shocks Ruby and her mother to their cores and chaos ensues.

In the scramble, Ruby stays hidden from the mayhem and finds herself alone. The pig they rescued from the IQ Zoo used its leash (nylon pantyhose) to drag her to safety. With nowhere to turn, Ruby decides to go undercover and find her mother’s twin sister. After finding her, Ruby learns that her mother’s been arrested and must go on trial.

I found much to relate to in ALMOST PARADISE. Such a good story about what it’s like to feel abandoned and unloved. But Ruby is tough and she loves her mother, no matter what. We learn much about sacrifice from some of the secondary characters, like Ruby’s aunt Eleanor, the nun and the attorney Joe Brewer. Sprinkled throughout, are tidbits about the legal system and family court. Many references to faith and God, and I suppose with a nun as a major character that’s to be expected.
There are delightful twists, and endearing characters, making this feel true and timely in these important times when children need solace and comfort from life’s hard knocks. And that ending had me in tears!

“People heal each other, and it takes time.”

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Published on December 20, 2016 11:49

December 9, 2016

How I Stood Up To My Predator When I Was Eight Years Old!

Now that the United States may have a bully-predator in chief, it’s time to share my story. It comes with a Trigger Warning if you’ve been sexually abused in any way you may want to move on. This was very hard to share although I’ve wanted to for a couple years. Now is the time. So young girls—and boys know one way to stand up to their coward abusers!

As a child, my parents had violent fights. I was eight years old and so very happy when they divorced. When that happened my mother gathered my brother and me under her protective arms and gave us “the talk”. She told us about sex and about predators, but she was one year too late. My parents were quite young at the time and naturally, they’d go out and leave us with various babysitters. One particular family in the neighborhood had a teenage daughter who’d sit on occasion, but when she couldn’t her brother, who was 18, would come to our house. (My mother later told me she had doubts about an older, male sitter, but she didn’t follow through with those doubts, and apparently, my father’s need to go out drinking was paramount.)They never noticed the gifts from the male babysitter. Never knew he would creep into my bedroom after my parents left for a night out, again and again. At first, there were the simple requests of show and tell. And with each subsequent visit, the predator-babysitter would shower me with gifts to keep my mouth shut and not tell anyone about our little secret. I hated it. I hated the way I felt. I was eight-years-old and being blackmailed to keep my mouth shut and keep up the abuse. I cowered when he opened my bedroom door. I'd pretend to be asleep. But he’d only wake me. I was subjected to viewing him naked and to his requests for me to touch him. I wouldn’t tell my parents even when he gave me the brand new Captain and Tennille record. This went on and on. How long I’m unsure? My parents were separating during those years. I was lost and alone, believing no one would understand. I was EIGHT YEARS OLD. And I felt guilty. The guilt created the worst rift in my being, an end of innocence, guilt imprinted into my brain and in my heart. Sitting with my mom on her bed, the day after she finally left my father, I wanted to tell her about moving day, when my predator/babysitter followed us. When he pretended to help around the house, busy cleaning and sweeping up for my recently single (immigrant) mother. It was a bright summer’s day. I stood alone with him on the front porch after everyone had left. I’m sure he felt confident with my mom now alone and my father living on the other side of town. When he finished sweeping the porch he leaned into the broom and casually said, “Kiss me.” I stared at him towering over me and said, “I told my mother everything, and she knows about you and what you did to me.” It was a lie. But I’d confronted him. I don’t recall if he said much after that. I do remember his face. Stunned. Silent. He placed the broom against the wall and walked away without another word. I never saw him again. None of us ever saw him again. I’m very proud of my eight-year-old self. The bravest thing I ever did. Soon after that, my mother moved us to Florida. Years later, I wound up in a college not far from the town where I was sexually abused. I looked up the babysitter’s name. A college friend of mine called the number listed in the directory. When the predator picked up, my friend told him we knew what he did to children. Of course, he hung up. But he was there–and he KNEW I would never forget. By the time I told my mother I was thirteen years old and had already shared the story with most of my close friends.Each time I spoke about the pain and the guilt, the SHAME released me. I began healing. It took much longer for my relationships with the opposite sex to heal. But I found the perfect partner and we’ve been together over 20 years.I bow to my eight-year-old self for standing up to my predator. They are all COWARDS. Speak Out. And please, tell someone, you can always email me if you'd like.Had my mother spoken to me sooner, would things have been different? Hard to say, but it’s probably never too soon to speak with our children about the birds and the bees. In an age appropriate manner.

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Published on December 09, 2016 10:09

December 6, 2016

We who believe in LOVE, PEACE, AND EQUALITY ... have been hurt and shocked to our Foundations!

I wanted to share something a little different with you today. Many of us have been writing, calling, and speaking out, sharing stories, and advocating in solidarity for truth and justice. Coalitions are building and people are finding their power once again. So long as we can keep the fake NEWS out of our lives we can get things done.
A dear, dear, friend and Jazz Vocalist, Audra Blu sent this to me and asked if I could share. I’ve been suffering terrible anxiety since the election and her note helped me.
It’s from the side of illumination, not fear…

There is a crack, a crack in everything ...
That's how the light gets in. ~Leonard Cohen
You and I and the rest of the anti -Trumpers must slow down and take it easy Now. It's time to do a 180 on this! It's time to get back to our TRUE SELVES AND HEAL!

We who believe in LOVE, PEACE AND EQUALITY ...
have been hurt and shocked to our Foundations!

We held on for dear life believing that the bad stuff that Trump was talking about would have an adverse effect on the country. And for the most part, it has, however, we forgot who WE truly are and let it go straight into our hearts. There was not enough objectivity and we became sick from the poison of that which we hated. We got a DTRUMP INFECTION - WE GOT THE DTRUMP COOTIES!

WE need some Spiritual healing and rest from being fed pure hate and poison for months on end. Now is the time to get back to our centers, and get our hearts and minds strong again. We lost our hope and joy.

Remember the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by."

I'm not a so-called Christian, (Me, either) but I love this radical and revolutionary socialist (Me, too), Jesus and this style! He was asking the same thing we were when DTRUMP won! Jesus finally had to say okay and accept what was happening. And, according to the story, Jesus rose from the dead and we will too!!!

When opposition has its roots in issues of principal, we need to hold to our integrity and individuality. We, Lovers of Justice and Truth, got a little too close and danced with the darkness. We started believing more in the dark than the LIGHT ... without even knowing it!!! The Universe knows this and is saying, "keep your eye on the prize and watch for the Light in the dark"!

We were putting our faith into a person instead of the spiritual reality of Yin and Yang. Instead of knowing that everything balances out completely and "This too shall pass!"

When it does, we must be ready and strong but most of all, strengthen our HEARTS to know when and what to do and say when the tides begin to change!

We must avoid becoming involved with vulgar or base people who do not share our values.

Everything that could have gone wrong has. It seems at times that the Universe is conspiring against us, but when opposition to progress is at its peak, it has nowhere to go but down. That's when THE LIGHT often emerges. With the right attitude and persistence, Good Fortune returns in the end.

Estrangement can arise from a failure to clearly see the world. This kind of thinking leads to isolation. All that is necessary to reverse this kind of cycle is to observe the world more closely, without prejudice and to be honest about possible errors in our attitudes.

This is about a true Revolution!

Fire evaporates water, and water puts out fire. So Change often; causes conflict; conflicts bring about change. This is a Time in the cycle of human affairs when things are stirring up, and with a hint of dramatic changes in the air.

In order to succeed, revolutions must be in alignment with certain laws of nature and good timing. They must begin at the right moment, gather support from a broad base of people, be guided my sincere and capable leaders and most of all must address real needs.

The strength of the forces of change will always be in proportion to the urgency of the need being a champion. This is true in government, economics, art, education, and in our personal lives.

Revolutionary change points to a period when chaos arises from order. Let's remember that not all order is good, and not all chaos is bad. Chaos is often an integral part of the way things evolve- - - as any parent and modern scientist will confirm. This is a reminder to have the courage to radically change and renew the way we bring ourselves to life. In this way, we can Channel chaos to cross and unleash a new power on behalf of the good.

Combat between forces of dark and light are cyclical; WE can become aware of these Cycles and master them by preparing in advance. In periods of drought, even with storms, a new season awaits.

Thank you, Audra

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Published on December 06, 2016 08:43

December 1, 2016

Victims of Domestic Abuse Deserve Better

As a young child, I had to watch my parents fight in the most excruciating of ways. I'll never forget the pain and isolation of not being able to do anything to help. Thankfully, they divorced after eleven years. My mother, a tower of strength raised us, and being an immigrant from Greece, English wasn't her first language it was a struggle.

This very important message from Open Educators. I hope this will help others.

Although domestic abuse has seen a decline in recent years, there are still millions — millions — of Americans who endure it each year. Not only is it a terrible way to live — domestic violence victims never deserve to be abused, period — it’s behavior that should never be tolerated.
To show our support for those in abusive relationships, we wanted to share some helpful articles that we hope will provide some hope:
Signs You May Be in an Abusive Relationship
It’s Time to Acknowledge Male Victims of Domestic Violence
What to Say When You Suspect Someone is Being Abused
How to Identify and Report Elder Abuse
The Spouse’s Guide to Identifying and Stopping Opioid Abuse in Your Partner
How to Recognize Trauma in Children
A Healthy Partnership: How to Support Your Bipolar Spouse
Creating a Safety Plan

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please know that you deserve better, and there are many ways to get the help you need. If you’re not comfortable contacting your local law enforcement agency, consider reaching out to an anonymous hotline:The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741741

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Published on December 01, 2016 06:44

November 28, 2016

Book Review: Gilded Cage by Vic James. (Dark Gifts #1)

(A repost of my review from the Kidliterati blog)

Gilded Cage by Vic James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One family is torn apart by Equals, aristocrats with mysterious powers, and held captive.

Luke Hadley, sixteen-years-old, is ripped away from his family and sent to Millmoor, the dusty, grimy low down, work camp everyone spends ten years, to fulfill societal obligations. While his two sisters and parents are sent to work for none other than Lord Jardine, ruler of the most powerful family in Great Britain. Thanks to his sister Abi’s smarts, the rest of his family works underfoot, serving their time, and his ten-year-old sister is in charge of caring for Heir Jardin’s illegitimate new baby.

ID chipped, and living in Millmore, the country’s oldest slave town. Luke meets a few unusual suspects and joins in the plans for a revolution.

Back at the Royal Family’s in Kyneston, Abi is falling for Jenner, Lord Jardine’s polite, and handsome (UnSkilled) son, while working together to organize the offices.
Baby Libby’s father is Gavar Jardine, heir of Jardine, and his anger is explosive at best. Ten-year-old, Daisy, has come to trust him, against the family’s best interests. And there’s the Young Master, Silyen Jardine, whose “gift” makes Abi’s uncomfortable, if not downright ill, the way he enters her head and sees everything.

Lords and Ladies, torment, and secrets and possible revolution, a dystopian world that feels familiar but oh, so different, and the likelihood of it being feasible are quite frightening. Gilded Cage, is told in multiple POVs, which kept the pace flowing and the tension tight. I was hooked from the start, the pace, and the author’s imagination is extraordinary, the end (chill bumps!) leaves you wanting more.

A magical, YA fantasy. I hope this book becomes series, for years and years to come. Outstanding YA debut for all ages.

Expected publication: February 14th, 2017 by Del Rey Books

*There’s a Goodreads Giveaway for this book until mid-December.

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Published on November 28, 2016 06:33

November 9, 2016

We Are The Resistance

I am in shock.
All I can think about are the results of the election, fearful for my most vulnerable friends, and what’s in store for the United States of America.
United, now divided.
Fear of being a woman, where rape and demoralizing are being sent to the highest office of this country.

I fear for my Muslim, Mexican, POC, Disabled, and LGBT friends, being targeted. My cousin is afraid, being a woman and autistic, she’ll be beaten up in her back alley.
I’m afraid for the artists, the poets, the professors, and the thinkers. Scared for the environment, the future of climate change and science, the animals, the water we drink, and the food we eat.
What the hell have we done U.S.A.? We’ve been sent into a glitch, back 50 years.
What’s our solace, recourse?
Living in New York City, where it’s good to know intelligence still prevails. But we can’t sit inside our state forever. Neither can you! Showing by example is the only thing that works. Share the diversity. Read widely, talk to people outside your circle.
There’s something I heard years and years ago about this century, from the writings of Edgar Cayce, the sleeping profit, was that early in the 21st century the purists would rise up!
Rise. Rise. RISE
A coalition is building, one of love and strength in kindness.   We are the resistance!

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Published on November 09, 2016 07:50

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