I Love To Go A Gardening
Growing Our Life in Northern Michigan
Tag: Abuse
Rebuilding
I’m feeling better…the attacks of anxiety seem to be finally lessening somewhat. I think the loving support of so many friends helped. One reason I share my struggles with abuse and anxiety is that so many struggle alone as I did for so many… Continue Reading “Rebuilding”
An Angry Sea
I haven’t written in a couple of weeks because I have been struggling with severe anxiety attacks. It’s really awful. I feel as if anxiety is rushing through my veins. I can’t breathe, my stomach is in knots, I feel nauseous. Everything feels overwhelming.… Continue Reading “An Angry Sea”
The Weekend
After a fun Saturday watching the Blue Angels perform and seeing Piper, the airport dog, we spent the next two days working around home. On Sunday I mowed our lawn. We mow only the areas around our house and let the rest of our… Continue Reading “The Weekend”
Sticks & Stones
After I wrote my last post about minimizing abuse, I got to thinking a lot of thoughts. I will try to put them into somewhat coherent words although it won’t be easy because they are sometimes more intuitive and abstract than concrete, and sometimes… Continue Reading “Sticks & Stones”
Minimizers
There is a story I have been recently reading in the news that is breaking my heart. A young woman accompanied her sister to a party. I believe she was reluctant to go, but she was protective of her younger sister so she went along. The next… Continue Reading “Minimizers”
Howdy Neighbor
I am often indecisive about whether or not I should share my personal story about abuse. Some people believe that we ought to never share any negative story about anyone. Others believe that in sharing our stories, we can help others through similar struggles. I… Continue Reading “Howdy Neighbor”
Ella (Un)Enchanted
There’s a 2004 movie starring Anne Hathaway called Ella Enchanted that is a retelling of the Cinderella story. Although it’s not a particularly great movie, I have found it interesting because of its message about abuse and boundaries. In the movie, Ella’s fairy godmother gave her “the… Continue Reading “Ella (Un)Enchanted”
See (No) Evil
Usually I write about the day-to-day happenings of my life, but occasionally something happens that vexes me. Usually it involves the topic of abuse. It feels like a sliver in my spirit and the best way I know to get it out is to write… Continue Reading “See (No) Evil”
Of Tears and Laughter
Today I am going to risk the possibility of stepping on a few toes. I do not intend to offend, and I will try to write with compassion and understanding, but this is a topic that I have thought about (and even struggled with)… Continue Reading “Of Tears and Laughter”
Another Thought or Two
After I wrote my last post, a couple of articles on the same topic appeared on my Facebook newsfeed. They are personal stories of people who experienced the church defending the abusers while accusing the victim. Stories like this happen often and it is… Continue Reading “Another Thought or Two”
The Silence of the Lambs
I have been reading through the articles at a blog called Narcissists Suck. It is my new favorite website. The blogger writes about narcissism in a clear, concise, interesting, and Biblical way, which I am finding very helpful and refreshing, especially now when frustration… Continue Reading “The Silence of the Lambs”
Before and After, Ending and Beginning
Just a few days ago–on Friday–we had our first snow of the year. EJ and I took Danny outside at about 11:30 p.m. and we had fun playing with the snow and the flashlights I had recently bought from Amazon. The flashlights only cost… Continue Reading “Before and After, Ending and Beginning”
A Minute in My Mind
There are some memes that appear on my Facebook timeline now and then that I really hate because although they can seem true, and may be somewhat true in some circumstances, I think they are mostly just blarney, especially if you think about them… Continue Reading “A Minute in My Mind”
Aftermath
Last night JJ returned home from work in a very happy mood. “I love living up here. I really like my job!” he exclaimed. He says his co-workers are all extremely nice and friendly and helpful. Also, at a meeting that day he had… Continue Reading “Aftermath”
Van Gogh in the Elevator
I had an eye exam on Monday. I was excited because it’s been a few years since my last eye exam, and a year or two ago my glasses got a small scratch on them which makes them hard to clean. No matter how… Continue Reading “Van Gogh in the Elevator”
I Love To Go A Gardening 