Susie Duncan Sexton's Blog, page 16

up to the rest of us to teach kids to appreciate all living beings

This sweet innocent puppy is safe now...and it looks like America has some work to do...encouraging children to care about others besides themselves -- via ads, newspaper articles, television shows, books, after-school programs, school curricula, church programs AND by example, etc.

If adults are asleep at the wheel or even purposely poisoning young minds concerning the RIGHTS and welfare of all sentient beings, of all species, then it is up to the rest of us to teach kids to appreciate all living beings. So thrilling that the puppy is now in good hands.

Elena Reyes Kent wrote, "Great words! I've been teaching children as well as adults my whole life. I keep squawking & will never stop. Although I feel there are many who agree with our views, those who also agree shy away from the spotlight. Not I, as I love those innocents more than I worry about who may throw stones at me. Their lives matter, so they can hit me with stones, bricks and boulders as long as they're not throwing them at those who are voiceless."

I love what she wrote! "I love those innocents more than I worry about who may throw stones at me." I have landed in that same spot by now...never felt so smart in my life until I figured out that I am not important, but our cause IS! And THE significance of animal rights and welfare is that once acknowledged by all, the world will be changed for the absolute better ...for every living being!

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From The Post and Mail - Wonderful piece by Christie Workman - I adore this Monarch butterfly article ... and Madge Woodham taught me to read! Great work, Christie!

One of the WANE-TV weathermen - Jesse Hawila - also raises Monarchs, a topic which he mentioned a couple of weeks ago during a telecast. I fell in love with him that night I did! An important endeavor which should be of interest to all of us... An informative yet gentle article from Christie!

My son Roy enjoys Christie so much and appreciated being interviewed by her a couple of years ago. Thanks for her sweetness...much needed in this world! Enjoy! www.thepostandmail.com





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such neat comments - thanks!

Kim Elizabeth Johnson: "Just read this and signed the petition. Thanks! I can't watch the video of the kid slamming his puppy down though. Ugh."

Elizabeth Lean: "the puppy was saved thank goodness"

Anthony Marr: "That's right, Susie. We need a counter-propaganda machine."

Elena Reyes Kent: "Thank you."

Elena Consigli: "children are the future; we must teach to them the respect for all beings"

Shannon Basner: "A wonderful young man donated towards my organization Mojo's Hope for his birthday. He and his friends raised $200 for us! Compassion in Action!"

Jill Wheaton Lindsey: "I love your Mom's blog!!!! I shared this on my rescue page as well!!! Three Sisters and A Brother Animal Rescue"

Laurie Woodruff Henderson: "It's a given. Of course!"

Mary Maday: "Have read up on Monarchs recently. Am going to plant their favorites next year. Have not seen any in Wyoming but remember them from when I was a little girl."

Christie Workman: "Thanks, Roy and Susie...appreciate the kind words."

Dani Ella Rene: "NICE!!"

Jesse Hawila: "Wonderful!! Thanks so much for sharing this, Roy. I appreciate it. I'm so glad to find more and more people expressing their love for Monarchs. It's such an important thing to me and has been for years. I would love to meet Monarch momma! And tell your mom thanks so much!"

Lorraine Dumas: "This is so important and should be a part of every school's curriculum."

Paul Hoofard: "It's up to parents first to teach our children to respect all animal life and human life. Then church and then school. And if you are good parents this will go far in life."

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Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

open season on this and that and those and these

this facebook exchange is just too important not to share - it is in response to the video A Cow At My Table [Vegan Animal Rights Liberation] - click title to view (you MUST watch) ...



Kelley Scott Sandusky: "This was really tough to see..."

Susie Sexton: "oh, indeed...and even tougher and more impossible to endure for these living beings who know nothing but suffering. this footage is haunting but less violent than so many of these clips...very artfully crafted. I read clueless newspaper articles every day and wish to stop poring through such detached horror...I cannot bear to read them...open season on this and that and those and these...with no empathy from the writers whatsoever...I call that irresponsible journalism...time for print media ...well, really all media... to get on board and present the other side, actually the correct and loving side. until soon...in the immediate future... there will be no more destruction of life, and peace will be at hand. thanks for watching. we cannot stop the madness if we look away and fail to empathize and change the horrifying momentum of death and torture. to sit down and eat meat is perpetuating the nightmare...and should be difficult for all of us..as difficult or even more so than viewing the devastation of living beings right before our eyes. see SPECIESISM ...crystallizes what anyone in one's right mind would think. and does so gently, logically!"



Kelley Scott Sandusky: "Sadly, one of our favorite excuses is 'We've ALWAYS done it this way...' Humans are an easily led pack of followers. Independent thought and real effort are becoming more scarce as time passes. This culture teaches us to justify the most callous of actions rather than to question ourselves and own our part in it. I really try to teach empathy and respect for all life. It must be done gently, since people are so often embroiled in so many bitter, detached, lives. So.... How do you motivate people beyond a 'no effort required' position?"

Roy Sexton: "So true - I think we just keep sharing the info - the sadnesses and the joys of the of animals on this planet and eventually reach all the dunderheads out there!"



Kelley Scott Sandusky: "It is all important to me. Parenting first, moral values, teaching children to question everything. Teaching them to be loving and unique. I wish more kids were brought up with a better value system...Okay, off my soapbox."

Susie Sexton: "terrific, Kelley! no soapbox...the truth...which will set us free! you are a smart human! and so is Roy!"



Kelley Scott Sandusky: "Thank you. I just tend to wear my feelings in plain view."

Roy Sexton" "you are both angels!"

Susie Sexton: "I do the same, Kelley! two peas in a pod! but I like what roy called us better..."

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thanks for this feedback!

Kelley Scott Sandusky: "Thank you I am flattered (Kel) <----- blushing. I am so happy to know kindred souls. You really bring compassion to the forefront."

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Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

somebody's rediscovered intellectualism and the socratic method: Speciesism the Movie

we watched speciesism: the movie last night - www.speciesismthemovie.com



somebody's rediscovered intellectualism and the socratic method of arriving at truths...refreshing, gentle approach to the urgent need to address this holocaust of species other than ourselves and perpetrated daily by each one of us -- an unnecessary and unwise mass destruction of Lives and our environment, a monumental devastation which is indeed happening second by second in America...

we are not the superior species after all. a reasoned approach to an ethical question looming large!

Speciesism: The Movie Synopsis

Modern farms are struggling to keep a secret. Most of the animals used for food in the United States are raised in giant, bizarre “factory farms,” hidden deep in remote areas of the countryside. Speciesism: The Movie director Mark Devries set out to investigate. The documentary takes viewers on a sometimes funny, sometimes frightening adventure, crawling through the bushes that hide these factories, flying in airplanes above their toxic “manure lagoons,” and coming face-to-face with their owners.

But this is just the beginning. In 1975, a young writer published a book arguing that no justifications exist for considering humans more important than members of other species. It slowly began to gain attention. Today, a quickly growing number of prominent individuals and political activists are adopting its conclusions. They have termed the assumption of human superiority speciesism. And, as a result, they rank these animal factories among the greatest evils in our history. Speciesism: The Movie brings viewers face-to-face with the leaders of this developing movement, and, for the first time ever on film, fully examines the purpose of what they are setting out to do.

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Indiana Dove Hunting Season Expanded

so our Hoosier DNR runs three articles in local newspapers throughout the State of Indiana...this week...one right after the other...open season first on SQUIRRELS? then RIVER OTTERS? now MOURNING DOVES...individual licenses on sale and youth licenses as well...(teach the kids to kill)...and each has its own price tag? PROFIT, FOLKS...BLOOD MONEY...PLEASE PROTEST...



thank you for this feedback!

Sylvie Caltrider: "Great read!"

Florence Windfall: "Thanks for turning us Facebook fans onto this film, Roy! I look forward to showing it at Humanist Hall one day!"

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Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

D=dimwitted and N=nutjobs and R=Run Amok!

THE INDIANA DNR HAS POSTED IN INDIANA NEWSPAPERS THAT IT IS OPEN SEASON ON SQUIRRELS FOR A PRICE...



selling licenses which are pretty pricey and at reduced prices to the youth also....just read an article tonight... squirrels? has bloodlust gotten that "nuts"? has money-grubbing become that outrageously flagrant? shameful...actually frightening.

Kamini Christina Merner: "Whoever kills an animal for fun or in the name of 'sport' destroys their own humanity."

absolutely, kamini...such a growing list of those...hopefully a longer list of those of us who stop them.



Prince of Wales in Conservation Effort to Save Red Squirrel

Judy Kramer: "They'd have a 'field day' at my house. I feed them so I have quite a few at my place. Better NOT - don't tote a gun but have a 'big mouth'. Where do these people come from - unbelievable!!??"

Mad about Wisconsin DNR Killing a Fawn With a SWAT Team? Take Some Action

D=dimwitted and N=nutjobs and R=Run Amok!

and now otters?!? in yesterday's newspaper: "The state of Indiana is proposing a limited trapping season for river otters and to allow for the sale of river otter furs less than 20 years after the animals were reintroduced after becoming extinct in Indiana." horrific.

River otter trapping season considered for Indiana

this state is so backward...an embarrassment...



so they are advertising license "sales" for killing 5 squirrels per day......a "nutty" amount of money...and a bit less for YOUNGSTERS. and now this otter business?!?

wondering why anything involving the DNR seems not to get attention. they are like a cash register...cha chinging...what can we sell for mass slaughter of something or other today...licenses and guns and hunting gear...cha ching...I cannot stand the DNR either...lots of relatives of relatives employed there...becoming so red-neck in hoosierville...what is up with that...



and our paper publishes slaughtered animals or animals being led to slaughter constantly...year round...cycles...4-H, turkey slaughter...deer slaughter..."feeshing" ! enough already...year after year after year.

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thanks to rachele baker, veterinarian and author, for featuring me on her blog as part of her "tuesday true tails"! what an honor ...

read at this link:

http://rachelebaker.com/tuesday-true-...



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thanks for this feedback!

Debbie Malek: "I can understand her frustration! As bad as the situation is for squirrels, how does she feel about cows, pigs, fish?" [Check earlier blog entries for that. I'm definitely consistent!]

Val Silver: "Beautiful story, beautifully written. Our dogs aren’t 'perfect', but they sure are loved and make our lives better, don’t they? Thank you for saving Jack and Zelda. And yes, they do speak, and when we listen, we understand."

Rachele Baker: "Thank you for sharing your wonderful story, Susie."

Janet Siano: "A wonderfully written story. So heartwarming and enjoyable."

Drex Morton: "Thank you for sharing this piece."

Cara: "I loved the story. Thank you for sharing! Jack and Zelda have a special owner and I know Zelda is greatly missed. By your story they are, and were, well cared for!"

Gail Paul: "What a wonderful story. I know what it's like to have to euthanize a well-loved dog."

Groovy Goldendoodles: "Still think this is such a wonderful way to introduce great bloggers/writers to the rest of us. Loved the story."

Lorraine D: "Wonderful story! Thank you."

Kathleen MK: "Miss Sexton ~~ You made me smile many times as I read about your Jack and Zelda. Thank you for sharing them with me today."

Janis Mcclure: "Wonderful tale of a journey of love, we have shared our lives with three wonderful dogs and would do it all over again. Thanks for a beautiful reminder."

Nicte Renedo: "So lovely."

Linda Gentry Guest: "I love this story."

Beth Kennedy: "what a beautiful love story for the ages"

Ali Isaac: "Love this new special feature on your blog, Rachele! And what a lovely story beautifully told to start it all off."

Kelley Scott Sandusky: "She is FANTASTIC!"

Dolly the Doxie: "What a beautiful story! Its always the dog left behind that breaks my heart the most, thanks so much for sharing."

Daniella: "I really enjoyed your story – lots of emotion and made me tear up. Beautifully written!"

Jenna/Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady: "This was so beautiful! Thank you for sharing."

Kitties Blue: "What an exquisitely beautiful and well-written story."

Dogsnpawz: "Love this story. Very beautifully written. Thanks for sharing your story about your two very special fur babies."

Marie Symeou: "Wonderful post!"

Paul Hoofard: "J'aime!"

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Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

So honored to be featured on the TV show Patty's Page

Enjoy this interview of yours truly on lovely Patty Hunter's Fort Wayne-based talk show Patty's Page.












View at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA_zB...

We candidly discuss the experiences of growing up in small-town Columbia City, the high and lows and the delights and frustrations of writing columns and books, my love of animals and movies and fun, the importance of always keeping an open mind, and many more wide-ranging topics. Enjoy!

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thanks for this feedback!

Jo Powers Biddle: "LOVED seeing AND hearing your mom on Patty's talk show. Thanks for sharing the link, Roy!"

Lee Gaylord: "She's good people."

Maureen D'Agostino: "Loved this interview! I'm still laughing!"

Robin Plasterer: "She is so cool. I love you and your entire family. Too funny!!!"

Beth Kennedy: "i cannot wait until she has her own talk show - who will be her sidekick? i can perfectly picture her in her ski mask with her wire cutters, and i'd be happy to bail her out."

Rayma Hogan: "If anybody can save them all, Susie, I know you can!!"

Pat Mossburg: "I do love your Momma, Roy!!"

Tyler Chase: "You're lucky to have Susie for your Mom, Roy. She's a great lady. I loved the part where she is describing your education and says hold on there's more."

Helen Cochrane: "I loved all of Edna' s family and especially on Roy Duncan's birthday August 17th. I wish all of Roy's family a great time of pleasure on his birthday."

Krisan Gregson: "Loved being able to watch your Patty's Page interview on You Tube. All this technology is certainly amazing!"

Kat Kelly-Heinzelman: "Roy, Your mom is a peach among peaches, and I am very thankful to know the both of you. I learn something new every day when I read your column or your mom's. Take care my friends, and Patty's chat with your Mom sounded like she was sitting down with an old friend, and they were just chatting about things that interested the both of them. COOL!!! Really COOL!!!"

Tari Joyce: "I'm thankful because you are some of the best people I know. I am grateful to have spent time & laughs !! I just know Susie & I have lineage ~ She's my chosen sister for life !! Love you guys!!"

Mary Hurston: "Loved it, Susie!"

Kama McClanahan-Darr: "Unbelievable!!! Thank you so much. I'm honored! ... You're asked to create a special bracelet for someone not thinking you would ever get mentioned in an interview or have it shown on TV. WOW! Thank you to Author Susie Duncan Sexton for doing so. You can hear her talk about it around the 17 minute mark or so. THANK YOU Fans of Susie Duncan Sexton! Secrets of an Old Typewriter by Susie Duncan Sexton"

Beth Hilt: "Thanks Roy! I really enjoyed your mom’s interview on YouTube - she should consider hosting her own show."

B Anne Giles Watson: "Susie Sexton, West Ward sounds like an insane asylum?!? Loved it...and CCJHS...sounds like a drug palace! I laughed so hard! A fun show!!!"

Ginger Haycox: "LOL! I can sooo relate! Seven years old & no more meat for me. Loved salads & my grandfather said my mother had turned me into a rabbit...loved pasta...any pasta - loved cream of mushroom soup & veggie soup of course. I would sit in the middle of our vegetable garden in the summer & eat my way to the kitchen door & then not have enough room to eat dinner. Dinner that had meat...blech! my pets were everywhere I was & I could not look into their faces & then sit at the table & eat a distant cousin...just not in my makeup. My oldest brother hunts & fishes...you wonder about Thanksgiving get-togethers?"



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on another note ...

Texas Gov. Perry says indictment is abuse of power??

I know this, Governor...you perpetrated a grammatical error here: "The details of my decision-making were very clear. I said early on that I was going to clearly veto those dollars as long as they had someone in that office who I had lost confidence in," Perry said. "And I had lost confidence." Two errors...you ended a sentence with a preposition AND "WHOM" is not only the objective form of "WHO" but also the object of the preposition with which you completed the sentence? Speaking of "sentences"! Content B-/Mechanics C-!

(Note within margin: Beginning a sentence with a conjunction -- In your case, "And" -- is now all the rage in "journalistic" circles...so you are forgiven for the sentence fragment fad/trend which only serves to make you "cool" and "with it"! Might get you some votes with the "hipper" conservatives!)



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Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

Call of the Wild Dearborn: Animal Tales - now available!

Call of the Wild Dearborn: Animal Tales is now available to order! You may recall this was the book put together by the Dearborn Public Library and which features an essay by yours truly! Additionally, our dogs Jack and Zelda are featured on the cover.









You can order the book on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Call-Wild-Dearb...

Take a walk on Dearborn's wild side with this delightful (and thrilling!) community anthology featuring animal stories, poems, and essays written by over 100 authors of all ages. From humor to haiku, mystery to real-life-rescue tales, there's something here for everyone. Proceeds benefit Dearborn Public Library. Edited by Henry Fischer, Linda Choo, Kathryn Takach, Jeff Lelek.

Authors include Syed Mustafa Akbari, Abeer Alhassan, Ali Aljahmi, Byan Al-Qalyuby, Zain Alsayad, Ayat AlTamimi, Judy Altesleben, Mary Althaver, David K. Anger, Mary Bandyke, Maryanne Bartles, Marge Berry, Bonnie Bilbrey, Joseph Bongero, Alfred Brock, Amy Bruhn, Ellen Chene, Linda Choo, Susan J. Cleereman, Dan Colovas, Rose M. Cook, Beaufort Cranford, Collette Cullen, Hank Czerwick, Selia Danes, Dannielle DiMeglio, Michael Dorantes, Rowden F. Dupuie, Mary Jo Durivage, Gloria Edmonds, Zeinab Elhourani, Elle Vee, Malak Fawaz, Mohamed Fawaz, Zamzam A. Fawaz, Christine Fischer, Henry Fischer, A.C. Fish, Shirley Foisy, Annie Franco, Joe Gaber, Anne Gautreau, Carl Goran, Nicki Goran, Laurine Griffin, Arty Grins, Barbara Sophie Hansen, Kim Heard, Jacob Hildebrandt, Saad Jawad, Carol Ann Jessup, Carol Kalat, Sarah Kalmoni, Diane Kaye, James Knapp, Walter Lamb, James LaRue, James Lawhorn, Erica Laycock, Jeff Lelek, Michael Louis, Teresa M. Lousias, Haneefa Mahmood, Jim Miller, Nathan Nourie, L. Glenn O’Kray, Patty Podzikowski, Anita Polzin, Drew Prosch-Jensen, Marcel Pultorak, Steven R. Roberts, Lisa Rose, Isabella Rowan, MaryAnn Rowe, Michelle Saad, John Sanchez, Julie Schaefer, Angela Scott, Zahra Seblini, Corey Seeman, Gary Setter, Susie Duncan Sexton, Maleka Sharay, Nourah Sinahi, Donald G. Smock, John Smolinski, Mark Somers, Veronica Susalla, Kathryn Takach, Claudia Taniguchi, Dennis Tino, Phyllis Tippett, John Toohey, Dennis Underwood, Eleanor Vallie-Floetke, Jane Vos, Mary Weber, Arleen Wood, EmmaJean Woodyard, Gretchen Yates-Madick, and Mary Ann Zawada.

Dearborn Public Library has been proudly serving the citizens of Dearborn, Michigan, since 1924. Its vision is to foster the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading, and the pursuit of knowledge for all ages and cultures starting with the very young. For additional information, please visit www.dearbornlibrary.org.



My bio!

Susie Duncan Sexton grew up in a very small town, Columbia City, Indiana. After graduating twelfth in her class at Ball State University (winning the first ever John R. Emens award for “most outstanding senior”), she returned to her hometown where she has worked as a teacher, a publicist, a museum curator, and a health lecturer.

She currently writes monthly columns "Old Type Writer" for a popular local blog Talk of the Town and "Homeward Angle" for the Columbia City Post and Mail newspaper. She has been a frequent contributor to the literary journal "Moronic Ox," and her poetry was selected by poet Charles Michael Madigan and by Wayne State professor M.L. Liebler to be featured in "Poetic Resonance Imaging: Behind the Door." She also has been featured in Our USA, Writing Raw, Where Writers Write, and InD'tale magazines. Her books Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its sequel Misunderstood Gargoyles & Overrated Angels are currently available in paperback (as well as download formats) at www.open-bks.com, www.amazon.com, and www.susieduncansexton.com. Her son Roy Sexton recently published his first book of film, theatre, music, and pop culture essays, Reel Roy Reviews, Vol. 1: Keepin’ It Real (www.reelroyreviews.com).



Describing her work, Susie says, “I willingly share nostalgic trips to the past as I have now achieved such an old age that no one remains who can question the authenticity of my memory of places, people and events that were very much never what they were cracked up to be.”

Always an observer of events and human traits, Susie Duncan Sexton offers without apology her thoughts and observations as they are and once were, and fitting her persona into pigeonholes is impossible. “I have searched for the 'We of Me' since toddler days and have always come up wanting,” she says, “though I trust that in my next life I shall finally have figured out how to make this world a better place full of tolerance and inclusiveness and understanding for all forms of life.”



thanks for the feedback!

Rebecca Winder: "Awesome!"

Ruth Wilkins: "Hope you are well and enjoying our strange weather - however, it is a beautiful summer! This is so exciting for Susie and ALL who love her!!!"

Holly Shay: "LOL- my parents are Jack and Zelda. How funny!"

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Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

JONI, I HARDLY KNEW YE…Confessions of a Dormant Hippie!

www.youtube.com is my second home…my escape from the madness of life…a retrieval of song lyrics that inform while simultaneously lightening my soul.



Interest is revived in continuing to endure the pitfalls of life. Hoosier author Kurt Vonnegut swore that music, all by itself, proves the existence of heaven. Despite such photographic YouTube video-clipped time-warped evidence as: skinny ties and lapels and mop haircuts (the BEATLES); underrated murky-early-on-"living color"-telecast geniuses (Bobby Darin, Peter Allen, Harry Nilsson); over-done cocktail dresses (Eydie Gorme, Lena Horne, Leslie Uggams, Doris Day, Dinah Shore); bare, hairless, calypso chests (Harry Belafonte); flowered shirts and tiny bubbles (Don Ho); capes (Elvis); flowing caftans (Mama Cass, Judy Collins, Carole King, Joni Mitchell); annoying "prop" guitars (James Taylor and nearly every other person), it is/are the LYRICS that steal my heart…and much of that language freakily stands the test of time. Way too many tunes become better with age--they resonate…and inspire and guide me even more than "YESTERDAY" when I was young .



It's downright spooky…and I welcome my hippie mentality and heightened groovy sensibilities at this rather advanced stage of life.



Recently, I moped off to a party "all by myself" (sans the significant "other")…doubting that marriage ever could have been a worthwhile (man-made, artificial, institutional, economic) concept! Admit it? Most of us have been there more times than we care to count. An imaginary Don Ameche and radio wife Frances Langford (Google "The Bickersons"!) and I all started the car while I stifled tears, attempting to eliminate a mind-swirling barrage of bombastic barbs. HE had snarled, "Sure, put on your very best t-shirt, the only dressing-up you ever do! Have a great time, you (insert sexist slur modified by scathing adjective!)" Upon arrival, hardly in a festive mood, I mingled, then stared at a depressing choice between deleterious frankfurters or pulled pork. I am a vegan. Would far rather pet a pig than eat… or be… or wrestle one. Felt out of place. Tossed a hastily wrapped present atop the gift table. Fielded a few probing questions. Grudgingly watched the big-deal international World Cup soccer match on a big-screen TV, as I silently lamented that a bunch more wandering stray dogs, in yet another country, had gotten slaughtered to accommodate pointless, televised, "sportsy", showboating human activities. However, my funk lifted! When I left for home, a handsome personable Hispanic foster child scurried over to my side, bestowing upon me the biggest hug of my lifetime--and thanks to that young fellow, I got back on track. I smiled for the first time in an entire week.



If I possessed the talent of either Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Eddie Arnold, P!nk, k.d. lang, or the Dixie Chicks, about now I might contribute a bluesy woeful folk song highlighting that checkered NON-party-mode celebration; even though country-western, rockabilly and especially folk-singing are my least favorite musical genres…yet all three boast some powerful messages often. I have begun to focus on the words of songs, minus Ed Sullivan's introductions, or squealing females, or twanging guitar strings, or pounding, thudding "garage band" drumbeats, or bright lights or whatever bells and whistles and unnecessary pizzazz customarily weigh down, drown out, and obscure sweet, sometimes dark, meaningful tunes' souls upon further examination. Shut out the noise…focus on the lyrical prayers…for change, for peace, for understanding…contained in arrangements of words…the lyrics…the all-important lyrics. The older I grow, the more profound certain melodic messages become…as in "Imagine", "One is the Loneliest Number", "MacArthur Park", "Big Yellow Taxi", "You're So Vain", anything at all ever created by Randy Newman, and that "Itsy Bitsy Spider" ditty created by Carly Simon for that heart-wrenching, honest, raw, Nora Ephron auto-bio-flick Heartburn starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson at their combative finest. Nicholson screeches out "My Boy Bill" (a.k.a. "Soliloquy"), from the musical Carousel, to a pregnant Streep in the funniest movie moment I've ever viewed! (As a side note, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Annie Lennox as well as David Bowie's "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" are forever in my personal music hall of fame!)



I've changed and so have lots of lyrics which I never really understood until I matured? The hard way? Case in point? I am revisiting with gusto a "painter derailed by circumstances"--the gifted poet/composer named Joni Mitchell with her panoply of intriguing titles, one of which was her first hit single entitled "You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio"! Noteworthily, I discovered the personalized yet universal significance of "Both Sides Now" -- in the wee hours of a recent morning…just me and YouTube and Canadian Joni and a 70 piece orchestra, all of us together at a 2000 New York tribute to her magnificent talent. (Over 3 million views!) This particular version, sung by Joni herself, got featured on the soundtrack of the film "Love Actually". (I choose to ignore that one of the Olympics committees copped and probably corrupted this masterpiece in 2012…) Mitchell is heading toward age 60 in the video and impresses as exquisite, elegant, serene….noticeable are a much deeper voice and refreshingly more studied delivery of a most eloquent song.



Simplistically divided into three equal portions of observations, in ascending importance, of "clouds", "love", then "LIFE", the piece counterpoints youthful illusions shattered by inevitable disillusionment -- resulting in positive change and personal evolution of thought. The songwriter/performer sings for eight plus minutes all the while headed deliberatively toward the "ah, yes" conclusion, a standing ovation, and thunderous applause:

"…Tears and fears and feeling proud,
To say 'I love you' right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds,
I've looked at life that way.

"Oh, but now old friends are acting strange,
They shake their heads, they say I've changed
Well something's lost, but something's gained
In living every day.

"I've looked at (clouds, love,) life from both sides now
From (up and down, give and take,) win and lose -- and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know (clouds, love,) life at all…"

Never one to act my age, to know my proper place, or to become lost inside any clique whatsoever, I have tumbled along honoring my free-wheeling instincts…often at my own risk. But I am so pleased that contentious, ridiculous quagmires of age issues, gender landmines, religious identifications, and ethnicity mazes mean zilch to me. I dedicate today's column to some "youngsters" half my age because they have all enhanced my life -- and their consistent friendliness, support and joie de vivre boost my morale year 'round every year. Thanks to twins Lisa & Laura, Rusty, Missy, Chelsea, John, Tami, Deborah, Tammy, Mel, Tricia, Victoria, Beth, Jennifer, and Roy. My apologies for stealing from Frank Sinatra, but kids, "You make me feel so young…"



thanks for this feedback! wow!

Jan Tansel: "I know I’ve said it many times before, but I will say it again …I love your mom’s writings…she is so highly skilled in her profession … there is no one to compare to her (at least not in my world). Love her column....Here I am again: President of 'The Susie Sexton Fan Club.' May I continue with a couple more words of praise for Susie? Without sounding like I’m going overboard, I want to add that I think she has such a marvelous command of the English language. And, as you already know this about me—I so greatly admire and respect that talent. She is truly exceptional. Her writing skills: so colorful; she makes her stories come to life; so expressive; she draws you in. I read and edit press releases, etc., all day long and have seen no one that comes even close to her ability as a writer."



Nancy Bogart: "Still listen to Joni...after 40 years fast forward. Her lyrics have taken on new meanings these days...perhaps I understand for the first time."

Diann Trice: "One of her best ones yet!!!!!"

Laura Reiff Underwood: "I feel ya Susie!!!~ 'Never one to act my age, to know my proper place, or to become lost inside any clique whatsoever, I have tumbled along honoring my free-wheeling instincts…often at my own risk.'----Thanks for the mention; you are an amazing person, and a fantastic writer! xoxo"

Lisa Reiff-Claypool: "I adore you, Susie!"



Deborah Fields Perez: "Aww, thank you Susie Sexton! I'll Foxtrot to that!!! You're the best! ... You are the kind of person the world needs more of. You lift others up AND fight for the ethical treatment of animals. What a great woman you are. Truly."

Drex Morton: "Susie...I am your musical colleague in so many levels... And '...you were killing me softly with your song...' ...Great piece of writing, this... ;)"

Rita Tortonesi Dieter: "I so love Joni Mitchell! 'Blue,' 'Both Sides Now,' 'Woodstock' - she is so deep and soulful. Got me through my pre-teen moodiness and now my menopause moodiness as well. River can still bring me to tears."

Pat Heinbaugh: ""Hi, ladybug...how are ye....have not seen the face behind the words for many a day....."

Beth Kennedy: "How nice of her!"

Tammy Marshall: "Thank you, Roy Sexton! I appreciate you so much... 'and your little dog too.' It's an easy one but name that movie ;)"



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Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

I have got compassion fatigue

you can help...yes, you can...just click SHARE and each shelter animal you share has more opportunities to be saved...the ONLY reason I facebook long into the night and early morning....not to share recipes nor brag nor be all phony baloney nor hook up with folks I never talked with in the first place...



nope, facebook matters for one reason only ...making this world a better place for all...absolutely all...from insects to elephants ... and for people everywhere. we are all the same...we can all feel fear....we can all experience joy...and joy is what is needed not hate nor bullying nor self-interest. please click SHARE every chance you get...a share is a prayer...not a promise of a prayer...nor a show-boating performance of a prayer to unseen gods above, with palms clasped...it is DOING SOMETHING for another.

CLICK...CLICK...CLICK...SHARE...SHARE...SHARE. thanks for reading and thanks for doing.

"A high percentage of Atheists support Animal Rights, much higher than the public at large or any religious persuasion in particular. Why would that be? It could be that in eschewing religious dogma they are not impressed with a god who gave humans dominion over animals, or one that requires (or required) animal sacrifices. It could be that Atheists are generally better educated. It could be that most Atheists are much more politically Liberal than the general public, or any religious laity. Whatever the reasons, it is in the animals' interests to have more Atheists in this world. More Atheists means more Animal Rights activists!" - Roland Windsor Vincent

totally agree...I always think to myself that there is no THEO...so how can we be anti something or somebody who does not exist? self-proclaimed Christians are so tiresome...I cannot believe the small time junk we normal people have to endure from the "believers" who seem to "believe" simply to get ahead in town...and make lots of money by networking...what jerks they are. kind of a junior/senior prom.

"Bullies are made, not born. They’re made at sheep dressing competitions and pig wrestling matches. They develop and hone their callous disregard for sentient others at calf cash races and chicken scrambles, events that are presented to them as normal and fun. Why? Because to perpetuate itself, animal agriculture requires that children embrace the lessons of speciesism. One could even posit the idea that animal ag victimizes not only animals, but children, too." - Kathleen Stachowski, Other Nations

so, let's try this one ... rednecking and/or country clubbing "hunters" are getting their "feelings" hurt? (click here for this absurd tale). how did these types get to this egotistical, misguided point? the bush administration?



just unreal...and what a very mixed group in their student council type photo there...where would we all be without self-dubbed "conservationists"? the inmates really want to be in complete charge of the asylum they are creating, do they not?

they are surprised at the response? well, here's MY response: "Inglourious Basterds - Hans Landa laughing"



one a$$ like Seth Meyers, whom I thought I really liked, can utter one animal bashing "funny" (in last night's monologue) to gain questionable applause and thoughtless guffaws and lose my allegiance for a lifetime...how can I sit through the emmy awards with him hosting? i may not.

I have got compassion fatigue to the extent I doubt humanity to the max...I wish I could help enlighten masses of humans...impossible...the human ego is monstrous and never stops ticking away. the only comfort I experience is that ironically I AM NOT ALONE...there are a bajillion humans out there who care and wish to change attitudes...so how can those of us who care still feel so all alone? an enigma...



postscript

a poor tiny orphan kitten was killed yesterday in spite of pledges...really? and many others with this kitten also. spaying and neutering is really swell...but once these kids get born, America, let us think of a better plan than murdering animals for fertilizer and smashed up in pet food for a profit...

Michelle Obama got into trouble for saying she was ashamed of this country. anybody in one's right mind should be ashamed of our disposable society, our hypocrisies, and our apathy...and for behaving in far too many instances like countries we disapprove of...we can try harder to stop the second by second slaughters...laziness and apathy and self-concern are poor excuses for such travesties.

A "spin" that just transfers guilt can be another risk that animals suffer the consequences of...a human game. Spaying and neutering are dandy ideas...but that advice does not clear the way or provide for an excuse for mass murder of excess domestic animals...a fabulous attorney shared that information and it is valuable and worthwhile to remember.

Animals do not deserve the spin games of rationalizing humans shifting blame from themselves to others and back and forth...the animals always seem to lose no matter what with all the blah, blah, blah!



thanks for the feedback!

Theresa Chaze: "Of course I support those who help our animals and wildlife."

Dominique Osh: "Well put, Susie!"

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Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

what a crock of ____ we are constantly handed

so sad that indiana is breeding pigs like mad for slaughter and for exporting to china and for mining parts for human beings who need new knees to play more golf....



so purdue issues a rationale for murdering deer families in state parks again this killing season...in july the newspapers publish way ahead of time so that we all understand and shut the f*** up??



now, how can the hoosier state which has gone all ga-ga for artificially inseminating pigs to the tune of tripling the amount of "farm" animal slaves to add to climate change, heightening swine flu possibilities, cluttering up the environment with blood, guts, and poop, now whine about a faux environmental/conservation issue involving deer nibbling lovely wildflowers to the extent that ginger and paw paw grow in the stead of clover and periwinkle or whatever...and the poor deer will starve and thus need to be shot to smithereens with guns and crossbows and arrows and by kids and red-necks...and the state sees a huge profit for this noble "sport" as does the NRA!



and some more fiends get elected!

(remember, the fireworks lobbyists offering campaign contributions assure that we elect lots of self-serving pirates!)

what a crock of ____ we are constantly handed in this backward but greedy hoosier state! DEMOCRAT EVAN BAYH FOR GOVERNOR...ASAP!



do not believe the neanderthal hoosier spins even if they emanate from purdue headed up by ex. governor Republican darling MITCH DANIELS. damn.

get the kochs outta our state, too! and let us PRAY that mike pence has a short political "career" and that folks just laugh at his aspirations of running for president...in your dreams, mike! just my thought for the day!




love this exchange!

Carol Baker: "Holy shiatsu, Susie! My mouth is rubbing off on you! *laughing*"

Me: "pretty darn much, Carol!"

Carol Baker: "I'm so proud."

Me: "carol, I even cleaned it up a little...so it read smoother? and the Tourette's got asterisked?"

Carol Baker: "I rarely try to cover it up. I consider myself a cultured person with the vocabulary of a well-educated sailor. It's a gift."

Me: "and that is my goal...I am gaining on it moment by moment. I find that colorful language is similar to barking relentlessly."

Carol Baker: "When the dog barks relentlessly, she's telling me I need to listen. It's certainly an attention-getter. I'm not always thrilled with her barking, but she uses it judiciously. Swearing is like that."

Me: "see? my point exactly! arf!!!!!"



________________________





Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't

sure they cry...all the way to the bank

heard something on the radio yesterday that all kinds of pro athletes are switching to a vegan diet out of compassion and for performance and that farmers are freaking out but the world is changing. (click here.)



now this I love...would appreciate seeing THIS -- the OTHER side of such a vital issue-- in small midwestern newspapers...thank GOD for the social network...wondering why here in Indiana we NEVER get to read informative articles but instead propaganda with politics and paybacks attached.

do our newspapers care about the readers ... all of the readers...or about $$$$$$$$$$? about time to drop subscriptions. certainly is. (click here for more.)



the circle of life means REVERENCE for all forms of life...and not purposely raising animals for slaughter and CASH! and once again a pig virus in Indiana...but no problem? "only" killing huge proliferations of newborn piglets...and "pork" prices are up because the profiteers are fattening up the pigs so they can generate more bucks per pound and rest assured no plague possibilities for "sweet HUMAN money-grubbing" pigs...just wipes out the piglets with fatal cases of diarrhea and they are tossed out and mama pig is artificially inseminated again and again and again...and breeders of animals to be slaughtered for profit cry.

sure they cry...all the way to the bank....one of these days we shall all pay the price for this terror...

(Indiana aligned with China also...big time...yet we are such a bigoted state...guess not when $$$$$ are involved?)

and then there's this ...


[click here to join me in commenting on this travesty.]

so tasteless, so coarse, so inhumane, so embarrassing, so utterly visceral in a kinky, brainless, hillbilly manner...why can't the hoosier state lead the way in banning these displays of human ignorance and animal abuse...just clueless and mindless and thoughtless.

can you believe this stuff? Indiana's biggest money-producing "crop" would be pigs...and we also have plagues because of the huge amount of over-bred pig populations...and yet we laugh about "meet your bacon" at these "wholesome" 4-H fairs and encourage big teen-agers to mud-wrestle, four humans on one animal--all over this state for weeks on end...summer "fun"...it is horrid.. nothing cute or wholesome or funny about it...no amount of "spin" can justify how crude this makes our state look. was 4-H always this vile...never stopped to think about it...an auction of flesh...flesh for cash...and brainwashing kids...plain and simple.

Elaine Musick: "Yes, I can believe it... backward and devolution... in all states in all regards, political, humanitarian. Here in VA, Smithfield Foods is now owned by the Chinese. They are a huge pork producer, and as we all know, there is much animal abuse, downright evil in China toward all animals.. I can only imagine the torture pigs suffer in that country. Boycott Smithfield Foods."

back to pig wrestling ... Tonja Robertson: "Indy Star---IN Criminal Code 35-46-3-12 makes it illegal to beat an animal, swine are included, the definition of beat in the code is 'to throw the animal against an object causing the animal to suffer severe pain or injury.' Are you looking into whether this act that you have reported on was illegal carrying criminal liability?"



Madeleine Fisher Kern: "It seems the pigs are wrestling the pigs. I don't know which is the bigger porker. I guess when they're not doing something constructive like terrorizing an animal, they watch TV and eat Cheetos. They are a disgrace."

Deborah Snyder: "They look like a bunch of uneducated, uncivilized idiots that do not have any common sense whatsoever... they should be arrested; this should be against the law. I hope they got a big mouth full of sh*t..."

end the apathy...enlighten people and encourage empathy. would a swine flu epidemic finally wise up these adults who devise this money-making crass mania at "fairs"? nothing fair about this atrocity. makes tons of us question the entire concept of 4-H to the maximum.

time to analyze this time-warp "fair" business and call it a day

________________________





Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available on Amazon (click the title).

The books are also carried by these fine retailers: Ann Arbor's Bookbound and Common Language; Columbia City's Memory Lane, North Side Grille and Whitley County Historical Museum; and Fort Wayne's The Bookmark.

And you can download from iTunes.

Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page

Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com

Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't