Ginger Barritt says...It's Just Me...

Old Wives Tales and Such

2011-04-08T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!
create & buy custom products at Zazzle Stock Photos, Search and Download Now!

You know all my life, I've heard "life is short"....Being 54 all of a sudden, has made me do some thinking about other old sayings that my grandmothers said over the years.....

My grandmother's were wonderful women, each in their own way. Strong, women who lived and taught me life lessons, without even being aware of it. Just by living and talking...they passed on a wealth of family history, customs and values....and knowledge....Some of these old sayings were comforting....or enlighting, and some were frightening....Do they hold truths that our modern world has swept to the side? Do we do it at our own peril? Hmmmmm....

A bird in the house is a sign of a death
Do not lean a broom against a bed. The evil spirits in the broom will cast a spell on the bed.
If you sweep trash out the door after dark, it will bring a stranger to visit.
Never take a broom along when you move. Throw it out and buy a new one.
If you're having a run of bad luck at your house, take your broom, sweep from the back of the house to the front, and out the door...this will sweep the bad luck out the door.
To prevent an unwelcome guest from returning, sweep out the room they stayed in immediately after they leave.
If a white butterfly or moth tries to fly in your house, it's a sign of a death.
If the first butterfly you see in the year is white, you will have good luck all year.
Mirrors in a house with a corpse should be covered or the person who sees himself will die next.
All windows should be opened at the moment of death so that the soul can leave.
Pulling out a gray or white hair will cause ten more to grow in its place
Ivy growing on a house protects the inhabitants from witchcraft and evil.
It is unlucky to see your face in a mirror by candlelight
An onion cut in half and placed under the bed of a sick person will draw off fever and poisons
Sparrows carry the souls of the dead, it's unlucky to kill one.
You can tell what kind of husband a man will make by how he treats his mother.
To drop a comb while you are combing your hair is a sign of a coming disappointment.
These are just a few of the old wives tales I've found...there are, of course variations and many many more.
I love reading about wives tales, and folklore, and folk magic....Could we be ignoring these old adages to our peril? I don't know...hmmmm.

For a fabulous Blog on Old Appalacian remedies and receipes Check out the Blind Pig and the Acorn http://www.blindpigandtheacorn.com/blind_pig_the_acorn/

Honesty. Pro or against.

2011-04-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

That word sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

Ok, it's suppose to. Honesty is the best policy, we've all been told since childhood. But what happens if honesty winds up hurting someone for no reason? Is it morally right to be honest, and tell someone that, say, their hair is stringy, the wrong color, or that they look fat, or sloppy, or need a new anti-wrinkle cream? Are these types of honesty statements better left unsaid? Well, let's examine.

What is the motivation for the statement. Are you using it as a weapon, to put someone down. What are you using as a moral compass? Does it make you feel superior? If it does, I don't feel you're the one to inform someone of these shortcomings. But then, what if it's true, and if the person doesn't know, it's actually hurting them, either in career, or social life? I still don't think, if you're getting enjoyment out of it, that you are the one to tell them. Saying it "for my own good", just doesn't gloss it over.

What if you work for a friend, and they're not doing a good job. Where do you step in, or do you? Do you let the chips fall as they may? Maybe the job they're doing, isn't what they should be doing. Maybe everyone needs to find these things out for themselves. But I'm telling you, as angry as I may get at hearing negative things about myself, I hate being blindsided. So. . .

I'm not sure how I really feel about honesty...I want to say I'm for it. But there are so many people with so many opinions of what is right and wrong, that I have really come to feel that sometimes I just want you to keep your honesty to yourself...I don't want to know that you think my haircolor is brassy, not when others like it. I don't want to know that you think I'm fat...not when my husband loves the curves. I don't need to know you're having an affair,and you put me in the middle of your drama. Leave me in the dark about all those honest opinions unless I ask...

Hello!!!

Seasons

2009-09-28T23:50:00.001-07:00

My mother hates the autumn. Life, to her is represented in the green lushness of the spring and summer. The changing and the soon falling leaves, to her only represent an end.....death.....not so with me...or not exactly, and not without joy, or at least anticipation.

The autumn is a beautiful change....a brief interlude between the hot sticky summer, and the wet cold stark winter....It's my favorite season, albiet brief. I need it. I need the respit...and time to adjust, and prepare for the coming cold. I revel in the glory of the colors....the cool breezes...the smell of burning leaves....The energy.

I guess, at 53, this is my autumn...perhaps in some ways, this is my favorite time of my life. I'm more colorful than I use to be......less conservative in speech, tending to speak my mind more than I use to. Maybe it's the knowledge that my leaves, though bright now, will soon be falling....leaving me perhaps a bit naked.....vulnerable....and closer to my own ending....

But there is always the fire in this season....the burning of the old and no longer needed...a certain freeing from the past....a preparation for the transformation to come....the wait.....Don't misunderstand me...this is not sad for me....I am not so evolved that I am fearless....but evolved enough to know it awaits non the less, and to not prepare is rather foolish....just as wildlife prepares for the long winter...so must we all.....

Stock Photos, Search and Download Now!

William Emmett Barritt

2009-07-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

This next month, August, on the 14th day, marks the 39th anniversary of the death of William Emmett Barritt my husbands father who died way too young.In his honor,I'm reposting this memorial, that I wrote last year. http://www.virtualwall.org/db/BarrittWE01a.htm http://vietnam-wall.myarmedforces.com/profile/2676/William_Barritt

I just read a fantastic writing by Maximus called, a letter from vietnam, and I’ve got that sting of tears….beautiful Max…..
Let me tell you why this is special to me…....
William Emmett Barritt, Bill, was my husband’s father…
Bill was a preacher. He was a son of a real life cowboy. He was the brother of two rowdy men. He played guitar and sang. He was a young father. He was a soldier, a gunner on a helicopter.
He would sing and play, the guitar, for the younger (!!!! he was 24 when he died) boys when they were scared, over there with the heat, and the rain, and noise, the horror and the screams…..he would play songs of faith, and love, and peace, home, family ….....
Bill made it through his first tour, and re enlisted. He didn’t make it home this time. His helicopter went down and caught on fire…..he made it out unhurt…..but he had buddies back inside the burning helicopter…....and he went back in…......and got badly burned…....he died from infection and complication of his wounds…..
Several of the men who served with him, remember him still. Several have contacted my husband and relayed stories that Christopher will always treasure….

Judi Taylor
That is beautiful, Ginger … This is a lovely memorial.
Add your comment as a reply to Judi Taylor

Ginger Barritt replied
Hi, Judi! Thank you, Sweetie….I’ve got to see what you’ve been up to…..

Troy W. Smith
What an aweful way to die. But he died doing what most of us would do if in the same situation. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Ginger Barritt replied
You know what Troy….I think this is what is so right with most humans. You’re right….most people, would do whatever they could for their friends and family. It’s just not often we hear the stories of the good side of people.
bev langby
wow what a hero and there are many that we dont hear about, so thanks for sharing Bills with us …..........

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you again, Bev….LOL…I think I’m through writing for tonight!!!!
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

Christopher Bi...
i can really feel the admiration through this piece, he sounds like someone you would have definitely wanted to have with you in those terrible situations.
Such a complicated thing, isn’t it….the violent side of life and death….. The honor, the horror, the valor, and the inhumanity?
valzart
Aww great memorial to an angel sweetheART ;}x happy hippy hugglez
Thank you, Val….Love seeing you!
wow ginger true hero of battle bill was ive read some books on the helicopter pilots and gunners and such in vietnam as my dad was there and he has stax of books on vietnam they where real legends them boys in the choppers like super legends Bill sounded a real champion bloke and s hello and hope your doin well Boing

You’re BOING???? I’m so glad to see you!!!!
name change was bored haglad to see you to mate hopes ya `all good

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

Stock Photos, Search and Download Now!

Virginia

2009-07-08T03:23:00.001-07:00

Virginia grew up trying to please and keep the peace.

She was a nervous little girl that was all arms and legs. She did the best she could, to organize the family to try to please. She cooked, if necessary, even at a young age. She ran useless interference in the almost constant, bickering and battles that raged in the family. There was the constant strain of no money, too many eccentric family members living too closely together and a father who found solace and bravery in a bottle and a pool hall. Her mother, was an overwhelmed, emotionally detached, or shut down, school teacher. Her innate mother instinct tried to protect her little brother, 8 years her junior with a penchant for getting on the wrong side of their father. All of this would be more than an adult should handle, yet this was Virginia's life.

Instead of playing with dolls, she was cooking and ironing, if she was lucky. When hot summer came, she was out in the fields hoeing from early to late.

She wasn't taught to think of herself, she was expected to put everyone ahead of her own welfare, her own desires and dreams.

She didn't know she could go to college, no one told her, even though she was smart. So when a local boy asked her to marry him at 17, she didn't know what to do, so she asked her mother. Even though he was a nice boy, she was so hoping that her mother would say no, that she would tell her she had to finish school first, but the answer was yes.

This boy, Clifton, was raised very different from her, and the difference was really uncomfortable for her. Things were suppose to be perfect. Things had to be done a certain way, and that isn't how these people were.

Three children came too fast with no money, and no help. Clifton was sweet, but totally unable to make a decent living. Resentment grew over the years. The same frustrations of no money, and always having to put herself last on the list. She never even had a babysitter to give her even the smallest break.

She got a job outside the home eventually, when the kids were in school. Then a tragedy hit that no mother can prepare for. One of the girl's, her baby, was killed in a car accident. It didn't help that she had not wanted to make the trip...in fact had so dreaded it that she was almost sick, and cried with dread. But went regardless, over her feelings, because that is how she was raised, put everyone else ahead of what she wanted.

She survived, she had two other little girls to see to. So she survived and loved her remaining daughters and kept working. But the marriage was over. The strain and hurt went too deep to keep pretending.

Virginia never realized her dreams. Partly because she was always just trying to survive. Her world now is revolving around one of her daughter's and her family. The other daughter is caught up in her own life, with problems of her own, trying to survive her own way.
Virginia is adored by her daughter and son in law, her grandson and his wife, and her great granddaughter that thinks there is no one better than her "Gin". She's wanted and appreciated. She never ever feels good enough, or loved enough, or appreciated enough to fill that hole in her soul that was placed there by a missed childhood. That little girl is still in there, still believing that she isn't pretty, that she's too skinny, she's poor, and is never shown that she is cherished and adored. She didn't feel like a little princess, as her great granddaughter believes. She didn't feel that there was anyone who would fight for her. You just never get over that. The childhood of lack.

I would fight dragons for her. I wish with all my heart that she had found her prince. But all I can do, is love her with all my heart, and cherish every day that I have her in my life. Because if she'd been a weak woman, or a selfish woman, I would never have grown into the confident woman that I am today. I will never be able to tell her how much I appreciate what she has given me in my life.

Thank you, Mother for giving me what you never were given, unconditional love.

Penny

2009-06-21T01:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, June 20, 2009, marked the 38Th anniversary of my youngest sister's death. 38 years, and it seems unbelievable in one way, and forever ago, as well.

When the clock and calender here in the office where I'm working clicked over, after midnight, it hit me and shocked me. I'd managed to forget that my sister was killed on Father's day when she was 11. But I'm not writing of her death, I've already done that.

I'm going to try to tell you who she was in life.

When you talk of the dead, they say, that you tend to forget their faults. I don't know if it's true or not, but at 11 years old, she really didn't have that many. She was the sweet one. Shelley won't be hurt by that, she just was. Shelley also said she was the pretty one...and she really was beautiful, but I had two beautiful sisters. I was really proud of both of them...they were so cute together, almost like twins.

Shelley was more of the minx, of the two. Penny just liked to be with her sister. Penny loved me, I know that, but she adored Shelley. They were inseparable. They were the ones that had the secrets, and the adventures. The whispered fun. I was usually the enemy. I was the older one, not really a part of them. I was too bossy. Being the oldest, I was always put in charge of them, made responsible for them, and most of the time I was OK, with it, but sometimes, I'd tire of being the one to get fussed at if they got hurt, or in trouble.

Penny was more of the peacemaker, she didn't want anyone to be angry. Shelley really didn't care about that...as long as they weren't bothering her, she was fine. Penny never thought twice about sharing....not so much Shelley. Shelley could tell if I just walked into her room.

Penny loved family as much as I did. She cared about everybody. My whole world changed, my whole future irrevocably altered when she left this world.

I still miss you 38 years later, Penny.

best online casinosLasbest moving guide

Hello!!!

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

2009-06-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Christopher & I went to this great wedding reception not too long ago......
Beautifully done...outdoors, lights, white linens, good food....her father's band, with a substitute for dad.....catered, wait staff....I love this sort of thing and it was done well....
The parents, Ronnie and Sonya, have been friends of mine for, oh, wow....32 years! Kasie is the gorgeous and unique bride...and has met and married a perfect match for her, Charlie....they are the perfect example of just "cool". They live in Atlanta....
Ronnie and Sonya are fabulous people.......Back in our young days, we did the club scenes, and party's together...Then, we all started having kids, and the party's slowed a bit.....They have stayed married, and apparently still in love for all these years...They started a business when the kids were young. It and they, struggled a bit over the years......Ronnie is creative and versatile......and neither were afraid of hard work.....the business grew and changed, and now affords them a really nice living, allowing a lot of the perks that go with it.....
But what these two really accomplished were these two daughters, and one son. Shawn, the Atlanta artist, Kasie, and her sister Savannah.....Kasie's story, I'll tell at another time....this, is Savannah's story...
Savannah is the baby....she was the most willful child we'd ever come across......Ronnie and Sonya were hilarious to watch as this absolutely gorgeous little angel would struggle at two to dress herself.....you better not help her.....to do so would start a loud and drawn out crying jag....we just let her do it herself...it was just better that way....Ok, so sometimes it was a Tee shirt with a tutu and mismatched socks...you just didn't want to go there.....yes, you look beautiful Savannah!!!!
Independent....she was the word.......Ok, now Savannah is 24, so gorgeous you don't want to stop looking at her, and so smart you could talk to her for hours....She's had some struggles with her health which was scary, and caused great concern, but her stubborn nature and independence reigned....she never lets anything stop her....
I moved away from Tupelo, in 1988, to Atlanta, when the kids were small, so I missed so much of their lives.....which I regret ...I think it would have been amazing to watch them grow and change,....but let me show you how she turned out.....I have her website linked (hopefully) below this writing.....I'm also going to put it on my profile page....and I encourage you to have a look....
She lives and works in Kigali, Rwanda...The website is new.......she's still learning the ins and outs of it...but I think you will enjoy seeing what this very loving, beautiful, generous young woman is doing with her life..........I am really proud to be a little bit in her life.....and Savannah....if you ever read this....I love you and am so proud of you......
SavannahKeith http://www.savannahkeith.com/Site/Welcome.html

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

Phil - Lost Love

2009-06-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

Phil has never been completely out of my life. He never will be, I'd be willing to bet. It's such a sad story.

Phil was my first love.(Love) That bittersweet memory, most folks have.

From a first kiss in a hot yellow mustang, parking in the moonlight, planning our lives together, dreaming, kissing, loving, and then the tragic, dramatic loss of our dreamed lives together...I've never let go of him. Nor he of me. Not completely.

Not an affair, nor anything close. Just a refusal to completely sever that connection, even though each has separate lives and loves.

Our life together was blown apart by our own naivety. Our pride. Youth.

Possessive, jealous, funny, rocksteady, patient, overwhelming, Aries male.

Aries is a Cardinal Fire sign. As the first sign in the zodiac, and corresponding with the first day of spring, the Aries individual is a mover and shaker, fearlessly forging ahead into new territory.

The Aries personality is always a force to be reckoned with. These are curious and energetic individuals, always delving into new areas. Arians are forthcoming and direct. They don't generally have hidden agendas or ulterior motives.

Opinionated and often territorial about possessions. They will tell you like it is, according to their own inner truths, and will not feel bad about it later. These are the free birds of childhood, and they feel that they have the right to explore new territories unhindered, both physical and mental. Getting a kid like this to follow the rules may be a challenge. Even when young, all Arians are very competitive and cannot stand it if they do not come out on top. This "me first" attitude will be evident throughout life, and they often get what they want simply because of this unshakable attitude.

And this general profile of an Aries is so spot on with my long lost love. Both the reason why I felt so safe, and at times smothered.

The boy has now long been a man.

I haven't seen Phil in 12 years now. Almost 20 years prior to that. I do keep in touch through all of our modern ways, e-mail and such.

We know we made a mistake long ago. We both did. Phil, I think, has believed all these years that the loss of our relationship fell directly and completely on his shoulders, and it didn't. I wish I could repair the damage that I did to him, all those years ago. I wish he understood that if I'd been older, or wiser, I'd have forgiven him, as I certainly have now. It doesn't erase the error that was done. It doesn't give us back the life we could have had. It might have been wonderful, but again, we really can't know that. I pray for him, that he has a happy life. One free from guilt over a silly girl who couldn't forgive a good man a mistake. One stupid mistake. I should have known him better, I should have forgiven and let us go on to have that life we planned, but I was a stupid, arrogant, silly girl, with no experience and no way to understand...

He's still loyal and honest, and strong. He deserves to be happy...to have love and to feel respected.

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

First Love - A Bit Of The Story

2009-06-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

You know a lot has happened to me in my life. I've been high and low but mostly in between.

I've been told that our life experiences make us who we are in the now, and that I'm not all that bad. I've had to learn patience, and humility, and love. I've had to learn to stop living in the past. To think positively and be greatful for what I have.

My first really adult lesson, good and bad, was taught by my first love, Phil.

It was, as they say, a simpler time.

I was just becoming aware of myself as a woman. Not really all that developed, I was a skinny girl, but the curves were beginning to show,and I was getting that restlessness, when a boy of 16 caught my eye one morning while I was on the bus to my Junior High School. Another girl pointed out a boy in a yard, not far from my house and told me she had a crush on this really cute older guy named, Phil....and there in the yard, he was. Dark, neat hair, huge brown eyes, and a great stocky build. Oh, yes, he was adorable. He was just getting into a hot yellow mustang with a black top....Wow, the guy even drove his own car!

I didn't know that he also went to my own church, and one day, we met, we made electric eye contact.

The first time he asked me out, he asked me to go to his sister's beauty review. I was so scared, this was my first date EVER and I wasn't even sure that Mom would let me go...but she did.

He picked me up, and off we went...just as we crossed a railroad track, he turned to me and said, "are you going to sit all the way over there?"...I was so embarassed, and shy, but I moved over (yes, it was bucket seats, but so what?). . . .and he kissed me.

Phil, was mostly the perfect boyfriend. He put up with the adolecent drama scenes that I produced, he protected me, he took me anywhere I wanted to go, and we sure did park ALOT. I adored him. He was with me through the horrible darkness after Penny died. We spent alot of time in church and with our church friends. As we grew together, we really considered ourselves married in our hearts. We bonded really strongly. We had songs that were ours, we looked at houses and dreamed. "I can't wait", was something we said often. I had, we had, our lives so planned out, right down to the little girl we wanted. But, we grew up, and something changed.

We set our date. I bought the dress, the invitations, made the rice bags and had the engagement photo made. I had questions one evening and thought nothing of jumping into my car and heading out to the college to see him. That night ruined everything. And it wasn't all Phil's fault.

He lived outside the campus in a student trailer park with 2 other friends of his. They were only too happy to tell me that he was in the trailer next door. Oh God, I don't think I'll ever forget that night. I think I threw my beautiful diamond ring away in the rocks, I just don't remember. I don't remember coming home...I know we argued, or talked or something, but I've mostly blocked it out.

I remember over the next few days, talking to Phil and finding out where his head was, and calmly explaining to my family that the wedding was off, and that Phil had felt overwhelmed at all the plans...and that he had met someone.

Ok, enough. Yes, it was awful, but let me tell you what I learned after all the anger, disappoinment, and blame went away, after all the bad decisions I made in the aftermath.

Phil, was just a great guy. He treated me wonderfully, even if he was somewhat possessive and jealous. He was mostly patient and calm with me..and I was a very dramatic and bossy girl. He gave the impression of having it all together...very down to earth, and assured. He was a bit silly for my benefit at times...strutting and preening, which looking back was extremely sweet and enduring. I was safe with him, but then again, that was part of the reason I came so completely apart in the aftermath. If I couldn't trust Phil, there was no reason to ever trust any man...if my Phil, my rock, could lie to me, then they all would...foolish girl.

Phil was young and beautiful. He had been dating one girl for 5 years and was about to commit to her for the rest of his life. He had a bit of rebel in him, and he had friends that whispered to him constantly that he was making a mistake. He loved me, but I was not easy. He loved his macho friends, and wanted to have fun, too. We were about to have what we'd always wanted, but the weight of was heavy. What if he was making a mistake? He was young.

Looking back at that young, vital, beautiful man, from my, now 53 years, it is not at all a surprise that he had that affair. It's not at all a surprise that he needed time to work all these things out before committing completely. It shouldn't have been so hard to forgive. But it hit me so hard. And I just couldn't.

I don't know if I'm a better person than I would have been. I've not enjoyed many parts of my life. Many years were really hard because I did not make good decisions. I had a really hard time getting my priorities straight and let's face it...my choices in men were awful.

I'm very happy now. I finally met someone that I could trust. Even we had a rough road for a while. But through all my bad decisions, and some deep self examination,I learned that you can lose something very special, and very precious by acting rashly and impulsively, and by trying to punish people instead of forgiving them.

A higher Being than I am admonished us to forgive. It's too bad that we cause ourselves and others so much heartache by not listening to that command. How much easier would it be, if we truly followed the commands of our God? The instant gratifications we choose, the "turn about is fair play" attitudes, the revenge we seek in retaliation for trampled hearts and desires all serve to cause so much damage in the long and short runs.

The only salvation in all of this, happens if we care enough to work through our shortcomings. If we finally look inward, as well as outward and learn to trust in Higher ideals. "Be Still and know that I am God".

Phil and I are not the first, nor the last couple to trash what should have been, by selfish and immature actions. That situation wasn't the last time I was rash, selfish, and careless. I had much to learn, and I chose the hard way.

Each second we are given is a blessing, a gift, a chance to do something special. If only we could "Be Still", for 5 minutes and look inward and listen to that Voice. We still can. We can start now.

I treasure my memories of mine and Phil's young wonderful romance. It was good and until the last, honest and loving. He helped me through some of the darkest times, he taught me many many wonderful lessons. I'm grateful to him and God for having him in my life so long ago.

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

ZAZZLE, REDBUBBLE...

2009-05-12T02:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't think I'd do it, but I've opened a new store online.

LOL. I don't have any idea if anything will come of any of this new activity of mine, but it's keeping me energized and getting my imagination reved up.

I'm 53. That is so strange to me. That Ginger could really be, not only a grown-up, but 53, middle aged.!!! But here I am, a bit overweight, achy, especially in the mornings, getting my energy from coffee, and coloring my hair...LOL...amazing.

Back to the store, Zazzle.com. Wow. I've designed dozens of products. Very ecclectic, as is my way. But, I like it. It's fun to be creative. It'll be even more fun if someone actually, finds my store, and likes what they see enough to buy...Wow...what a kick!!!

Of course, I'll let you know!
Nite, Ya'll.

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

How Many People Have You Seen Die?

2009-04-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

I don’t exactly know where I’m going with this, so you’ll have to bear with me as this unfolds.
I was asked tonight, how many people I had watched die.
This caught me off guard and I got emotional. This is not strange in one way, especially looking at it from some of your perspectives, since many of you, have not seen even one person slip from this world.
It was part of my everyday world to watch people die for 10 years. I was the Patient Representative in the ER and it was I who took care of families of patients involved in trauma’s or life and death events such as strokes, MI’s and the like….or the simple slipping away of a person who’s body had worn out from time or disease.
The answer to the question, "how many", can not be answered by me…..I sometimes saw 2 or 3 at a time through accidents…and older people die every day. Day after day and week after week you become accustomed to this event…..I’m not saying it was easy to be with families when they lost someone…..it certainly was not…but I am comfortable with my beliefs in an afterlife and the cycle of life. The person who dies is beyond any help that I or the family can give them, as far as I know…..
But as this person finished with this question…...How many people have you seen die? I was overwhelmed by visions of people dying…....There are many who have stayed with me for all these years….maybe because it was peaceful…such as an elderly lady who had until a few hours prior to her arrival, been working in her flower bed…..I stood by the bedside with her two daughters, listening to stories they needed to tell of their mother, her kindness, and how much she loved her flowers, while she quietly slipped away..
The very first one was a kid, a teenager who was on the verge of graduation from high school His father, who was an EMR had taken him to pick up the surprise graduation gift, a beautiful used motorcycle…..The kid eagarly jumped on and headed back toward home with his father in the car right behind him…They were anxious to get home and tinker with it the way father and son will…...Somehow, the son didn’t see the logging truck and went under the wheel….......We heard the father on the radio calling for the helicopter to please get there quickly, but it was much much too late….The boy died in his fathers arms while Mother, who was also an EMR listened helplessly to every word on their scanner at home….
Some are so horrifying, as a woman, I can’t wrap my head around it…...I thought the EMTs had brought in a doll…..That’s what she looked like….a beautiful small doll….but that wasn’t it….it was a baby….a mother had been having a party at her house…the baby was crying so she put it in the car seat….in the garage…..with the car running…...then went to sleep…..
Some, are so ….. dramatic….one of the deaths was a young African American man who died of a stroke….he had about 60 friends and family waiting with me in the family rooms…..I was nervous anyway, because there were so many people and I was new…...They were understandably anxious, upset, and demanding information that for the moment no one had….but the Doctor that day was a very matter of fact, no nonsense man who came back to the room and sat down, and simply blurted out to all of these folks…..He’s gone….He’s dead…......... I was totally unprepared for what happened next….Everyone hit the floor…..I mean I looked around and they were dropping like flies........I don’t know how long I stood there, but when I came to my senses, I ran from person to person asking uselessly, are you Ok? I looked back and the Doctor was still sitting on his chair with his legs crossed calmly watching me in my panic, trying to help those with their own panic…..Then he calmly got up, and walked over first one and then another, of the writhing sea of family….leaving me to grab wash cloths and ice and try to calm them as best as I could….
I was there when a woman came in shot in the belly…..as she was dying, she talked to her husband….it became apparent that he was the one who shot her….
An elderly man was dying a very slow death from cancer and decided to end it with a gun…....His wife of over 50 years tried to take it away from him. They struggled, but he succeeded and was mortally wounded when he arrived with us…..His wife, who had loved him for so long, now struggled with an event and an image which would overshadow any and all of her former good memories of her life with him….she would always come back to that moment, as she sat there silently crying, I washed the blood from her face and hands with wash cloths.
The very same night in another part of the ER another husband and wife were holding hands…...as I took her up to intensive care where her husband would die later that night, she told me how he was her first and only love and how hard it was to say goodbye to your whole world…...but I wanted to hug her, which I did, but I couldn’t tell her how lucky she was to be able to sweetly kiss the man you love goodbye and still keep all the wonderful memories without the tarnish. This night always stayed with me because of the tragic contrast…..Maybe because I was meant to tell this story one day.
I could go on and parts of me want to, maybe to release these ghosts forever, but I’ll do it another day…..So to that person who ask me how many….I don’t know….

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

Trials - Tribulations - and White Hair

2009-04-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

They don’t always go together, but if you do have white hair….even under the dye job….you surely have had a tribulation or two. How have you handled that? I’ve had my share…....and two or three other’s share, in my opinion. But my troubles have come and gone…I have very few now. (other than my divorced parents are both going to be living with me) sigh….....
I have a friend that I truly truly respect and adore. He brings wisdom and humor to all of us. He loves us….(remember that journal I did on cyber relationships?) He doubts his worth sometimes. He says that that is what happens when you are raised being told you’re an idiot. I understand….not from personal experience, I was one of the lucky ones in that respect. But I have several friends that through things that happened as children they don’t realize how beautiful they are…how much they bring to not just my world, but to many many many others.
I believe that all people are Spirit. I believe that when God looks at us, what he sees are the lights that are our souls. I believe that your light can be gloriously bright…like Sally, Christopher, Max, Amanda, Isa, Trena, Lisa, Tara, J.D., Bill, Kevin, Wendy X2, Georgie, Cazzie, Kasey, Kelly, Snappy, Hilary,Jan, Val, and so so many other’s …......or you can barely see it. Some of these I’ve mentioned, have impacted me personally, and some are impacting hundreds of others daily,with wisdom, love, encouragement. They have extremely bright lights. Some of them have illnesses you know about, some have illnesses you don’t….some have heartaches so strong I can feel them through the screen…...but they and many I’ve not mentioned make a difference….They put their problems to the side and help you and me.
For all of you…..I’m not the only one who loves you…..I’m not the only one who is grateful to know you. Those of you with Trials & Tribulations….with or without the white hair….we know, and we care, and we truly pray for you.
For all of our Aussie friends…our hearts are broken by these bush fires…feel free to post links.
Robert Elliott
Gee ginger, I have so many feelings but so few words to express my thoughts after reading this. It’s so true, thank you
Ginger Barritt replied
I’m glad I struck a chord….This is a very tight community….we care deeply for our virtual friends…..Maybe I’ll be fortunate enough to meet a few of you someday…..
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

poupoune
Robert said it all!!!Someday we’ll bring as many bbholics as possible in one place … that should be fun!Cheers for all your bright humour and way to get us to show the most embarassing piccies of us without the fear of being laughed at (but laughing with)!
Add your comment as a reply to poupoune

Ginger Barritt replied
But you looked so CUTE!!!!!
(Christopher Bi...
ok pass the kleenex! LOVE YOU SIS….X
Add your comment as a reply to Christopher Birtwistle-Smith

Ginger Barritt replied
Aaahhhhh….Love you…..
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

Sally Omar
Ginger, Your words touched my heart…and yes I also need Kleenex…LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!Hugs, Sally xoxoxoxoxoxox

Ginger Barritt replied
I know it may not seem so, but I love you and think of you always….I pray for you and your beautiful husband who inspires so many incredible, emotional poems…..You are an amazing, strong…very beautiful, glowing light…..
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

Matt Penfold
Good on ya’ Ginge You’re a real treasure. you make a difference too :-)
Add your comment as a reply to Matt Penfold

Ginger Barritt replied
Poo….But thank you…You know me…I just have to say what I feel at the time!!! You’re sweet!
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

valzart
Aww I’m crying sweetheART tears rollin’ down my face ..your such a bright star…. I’m going to dedicate my latest creation to you ‘Starshine’ luffs ya 4ever ;} happy hippy hugglez
Ginger Barritt replied
Oh, Sweetie…My point was all of YOU.
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

amanda marx
what a delight you are sweet G . . . gorgeous words from a gorgeous girl . . . words & a heart that touches so many across the ether . . . xXx
Add your comment as a reply to amanda marx

Ginger Barritt replied
And You are our Glammer Girl….So beautiful…so fun!!!
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

Gili Orr
You are quite a bright light yourself;-) glad to have bumped into you (or did I say it wrongly? Guess so, but who cares…)
Add your comment as a reply to Gili Orr

Ginger Barritt replied
Nope you did not say it wrong!!! Love you too, Gili !
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

Isa Rodriguez
what a gal.. its kleenex time.. sheesh.. hugs ya darling.. xxxxx there is so much light here.. you shine.. and I hear you .. these bubblers and so many others.. amazing how right through that screen.. i hear you .
Add your comment as a reply to Isa Rodriguez

Ginger Barritt replied
SMOOCH pretty girl!
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

jadeast
Wut tu sai yu havn’t alredy sed? knot much! I no jadeast will taek credut fur this but I luv yu too! Sory I didn’t maek yur list, but that won’t dim my lite! Cromagnans don’t cry much but then weev seen it all! Grate peec Ginger !!it’s tyme cave men got sum recognishun arownd heer!Hary C Romagnan
Add your comment as a reply to jadeast

Ginger Barritt replied
Sorry you got left off Hary…Total oversight…I adore you, too…Tell J.D. I missed him last night….I’ll be back tonight…maybe I’ll see you both then!!!!!
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

funkyfacestudio
That was wonderful Ginger. It really is a tight community and I always feel a real connection to my bubble friends…...The trial, tribulations, joys and bright lights….......thanks for sharing your light and humor ginger.
ps.
I’m not telling about gray hair or dye ok shhh
Add your comment as a reply to funkyfacestudio

Ginger Barritt replied
Your secret is just between you and me!!!!
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

DoreenPhillips
Ginger you have such a way with words an understanding of feelings ,a gift of putting thatem on paper or screen…x…Dont ever stop….x…..I would buy your Book!!!!....x….I love every minute oon RB and I will not be leaving this community of Wondrous souls that I call Family….x…..One word to someone can change someones Life…x…And you have helped to do that…x….Prescious and Positive ….Thats what you are…x.
Add your comment as a reply to DoreenPhillips

Ginger Barritt replied
What an incredible thing to say to me…Doreen…so many people are hurting, from emotional pain, to disease. If you say that I help even one….that overwhelms me…Thank youl.
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

SharonD
That’s beautiful Ginger.
Add your comment as a reply to SharonD

Ginger Barritt replied
And that is sweet of you, Sharon!
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

jansnow
Oh Ginger, you bring tears to my eyes! You are such a special light in so my hearts, you truly have the gift of emotional healing:-) I love you, treasure your friendship, and honor all that you are!!
Add your comment as a reply to jansnow

Ginger Barritt replied
Oh, my Jan…You’re being too generous….I treasure our friendship more than you know…more than I can show…
Add your comment as a reply to Ginger Barritt

Jayne Logan
Truly wonderful words. beautiful, Ginger ..
Add your comment as a reply to Jayne Logan

Ginger Barritt replied
Big hug, Jayne!!

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

Wouldn't It Be Nice, or Back When I Knew It All

2009-04-28T01:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here listening to a country song playing on the radio. It's called "Back when I knew it all". I can't remember who the artist is, but I can relate to this song so well.

When I was young, I knew exactly what I wanted. I wanted to marry my boyfriend, Phil, and live happily ever after. I never had the ambition a lot of my friends , of going to college and having careers. I always wanted to have a family, several kids, and be the MOM. I love the idea of the word MOM.

Maybe I was influenced too much, by the 60's idea of what a mom was suppose to be. Unrealistic expectations, is what I think they call it now. I suppose it is. I know that it never was in the cards for me to have it.

My boyfriend was the stable, feet on the ground, church on Sunday, type of guy. I was a bit more wild, but I was ready and happy to make that leap from being a girl to having a husband when I was 19. We planned to live together in our college town and play house. When he graduated, I thought that our life would really begin. I just expected to be that stay at home wife who gardened, and took care of the house, meals and husband. But, none of it happened. Phil, got cold feet and had a last fling, and I found out about it and just couldn't get past it. We were kids. I didn't realize why he did it. I couldn't, I didn't have the maturity, or the background for it. I felt betrayed to my core. It shocked and rocked me. I ran.

From that point on, I did almost everything wrong. I didn't go to school, I didn't pursue a career, and I picked all the wrong guys. I guess I figured that if the "good" one could cheat, I may as well choose a wild one that I knew would. Or, maybe, I didn't think at all.

I always wanted to be serene. Calm and helpful. Sweet and peaceful... Ha! None of that was ever in the realm of possibility for several reasons. It just wasn't in my genes, background, or maturity level.

I married eventually, a sweet, but damaged man. Had a wonderful, brilliant, creative and talented son. I love him to distraction, but I had to leave his father when he was 11. The bad choices just continued.

I finally met the man I could love completely when I was 40. But it was too late, by then, to be a real Mom to my son. He was rebellous, being a teen, bored, angry about so many things. So my loving, serene idea of being a mom, was never realized. Mom, for me, meant trying desperately to get my angry son to do homework, stop skipping school, smoking and "hanging out" with the wrong kids. He ended his school career by dropping out and taking his GED. He married when he was 19 and I was frantic. I couldn't get through to him the importance of education. He nor his beautiful wife seemed to understand, seeming to have unrealistic expectation of what their life would be.

Through the last 10 years, I've finally grown some. I've managed to mature a little, thankfully. Enough that I realize how lucky I am now. I'm safe, I'm loved. My son matured faster than I did, becoming a very loving father and husband. He got a degree in computer networking and solved the problem of expensive school, by joining the National Guard full time. Now, he'll pursue education as far as he wishes. He's determined, focused, loving and driven. He has done all this, in spite of not being raised by Beaver Cleaver's, mom. His daughter is a very happy little girl. She's being raised so differently than my son was. Stable and safe. She is so secure and happy.

There is a part of me that will always miss what I didn't have. That life with my first Love, Phil. We talked so much of how it would be...it's almost like a hardwired program that crashed. The horses, the home, the little girl.... sigh. Hearing some old songs can still throw me into tears...The old song, "Wouldn't it be nice"..."Brown-eyed girl", anything by Led Zeplin, Bread, Three dog night....and I'm right back to being 16, breathless, adventurous, longing, with a beautiful future mapped out.....

I have been so, lucky. God has been so good to me, in spite of all my mistakes. I get to be a great grandmother, a loving wife, and a mom....not June Cleaver, but Ginger Barritt, instead, a loving Mom in spite of myself.

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

Shelley

2009-04-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Sister...Shelley is my sister, my only sister now. Shelley is an enigma to me. A chinese puzzle box.

She's funny... she's really funny....

She really is funny. When we do find the time to see each other, she cracks me up with her irreverent humor.

She usually pulls no punches. She's no powderpuff. If you want to dance around the bush, you're in the wrong place.

She reads constantly. Loves the romance novels.... (we call them her "porn" !!!)

No one can say she isn't materialistic. To make her happy, send her a dollar or two....Of course, it'll go to books.

Oh, and you should see her Mustang ...WOW. That Mustang says alot about her... She ain't no typical Granny!!!!

But she does have her soft side.....

She adores children, and they her. My granddaughter loves her Aunt Shell.

She's fiercely devoted to her children and grandchildren. She adores her kids. She won't bake them cookies......she's not that kind of Granny. I think her poor husband has to take her out every night....But protective of her kids? Hurt one of them? You don't want to do that....when she turns bright red....I think it's time to run. Think..........oh, tasmanian devil comes to mind. LOL...

best online casinosbest moving guide

She reminds me of M&M's. Hard on
the outside, soft and sweet on the inside. She doesn't like to show that side. I know she loves me, and her parents. I wish I understood her better. I crave the closeness the word sister means to me. I truly crave it.

The above things are the things I do know about her. I know a few more things, some good, some painful.... but I love her fiercely. I would defend her with my bare hands. But I don't know her day to day life anymore.

When you grow up, and have separate families, with very different interests, I guess it's bound to happen. I think it may be time for a big family get together...I think I'll call my funny, M&M sister.....

Nite, Ya'll...

http://www.zazzle.com/GingerBarritt
Hello!!!

Why Do I Blog?

2009-02-18T23:20:00.000-08:00

Really, what is this blogging all about, anyway?

What kind of person blogs, why do we do it, and why would anyone want to read it?

I honestly don't know. I can answer only a little of why I enjoy blogging. I certainly am not a writer. I'm not trained enough to expect that my writings are of interest to all but the closest of friends and family. I'm not an expert in anything by an educational point of view. So why am I putting myself on the internet? Because I can, comes quickly to mind.

My opinion's are based on my own life experience. And sometimes, let's face it, the average person can see things from a vantage point that the so called "experts" may be too educated, too endoctrinated, too politically connected, to politically correct and just plain too connected to something other than every day life, to see. So, I may be saying things that you feel, but just haven't put down in words. You may connect with me, and feel that, you may not be so stupid after all. I might make you feel just a little bit less alone.

My whole life, I've wanted to help people feel better about themselves. I want them to understand that everyone makes mistakes along the way. Especially, if you didn't grow up in a Beaver Cleaver household. It's hard to make the right choices, if you weren't taught how to do that. It's hard to see, that choices make the difference between a life filled with quality, and one that is filled with emptiness, pain and frustration....things that don't last.

Maybe, I can help you think through things.....See other ideas, choices.....Ways to bring you a bit of happiness and satisfaction. Maybe you'll find a bit of strength here. Help you connect to your family, as I reach out to my own and struggle to keep the bonds tight. As you see me talk about the changes that are coming in my family, the parents now living with my husband and me, maybe it will help you with issues and questions that you have.

I'm like most of us. My family is a mixture of great joy and comfort to me, and the source of most of my pain, sorrow, and frustration. The mixture is what makes the difference. But as I meet my challenges, and make my choices, maybe it will touch a chord in you. Maybe, through my mistakes, and my triumphs, I can help you too. I'd love to hear from you.

Another reason to blog is to bring attention to the photography part of my life. I bring my own experiences into that as well. Sometimes, I'm actually afraid that I'll learn too much and lose the ability to look at life as a child does. The "sparkly" leaf drenched in dew drops, the small colored rocks in the gravel......I want to find them facinating, as I do now, and not get too tied up in the technical side.

Hopefully, you'll have a reason to come back and visit me on occasion and that I'll be able to make you smile, or cry.....or just connect. I hope I make you feel better about yourself.

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

You Have No Power Over Me.....

2009-02-13T02:51:00.000-08:00

Sarah: “Through dangers untold, and hardships unnumbered, I fought my way here to the castle, beyond the Goblin City, to take back the child that you have stolen. For my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom is as great…you have no power over me.”
The above quote, taken from a David Bowie 80’s movie, about a goblin king (Bowie) who takes a child after his sister wishes him away….has stayed with me …. “you have no power over me” …. this is a quotation to live by. Take it to heart and make it your own….
Everyone has troubles in this world….the strong fight their way past it. The measure of character is in how one handles that battle. You can become bitter and angry, making fun of others beliefs or the way they choose to live their life, and in doing so you resort to becoming the very thing which hurt you. Or, you can choose to be better than that. You can choose to live your life as a beacon to others. A light that shines and becomes an example of what good character is.No one can make you angry, no one can make you mean. You feel anger because you feel powerless, and you're afraid. Fear is at the root of most evil that is done.
Some feed off a weaker soul to feel a sort of psuedo power. It is not real power. Real power comes from inside you and is the antithesis of psychic vampirism. I can't say I've even come close to the *real power* of which I speak. I have miles to go. But I'm yearning for it. I truly never want to hurt another soul again. My strength comes from my spirituality…..I know there is a Power, a Love that is greater than me, or any bully….
“My kingdom is just as great” Wow…do you see what that means? There is room for all of us…no ones opinion is greater than yours, or mine, or theirs. My life is just as important as anyone’s…and so is yours….But so is theirs. So we can share our feelings about our creeds, religions, our beliefs. But we can not make anyone share that belief. You can't cram it down someone's throat just because you believe it to be the true way to live.
A bully is a hurt soul. One who has chosen a path of self destruction…soul destruction……and is to be pitied…..
I watched this movie tonight “Labrynth” and enjoyed it for the light entertainment it is…..but when Sarah said her affirmation……I thought of my own troubles….my own fights….and was reminded again, of my own shortcomings….I know better…But I’m a long way from perfect & I fall into the very human trap of wanting to fight back.
If I get punched in the nose…I want to punch back….But with these words still fresh in my mind…I vow to get up again…..to fight my way through the goblin city…….and to the bully’s, the goblins in my life…… “you have no power over me” .
I have been talking to a friend who is on an amazing journey of self discovery…his power is almost a visable bright light……he has gone from a “victim” to fighting through the goblins and taking control….he is going to be an amazingly powerful soul who instead of being twisted by anger and bitterness, has retained an almost childlike beauty…..He is going to be a teacher and a guide……True power is in this man…”angelic” someone else close to me called him……..That’s his choice….that is character…. and that is power.

best online casinosbest moving guide

Hello!!!

VILIFICATION OF POLICE...ETHICAL? CONSTRUCTIVE? RESPONSIBLE?

2009-02-02T04:03:00.000-08:00

The following piece was an article written by me, in response to an artpiece which said F--k the Police...and the "artist" was holding it up as a social commentary to supposedly show how one community rightfully, held the police in contempt. She feels that a certain community is being unfairly targeted by the police and that this graffiti is a rightous response of the community toward police.....

The police are not a religious group…You can not go to hell for critical statements aimed at this group….They are men and women doing a job. You could leave it there…they do a dangerous job for which they receive a paycheck.
Or you can look a bit further….they are ordinary men and women who choose to do a dangerous job, putting their lives on the line every day for which they receive a paycheck.
Ordinary men and women….placed day in and day out in situations where they must keep the majority of law abiding citizens safe from those who would do harm to them or their property.

Each call that a police officer responds to, is a potential death call for them. It is a potential loss of parent, spouse, child, sibling for the family of these officers. And the alertness, and caution that a police officer exhibits may make the difference as to whether they, or indeed, any other innocent person involved lives or dies.

When anyone adds to the stress of that situation by being beligerent, demanding, hysterical, or disobedient, it heightens the chances that the officers get distracted and things can and do go very wrong…..When a officer enters unknown situations, it can be unclear as to where the danger lies…..being able to quickly decern that danger and neutralize it, can make the difference in having a positive outcome…

There are corrupt officers…even, I would venture to say...entire departments. I remember in earlier years in my town, investigations into gambling, payoffs, and infiltration by the KKK of our local sheriff’s department….it was horrifying to our community and we were very ashamed, as a community, that corrupt officers had managed to control our town....They were dismissed from the department and prosecuted…..Another incident, from a neighboring community, was a group of officers who were running a car theft ring…..they were routed out and prosecuted…I’m sure there are corrupt officers on our force today…We depend on people being aware of what is going on in our community and helping to identify and prosecute anyone who abuses this trust and power….so watchfulness, and reporting any allegations is very responsible and important.

Where a very important line can be crossed, is irresponsible and blanket, vilification. Watchfulness of a group entrusted with our safety is healthy…..However, encouraging criminals or young people, easily influenced, to disrespect and hate the entire group entrusted with our safety, is unconscionable. To belittle, denigrate, derogate, only causes more hate, more misunderstandings, and more violence in the end.

To educate the public on their civil rights is important and right. To cause one group to think their civil rights are more important than another’s, is irresponsible. No one group of us is more important than another, no one is entitled to more or less than any other.

It is better to try to light a candle than to curse the darkChinese Proverb

Change does not have to happen by vilifying…..be a light for change…people will follow a bright flame. Be what you want the world to be.

The following are some of the comments that were written about this article:

Jaybe
So very well said Ginger and I agree totally. Having worked with teens for the last 10 years, I always tried to create a harmonious relationship with the local police and we achieved it. The young people even made a DVD and the police took part. We can’t endorse ‘anti-police’ behaviour – they’re just doing a job with limited resources and really don’t get paid enough for what they have to put up with. Saying that, neither do the Armed Forces and many other uniformed service people…but don’t get me started! xx

Ginger Barritt replied
Jaybe, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you….not just for commenting…but for working with teens for a positive all around result…I can’t tell you how fantastic I think you are…

Sally
Ginger, An intelligent writing filled with wisdom and knowledge..Thank you…and letus please remember our brave policemen, firemen and transit police who died on9/11 and those that were injured and those who went to clean up in the aftermathof the terrorist attack….Bless you!!!! Sally xxxxxooooo

Ginger Barritt replied
Sally, I will never forget 911 and the heroism of our policemen & women, our firemen, paramedics and citizens and visitors…..never ...Thank you Sally….You are one of the lights I’m refering to…

DWarren
Police have their hands full when it comes to fighting crime whether it is an ordinary domestic disturbance or a full scale drug sting. Such a dangerous profession and unfortunately, ideological extremists have added to these dangers.
Over the years, a number of movements and groups espousing extreme ideologies and radical social change have used violence as a viable tactic directed at law enforcement. These individuals have a hatred for authority in general.
It is my firm belief that the majority of these extremists would not be so paranoid in viewing the police as the enemy if they would lay off the hooch, weed, ice, crack, nose candy, smack, sugar cubes, hash, crank, meth, et al…..☺☺☺
Of course, subjecting them all to frontal lobotomies wouldn’t hurt either!.

Christopher Bi...
ginger this is a great call to take stock and look at what we want in society …we can agressively butt heads or work together intelligently and vigilantly to improve relationships between police and communities…..
we have to have boundaries for society to function well. i cant see any way around the fact that educating our police needs constant maintainence to ensure our police are on task and learning about society, how it is changing and how they need to change to be able to carry out their jobs the best way they can.
as an ex social worker (15 years in disability) ,like jb i have also worked along side police, for my role it was to educate them on how to treat people with disabilities. it was very rewarding to see changes in the way they responded to people and the issues. people with mild intellectual disability are way over represented in our prison system here. that cant change unless the service systems all work together.
there are good and bad in every circle, of course, i think what you have expressed here fits with my experience in australia. peace and love to you my friend…..cxx lol hope this rambling makes sense ;))
we need to expose ourselves to the issues to be able to find solutions

Ginger Barritt replied
I had no idea what you use to do!!! As someone who has worked closely with social workers for a long time I have so much respect for your profession ( ex ) I know you’ve seen many areas for improvement in their departments and I’m sure with your wonderful heart, you’ve impacted things in your community for the better…Thank you for that input!!!!

Ginger Barritt
HUMMMMM…Shades of a wonderful author I can think of???? LOL…Thank you Dyle and I’m in agreement!!!

Paul
Well said Ginger.

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you very much!

sooz
Ginger – this was well written and thoughtfully expressed.
We as a society set the expectations of our Police force. If we expect them to be corrupt and highlight that aspect or our contempt for their work …. then we will get what we wish for.
If we value our police force and hold them in high esteem .. do we not also set the bar a little higher .. create a sense of pride and satisfaction in a job well done ?
It is so easy to criticise and to pull things apart. It is a much harder to find the good and reach for the stars.
You Ginger – make a difference every day and in everything you do. :-)

Ginger Barritt replied
Sooz, I just say what I think…but you, you said everything I wanted to say and much more succinct!!!

Danielle
well said Ginger! Thank you for being so thoughtful and expressive… it is you who will make the difference where difference is needed. You bring attention to important issues and do it with love in your heart. I want to thank you for saying what you think and doing it with finesse!A sad day of remembrance coming up… 5 days to be exact. Its a double whammy for me, but I will tell you why in private.hugs!

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you, Danielle, You are so full of heart and passion, I’m proud of you…

kev
It goes without saying that we need to be vigilant in regards to all those who are in the corridors of power, no matter how small those corridors, but….........
Within every culture there are sub-cultures, and the police force is no different. Take the UK police force as an example…........there’s the sub-culture of males, females, sergeants, officers, and Fremasons and even sub-cultures within those sub-cultures.
Now you may not like the sexism of the male sub-culture, or the racism, and you may not like the secrecy surrounding the Freemasons, and you may consider the females to be a load of whingeing bitches always crying foul when they miss out on promotion, but what one should consider is the “whole”. Is it a force for good or evil?
When one sees a denigrating comment aimed at “Police”, as opposed to A* policeman, (named or not), would it not be fair to assume that the comment is aimed at the police as a whole and not an individual or individuals? How can one justify writing that comment when the intent appears to be to denigrate the *whole. Indeed, wouldn’t one only be justified if one had a genuine grievance against all police and couldn’t that grievance only be justified if one could prove that all police had treated one unfairly? It seems clear to me that the statement is aimed at all” police, although there are no doubt that there are those who will excuse it’s “generalising” by way of lack of education and excuse it by way of saying that the intent was not to aim it at the whole. I think the majority of us would drawn on our own personal life experiences and this type of graffitti would tell us differently, that those who write in this manner, do indeed aim it at the Police as a whole and they do so not because they have a genuine grievance but because they see the police as limiting to their activities.
Likewise, what good is served by spreading that aggrieved person’s message if it is clearly unfounded. Does not the message itself just reek of prejudice, even if it *is founded on a genuine grievance against an individual or individuals? Is it not akin to racism? If I wrote “fuck blacks” because I had been mugged by a couple of black guys, even on several occasions, is that not racism?................defining the whole by the acts of individuals?
If I chose to highlight a person who illustrated their grievance in a similar fashion, what purpose would that serve? The victim’s or my own? Certainly not the victim’s because he has clearly indicated his prejudice by attacking the whole as opposed to the individual. Could I not therefore, rightly be accused of similar prejudices?
One needs to ask oneself, when one defends this type of “freedom of expression” whether one could stand in a thin blue line, get spat on (HIV) verbally vilified, kicked, punched, and otherwise abused in a hundred different ways whilst simply going about one’s duty in attempting to uphold the law. I speak now of simple public disorder scenarios, not of the daily grind of going in fear of one’s life. How many amongst us would crack under the pressure, even for a split second, and lash out? Would our lives be ruined if we did?................likely not….................would a police officer’s…..........likely so, although I agree some get off the hook. They are humans subjected to inhuman abuses daily. If they are imperfect, that to my mind is understandable. To those who don’t understand, then you are lacking somewhere in the “human spirit”. Understanding is not condoning. It’s simply recognising that we are all capable of getting it wrong sometimes, but we need to take that a step further. We need to recognise that those who live in fear daily, who are “hyped up” most of the time are heroes when they don’t “lose it,” and simply human beings when they do. Their daily hero status mainly goes unrecognised unless posthumously but their human frailties are the first to be attacked.
Shame on those who tar the whole with the same brush, and shame on those who shout, “civil liberty’ to further their own agendas at the expense of majority wishes.
kev

Ginger Barritt replied
Kevin, as usual you cut to the heart of the matter and say what you see with wisdom and heart…Thank you, I can add no more….

Lori
Fantastic journal, Ginger. We all know that in any group there will be that 1% who abuse power. However, who wouldn’t call 911 if someone broke into their house or were victimized in some way. Your journal came at the perfect time The police officers who risk their lives everyday for our safety deserve some credit and appreciation.

Ginger Barritt replied
That date and all that it wrought…..are very hard to forget, not that I would try….I will never forget waking up and seeing the 2nd plane hit the towers and being so confused…and then after…the body count….the bravery of the firemen, paramedics, and of course the policemen…I will always honor them….and when someone tarnishes his badge and brings dishonor upon these men…I hope they are humiliated and prosecuted!!! Thank you, Lori!!!!

Lori
I have a work in progress for the victims of 9/ll. i , too, remember turning on the TV at 6:00 am and standing there in horor as I watched the events unfold. What I hate most is that some of these “confused” people blame us for the attack. I think some of these people need to get a life.

Ginger Barritt replied
Lori, it is a dangerous time, I hate that the danger comes from within as well as without…

Alison
This piece was written not long after 9/11 – Author Unknown.
As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,We became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building,We became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope,We became one generation.
As the firefighters and police officersFought their way into the inferno,We became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayerFor strength,We became one faith.
As we whispered or shoutedWords of encouragement,We spoke one language.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long,We became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss,We became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss,We became one soul.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes,We become one people.
We are…......One colorOne classOne generationOne genderOne faithOne languageOne bodyOne familyOne soulOne people
We are The Power of One.We are United.

Alison
But, onto the topic of thread :-)
Of course there a a few corrupt police, there are corrupt people in all occupations.
I wouldn’t do what the police officers do in a pink fit. Imagine what those people have seen in their lifetimes – Child abuse, rape, domestic violence, murder, car accidents, drug overdoses, riots ….... geez :-(

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you, Alison…I pray the violence ends in our world in our lifetime, but until it does, I pray for the continued support and vigilence and safety of the brave good men and women of our police forces… and any corruption, I pray is found and routed out and punished.

kev
And you’ve summed it up above, Alison.
How many can see what they have to see and deal with each day and yet remain of human spirit. Is it any wonder that some become dehumanised, if only for an instant…..........that instant that will tarnish them for life, and discolour and obliterate all that went before. They will be remembered for that one instant when they succumbed to their human weakness and yet be called out as inhuman.
If I had but half of their patience and self-restraint, I would consider myself honoured. Likewise, if their detractors had half of their tolerance, patience, bravery, and understanding, then perhaps they would be supporters, and not detractors.
kev

Ginger Barritt replied
Kev, you and Alison are so right..I think you can follow me on this one very well….....Can you imagine being a father of a say 4 year old daughter…..and get a call to a home where a step father or even father has beaten his baby girl and she’s bleeding and broken…..do you think I would blame him if his humanity slipped and he forgot he was a cop or a human…only saw an animal in front of him who had done that to a child….trust me, when you see that…you see your own child…..you see every child….Can you really blame him…..

Lori
Me, too.

No I can’t Ginger, but he still has to be held accountable if he snaps.
PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder), in most cases, but the goody two shoers would put it down to RCS (Rotten Cop Syndrome).
As for seeing your own child, imagine if a cop in that situation had himself been abused as a child, he would see himself every time he confronted something like that…........as you say…..trust me.
If those so-called “activists” who spent their time at meetings, demonstrations, and picket lines, spent half of that time at Child Protection Agencies, or Emergency Departments, I’m willing to bet their ‘activism” would change direction overnight…..........that’s if they ever shift the chip off their shoulder, and thought about others’ pain once in a while…...............don’t get me going you bugger…...........I’ve said too much :-)

Ginger Barritt replied
I don’t mean to stir up bad memories for you, Kevin…as someone who spent 12 years seeing what comes into an ER, I can understand part of it…I agree with you completely and my mind changed very quickly from being so easily taken in by lies…to being more informed and being alot more careful….I had a guy come out and tell me one time with a smile on his face, that he really like me, I was “spunky” but “make no mistake, I’d still jack you if you turn my corner in the dark” He meant it.

Nah! don’t reproach yourself Ginger, they aren’t bad memories. They used to be, but aren’t memories made up of experience, and isn’t it experience that helps us grow?
To be honest, I’m thankful for journals such as this. ..............they get you to thinking and if you didn’t think, you’d stagnate.
kev

Hello!!!

Grandmother's Apron

2009-02-02T02:16:00.000-08:00

I had one of the greatest grandmothers of all time.She didn’t pretend to know more than she did, she was a high school drop out…..she didn’t worry if her English wasn’t perfect, she grew up and stayed out in the “sticks”. She did like to get a “perm”, was proud that she still had her own teeth, and worried about losing weight, ‘cause that would make her skin loose. She didn’t worry about dust bunnies under the bed, spiders, or who was President……she knew who was President, it just didn’t worry her. In fact, she didn’t worry too much about anything. I don’t mean that she was slow, or silly, she just had a natural Zen type of personality.I started out calling her mamaw…..but based on a rare vanity driven request, we began calling her Grandmother.I can see her right now, in the kitchen. She wasn’t a cookie baking grandmother…she was a cornbread and peas with some kind of fried meat kind of grandmother. She put the ice cube trays in the closet, keys in the freezer. Everyone watched the oven, ‘cause the bread was going to burn. She wasn’t thrilled when she opened the refridgerator to find that she’d put the furniture polish in there, or when it took 30 minutes to find that her missing purse was sitting in the middle of the driveway, but she would always laugh at herself. She was the one person in all of my life, who I know loved me completely and unconditionally.Grandmother wore a large straw hat to keep the sun off her head and out of her eyes. She wore a red apron, to keep the flour off her house dress. I remember sitting out on the porch, one hot still afternoon, not far from the garden and watching her pick corn for supper…..Eating an apple, I strolled out to chat and perhaps help her pick a few ears…….I stood at the end of the tall rows of corn, and finished my apple, picked up a bucket sitting near for picking purposes and began chatting and picking. As usual, she was a sight in her large hat and red apron….Behind me I heard the snorting of the old whitefaced bull my grandfather had put in the fence near the garden. I was afraid of this monster as he was one of the biggest and most cantankerous in the herd. At the moment though, he munched grass oblivious to me.Grandmother wasn’t afraid of snakes, but she wasn’t stupid either. Today, I heard a whoop come out of her mouth that startled me and sent me scrambling backwards, losing my footing in the process…..she was right on top of me, having stepped on a snake and not seeing exactly what kind it was, she didn’t know if it was poisonous or not. She moved faster than I’d seen her move before. Hat and red apron flapping she dove out of the garden and leaped over me in one bound. All would have been well ……...... but the bull.When Grandmother whooped, he must have looked up to see what the commotion was…but when she dove out of that garden with the flapping red apron, he saw the devil himself coming to butcher him for hamburger….He literally jumped into the air, turned like a ballerina, screamed like a little girl and was gone . Only a dust cloud remained. The fence didn’t faze him, never looking back, he was a speck in the distance.My grandmother? She laughed ‘til tears streamed and I seriously worried for her sanity.

blog counter

Hello!!!

Twenty Five Revealing and Potentially Embarassing Things About Me...

2009-01-31T20:06:00.000-08:00

This is the latest thing going around on my new obsession, Facebook...and now spilling onto Redbubble.

I filled out the list and it was surprisingly releasing. Not that the list I made was all that amazing...but it is an amazing feeling to reveal yourself. Maybe this is the way an exhibitionist feels. Maybe the exposing of oneself makes you feel real....or maybe the shocking (perhaps) things you reveal forces people to "see" you. Whatever the psychological reason, it is an almost exhilarating, or cathartic feeling as you sit there, with your finger on the ENTER button. Then you press. It's done. Do you leave it? Or do you hit that DELETE button? I left it... Pieces of my life were now out there for people to see, to evaluate, empathize or condemn....But they were true pieces of my life....things that made up the Ginger that is me.

I highly recommend it....I also recommend reading your friends lists...It is a bonding experience....Does it sound silly? Then pass on....but I found that I drew closer to the people whose list I read....It was as if .....we became more a part of all.

My Mask Slipped and I Cried

2009-01-19T00:40:00.000-08:00

When you’re married to an alchoholic, in order to deal with the chaos, you slowly learn to mask your emotions. The public sees what you intend for them to see….in my case…a bubbly, outgoing, happy woman, , a mother with a beautiful home and active son.

I had no background for this life, no pattern. No one in my family drank at all...no one. I was embarassed.

My mother had an instinct that something wasn’t right in my life…..but that wasn’t something I wanted to admit to my mother...I knew she’d be fiercely in my corner, she’d make me face the decisions I knew in my heart I would one day have to face..but please, God, not today...I had a son to take care of, and I didn’t know what would happened to my husband if I left...or, frankly how I would provide for my son….

My standard answer to anyone in my family who asked how things were, was “Everythings fine”. My mask, through practice and necessity, staying neatly in place. My sister called me Pollyanna…"Everythings, fine….." Smile, and cheerful disposition nicely on display.

Everything changes whether we’re ready or not. Reality came crashing in one weekend when I took a trip home (from Atlanta) with my son to visit my parents…After one day, I got a very confusing call from my husband…he wanted to know where I was…he was completely confused, ranting, frightened, had walked all over the neighborhood, looking for me...Without explaining to my family that something was wrong, I drove the hour long ride home, breathing fast and shallow, not having any idea what I would be walking into at home...

My husband was having hallucinations when I got home...scared of some kind of worm only he could see...he had had a seizure and had bitten his tongue badly….He…..we…. had to have help...

As my world crumbled, I held my 6 month old precious son close, reached for the phone and dialed his parents…..............as his Dad answered the phone, my mask slipped and I cried.

Sally Omar
Ginger, Thank God you were finally strong enough to come to terms with it…we all
wear masks at one time or another for many different reasons…Hugs, Sally xxxxoooo

Ginger Barritt replied
It took a lot of love from my friends and family to break free…

CazzieCreations
Wow Ginge!! this is so well written as always !! really touched my heart and brought tears!! ((hugs))

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you, I’m always uncomfortable with writing…but I love it too…Maybe it will help someone…

DarkStars
You sure do have a way with words Ginger, beautifully written, emotionally touching. I can relate to a degree, it’s not easy….

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you…very much!

Maximus
Glaed you broke free as a Pastor I saw far too many just stay put.. :)

Ginger Barritt replied
I thought I had “made my bed” as our pastor use to say….You know how some feel you have to stay no matter what….

chasingsooz
Beautiful ... tender … emotive writing. You make me cry.

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you hon, you know this is putting myself out there in an uncomfortable zone…..

hilarydougill
Bless!!! It is so easy to open a draer on a morning and put on the mask, but such a relief at night to take it off and put it back in the drawer. Alcolhlism is one of the hardest things to live with, that and drugs, because you don’t want others to know the problem, so it all falls on your shoulders, The cry was the best thing you could do. Let it out!!! love and hugs sweetheart. xxx (remember what I said about Pluto?)

Ginger Barritt replied
I remember, I just got back on and just read your good email…I’ll thank you properly a bit later…I appreciate you so much, Hilary.

Jaybe
We all have masks…and they’re all different shapes, sizes and colours. Taking your mask off IS uncomfortable but it helps others to remove theirs too. Often, the people with the bubbliest personalities, the humour and the compassion have had tough times…..it’s all down to how we use that life experience….
Touching writing…....xox

Ginger Barritt replied
I appreciate that Jaybe….I divorced him in 94. He died from a fall, in 2003.

Jaybe
I can only imagine how tough a decision that was….xox

Ginger Barritt replied
Tougher for my son…

Gili Orr
8 years ago I left someone who “couldn’t live without me” after 16 years together… no alcoholism, but other problems. co-dependency is a tough one, can suck all your energy… thanks for sharing, Ginger! Thought it was a recent thing, till I read further, that it was quite a while ago…

Ginger Barritt replied
It is a real problem…not wanting to admit you’ve made a mistake, hoping things will change….you know….Thanks Gili, It’s really good to see you!

jadeast
Did that Twice before I got my life under control, I understand some of what you dealt with!

Ginger Barritt replied
I think the majority of humans deal with something like this, either themselves, or with friends or family at some time or other….most of us have to learn the hard way….

Enivea
You have brilliantly written about a situation many people have found themselves in. Well done!!

Ginger Barritt replied
That is an amazing compliment…thank you…I hope that somehow, anyone finding themselves in a situation that is dark..can see that it takes facing the problem, removing the mask, face the possible embarassement, or your feeling of failure and take care of the problem…..sometimes, as for me…you have to get out.

velveteagle
We do not own anyone Ginger.. Nor would we want too. We are given the most important gift of life called Choice. Many take the wrong choice and are left with less. You are only going to own your memories. Life is not that long until we kiss eternity.. Take what beautiful memories you can now.. You have that choice.. It sounds like you on on the right road to many smiles.. God can’t change yesterday Ginger.. Breath…

Ginger Barritt replied
Darlin’ I just love your heart…This piece was written about what I went through with my Exhusband serveral years ago….I had to make that hard choice to leave. After this first instance, we did get help..but it never lasted for long before we were again going through the same thing again….My husband went for treatment a total of 5 times over 13 years…I left him in 94 and in 2003 he died…A brilliant, loving man, but consumed by a need to self destruct…My son says that in the end, he gained a wonderful friend in his father..I pray he found a peace before he died.

velveteagle
Thank you for explaining this Ginger.. I have worked with people with severe problems for the past 31.5 years.. To survive you have to never hate anyone.. Just what they do.. You are a survivor to pass on seeds to those who get lost.. Thanks again..

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you….I hope you touch as many hearts as you have mine…I believe giving and teaching and loving are great gifts and blessings…..

Christopher Bi...
i have just read this ginger, bravo my brave sister! i just dont know how to respond to it yet. i have goosebumps! will reread when i am next on tonight….........cxxxxx

Ginger Barritt replied
Oh, sweetie…It’s long gone in the past…..as you understand, since you actually inspired me to do the cathartic thing and perhaps help someone in the process….give back what you learn!!!

Lori Peters
What a moving story , Ginger. I am so sorry for the pain that you had to go through. I know more of the story and I know what a strong woman you must be to have survived so much. I am glad to call you a friend. XXX lori

Ginger Barritt replied
Lori, that is one of the sweetest things anyone has said…Thank you…

Lori Peters
You are welcome. XXX

delete Sharon Perrett
Oh wow Ginger, how beautifully brave of you to write this, and yes I think we all have masks we hide behind until the day like yours it slips, you are an amazing woman, I keep looking at your smiling face and thinking what an inspiration you are. Thank you for sharing this very personal journal. xxxxxxx

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you, Sharon….I do want to add to this for you….my life has had several tragedies in it, but although it shaped me, I truly have been very blessed in my life…I am no victim…in any way….I am very happy and very blessed…...I love people to distraction I am so lucky to have a husband who loves me, and a beautiful son and daugher in law who have given me Zoie Beth, the absolute joy of my life….....

AnneG
Dear Ginger, Your are a strong lady, after reading a few of your journals. I am glad to see the strength of God working in you through all of your life so you are not fallen victim. I am glad to hear you are happy & blessed now. May God be with you & yours always. Anne

chasingsooz
“My mask slipped and I cried ..” Those words have played upon my mind and when I put the feature together, I knew I had to include this extraordinary work. I know how brave you were to share this with us and hope you don’t mind that i have featured you.
It’s just that I am so proud of you … your journey and the writer you have become.
Congratulations on your feature in Behind the Mask

Ginger Barritt
Sooz, I’m overwhelmed and honored that you feel it worthy to feature….Thank you.

Judi Taylor
Good for you, Ginger … to finally ask for HELP!! Asking for help does not infer weakness … it shows you are human and are willing to humble yourself to receive the goodness that is so deserved. Not only should this be featured but it should be a mantra that you live with every day. It is okay to allow the mask to slip and reveal the beautiful sensitive woman underneath. We are all one … I am you, Ginger … and so much like you it makes me cry to see just how much like you I was …and am. So allow me to hold your hand … together we can do anything!!!! :)

Ginger Barritt replied
Judi,,,I’m truly touched by your words…Thank you…I really appreciate that

Paramedics - Are They Heroes?

2009-01-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

The following is a discussion held on my site regarding Paramedics and whether they are heroes or not.

Ok…When Christopher, my husband, went to the coast to help with Hurricaine Gustov..My Red Bubble friends were wonderful…offering prayers and/or kind words of encouragement and praise...now, I have a question for you to ponder…It’s about heroes…...This is about your thoughts regarding everyday heroes…This is why and where my thoughts are coming from….I have told Christopher, as a paramedic he is a hero…he completely disagrees...he says it is his job for which he is highly trained. (Paramedics here go to school the same amount of time as RN’s 3 years and to keep their certification they need 72 hours every two years of continuing education) He maintains he is not a hero. But here are some examples of situations that he’s had to deal with…these are not actual cases, but they do represent situations that I hear about all the time….It’s a bit graphic…

Ok, take a trauma, motor vehicle crash,4 teens are in the car trapped upside down in a creek…..one is not breathing, one is so cut up you can’t tell if it is male or female, two you can’t get to at all, as they are submerged…....When you arrive, there are two of you, a paramedica and a basic…...how would you look at that paramedic when you were brought out of that car….

You’re a mother and your car crashes and you’re trapped…..your 13 month old is in a car seat in the back, and it is quiet…..and you are in the dark, trapped….

Your father collapses while eating supper…..he’s breathing shallowly, and unconscious.

Your chest feels like it is about to explode, you can’t get your breath, it seems to go on forever….

Your two year old child goes missing…..and you find her in the pool,floating.

I’m so sorry I was so graphic, but if you can’t picture it, really feel the panic and the shock, how can you understand it…maybe you think these are extreme cases…I promise you they are not….they are more common than I can possibly tell you…ask any fast paced ER Trauma nurse.. or cop..or fireman.

Ok, now back to the question…because he is paid to do this, is he not a hero? He told me today that if a person is trapped under a fallen building and the grocer down the street ran in and pulled him out…that would be a hero…he was not trained to do it, he didn’t have to do it and he did it anyway….Oh, I agree that is a hero…
I asked a veteren flight paramedic turned flight nurse what he thought, and he said this.Yes, the paramedic is a hero, even though he was paid for the job, if he cared enough to do his job to the best of his ability...Wow, I like that, because, of the word care…maybe that is where the hero is, in the word care....

So, how do you feel…do I tell Christopher he is wrong and indeed, yes, he is a hero to those who might not be here without him? Or is he just a really well trained, nice guy doing a job….

Irene Burdell
I personally think people like Christophe are heros , but it is their job and they get paid for it . So he is right by saying he isn’t, in a way , because that is what he is trained to do.
Some one passing an accident who risks their own life to save a life without any training in my eyes is a real hero.

Ginger Barritt replied
I see your point Irene!!! I absolutely agree that the untrained spontaneous person is an amazing hero…to risk for a stranger is amazing….

Maximus
Ginger, personally I think paramedics are HEROES despite the fact that it is their job. I have needed their help on two occasions where my life was in the balance and at least 3 other times where it wasn’t but still very stressful. e.g. I feel over in our lounge room early this year. As a disabled person, such is my disability that I cannot get up unaided and SWMBOd ( my darling wife) is not able to get me up so we called, she called, for an ambulance. This guy & girl were so lovely to me, not only did they get me up but spent the time to make sure I was OK. My point is they went on every occasion above and beyond the call of duty. So for me YES paramedics are MOST assuredly heroes. Tell him to just accept it, or I’ll do something drastic. :)

Ginger Barritt replied
LOL….Thanks, Max….I really do agree with you 100% When you are scared and someone calm takes over and talks to you and brings you back, either literally…or emotionally…he’s a hero..I can tell you I’ve seen him carry a child in in his arms…or kneel in front of a grieving person to give information and emotional support….I think he’s a hero…

Irene Burdell
I am lucky I have never had the need for a paramedic or a firefighter , but I am sure if I had I would call them TRUE heros.

Ginger Barritt replied
Irene…I hope you never need one ! You are a sweetheart and I hope you stay healthy til you’re 121!!!

Lori Peters
I think that heroes come in many forms. A surgeon from France operated on my grandson’s heart and that is why my grandson is alive. He got paid, quite handsomely, but is still a hero. A hero can be someone who encourages someone who feels like giving up. I would say that all paramedics, fireman and especially our troops are heros. Anyone who goes out of their way to help someone in need is a hero. xxxxx

Ginger Barritt replied
So, Lori…we go back to the “care” word, right? To care enough to be the best you can be at the time of anothers need…...

Maximus
no question about it, when I was laying on the roadside having parted company from my Harley, my left leg turning at thr knee in the wrong direction… I said to the paramedic cutting my jeans off “well at least I have clean underwear on” his response – not from where I’m seated. :) heroes with humour… :)

Ginger Barritt replied
Max, you made me laugh and cry at the same time…..Bless your heart…..I’m still doing both….

Lori Peters
Yes. Heroes are people who care and take actions to show that they care.

Ginger Barritt replied
Lori, did you read Max’s 2nd entry? I love that guy.

Lori Peters
Too funny. I remember my mother always telling us to wear clean underwear in case we were in an accident. hehe

Ginger Barritt replied
Yeah, as Max can testify…if you see a Mac truck coming straight at you, first you say it, then you do it!!!

midzing
your son is definately a hero,,,I disagree with Irenes comment, just because he gets paid for his job, therefore in Irenes eyes he isnt a hero,,,I am sure if Irene saw and witnessed what paramedics do on a daily basis, she would surely change her mind,,In australia, paramedics are now assaulted by drunks, and addicts on a regular basis,, Some of our paramedics work 24 hours straight,,,(we have a chronic shortage of highly trained paramedics in this country)... I get so angry at comments like Irenes made,,, because heroes,, are people like your son,,, so if we follow Irenes comment, then footballers/sports people arent heroes,,because they get paid for it… the real heroes for me in this society, are ones that make a DIFFERENCE….and yes even if you are paid for it, if you only save one life, to me you are a hero!!

Ginger Barritt replied
Hey darling!!! I really don’t think Irene meant any harm at all, but to your point…..You are so right….they are in danger everytime they go on a call…....some families are a bit rough….and if mom is having a heart attack and you as the medics have 15 or 20 highly emotional folks screaming hysterically ..it can get a bit scary!!!

FrozenMoments
I think Paramedics are heros, it doesn’t matter wether they get paid or not, they are saving lives, which is more precious than anything else. My cousin is a paramedic, and I have talked with her and I know the stress of the job and how she feels going to a horrific accident. It might be their way of life, they might think that they aren’t doing anything special, but one life saved if a gift that few can give.

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you, sweetie…and thank your cousin for us…we do appreciate what they do, even though we may forget to say so….

FrozenMoments
Thank you, I will.
I think the hardest thing she had to face was a car crash soon after she started which a man from her high school class years was killed in, they were the first people on the scene.

Ginger Barritt replied
Oh, bless her….that is one of the greatest fears..that you will come upon your family or friends…..The worst thing for Christopher (who is my husband not my son!!!) is children…that is always hard.

George Swann
Ginger your husband is correct, I have worked as a Technician in an Operating Theatre since 1972 and have witnessed almost every type of horror under the sun. We do the job because it is our chosen profession, I admit it takes a certain type of person to do the job and we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t find it satisfying and fulfilling, but we are not heroes. The real heroes to me are the patients who survive, and their families who have to rebuild their lives after the horrors and tragedies that have happened to them, this may take weeks or the rest of their lives. Also the families who have to somehow carry on after the horror of losing a loved, to me they are the real Heroes. People have said to me that they don’t know how we do it because they couldn’t, but as I said it is our chosen profession and it has always given me tremendous job satisfaction knowing that we have helped people at the time they need it most.
Ginger I would imagine that your husband would feel the same, and thank you for the kind comments and obvious support you give to your husband, I am sure that he greatly appreciates it. We carry on where your husband leaves off, and I regard it as a privilege to be part of this fantastic team.

Ginger Barritt replied
George, repectfully, you don’t get a vote…you know why? Because you all are way to wonderful….I really don’t think you realize how truly wonderful you are…...My partner her in the transfer center is the flight nurse I was refering to…he has 27 years wrapped up in pre hospital and emerency care…We have decided that it’s like this….It take a hero paid or not, to see the horrors they see prehospital make good decisions in the field and get them back alive to the ER where the heros there take over and put the pieces together as well as they can as fast as they can get them up to the heros in the surgery who then do their jobs to the best of their ability and send them out to the nursing angels who finally send them home to their families…You are also correct in that battling back from a trauma, or M I or CVA is the next heroic struggle…..One of my best friends, a tough veteren ER trauma nurse who 12 years ago lost a 15 month old daughter to murder is upstairs with her husband in our ICU….He had a crash and was intebated on the scene..he has a tramatic brain injury, a brain shear, there is actually hope for him, he recognized her this afternoon and became to excited…had to drug him back down…he also has two injuries to his spine with no spinal cord involvement….but she is saying that everyone from the paramedic who got him intebated on up to our fantastic neurosurgeon have wings of gold….cause this is her husband and without each person doing their job….he would be dead..no doubt about it…

FrozenMoments
Yeah, it tears her heart to see the children. I could never ever do her job.
I think what the flight paramedic says is true, a person could do that job and turn of all emotion after awhile, and not care. Even then those who he saved would still regard him as a hero, but in others eyes? If someone really cares about people like Christophor must, or my cousin, then I think they are true heroes.
I remeber in April my brother and his best friend (who happens to be another cousin, we have a BIG family) where wrestling on the lawn when my cousin fell akwardly onto his arm, and started screaming in pain. We took one look at the angle his elbow was in and the agony on his face and rang the ambulance station. When they arrived the kind paramedic immediently calmed him down with a joke, and took a look at his arm. He remained positive all the time, even though out of earshot from my cousin he told us he was worried that there was a really serious break at the elbow. They took him to the closest hospital (over 1 hour away). The paramedic gave us his phone number so later on we could ring him to let him know how the arm went.
After some x-rays it was determined the elbox had a bad fracture but not a full break. The paramedic was so happy and pleased when we rang and told him, I belive he was a true hero. A few days later we went round and thanked hima nd gave him some chocolates. Even though it was a small thing it meant alot to us that he cared.

chasingsooz
True heroes just do without the need for praise. They do things on instinct and with a genuine concern for the welfare of the other person. they do it because it is the right thing to do at the time … they do it without thought of a reward.
Your Christopher is a true hero … so are you and the world needs these heros like the two of you.

Ginger Barritt replied
I think you hit the nail on the head, sooz and I could crawl through this internet and kiss you…...I guess that everyone can be a hero everyday for someone…even if it is just looking at someone in the eye and making human contact…The world can be a lonely place…...You can choose to be a shining light, you can choose to only look at the evil in this world and let it turn you into a bitter angry hatefilled person, or you can do something every day, without expectation or even notice, and you can truly change someones life… You hit it dead on….

Lori Peters
George- you chose a profession where you would be helping people. I say you are a hero. I have spent enough time in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit with my grandson to know heros when I see them. The Flight for Life people who transported him to Denver were so patient and kind as we cried when they took him away. Two were paramedics and one a nurse. These paramedics were also helocopter pilots. I will never forget them.

Ginger Barritt replied
And the grandmothers who support and love and pray….Lori, George is right there too…you are a hero.

Lori Peters
sooz- you are so right. Beautifully said.

George Swann
Ginger you are such a sweetie!!!!!!!

Ginger Barritt replied
I love you too.

Lori Peters
Thank you, Ginger. Everytime I see my grandson smile I think of the people who made it possible.

Ginger Barritt replied
I’m so glad I started this…I’m squalling like a child…from Max’s beautiful humor..to the beautiful support of sooz…to all the others who have so much love in the and you Lori…this proves just how much love there is in this world…there are still people with love, and ethics, and joy, who are willing to do the right thing whether anyone is looking or not….who are selfless….like George…...he’s not saying ….Hey…look at me…know how many people I’ve helped live? No he does what he does and goes home and kisses his wife… That’s my kind of world…..

Lori Peters
The good people are around, Ginger. They are just not as noisy as the mean ones.

Ginger Barritt replied
I guess that is the point!

Yool
A hero in my eyes!!!!!

Ginger Barritt replied
Thank you Yool!!!

iamnirak
Hi Ginger
Paramedics are amazing people definately, I have just completed my update to my senior level 2 1st aid that i need to work in the disability field and i wouldnt want to be doing first aid for long, i would hope those amazing people would be by my side fairly quickly after calling 000 for the amblance or the mica crew. Especially seeing as i deal with people that have seizures.
There incredible and they deserve all the praise that they get.
cheers Kaz

Ginger Barritt replied
Ahhhh, Good luck to you!!! and Thank you.

hilarydougill
Refardless of whether he gets paid or not, he is a hero for doing it, he doesn’t have to do it, he chooses to because he is a good and caring and compassionate man, and in my eyes a hero,because he also puts his life on the line, , he is also very modest, which is a virtue in all people. So don’t tell him he is wrong, just love him to bits. and be grateful you have him. hugsxxx

Ginger Barritt replied
Oh, Hilary, if he only knew how much….

CazzieCreations
Sooz said it so well!!
I totally agree..couldnt say it any better!
Is Christopher a hero and others like him?!! Hell Yeah!!!

Ginger Barritt replied
And there is the star of the SHOW!!! Better late than never, huh, ELF!!!!

CazzieCreations
LOL shuffles footies sowwyyy !! me bad lol but i here now !!!
hey hunny bunny!!!

Ginger Barritt
Hey, Darlin…you missed all the crying!!! I got emotional over all this outpouring…..Can you believe Christopher doesn’t think he’s a hero…he was quite emphatic about it!!! What have you been doing…is it early or late!!!

CazzieCreations
Ohhh i miss all the excitement!! and I just brought tissues too! pink ones!!
Well thats why hes a TRUE hero! as he doesnt think he is!!! Bless him and you Hunny Bunny!!! ((huggles))
its 7.55pm

Ginger Barritt replied
Did you read Max’s post Cazzie!!!

CazzieCreations
yes I did!! Both!! I love the 2nd one!
close to home that one being a Harley chick !!

Ginger Barritt replied
Are you really?????/ That is so very cool!!!

CazzieCreations
yep will have to get Blair to post pics of her lol

Ginger Barritt replied
Oh, I will!!!

Maximus
When I suffered my stroke I was in Cambodia (I used to manage a large children’s aide project) I had laid on the bathroom floor for over 4 hours before I was found, I was not happy to be being taken to a Cambodian hospital & would have, very unChristianly, told those little paramedics to bugger off, but I could not speak, even despite the very negative energy I was giving them, they cared for me, one even held my hand in the ambo. heros, to me abso-bloody-lutely. :)

George Swann
Hello Ginger…my last word on this subject..my wife worked in the same Operating Theatre as myself for over 30 years

George Swann
Hello Ginger…my last word on this subject..my wife worked in the same Operating Theatre as myself for over 30 years and retired 6 years ago. She has never smoked, never drunk alcohol and never weighed more than 8 stone, and just over 3 years ago she had a heart attack, it is so hard at times watching her struggle, she has good days and bad days but she struggles on. Now that is who I would call my hero, me I am just doing my job.
Could I say that I have really enjoyed this thread and your husband should be really proud of you. CazzieCreations is a very funny person and really made me laugh. RB is such a wonderful site to belong to when you get a forum like this.

Ginger Barritt replied
George…absolutely correct…People like Max, who fight with such wonderful humor, and like your wife who continue to struggle…..and you, who I have, no doubt, gives her a reason to…..once again..a hero…

Ginger Barritt replied
Oh, and one more thing from me before I go to bed …I forgot to address your last paragraph…Yes…Cazzie is really special and one of the best things about RB….She’s like a force of nature!! She and Sooz and Dani and Lori..and Christopher B and Snappy LOL…the list just goes on…so when I’m faced with the downside of RB….and I get upset over the venom…....I can start a positive thread like this and look what happens…..look at the support that is shown on this page for each other…the connections are touching and wonderful…I’m ok again….

SNAPPYDAVE
heroes without medals …

Ginger Barritt replied
Yep, you are correct…..

George Swann
It is 16.15 here….I think I will make Carol and myself a lovely cup of tea and a biscuit to dunk in it….Night Night.. God Bless…...P.S..thanks for the entertainment today!!

Christopher Bi...
ginger my favorite sister, dont tell him he is a hero, just get him to rub your feet!!!! secretly thinking to yourself, my god i am with a hero…........;))) ..........cxxxxxxxx

Ginger Barritt replied
Well hello, Beautiful!!! I missed you while this was going on…..well, Christopher is in the next chair on his computer and I’m on this one …I looked at him and told him the feet thing…he looked at me as though I had three heads….sigh…..I’ll have to work on that one…!!!!

AuXillary
Personally I don’t think it really matters what label you do or don’t use to describe someone in a job like that. As long as he is doing what he loves, that should be all that matters.

Ginger Barritt replied
You are absolutely right….and that is the most important thing and the only thing that is truly important, because a persons character is a persons character….it doesn’t change with a label….........but you know what.? I know him really well…..I know things he’s had to do….He really is my hero…end!!!! LOL!!!! Thank you so much …

Christopher Bi...
you go gurl! lol. and while he is at it, get the hands done too….c xx

Ginger Barritt replied
OMG…The hands are awesome..aren’t they!!!!

DWarren
Anyone who saves a life is a hero…

Online Friends, Are They Real? Reliable? Genuine?

2009-01-17T23:28:00.000-08:00

Well I think about my family’s right to privacy but it’s more than that Ginger, It’s never occured to me to think that most of the people who are watching me care one way or the other about what’s going on in my life or where my life has gone! sure there are people like you and (deleted ) who very good at developing relationships, but for the most part there are few who have appreciation for how I come off! Still I would rather have a couple of friends than a whole lot of friends.

I have always been the type of person, who decides pretty quickly how I feel about people….I also have always used my experiences to reach out to other people….I empathize with people and a connection for me is formed….I have actually been thinking of writing about this subject, because for me this is the first time that it has been cyber…..It is a unique experience…..how can I care so much for so many people that I have ever met…or have I? Meaning….no, I can’t see your body language….I can’t hear the inflections in your speech…there is nothing to use for those cues we all pick up on….......I can’t interrupt you, or get distracted by any little habits you have, either…..so…....I’m listening ….to…..you…....... does this mean I don’t really know you because I haven’t heard your voice? I don’t honestly know…..But I do know, that I like what I know of you...and I pick up on things without those “normal” cues… We all give away little pieces of ourselves without meaning too…..It’s an interesting subject, don’t you think???

_I agree that we all give away little pieces, whether consciously or not and some of us are better at picking up on those or some people are better at ignoring them than others. *It’s my impression that the people who experience the most out of life are the people who are conscious of these nuances in how people communicate , and can interpret what the real message is*. *I also believe that there is a sort of invisible connection between some people who resonate at the same frequencies.* I also am a believer that some of us have met before, but not in the here and now! Yes I do think this a very interesting subject !_

The above conversation is a very brief one I had with one of my favorite Redbubble.com friends....I leave it to him if he wishes to be identified.

This is, indeed, an interesting and often debated subject. And I am truly wondering more and more about this phenomenon....the incredible interaction and bond that forms on line. People meet on line and a romance begins. But how? What is it they fall in love with? Is it pure intellect this way? But can't people lie more easily in the safety of their dark room lit only by their computer screen? Do you put a "mask" on or take it off? Or is it as with all things, dependent on a persons character. Now, how can we tell a persons character without our natural filter most of us have when dealing with someone in person?

This is new to me....I've never participated in the on line chat before....Although I've been using computers for various reasons since the old 36K Apples, I don't usually "chat", preferring face to face interactions. I have been called an empath by psychics, and it seems that I do feel peoples emotions, sometimes scaring them............and me. But am I "reading" their energy......or am I picking up on unconscious cues from their body language, using that filter I talked about earlier?

That being said, I've made some incredible friends here,(Redbubble.com) however it happens....I'm pulled strongly toward some over others. Feeling incredible connections, bonds. Some it has turned out after a few conversations, have similar personalities...some of the closest, even have birthdays within days of my own.

As my friend said above..... It’s my impression that the people who experience the most out of life are the people who are conscious of these nuances in how people communicate , and can interpret what the real message is. Unless I am way off and deluded, I am one of these. I do believe I get more out of life because I don't make as many mistakes with people....I know when to leave someones house, I know when the party is over.....I know when someone wants to talk and when they don't....I know who is shy vs someone who is private....I truly want to and like to understand a person.

He also said I also believe that there is a sort of invisible connection between some people who resonate at the same frequencies. There is a book about frequencies called the Celestine Prophesy that I read a while ago and loved, which talked alot about this subject...I could spend a whole evening just talking about this.

Then he said this.... I also am a believer that some of us have met before, but not in the here and now! Probably the most debatable subject of all.....It would explain so much, if it were true...the instant likes or dislikes of a person....the feeling of closeness to someone you've never met before.... Again...wonderful subject for another day.

But what do you all feel about online friendships? I believe if I were to meet Christopher Birtwistle-Smith or Chasingsooz, or Jadeast, Lori, Cazzie,Kasey, Sally, or Jan, Kevin, Dave and MAX! or a dozen others I could name, I would love them as family...I truly love these people. I would love to meet Amanda in person, or Helen, Doreen, Wendy Slee...... Do you think that impressions that we form of people are _more_ reliable because people drop their masks and can talk more freely or less reliable in that they can pretend to be someone they are not . Or is it as I said, same as anything, dependent on each individuals motives, agenda, character?

They Called Her Moon Dew

2009-01-17T22:53:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't call her...Moon Dew.....I mean how do you _call_ a dog Moon Dew????

Nope...so Dixie she became...I guess you'd have to be southern U.S. to find that any better!!!

My husband called me from work one afternoon ... "Honey, there is this dog".....oh, no....I _have_ a dog....a perfectly cute pomeranian named Jojo....he's little and housetrained and......"what _kind_ of dog?" "Well, it's a big one...she's a Weimaraner" "How old is she?" "She's almost 2, she's not housetrained, she doesn't know her name, she's had a litter of 13 puppies, she doesn't know how to play and she's scared"....."How do you know she's scared" "She's in the backseat."

Weimaraners are *not* outside dogs.....they need family and love and can have horrible separation anxiety....and she had been kept in a pen outside....barely fed and watered....she was not a happy dog.....but oh, so sweet....

By the time we got Dixie, she had been better fed.......A co worker of my husband had "rescued" her from a neighbor....and she had put on enough weight to look respectable....he said she was skin and bones when he got her...but he just couldn't keep her....

Gradually, Dixie fell in love with us, Christopher in particular, and we with her.....who wouldn't? She's a lap dog....you know the kind, humble and so willing to please? She only asks that you _please_, let her sit in your lap, and _please_, pet her head!!! She is that one in a million smart, responsive, humble, and just awesome dog....we adore her....

Not long ago, we brought home our *3rd* rescued Weimaraner, so we mistook Dixie's lethargy for pouting, for which she is famous....But that wasn't it.....On the second day of laying around...we realized it was something more..and she felt hot......She spent 3 days in the hospital with Iv's running antibiotics ...then she began having seizures....She had all the "normal" blood tests and nothing made sense.....We could not afford the extreme measures such as sending her to Mississippi State University for the battery of tests....We have a wonderful vet and he worked within our means to save her......We were afraid of a tumor, but that didn't explain the infection.....She had what looked like a snake bite on her leg, but none of the symptoms fit....We felt it was bacterial, but why the seizures? She was babied, of course.....slept in the bed...and loved it....She's fine now, but we never found out exactly what it was.

And the new Weimaraner? He's fine.....typcial crazy, demanding, hyper Weimie....His name is Elvis.....

Layers of Masks - Do You Even Remember Who You Are?

2009-01-17T22:14:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, I was free for a time...free to explore, and taste, and laugh, cry and poop however and whenever I wished....I was Ginger, I never even considered what that meant, I just _was_ ....

Then I had to be contained, my spirit stilled, my hand was slapped, my bottom reddened...I learned to be a good girl.... _I slipped on the mask_ ....

I grew and learned and practiced and got good at slipping on my _good girl_ mask whenever anyone over 15 was looking......then I grew....

I made friends and learned you can't always do what your parents tell you if you want to earn the _cool mask_ . I wanted one...so I learned to put the _cool mask_ over the _good girl_ mask to look cool for my friends.....

Then I started dating....I learned that you have to have several masks....another version of _good girl_ mask is required some of the time, but it has to be overlayed with a layer of the _temptress_ mask....very difficult to make this mask, but finally I had it down pat.....

About the time I learned to slip this complex mask on....I got dumped....now I need a _don't give a shit_ mask....ok, so far???

You're growing up, so now you need a _sophistication mask_ this one takes a bit of time to polish.... and just as you get it nicely polished, now you have to have a _bored, been there, done that_ mask, this one must have some dents in it, to prove it, 'cause it's important that you show you just don't care, sort of a grown up, _cool mask_ .

Going to work? You'll need a _professional mask_ .

Church, PTA, Garden Club???? You'll need your _pious, smart, or capable mask_ ....

In love again, you need a _vulnerable, but willing_ mask.... Dumped _again_ need a _tough as nails, don't need anyone_ mask....

By this time, if you are approached by another possible relationship, your masks are so heavy and thick, you have no idea if you're compatable or not. Which mask were they attracted to? You are confused as to which mask you're suppose to have on.....you certainly don't remember who you were before your masks were made.

Then comes old age...you can't remember where you left your purse, your coat, or your car keys....you forget where you put your masks, which one you should have on and for whom....pretty soon you're back to laughing, crying and pooping, when and where you want. I can't wait.

Introduction

2009-01-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hello!!!

I'm Ginger, a photographer. I'm beginning this blog for fun. I'm looking forward to expressing my opinions on /everything/ !!!

This is a way for me to express my emotions, expand my interests, gather knowledge.....all of which I hope will translate into better art down the road. I look forward to hearing from anyone who has something constructive to say. I expect this will begin slowly and will build into something interesting for you and for me. There will be no rhyme or reason to when I post....I may post once a week, and then post 4 in one day....it all depends on what hits my mind.

I live now in Tupelo, Mississippi, or rather just outside of it. I have lived in Mississippi most of my life. I did spend a few years in Pensacola, Florida, and 8 years in Atlanta, Georgia. Because of this, I have a more cosmopolitan view, than maybe I would have if I had stayed here. My best friends in Atlanta, were from Nice, France, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York. I laughed more and learned more in Atlanta, than I ever could have staying in Tupelo.

I've had numorous paranormal things happen through my life, and want to discuss these stories as well. Partly for fun, and partly, because I want to know the truth.

That's it for now.....I'm looking forward to more ramblings.......