New Feature...Guest Posts!!!

 

Hello All,

I am very excited to announce that after a year of blogging and networking I have arrived at the point that I will begin to share stories, bios and interviews from other survivors, advocates and allies.

This feature will give voice to survivors and will also help promote other bloggers and advocates who are doing the same. We have growing Community of bloggers, writers, artists and advocates who are dedicated to dismantling the walls of denial and misinformation that surround Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Addiction, Mental Health issues and Poverty. I am honored to be a part of this Community, to have the space to share my stories through them and to have the opportunity to offer the same in return.

I will continue to share my own posts and experiences as well as having a featured Heroine at least once a month. In the interest of staying true to my mission and maintaining focus my political ramblings will be posted on my facebook group and page as notes. You will find the badge in the right column if you wish to follow my tirades!

Thank you all for being loyal readers for an entire year!

Today’s featured guest is Sherry Clyburn who I met in a discussion group on Linkedin.  It is a closed group by anyone interested in joining can follow this link http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2131700&trk=anet_ug_hm

Here is Sherry’s story; I hope you will join me in sharing her mission.

Peace,

Jenny

Sherry's Story

I am a survivor of childhood abuse which spiraled into a long term relationship with a man who introduced me to a life filled with domestic violence, and unfortunately I also became a non-offending mother of a sexually abused child. I am developing two books.


“Shadows of Silence: Book 1” gives readers a front row seat to what transpired in my life.


“Shadows of Silence: Book 2” This is an anthology e-book, with entries from professionals as well as both male and female survivors from most age brackets, from many walks of life and from many parts of the world.

As a sign of my appreciation for being a part of my e-book, you will receive a copy of the e-book "Shadows of Silence: Book 2" naturally free of charge (there is no selling price for this e-book)

Once I am published I will be presenting something that is rather unique gift. Most authors sell their book alone with nothing extra. I am giving the second e-book to those who purchase it. The second book will contain no less than 500 entries and no more than 1000. I am able to give it because I am paying a one -time fee for the temp plates.

Here's a link that will allow you to read some of my testimony and other articles that I have authored so that you can learn my writing style. http://sherry123456789.xanga.com/

I want to thank you in advance for caring enough to check out what I am doing. I really hope you will join me in my efforts to spread awareness about an issue that affects more than half of this world. If you are interested in adding your voice or if you have additional questions please do not hesitate to contact me at burt222@hotmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you.


Respectfully,
Sherry Clyburn

This is what I believe and why I work so hard to create awareness. Some people are under the impression that we can end abuse. I mean no disrespect, but honestly, these people who believe we will achieve the ending of abuse are looking at a different reality than I am. I might be wrong, but my belief is that we will never totally eliminate abuse. Nonetheless, I do believe we can lower the victim population through one simple equation: Education + Awareness = Prevention.

Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy 

© 2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard

Stand with Planned Parenthood

Hello all,
This post is my contribution to a united action, a "blog carnival" sponsored by Fair and Femini
st.com to support Planned Parenthood and womens's reproductive rights. Planned Parenthood is about more than just birth control. They provide std screenings, annual exams and I have found their staff to be a great resource for information on women's health in general.
I first utilized PP's services in 1976, I was 17 and had just become sexually active and I knew I did not want to become pregnant at 17. A friend and I took the city bus to what at that time was the "free clinic". I remember it was located in a refurbished home in the heart of the Inner city, a little different world for a white girl who had been raised on College of near campuses all her life.
There was a group of about 10 girls, around my age, who were given a group information session with question and answer time at the end. The two women who facilitated the session were warm and friendly; they took time to listen to our concerns and addressed our teenage Urban Legend based questions with respect and decorum.
Looking back, the physical facility although warm and inviting (it was after all once a home) would never pass inspection by today’s standards. There was no air conditioning and I remember as I lay on the table enduring my first ever pelvic exam, the curtains fluttered over the partially open window and I could hear the sounds of children playing outside. It was comforting to me, in this room that was once someone’s bedroom; and hearing the laughter of children reminded me I was doing this to preserve what was left of my own "childhood" by preventing pregnancy.
I continued to utilize the services of PP throughout my 20's, much of that time I did not have access to insurance. When I was able I'd leave a few dollars in the donation box. In my late 20's during a routine exam, the test revealed abnormal cells on my cervix. Turns out it was HPV now known to often be associated with Cervical Cancer. The case manager at PP helped me apply for assistance and find a clinic that would treat me. If I had not had access to that initial exam, at no cost to me, who knows how things would have turned out.
Now I have two grown daughters, both who use PP for their family planning services. I have 2 beautiful granddaughters, age 8 and 9 (both planned!) and I hope that when the time comes, they will have access to the same affordable, accessible services the rest of us have had.
And that is one of many reasons, and for all the daughters and granddaughters that I stand with Planned Parenthood.

Image courtesy of http://fairandfeminist.com/

© 2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard