T.K. Rapp's Blog, page 2

Me Too – Pt2…

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Recalling instances of harassment, abuse, and assault are not fun. So many people, male and female, have spoken out about things that have happened to them. Others have chosen to take the step of saying ME TOO, without revealing the “how” and that is absolutely their right. I applaud them for being able to say that because these stories are so deeply personal. I cannot and will not speak of certain things because they are still too raw. But the things I can speak to, I will share. And although I really hate writing this…admitting things like this makes me feel weak, I feel I have to.

Did I do something wrong? Was it my fault?

So yesterday I admitted that when I was 16, I was sexually harassed at work. But when I was 20, it went a step further.

Let me start from the beginning…

It was 1998. I was in college and met my roommate through a pairing program. I had this feeling, after talking for twenty minutes, that we’d be a perfect fit. And at first, things were great. She and her boyfriend took to showing me around campus, brought me along to hang with their friends, and overall made an effort to include me. I was grateful because I transferred not knowing many people and their inclusion was appreciated.

It was during this time that I was introduced to their friend. I’ll call him, John Doe2. One night, I went with her to her boyfriend’s house. When I was uncomfortable, I tended to drink a little too much. And that night, I definitely had too many drinks and ended up kissing John Doe2. It was just a kiss. Nothing came of it and I didn’t see him again.

Until months later.

As the months wore on, things began to fracture with my roommate and our common area had become somewhat contentious. We weren’t mean or rude – we simply avoided each other. I was seeing a guy I’d known for a few years and was hanging out with friends who were in my major. Meanwhile, my roommate was spending more and more time with her boyfriend. We just grew apart.

One night, a girlfriend and I came home to my apartment to find a keg in the kitchen area and at least 20 strangers inside. It was loud and chaotic…and dark. My room was closed, but I felt overrun by these uninvited guests. My roommate played it off like it was nothing and I even heard her laughing as my friend and I went into my room to get away so I could calm myself. My friend chatted with me and I called the guy I was dating and told him about the crowd. He and our friends had already planned to come over and hang out with us and would be over in a little. So after some prodding from my friend, I decided that I would try to be hospitable and not a complete bitch to these strangers.

We emerged from my room and sat down on the couch, talking to some of my roommate’s friends. As I was talking, I saw John Doe2 walk in and it was obvious that he was drunk. He could barely stand up, but he saw me and walked over. How he got from point A to point B is a blur, but before I knew it John Doe2 bent down to where I was sitting and began leaning in like he was going to kiss me and then grabbed at my chest. Not only was he groping my breasts, which was bad enough, he was doing in front of people. I was mortified!

This time, unlike when I was 16, I reacted.

I jumped to my feet and pushed him, calling him every expletive I could think of. I was hitting him and telling him he had no right. The room grew silent as all eyes were on me watching as I lost it. They all just stood there.

I was crying as I grabbed my friend’s hand and we went to my room. I could hear the laughter and comments being made behind my back as, once again, I closed my bedroom door. She tried to comfort me, but by that point I was tired and eventually cried myself to sleep.

I don’t know how much time passed, but I woke up to a hand on my leg and I jumped up ready to fight, hands clenched into fists.

But it wasn’t John Doe2. It was Friend #1. He was with the guy I was seeing and when he saw my reaction, he knew something was off. We’d known each other for years and he was one of my closest friends. I didn’t want to tell him what happened because I knew that these three guys, my friends, had tempers. But I was more concerned that they would think I asked for it. Friend #1 and I had a long history of being blunt and honest, so when he prodded for more information I finally gave in. I spoke quietly so only he would hear, but I guess it wasn’t quiet enough because Friend #2 heard and reported it to the guy I was seeing.

His reaction was immediate. He stormed out of my room asking who John Doe2 was and what the hell he was thinking. No one knew where he was. At first, my roommate tried to say that nothing happened. But a couple of her male friends who were there and SAW it for themselves spoke up taking my side. I hurried to the diffuse the situation, but Friend #1 & #2 physically stopped me from interfering. John Doe2 suddenly entered the apartment and it was like slow motion. The guy I was seeing confronted him and John Doe2 tried to deny anything happened. But he didn’t believe him. My word was enough for him…the confirmation from others only angered him more.

He grabbed John Doe2 and threw him against the door and said, “if you ever fucking touch her again, I will fucking kill you.” A few of the party guests stepped in and pleaded with the guys to let John Doe2 go and they’d deal with him. When he released him, the guys got me and my friend to get our things and took us out of that apartment for the night.

While the guy and I didn’t last, our friendship did. To this day, I’m grateful that I had these amazing friends who not only believed me, but stood by me…validated that what was done to me was wrong. There are so many people, male and female, who stay silent when they see things like this happen to others. I’m pleading with you, don’t stay silent and watch it happen. Do something. Please. You have no idea what that means to someone like me.

To answer my earlier questions:

I did NOTHING wrong and it was NOT my fault.

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Filed under: 2017, abuse, Bullies, Embarrassment, Friends, Insight, Nervous, speaking out, Thoughts Tagged: abuse, enablers, Friends, groping, me too, Sexual harassment

Me Too…

[image error]I was sexually harassed in the work place at 16.

It was my first job and I was working in a small hardware store. There were two others who were a year or two older than me (a guy and a girl who happened to be dating), and a few older gentlemen. I actually really enjoyed working there because the hours were great and I liked the people. We were an eclectic group, but it was a good working environment.

Was.

The owner was big on second chances (something I think is great) and gave a man…let’s call him John Doe…a job. John Doe was decent to work with at first. He liked to use the word incarceration a lot, but I never understood why. He was never shy to talk about the time he spent in jail, but he would smile and turn on the charm. You almost wondered why he was ever in jail. He was friendly with customers and always eager to help with whatever they needed.

It was a few months into his employment and one afternoon, the store was quiet, no customers, just the employees. We were hanging around the front counter chatting about random things, I can’t even remember what. What I do remember is that it was only John Doe and the two other teens and myself. The managers were in the storeroom. John Doe leered at me and said in a salacious tone, “I bet you taste sweet.” I was mortified. Humiliated. So utterly disgusted.

And I just stood there. I tried to laugh it off because – you don’t want him to feel bad, right? I remember looking at the other two who looked as shocked as me, but none of us said a word. I later said something to my male peer and he was stunned and I was on the verge of tears – all he could do was apologize. He validated what I felt, and said that John Doe had made inappropriate comments to his girlfriend (our co-worker). But that was as far as the conversation went. I mentioned it to the two other men who worked there who were disgusted by it, but not enough to do anything about it.

I walked away thinking that maybe it was nothing and I read into it. Maybe that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach was “nothing.”

I let it go.

But my guard was up. I tried to make sure I was never alone with John Doe and did a decent job of that. Until the day he cornered me in the storeroom. He made another inappropriate comment and I felt threatened. I did my best to look strong, but I was a mere 107 pound female with no ability to defend myself – even verbally.

I went home and cried.

I talked to my parents and told them I needed to quit and they fully supported the decision. I was terrified to have to talk to the boss because I knew he would want to know why I was quitting. I wanted to make up a lie, but I couldn’t do it.

The next day, I went in and asked to speak to my boss. We were in the storeroom and I told him I needed to quit. He looked surprised, maybe even a little angry. When he asked why, I said the words that I’d dreaded to say.

“John Doe sexually harassed me. I don’t feel safe.”

His response was not one of indignation on my part or concern for my safety. In fact, he didn’t say much other than he was disappointed to see me go. I enjoyed that job. I didn’t want to quit. I wanted him to fire that asshole. But he didn’t. He let me go because he didn’t want to deal with what John Doe did to me, and would do to others.

It was nearly a decade before I stepped foot in that store again. It was well after the owner sold out and I knew that John Doe was no longer there.

Some things I took away from that experience:

No one was going to defend me.
John Doe talked about his time in jail as an intimidation tactic.
The owner was wrong. Plain and simple. He should have protected me and the other employees against the harassment and bullying from John Doe.
I didn’t tell many people about what happened because I was ashamed.
When we stay quiet, we give them the power.

I understand why men and women stay silent about these things. It isn’t to protect the perpetrator or to stay employed but it’s fear and humiliation. It’s concern about “maybe I imagined it,” or “maybe it wasn’t that big of a deal.”

This incident was but a small blip in the movie of my life, but it was one that impacted me. I’ve told people this story before, but I realize now that there are two very important people I’ve never told. My daughters. I want them to know it’s okay to speak up and stand up for yourself. This shaped how I would handle other situations in my life…and especially the time I fought back.

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Filed under: 2017, abuse, Bullies, Embarrassment, Insight, Sexual harassment, Thoughts, Tragedy Tagged: harassment, me too, my story, predators, Sexual harassment, staying silent

Under Pressure

When I write, I like to listen to music…who doesn’t? Today is no different.

I have been struggling with 3 different stories, each one pulling me toward it, and I find myself standing still because I don’t know which to give my attention. I am drawn to each of them for a different reason and each requires my full attention. I wish I were one of those writers who can work on three stories at once, but I can’t. As my mom says, I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. :p 

I think that struggle is finally over. At least I hope.

There is pressure on myself to put something out there, but I don’t want to rush it. Actually, I want to love it. I want my daughters to love it. I want to feel so inspired that I deprive myself of sleep and feel grateful in the morning that I got those words out.

It was about three years ago that I met my characters of Laila’s barmy. I fell in love with that story. I fell in love with the characters.

When it was over, I wasn’t ready to leave them. I don’t think my readers were ready to leave them either, despite the fact that they hated me. It was always supposed to be a standalone, but one night, while my daughter was away at camp, I told her a story and right then and there, I knew there was more to tell.

And one has always nagged me, coming to me in dreams, and sneaking up when I work on something else…and I guess he won. I’ll post a couple of chapters soon on my FB page. This is for you as much as it is for me. And I hope that you still feel as strongly about Laila, Joey, Haden, Cole, and Braxton as you did the first time. ❤ 

XO

~T

Filed under: 2017, Books, Exciting, New Books, New Start, Writing, YA Tagged: Authors, Barmy, books, Coming of Age, Finding Laila, music, Novel, Reading, writing, yanovels

No Hard Feelings…

It’s Sunday, and I’m eagerly *insert sarcasm* awaiting the 2nd round of presidential debates taking place tonight. But like a dutiful voter, I will be watching. Despite the emails that have been released this week about Clinton and the newly released audio of Trump and his commentary on women – you bet your ass I . Will . Be. Watching.

Tonight will likely be as messy as the first debate and there’s certainly more dirt to throw around this time. I wonder if any of the issues will be discussed or simply lost in the circus. Let’s face it, this is a train wreck that most of us will watch through our fingers, cringing and even laughing, though none of this is remotely funny. Our future is at stake and it’s just plain sad.

Perhaps tonight Trump will finally lay out HOW he’s going to create these jobs and “Make America Great Again.” And maybe Clinton will tell us HOW we can trust her, when she’s lied for most of her political career and tell me why I should claim “I’m With Her.”

I have to admit, I’m not hopeful at either prospect.

This political year, and the time leading up to this fiasco, has been one testing friendships, ideals, and morals. I fear the backlash for posting this because I cannot say #Imwithher, when there are so many outspoken about that sentiment. And then there are those that want to #MAGA who are either hiding in the shadows or the outspoken extremists.

Let me say now that I respect their (your) point of view because our individual beliefs are deeply rooted. None of us agree wholeheartedly, and that’s okay. It’s what makes America already a wonderful place. But I’m sure you’ll admit that the political climate isn’t the only thing wrong right now. We are not as unified as we should be and we are not as secure as we should be.

Unfortunately, neither Clinton nor Trump represent someone I can stand behind or someone I can see uniting us.

These two cannot be the best of us.

I know not everyone feels this way because each candidate has a loyal following, so I certainly don’t speak for everyone when I say this, but to me, they are both villains in this narrative. And we’re left picking between the lesser of two evils.

The Lesser of Two Evils: I’ve read people saying this is not a valid argument, but isn’t it? These are the choices we are given and to cast my vote for either of them is a punch to my gut.

We had choices. In the early stages of this election, we had some decent choices, and I don’t think anyone could look into their crystal ball back then to see this place we stand now. There was an overwhelming amount of support for Bernie Sanders and yet he “lost” to the Clinton machine. And while the Republican ticket was divided greatly and admittedly a spectacle, there were a couple who would have been great candidates, if only they were given a chance to speak.

So again, we’re left with Clinton on the left, and Trump on the right. And neither is truly and completely the voice of his or her party. Though there are many more Democrats rallying around her while an overwhelming number of Republicans distance themselves from him.

And then comes the bashing that we’re used to in an election year…

You have Republicans saying “She’s ____.” And Democrats saying “He’s ___,” and guess what, maybe they’re both right! And if you like him, you’re everything that’s wrong with this country and if you like her, apparently you want more of the same.

I remember when I turned 18, it was an election year. I was so excited to be able to cast my ballot for the candidate that I felt best represented my vision for the future. I was young, optimistic, and of course I thought I knew everything. I watched the debates…maybe not as keenly as I watch them now, and I prepared to make the biggest choice I had made up to that point. I took this privilege very seriously.

Now, let me stop here to tell you something that most probably know about me…I’m a Republican. Like most of my family, but certainly not all, I more closely align myself with the Republican view. Although, if you were to talk to my very close Democratic friend, he would tell you he thinks I more align with his views. (It’s nice to talk with someone of differing views and you both respect the other.)

But I digress…back to the 18 year-old me.

That year, back in 1996, I cast my ballot for the very first time. And though I was as staunch Republican, I voted for Bill Clinton. Despite his treatment of women, the affairs he was alleged to have engaged in, and his policies, I was one of the over 47 million people who voted for him. I couldn’t relate to Bob Dole because he was old and seemed unwilling to change with the times.

When the Lewinsky scandal came out, it was the first time there was an absolute media circus surrounding the President and his personal life.

Okay, maybe I should correct this to say, in my lifetime – that I can remember. It was embarrassing. But like the rest of the country, I was riveted with the goings on and wondered how his wife could stand by him – time after time. Now, I can’t judge their marriage because that happens behind closed doors. Perhaps she truly forgave him and they’ve made amends. That’s their business.

But what is my business…our business…is the vilification of the alleged victims.

I’ve been absolutely disgusted by Trump and the things that have come out of his mouth. It’s sad to say, I’m not shocked. As a woman, I’ve heard worse from men and women. I’ve heard the “locker room” talk and heard the excuse that this is how men talk. Maybe not all men, most definitely not all men, but yes, I think it’s more common that we are willing to admit. Does it make it right – ABSOLUTELY NOT. And women can be just as crass. I’m not excusing his language or treatment of women at all. He is vile. There’s no other way to say it. Has he ever apologized to the individuals that he has victimized?

Now I have to ask myself, is Clinton any better? Okay, so she hasn’t had an audio leak talking about what she can do to a man because of her position, but when her husband cheated, she blamed the other woman. And when he allegedly assaulted or harassed women, she claimed they were lying and said awful things about them. Bill Clinton was just as guilty for shaming these women as his wife, so maybe they share equal blame here. And look, I understand the whole “innocent until proven guilty,” and she was standing by her man…but has she ever made amends with those women?

Both candidates have used their position of power to intimidate and silence those beneath them. To that extent, both are pretty unfavorable.

Regardless of all that I’ve said, what it boils down to for me is that neither candidate represents someone I feel can create what I hope and pray will be a stronger, unified, and better America. And as someone who takes my privilege of voting very seriously, even though I do not know that my voice really counts, I hate to admit that I’m not sure if I will cast my vote this year.

I’ve spent the better part of my day reading recent articles and those from years past. I’m trying to educate myself more than I ever have before because it’s important. My daughters are watching because my oldest will get to vote in the next election, and they want to stay current. They are well aware of the mudslinging and even the hot issues. I’m often surprised at how much they actually know. But like I said, it’s important, and I’m glad it’s important to them.

And after all of this, it might be the year I vote for a third party candidate since Gary Johnson is on the ballot. I’d like to hear him debate and see what he has to say, but our system makes it very hard for that to happen. So I implore all the undecideds out there, like myself, to read up…look at ALL the candidates and choose who you think will best lead this country. Not just the one you hate the least. Our future depends on it.

Much love and respect to all.❤

XO

~T

[image error] Listening to No Hard Feelings by The Avett Brothers, because they’re my spirit animal.❤

Filed under: 2016, Ramblings, speaking out, Thoughts Tagged: clinton, debates, election year, Political, politics, trump

I Broke My Ankle…

And it sucks.

Affection…

I haven’t posted in a while on this blog. There’s so much going on in this world and I have so many thoughts, but I can’t seem to articulate them. And I usually feel my voice doesn’t need to be heard. But this morning, a friend shared an article on Facebook (link at the bottom of this post). It was one that I was happy to see because of the message. It’s about affection and the effects of making kids show affection.

When my daughters were young, they were super affectionate. Constant hugs and kisses…constant cuddles. Everyone loved getting the hugs and kisses – hugs and kisses that weren’t prompted by me. I mean, who doesn’t love the squeezes from little ones?!

But as they got older, things started to change.

As someone who grew up in an affectionate home, you would think I would have been offended when my daughter didn’t give as many hugs as she used to. You would think I would be upset and sad…but I wasn’t. In fact, I was happy.

Happy??? Yes. Happy.

Of course, I missed the cuddles. But I was happy because they were setting a boundary, and boundaries are important. I didn’t tell them, “but you need to hug (fill in the blank) because…” and I didn’t guilt them. As expected, some people were sad or offended that the hugs were no longer freely given, but when I explained why I didn’t force it, it was understood and embraced.

Earlier on Facebook, I posted the following:

I’m raising two young ladies, who are sweet, funny, beautiful, and smart.

I’m raising two young ladies who will someday be women.

I’m raising two young ladies that I’m trying to empower.

I’m raising two young ladies that are learning now that they have women’s intuition and that it is something to be honored and heard.

I’m raising two young ladies who will someday be on their own and have to protect themselves.

My goal, my job, as a mom is to equip my children with knowledge…encourage their voice…support them, and to love them unconditionally. And I do, so very much. My daughters are my world and I want them to turn into strong women who can go out into the world and do anything. And I will not undermine who they are turning into by MAKING them show affection. As they are growing up, they’re learning to listen to that inner voice, but more importantly, they’re learning to TRUST it.

And I can add that from my experience with NOT forcing my children to show affection to myself or anyone else, they ARE affectionate. Not to everyone, but to a select few. And for those on the receiving end of it, they should feel special because it is not given frequently, but it is given wholeheartedly.

❤ XO

~T

LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE —-> POPSUGAR ARTICLE

Filed under: 2016, abuse, Insight, Ramblings, speaking out, Thoughts Tagged: affection, inner voice, intuition, mom job, protecting kids, raising women, speaking out, strong women

String Beans…

The time has finally come!! Today, I get to show you the cover for String Beans, as well as tell you what it’s about.

A little background: I actually started writing this story well over a year ago. It was one that I was excited about, but then a different story took front and center – Fumbled. But this one was never far behind. Earlier this year, I put all of my time and attention into String Beans. I knew what Viola’s story was, I knew exactly how it would go and how it would end, and yet I couldn’t seem to get the words down. So I kept watching the “movie” play out in my head.

Thanks to some wonderful friend/beta readers, the story took shape and what comes out on June 5th is the final product. I really love these characters. They’re “real” in how they handle things. Relationships aren’t always easy, and as people, we don’t always do the right thing. And that’s what I love about them, they’re flawed.

I hope you like the cover and give this story a chance.❤

~T

About this Book:

Viola Banks had music in her blood. As an aspiring song writer, she grew up wanting nothing more than to have her words sung for all the world to hear. That all changed when she fell in love and married a man whose ambitions became more important than her own.

And when it all fell disastrously apart, she realized she was left with nothing but shattered dreams and empty promises. 

A fairytale without the happy ending.

Trying to pick up the pieces, Viola decides to move to Los Angeles for a new beginning. 

Her chance to find the voice she thought she had lost.

Wyatt Jenson’s life was settled. He had a job. A girlfriend. A future.

Moving back to L.A. to take over the family business was the last thing he wanted. But obligation called and he found himself putting down roots in the last place he ever thought he would be. He finds himself the new owner of String Beans, the local music hotspot and coffee shop.

It only takes one night, one song, one random encounter, and lives can change forever. 

Viola has to learn to open a heart that’s been broken.

Filed under: Uncategorized

String Beans…

You may or may not know that I’m currently working on 2 books. This week, I’m going to focus on String Beans…book 2 in The Girls of Beachmont series.

In Fumbled, you met Dani and Tabor and hopefully enjoyed their sweet story of finding each other. There was mention on Dani’s friend Viola and her husband Will, the musician. I’ve been enjoying getting to know these characters and I have to say, I love Viola’s friends. (I think you will too.)

Anyway…String Beans is her story and I really hope you like meeting all of these new people. So, here’s an excerpt, and not the one included in the back of Fumbled.

Enjoy!!

XO

~T

String Beans

by T.K. Rapp

Coming Spring 2016
Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved.

He looked down at me and dipped his face to my ear so I could hear him. “You finally made some friends,” he teased.

“I did.”

“Hold up…you’re smiling at me. On purpose. Is this what drunk Vi is like?” he asked, nudging his arm against mine.

“Shut up,” I laughed. “I had three shots. That’s it.”

“Viola,” Callie sang loudly as she stood next to me and gripped my hand tightly. “Let’s dance.”

“Actually, I’m ready to get back home.”

“What? It’s only one,” she said as she stuck out her bottom lip. “I’m not ready to go yet.”

One? Already? I pulled out my phone and was shocked that she was right.

“Have we really been here almost two hours?” I asked of no one in particular.

“Yeah,” she laughed. “Hell, it only took thirty minutes to get into this place.”

“How much longer do you plan on staying?” I asked.

“What’s your hurry? You don’t really want to leave, do you?”

Before I could answer, Wyatt spoke up.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take her home. I was heading out anyway.”

Callie’s eyes went wide and I made a face trying to silence her with a death stare, but she was too far-gone to notice.

“Sorry, Vi’s with me,” I heard Dallas say from behind us. His friends were no longer in sight and I was grateful he spoke up. But when Wyatt turned to face him, he shook his head and smiled. “I mean…she’s all yours. Take her.”

“Thanks a lot,” I mouthed, narrowing my eyes.

“You’re welcome,” he mouthed back.

I sort of wanted to hug him and kill him at the same time.

So there you have it! Be sure to stop by next week for details about my new YA standalone that will be out by this summer. I don’t have an actual release date yet, but as soon as I do, I’ll share! Have a great week! 

Filed under: Uncategorized

Fumbled…

Hey! Happy New Year!!! (Late…I know) I hope that you’re 2016 is going well. For me, 2015 ended amazingly and 2016 has already started with a bang. I’ve been busy working on 2 stories, and while both are speaking to me, I’m going to try to focus all my attention on one. (I go crazy trying to do two things at once. LOL!)

Not sure if you heard, but on January 6th, I released my 5th book. It’s a contemporary romance…a football love story, titled, Fumbled. The story idea came to me after a conversation my husband and I had about JJ Watt. We are both huge fans of his and we were talking about how hard it must be for him to meet someone who wants him for him and not his status and money.

And thus…Fumbled was born.

I had so much fun writing this book. It’s very light, sweet, and cute – little “drama.” I think that’s why I loved writing it so much, because it didn’t demand the same heartache that my other stories have. As I was writing, I found myself smiling and laughing…ultimately falling in love with all of my characters. My daughters saw how much I enjoyed the story and would ask me what was happening. It finally got to the point that they begged me to let them read it.

Now let me say this, if you’ve read anything of mine before, you know I write very “fade-to-black” scenes, but even those I don’t let my daughters read. So around Christmastime, I removed those scenes, cut out about 99% of the cuss words, and sent it to their kindles so they could read it. Since my niece is an avid reader, she wanted to read it as well. She read it in about 2 days, my younger daughter finished it in a few…my oldest just started reading it. But because of their interest, I was encouraged by my husband, sister, mom, and the kids to release a YA version alongside the regular version. I figured why not, I had it already formatted. ;)

I didn’t know what to expect from this release. I never do. But I have to say, I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the reception…especially in Australia. I mean…really??? Australia readers, you are amazing and I can’t thank you enough for spending time with these characters and helping to make Fumbled #49 overall there. (At least at the time of writing this post.)

I suppose I should get back to writing. It’s a beautiful Saturday here in Texas and I plan on enjoying some of it. But I think I’m more excited to have a visit with Viola…Dani’s friend. ;) I’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, thank you everyone so very much for your continued support!! I’m blessed to have you. If you haven’t picked up your copy of Fumbled yet, it’s available exclusively on Amazon for only $2.99 and always free through KU.

US – http://bit.ly/Fumbled

AU – http://bit.ly/AUFumbled

UK – http://bit.ly/FumbledUK

Canada – http://bit.ly/FumbledCAN

If you’re interested in the YA version, look for the pink label. 

XO

~T

Filed under: 2016, Books, Dreams, Exciting, Insight, Milestones, New Books, New Start, Teaser, Writing Tagged: Australia, Best Seller, Blue, Book release, book teasers, football love, football love story, Fumbled, JJ Watt, New Release, Tabor, TK Rapp

‘Tis the Season…

I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, especially during the holidays…but man, the world sure seems to be in bad shape. :-/

My news feed on social media it saturated with horrible stories of people gone mad, politicians doing what they do – sling mud, and terrorists doing their damnedest to destroy everyone.

I try to watch enough news to stay informed, but not so much that I’m afraid to live. And some days, that’s really hard.

According to The Washington Post, there have been, 355 mass shootings this year – how crazy is that? Heck, there are only 365 on the calendar, so how’s that for a statistic? Atrocities like those in Charleston (2015), San Bernardino (today), and Aurora (2012) are happening far too often. In fact, it’s becoming so frequent that I have seen many people use the word “desensitized” when news of these horrors are reported. We shouldn’t be desensitized. We should be angry and questioning why it keeps happening.

And then there’s Politics….UGH! You know, I love a good debate. I love learning about candidates and the issues. Hell, I even love that I get to vote. Everyone has an opinion as to who is best for our country, and I respect the differences. I have friends that are republican, democrat, independent, and undecided…and that’s okay. I’m not in the business of trying to change anyone’s views to match my own. Our difference are one of the things that make this country great. But you have the politicians out there, all of them (and I do mean ALL!!) trying to get their ten seconds of air time. And instead of talking about the issues, about the REAL issues and coming up with REAL solutions, there’s nothing but grandstanding and mudslinging. It’s embarrassing. And the sad thing is, as much as I want to believe that SOMEONE can do right by this country, I’m too jaded to actually believe it. Money makes the world go ’round, right?

As for the terrorists, I’m blank. It breaks my heart to see the refugees fleeing for safety, and some of them never finding it. How many lives have been destroyed by the monsters who seek to eradicate anything good, beautiful, and different? The terror and destruction they seek to inflict on their victims is nothing compared to the weakness and fear they, themselves, carry in their hearts. Fear is a powerful feeling, it immobilizes its victims and perpetuates a feeling of helplessness. But the thing is, fear is just a feeling.

I’m not trying to get on a soap box and claim I know any way to remedy what’s happening right now. All I can think to do is pray and hope that a time like Christmas, a season of goodwill, charity, and happiness, will open the hearts of all of us to do something. Perhaps something….one little thing, might have a chain reaction, and if even for just one day, make the world a better place.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa ~ Happy Holidays my beautiful friends and a wonderful New Year.

XO

~T 

Filed under: 2015, Ramblings, Shooting, Thoughts, Tragedy Tagged: christmas, holidays