P.J. Roscoe's Blog, page 12
March 13, 2014
Women through the Ages - Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson (born 1907-dies 1964)
Rachel loved nature and the world around her like her mother. She became a writer, ecologist and scientist. Gaining her education at Pennsylvania College and gaining her MA from the John Hopkins University in 1932.
She wrote radio scripts during the Depression and wrote feature articles on natural history to help supplement her income. Later she wrote pamphlets using her government research to write articles and then books that made her name as a naturalist and a science writer for the public. She resigned her position in the government in 1952 to focus on her writing. In this year she published her prize-winning study of the ocean ‘The Sea around us’ followed by ‘The Edge of the Sea’ in 1955.
After the Second World War Rachel changed her focus from writing articles on teaching people about the world and how to interact with it, to warning people about the dangers of using pesticides. In 1962 she challenged the government and the scientists and called for a change. She was viewed as nothing more than an ‘alarmist’ but continued to speak out and warned us that we are but part of an eco system that if we continued to damage it, we would cause such damage that could never be reversed.
She spoke to Congress in 1963 asking for changes to protect our environment and human health before dying in 1964 from breast cancer.
‘One way to open your eyes, is to ask yourself, what if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?’ Rachel Carson
‘The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe around us, the less taste we will have on destruction’ Rachel Carson
When I found out about this lady during my research I was astounded and not to say, a little embarrassed that I’d not heard of her before. This woman saw what others refused to believe, that we are this planets worst enemy as we destroy to gain. Yes, there are so many of us who fight to save what we can, but inevitably we come across so many more who are lethargic, greedy and corrupt in their quest to live the life they think they deserve and everyone else can suffer in the process.
I for one am a fighter, but I am more than aware of my own lethargy as life progresses. I know I can do more and that’s the problem, we with a conscience know we can do more, but life gets in the way. Problem is how long will life get in the way before it is too late and life no longer exists?
I recycle; I fight for animal rights and use animal cruelty free products. I send money on a regular basis to help save animals and the environment. I sign petitions against the corrupt government and companies who feel nothing as they rub their greedy little hands in glee as they procure indigenous tribes land and turn their backs to the raping of the land. Is that enough? No it is not and I am merely one woman. So I will take her words to my heart and think, if I had never seen a whale, a tree, a lion, a tiger, diversity of men and learned of their ways, how hollow my heart would be and I will focus on its beauty and power and fight for it.
Rachel loved nature and the world around her like her mother. She became a writer, ecologist and scientist. Gaining her education at Pennsylvania College and gaining her MA from the John Hopkins University in 1932.
She wrote radio scripts during the Depression and wrote feature articles on natural history to help supplement her income. Later she wrote pamphlets using her government research to write articles and then books that made her name as a naturalist and a science writer for the public. She resigned her position in the government in 1952 to focus on her writing. In this year she published her prize-winning study of the ocean ‘The Sea around us’ followed by ‘The Edge of the Sea’ in 1955.
After the Second World War Rachel changed her focus from writing articles on teaching people about the world and how to interact with it, to warning people about the dangers of using pesticides. In 1962 she challenged the government and the scientists and called for a change. She was viewed as nothing more than an ‘alarmist’ but continued to speak out and warned us that we are but part of an eco system that if we continued to damage it, we would cause such damage that could never be reversed.
She spoke to Congress in 1963 asking for changes to protect our environment and human health before dying in 1964 from breast cancer.
‘One way to open your eyes, is to ask yourself, what if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?’ Rachel Carson
‘The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe around us, the less taste we will have on destruction’ Rachel Carson
When I found out about this lady during my research I was astounded and not to say, a little embarrassed that I’d not heard of her before. This woman saw what others refused to believe, that we are this planets worst enemy as we destroy to gain. Yes, there are so many of us who fight to save what we can, but inevitably we come across so many more who are lethargic, greedy and corrupt in their quest to live the life they think they deserve and everyone else can suffer in the process.
I for one am a fighter, but I am more than aware of my own lethargy as life progresses. I know I can do more and that’s the problem, we with a conscience know we can do more, but life gets in the way. Problem is how long will life get in the way before it is too late and life no longer exists?
I recycle; I fight for animal rights and use animal cruelty free products. I send money on a regular basis to help save animals and the environment. I sign petitions against the corrupt government and companies who feel nothing as they rub their greedy little hands in glee as they procure indigenous tribes land and turn their backs to the raping of the land. Is that enough? No it is not and I am merely one woman. So I will take her words to my heart and think, if I had never seen a whale, a tree, a lion, a tiger, diversity of men and learned of their ways, how hollow my heart would be and I will focus on its beauty and power and fight for it.
March 12, 2014
Where is my brain???
I've used the above title as that is how it feels right now! My brain seems to have flown the nest and taken root somewhere far, far away!
I moved house on Friday - 14 hours of lugging and lifting and pulling and, well, you get the gist. Every muscle aches like never before and my poor body is covered in bruises that get strange glances from passers-by which cause me to pull down my sleeves with a bizarre feeling of shame??
Now, I am playing catch-up with myself. The other big news for me was just before I moved I was asked to join 'The News in Books' as a floating editor. WOW! Big news! Joy of joy!! Oh god, what am I doing!? Using jargon I am merely nodding too with a vacant stare at the screen! I can write, yes, but when it comes to computer stuff, my brain melts down and becomes mush - I am hoping they won't notice - well, they will if they read this, but I trust these people to help me once my arms and brain match up enough to write another article for them. Yes, I said another, because during the stress of the move, I wrote an article - The role of the female in the supernatural'http://www.thenewsinbooks.com/the-rol...
and another article 'Where have all the beasties gone?'
I think it was pressure, sometimes I work well under it, others i fold like a wet napkin. I will get some more out there asap, but I must stop and remember that moving is one of the top stresses, especially ours which was my old family home and four months of problems/complications and being told it is going ahead as we are packing the van, is definately one of the top stresses of my time!
I will rest, once the house is scrubbed clean and most of our belongings find their new homes. The decorating will come and life will come back and writing shall resume. The monthly Women through the ages is coming people, just let me breathe a little!
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
I moved house on Friday - 14 hours of lugging and lifting and pulling and, well, you get the gist. Every muscle aches like never before and my poor body is covered in bruises that get strange glances from passers-by which cause me to pull down my sleeves with a bizarre feeling of shame??
Now, I am playing catch-up with myself. The other big news for me was just before I moved I was asked to join 'The News in Books' as a floating editor. WOW! Big news! Joy of joy!! Oh god, what am I doing!? Using jargon I am merely nodding too with a vacant stare at the screen! I can write, yes, but when it comes to computer stuff, my brain melts down and becomes mush - I am hoping they won't notice - well, they will if they read this, but I trust these people to help me once my arms and brain match up enough to write another article for them. Yes, I said another, because during the stress of the move, I wrote an article - The role of the female in the supernatural'http://www.thenewsinbooks.com/the-rol...
and another article 'Where have all the beasties gone?'
I think it was pressure, sometimes I work well under it, others i fold like a wet napkin. I will get some more out there asap, but I must stop and remember that moving is one of the top stresses, especially ours which was my old family home and four months of problems/complications and being told it is going ahead as we are packing the van, is definately one of the top stresses of my time!
I will rest, once the house is scrubbed clean and most of our belongings find their new homes. The decorating will come and life will come back and writing shall resume. The monthly Women through the ages is coming people, just let me breathe a little!
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
February 20, 2014
Happy to have my new guest - Jane Risdon
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk/?page_id=258
You can find her wonderfully,varied life here on my blog.
Jane and I have been contacting each other for a while now, yet I have no idea what she looks like!! All I do know is that having read her guest blog, I was astounded at such an eclectic array of work and such an exciting life. I wish I had so much going on!!
No, each to their own paths!
So, please come on in, have a look around and marvel at a busy little bee and a big thank you Jane for honouring me with your work.
All authors of all genres are welcome here for a free slot, just contact me through FB and I look forward to meeting you all.
Love and blessings
P.J Roscoe
You can find her wonderfully,varied life here on my blog.
Jane and I have been contacting each other for a while now, yet I have no idea what she looks like!! All I do know is that having read her guest blog, I was astounded at such an eclectic array of work and such an exciting life. I wish I had so much going on!!
No, each to their own paths!
So, please come on in, have a look around and marvel at a busy little bee and a big thank you Jane for honouring me with your work.
All authors of all genres are welcome here for a free slot, just contact me through FB and I look forward to meeting you all.
Love and blessings
P.J Roscoe
February 10, 2014
Writing is like the snow?
I looked out of my window this morning, it is snowing and I considered how it is like writing, for me. I write at full pelt for weeks on end, never getting anywhere, but having a driving need to write out my imagination and seeing it on the screen in front of me, thus freeing my head for more stuff!
Then comes a lull, in which I start to look at my life objectively and see that I may have a lovely connection with fellow authors and such, but potential readers are few and far between, so why am I slogging away at this when no one is reading my work?
Then I receive a wonderful message via FB telling me my book 'Echoes' had kept someone up and grumpy for work for three days as they couldn't put it down!!! I smiled for days; it is all worth it.
So like the snow today, I watch it fall strong, then ease away, then strong yet again, before slowly, it begins to stick. A couple of hours later, I am looking at beautiful snow covering the earth that was once ugly and bare.
So I will keep slogging away and slowly learning to market my books. If anyone has any tips of potential readers - would love to hear from you. have had offers of paying for courses on how to market, but I'm in catch 22. need an editor and marketing strategies - no money to pay for what i need.
so again, I glance out at the piling snow. It will come. Knowledge will grow, be beautiful and I will be able to make things with it!!!
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Echoes
Then comes a lull, in which I start to look at my life objectively and see that I may have a lovely connection with fellow authors and such, but potential readers are few and far between, so why am I slogging away at this when no one is reading my work?
Then I receive a wonderful message via FB telling me my book 'Echoes' had kept someone up and grumpy for work for three days as they couldn't put it down!!! I smiled for days; it is all worth it.
So like the snow today, I watch it fall strong, then ease away, then strong yet again, before slowly, it begins to stick. A couple of hours later, I am looking at beautiful snow covering the earth that was once ugly and bare.
So I will keep slogging away and slowly learning to market my books. If anyone has any tips of potential readers - would love to hear from you. have had offers of paying for courses on how to market, but I'm in catch 22. need an editor and marketing strategies - no money to pay for what i need.
so again, I glance out at the piling snow. It will come. Knowledge will grow, be beautiful and I will be able to make things with it!!!
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Echoes
February 3, 2014
Women through the ages - Mary Seacole
Mary Seacole – Born 1805 – died 1881
Sadly, when I mention the name, people don’t know who this woman is. Yet mention Florence Nightingale...
The sad fact is, Mary was rejected a number of times as she tried to apply to become a nurse to help the soldiers in the Crimean war. Having learned her skills from her mother she established herself as a natural healer and showed knowledge beyond her years. Undaunted after being rejected by the War office, she paid her own way to the Crimea were she was aware of the lack of medical facilities for the wounded soldiers. While Florence was nursing miles away, Mary was in the thick of it, establishing a British hotel near Balaclava in 1855 to provide a comfortable place for the wounded to recuperate. She was also known to attend the wounded on the battlefield, regularly under fire and she became known as ‘Mother Seacole’ by the soldiers and they were her ‘sons’.
She was regarded by some doctors as nothing more than a ‘quack’ and Florence Nightingale is said to have been ‘concerned’ about her administrations of alcohol to the soldiers; others were less bigoted and regarded her efforts with great admiration. The assistant surgeon of the 90th Light Infantry watched as she administered to the soldiers, giving them tea, food and words of comfort, while herself being numb from the cold.
After the war, she returned to England bankrupt and in ill health. On hearing of her plight, the newspapers held a benefit festival and thousands of people attended. Mary was awarded several medals and a bust was made of her. Later that same year, Mary released her memoirs.
Before the war Mary had proved herself to be a resilient woman time again, facing disasters and deaths with determination and composure. Following a fire in 1843 that destroyed her family home and then the deaths of her husband and mother, Mary, grieved terribly, until regaining her composure and resumed the role of her mother and ran the boarding house. She became widely respected by all who met her and in 1850 treated Cholera patients in the epidemic that killed over 32,000 Jamaicans.
England and indeed, the world, did forget Mary Seacole. The last 25 years of her life were spent in obscurity.
So how do we forget someone so brave and courageous? I must admit to not having heard of her until last year when I saw the clip on Horrible Histories! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmhZn5...
And thought, what a tremendous woman. Not to belittle Florence Nightingales efforts, but Mary went all out, ignoring all obstacles; she went ahead, knowing it was the right thing to do. Why we remember Florence and not Mary, is it skin colour? Is it because white women doing this type of work was considered’ brave’?
Whatever the reason, I look at this and see my own obstacles in my life. It urges me to re-consider giving up and enforces my will to fight on and overpower them on my personal battlefield. If you want something bad enough, surely you’ll find a way through? Especially if it will benefit others. My workshops, my writing, my blogs, do they benefit others? I guess only the readers and the participants can truly know. Fight your fight and live.
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Sadly, when I mention the name, people don’t know who this woman is. Yet mention Florence Nightingale...
The sad fact is, Mary was rejected a number of times as she tried to apply to become a nurse to help the soldiers in the Crimean war. Having learned her skills from her mother she established herself as a natural healer and showed knowledge beyond her years. Undaunted after being rejected by the War office, she paid her own way to the Crimea were she was aware of the lack of medical facilities for the wounded soldiers. While Florence was nursing miles away, Mary was in the thick of it, establishing a British hotel near Balaclava in 1855 to provide a comfortable place for the wounded to recuperate. She was also known to attend the wounded on the battlefield, regularly under fire and she became known as ‘Mother Seacole’ by the soldiers and they were her ‘sons’.
She was regarded by some doctors as nothing more than a ‘quack’ and Florence Nightingale is said to have been ‘concerned’ about her administrations of alcohol to the soldiers; others were less bigoted and regarded her efforts with great admiration. The assistant surgeon of the 90th Light Infantry watched as she administered to the soldiers, giving them tea, food and words of comfort, while herself being numb from the cold.
After the war, she returned to England bankrupt and in ill health. On hearing of her plight, the newspapers held a benefit festival and thousands of people attended. Mary was awarded several medals and a bust was made of her. Later that same year, Mary released her memoirs.
Before the war Mary had proved herself to be a resilient woman time again, facing disasters and deaths with determination and composure. Following a fire in 1843 that destroyed her family home and then the deaths of her husband and mother, Mary, grieved terribly, until regaining her composure and resumed the role of her mother and ran the boarding house. She became widely respected by all who met her and in 1850 treated Cholera patients in the epidemic that killed over 32,000 Jamaicans.
England and indeed, the world, did forget Mary Seacole. The last 25 years of her life were spent in obscurity.
So how do we forget someone so brave and courageous? I must admit to not having heard of her until last year when I saw the clip on Horrible Histories! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmhZn5...
And thought, what a tremendous woman. Not to belittle Florence Nightingales efforts, but Mary went all out, ignoring all obstacles; she went ahead, knowing it was the right thing to do. Why we remember Florence and not Mary, is it skin colour? Is it because white women doing this type of work was considered’ brave’?
Whatever the reason, I look at this and see my own obstacles in my life. It urges me to re-consider giving up and enforces my will to fight on and overpower them on my personal battlefield. If you want something bad enough, surely you’ll find a way through? Especially if it will benefit others. My workshops, my writing, my blogs, do they benefit others? I guess only the readers and the participants can truly know. Fight your fight and live.
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
January 21, 2014
New Guests on my website!
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk/?page_id=258
The above link takes you to view a very interesting collaboration of talented people who have created a lyrical muse anthology.
I love this guest business, I meet so many interesting and wonderfully talented people, it gives me joy and hope that the world isn't as dire as politicians would have us believe. Oh don't get me wrong, I know there is a great need for a vast improvement otherwise Mother Earth will never nurture us again, but if more people could feel the love that is there and breathe it in instead of destroying, what possibilities could we achieve?
So let us take it person by person and spread the joy. We can be so much better than this. So love, care for each other and feel the talent that is within you.
Blessings to all my readers xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
The above link takes you to view a very interesting collaboration of talented people who have created a lyrical muse anthology.
I love this guest business, I meet so many interesting and wonderfully talented people, it gives me joy and hope that the world isn't as dire as politicians would have us believe. Oh don't get me wrong, I know there is a great need for a vast improvement otherwise Mother Earth will never nurture us again, but if more people could feel the love that is there and breathe it in instead of destroying, what possibilities could we achieve?
So let us take it person by person and spread the joy. We can be so much better than this. So love, care for each other and feel the talent that is within you.
Blessings to all my readers xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
January 6, 2014
January - Blues or Hooray!!
Well, here it is again, the start of a new year with new goals and new hopes and dreams and resolutions. OR, it's actually a continuation of my old hopes and dreams and resolutions, just with a different year ending!!
I found the time away from the computer and keyboard a bit like homesickness. I missed it terribly and did tinker a few times over the celebrations, but nothing too serious that might switch my brain into full function. I think a part of me wanted, no, needed to shut down and let go, but why?
I LOVE writing. It is my main function during the day (when all the other jobs have been done of course!!) So why did I need to walk away from it, and so readily?
Do I believe in my writing? Yes, I do. I know I am a good storyteller and I thoroughly enjoy the experience of delving into my brain and finding my imagination going full pelt as I try to type fast enough to keep up! Yet, I am aware that whilst typing and losing myself within the growing pages of another novel, I might be losing life outside the window and life doesn't stop, not even for me.
Life is and has been throwing a lot at me lately. Possible moving home, a realisation that 'friends' may not be who I originally thought, I won't be having any more children and I still have a lot to learn about the reality of life and the reality of people.
Hoping for something, never ever means it will actually happen and every one of those have been a real kick in the guts.
Moving from a house I grew up in. 'Friends' who are not. Finally bringing down our daughters old cot, to sell. Not winning any of the competitions I'd entered.
Life is one big merry-go-round and sometimes, just sometimes, it's a need to get off and veg in front of the t.v, or eat and drink till I feel fat and numb my brain. As well as, laugh until I cry and my sides ache for days. Cuddle up on sofa's or walk hand in hand through the countryside and enjoy the fresh air. Share moments with my family and true friends that I can look back on and smile, even now.
So, January, the start of a new year, with old worries and stresses, but so much to bring with me. I bring life, experiences and wisdom.
So, off I go into the black hole of 2014 with a song in my soul and fingertips raring to go.
May the Goddess watch over you all and may 2014 be all that you need it to be. xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
I found the time away from the computer and keyboard a bit like homesickness. I missed it terribly and did tinker a few times over the celebrations, but nothing too serious that might switch my brain into full function. I think a part of me wanted, no, needed to shut down and let go, but why?
I LOVE writing. It is my main function during the day (when all the other jobs have been done of course!!) So why did I need to walk away from it, and so readily?
Do I believe in my writing? Yes, I do. I know I am a good storyteller and I thoroughly enjoy the experience of delving into my brain and finding my imagination going full pelt as I try to type fast enough to keep up! Yet, I am aware that whilst typing and losing myself within the growing pages of another novel, I might be losing life outside the window and life doesn't stop, not even for me.
Life is and has been throwing a lot at me lately. Possible moving home, a realisation that 'friends' may not be who I originally thought, I won't be having any more children and I still have a lot to learn about the reality of life and the reality of people.
Hoping for something, never ever means it will actually happen and every one of those have been a real kick in the guts.
Moving from a house I grew up in. 'Friends' who are not. Finally bringing down our daughters old cot, to sell. Not winning any of the competitions I'd entered.
Life is one big merry-go-round and sometimes, just sometimes, it's a need to get off and veg in front of the t.v, or eat and drink till I feel fat and numb my brain. As well as, laugh until I cry and my sides ache for days. Cuddle up on sofa's or walk hand in hand through the countryside and enjoy the fresh air. Share moments with my family and true friends that I can look back on and smile, even now.
So, January, the start of a new year, with old worries and stresses, but so much to bring with me. I bring life, experiences and wisdom.
So, off I go into the black hole of 2014 with a song in my soul and fingertips raring to go.
May the Goddess watch over you all and may 2014 be all that you need it to be. xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
January 3, 2014
Women through the Ages - Rosa Parks
Hello readers, here's hoping I find you all well, content and healthy as the year begins in 2014. I have had a very full Christmas and new year. Laughed a lot, danced and sang and drank and ate - all good stuff. Now, comes what I promised. A new blog alongside my usual window into my journey as an author. I give to you 'Women through the Ages'.
I wanted to explore women who have changed history for better or worse. Show their strengths and weaknesses and perhaps explore what we can take from that behaviour?
So, I begin the year with Rosa Parks. So many people have asked me who she is, so I think the Horrible history team can do her justice here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNupxN...
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Rosa Parks (born Feb 4th 1913 – died Oct 24th 2005)
December 1st 1955 was the day Rosa Parks’ life changed forever. Already a civil rights activist, she boarded a bus. Segregation was in place and when the white section became full, she refused to stand up and give her seat to a white man. Although she wasn’t the first to resist bus segregation, she became the face against such an outrageous and incomprehensible act when she was arrested for civil disobedience for violating the Alabama segregation laws. Rosa was found guilty at her trial which lasted 30 minutes and fined $10 plus $4 court fees.
Her arrest brought about the Montgomery bus boycott that lasted 381 days, which brought a lot of hardship to the 40,000 black commuters, some of which had to walk up to 20 miles to reach work. Others shared cars and rode cabs, driven by black drivers who only charged the same as the bus, 10 cents. They persevered and won. Segregation was terminated following the U.S Supreme court ruling that is was unconstitutional.
After her arrest Rosa lost her job at the department store and her husband quit his job because his boss refused to allow him to talk about his wife’s treatment. They moved away and she found work as a seamstress and a hostess at an inn at the Hampton Institute but in 1965 she was asked to become secretary and receptionist to John Conyers, an African American U.S Representative who had a congressional office in Detroit. She remained here until she retired in 1988.
Despite her fame and her speaking engagements, Rosa was not a wealthy woman as she donated a lot of her earnings. Sadly, later in life she would need help herself as ill health and hospital visits caused a lot of financial problems. Her husband, brother and Mother were all diagnosed with cancer; within two years all three had died.
Despite her failing health Rosa continued to appear at talks and events for civil rights. In 1992, she published Rosa Parks: My Story, an autobiography of her young life and then again in 1995 she published her memoirs, Quiet Life .
She died of natural causes on October 24th 2005. Three days later City officials of Montgomery and Detroit announced that they would place black ribbons on the first few rows of their bus seats in honour of her until her funeral.
Today, women of our generation find it inconceivable that this type of behaviour would ever be allowed to happen, yet this conduct was ‘normal’ and accepted by many. It took a lot of strength and courage for Rosa and others to take action against such a majority, so what is it that drives someone to find that spirit?
Throughout the ages people have endured hardships for one reason or another, yet we persevere, so what drives us? Is it our ability to have hope that the situation will change for the better or is it that it takes but one moment of ‘seeing’ and it moves something within?
We all have strength within us to do the right thing. We live with regrets and ‘what if’s’ every day, yet some will never learn, but will continue to live in their own bubble and pretend that the world is as good as it’s going to be. If people like Rosa Parks had believed that, we could still be seeing such monstrosities as segregation for the simple fact of coloured skin.
We value so much in our lives, but what actually matters? A simple act of courage and refusing to comply to an absurd act and remaining seated on a bus and saying ‘no’.
“When that white driver stepped back toward us, when he waved his hand and ordered us up and out of our seats, I felt a determination cover my body like a quilt on a winter night. “
Quote from Rosa Parks
I wanted to explore women who have changed history for better or worse. Show their strengths and weaknesses and perhaps explore what we can take from that behaviour?
So, I begin the year with Rosa Parks. So many people have asked me who she is, so I think the Horrible history team can do her justice here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNupxN...
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Rosa Parks (born Feb 4th 1913 – died Oct 24th 2005)
December 1st 1955 was the day Rosa Parks’ life changed forever. Already a civil rights activist, she boarded a bus. Segregation was in place and when the white section became full, she refused to stand up and give her seat to a white man. Although she wasn’t the first to resist bus segregation, she became the face against such an outrageous and incomprehensible act when she was arrested for civil disobedience for violating the Alabama segregation laws. Rosa was found guilty at her trial which lasted 30 minutes and fined $10 plus $4 court fees.
Her arrest brought about the Montgomery bus boycott that lasted 381 days, which brought a lot of hardship to the 40,000 black commuters, some of which had to walk up to 20 miles to reach work. Others shared cars and rode cabs, driven by black drivers who only charged the same as the bus, 10 cents. They persevered and won. Segregation was terminated following the U.S Supreme court ruling that is was unconstitutional.
After her arrest Rosa lost her job at the department store and her husband quit his job because his boss refused to allow him to talk about his wife’s treatment. They moved away and she found work as a seamstress and a hostess at an inn at the Hampton Institute but in 1965 she was asked to become secretary and receptionist to John Conyers, an African American U.S Representative who had a congressional office in Detroit. She remained here until she retired in 1988.
Despite her fame and her speaking engagements, Rosa was not a wealthy woman as she donated a lot of her earnings. Sadly, later in life she would need help herself as ill health and hospital visits caused a lot of financial problems. Her husband, brother and Mother were all diagnosed with cancer; within two years all three had died.
Despite her failing health Rosa continued to appear at talks and events for civil rights. In 1992, she published Rosa Parks: My Story, an autobiography of her young life and then again in 1995 she published her memoirs, Quiet Life .
She died of natural causes on October 24th 2005. Three days later City officials of Montgomery and Detroit announced that they would place black ribbons on the first few rows of their bus seats in honour of her until her funeral.
Today, women of our generation find it inconceivable that this type of behaviour would ever be allowed to happen, yet this conduct was ‘normal’ and accepted by many. It took a lot of strength and courage for Rosa and others to take action against such a majority, so what is it that drives someone to find that spirit?
Throughout the ages people have endured hardships for one reason or another, yet we persevere, so what drives us? Is it our ability to have hope that the situation will change for the better or is it that it takes but one moment of ‘seeing’ and it moves something within?
We all have strength within us to do the right thing. We live with regrets and ‘what if’s’ every day, yet some will never learn, but will continue to live in their own bubble and pretend that the world is as good as it’s going to be. If people like Rosa Parks had believed that, we could still be seeing such monstrosities as segregation for the simple fact of coloured skin.
We value so much in our lives, but what actually matters? A simple act of courage and refusing to comply to an absurd act and remaining seated on a bus and saying ‘no’.
“When that white driver stepped back toward us, when he waved his hand and ordered us up and out of our seats, I felt a determination cover my body like a quilt on a winter night. “
Quote from Rosa Parks
December 16, 2013
How do we deal with Trolls?
It is December, nine days till Christmas day and in our house anyway, it is countdown to Yule and then Christmas. A time to love and forgive. A time to celebrate and remember our fellow man. Give thanks for all that we have and set our goals for the coming year as the sun begins its climb to reach us earlier and so shine on our wilting bodies.
With all this, I wonder how we deal with trolls. We encourage fairies and elves into our home, to spread the joy and magic. Santa Claus is welcomed and encouraged to leave us gifts we had hoped for, but trolls are not welcomed, in fact, their behaviour is so abhorrent, that we turn our backs in disgust and refuse to accommodate them.
Our reasoning is that these poor, sad creatures have issues that have created this monster within, which is a sad thing, but why should we tolerate such blatant acts of cruelty?
Do we acknowledge their hatred, allow their nastiness into our hearts and ruin our lives? Do we worry that other good people will see the trolls offensive attitude and see it for what it is or will the trolls words affect their judgement? We hope it won't be the latter, but we have no control over how other people think and behave.
So, do trolls have some kind of power over us? Should we allow them that power or should trolls have our understanding and compassion for their obvious distress?
I go for the last one. Although trolls are perhaps not the nicest of beings, I will try and look beyond their snarling to see the creature who is hurting, for whatever reason, but has chosen to hurt another out of spite. Be it because of envy, discontentment or malice, I choose to encourage magic into my life and not allow slithering trolls to upset and hurt me. I would hope to encourage others to look beyond the loathsome behaviour and see trolls for what they really are.
May I wish all of my readers a very happy and magical Yule and Christmas and may the new year bring you all that you may need for a happy life.
Love and many blessings
P.J Roscoe
P.s, remember, starting in January, my monthly blog on Women throughout the Ages - who have changed our lives through acts of strength. beginning my blog is 'Rosa Parks'.
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
With all this, I wonder how we deal with trolls. We encourage fairies and elves into our home, to spread the joy and magic. Santa Claus is welcomed and encouraged to leave us gifts we had hoped for, but trolls are not welcomed, in fact, their behaviour is so abhorrent, that we turn our backs in disgust and refuse to accommodate them.
Our reasoning is that these poor, sad creatures have issues that have created this monster within, which is a sad thing, but why should we tolerate such blatant acts of cruelty?
Do we acknowledge their hatred, allow their nastiness into our hearts and ruin our lives? Do we worry that other good people will see the trolls offensive attitude and see it for what it is or will the trolls words affect their judgement? We hope it won't be the latter, but we have no control over how other people think and behave.
So, do trolls have some kind of power over us? Should we allow them that power or should trolls have our understanding and compassion for their obvious distress?
I go for the last one. Although trolls are perhaps not the nicest of beings, I will try and look beyond their snarling to see the creature who is hurting, for whatever reason, but has chosen to hurt another out of spite. Be it because of envy, discontentment or malice, I choose to encourage magic into my life and not allow slithering trolls to upset and hurt me. I would hope to encourage others to look beyond the loathsome behaviour and see trolls for what they really are.
May I wish all of my readers a very happy and magical Yule and Christmas and may the new year bring you all that you may need for a happy life.
Love and many blessings
P.J Roscoe
P.s, remember, starting in January, my monthly blog on Women throughout the Ages - who have changed our lives through acts of strength. beginning my blog is 'Rosa Parks'.
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
December 8, 2013
My interview with Katie
http://www.katie-mcknight-author.com/...
http://writergirlkatie.wordpress.com/
http://farmingdale.patch.com/groups/k...
All of the above are links to where you can find our interview x
Loved doing this, it had a lovely variety of questions for me to choose from which I hope will show readers who I am and why I do what I do!
Always willing to guest blog/interview - interesting to have that experience and see how others do it. Gives me some idea's on how to do my guest author page better x
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
http://writergirlkatie.wordpress.com/
http://farmingdale.patch.com/groups/k...
All of the above are links to where you can find our interview x
Loved doing this, it had a lovely variety of questions for me to choose from which I hope will show readers who I am and why I do what I do!
Always willing to guest blog/interview - interesting to have that experience and see how others do it. Gives me some idea's on how to do my guest author page better x
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
