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You Are Enough

You Are Enough is a photobook of 9 women who have faced adversity in their lifetime and have overcome it. They defeated issues with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, mental health, infertility, illness, crisis, disabilities, and body image to become independent, stronger, and more confident women.

Society and social networking platforms show us beautiful photographs of what we should look like and what we could look like if we use the right products, followed the right diet, exercise daily, and use the right products. They tell us that we, too, could be supermodels and be worthy of love, acceptance, and value but even by following a vigorous routine we somehow still fall short. Due to issues such as low self-esteem, lack of confidence in ourselves, and poor body image, we are made to feel unworthy and unloved when in fact the image they are selling us is unrealistic without proper lighting, filters, photoshopping, and excess plastic surgery.

Lee Cougardawn Roberts – You Are Enough book cover. Cover photo was taken at Twin Hills Park
Layla Anthony, Cynthia Harkinson (photographer) Donna M. Kshir, Cynthis Probst, and Brittany Nelen at their launch party at the Renovo Public Library on September 27th. Kshir holds the cover featuring her best friend Roberts.
Lee Cougardawn Roberts joins the launch party from Crestview, Florida via Streamyard.

In this book, each woman shares their story, along with raw, unedited photographs taken by the photographer and the owner of CJ Photography, Cynthia Harkinson. They have chosen to tell their story and use unedited photographs to show they are beautiful and they are enough, just as they are in true form without society’s interpretation of what they should be through photoshopping and filters. Each of these women knows they are enough just as they are and you, too, are enough, just as you are.

The Foreword is written by radio personality, public speaker, child rights activist, and author Laurie Ann Smith.

Book photographer Cynthia Harkinson displays her book cover, You Are Enough. The cover hosts Donna Kshir high in the Pennsylvania Wilds at Hyner View.

The book is available in two separate covers featuring the creators’/authors Donna Kshir and Lee Cougardawn Roberts.

Source: Amazon – BUY NOW! in Lee’s cover and/or Donna’s cover!

Kind People, Kind Hearts

Northern Books is proud to announce the release of ‘Kind People, Kind Hearts’ by 9-year-old Abigail Murphy.

Kind People, Kind Hearts
By Abigail Murphy,
Allison Ward

At age 1 year old, Abigail Murphy was diagnosed with Alopecia Totalis; an autoimmune disorder where white blood cells attack the hair follicles. Never knowing different Abigail embraced it to the fullest. After moving, and changing schools Abigail went toe to toe with bullying. Baldy and cue ball were names she was called regularly. Luckily for Abigail, her empathetic personality and intellectual mind combined with a 3rd-grade guardian angel teacher, Mrs. Ward, there was hope.

Allison Ward grew up feeling empowered and inspired by her teachers. She became a teacher to pass that gift on to her students. She is passionate about helping kids find their voice and figure out what their superpower is.

Once Abigail and Mrs. Ward had the story complete Joshua Murphy, Abigail’s father, sought out graphic artist Sydney Saathoff. Within a few weeks, Saathoff brought Abigail’s characters to life.

Saathoff is a graphic designer, illustrator, and painter that has no limits to her creativity. Embracing herself through art from doing logos for businesses to painting huge murals and now illustrating for a children’s book. She was diagnosed with MS as a child so illustrating Kind People Kind Hearts has such a special place in her heart. She worked as a Pre- K teacher for a short amount of time during the beginning of the pandemic. Being able to use her passion to create illustrations for children’s books is a dream come true.

With the illustrations complete, Murphy turned to his friend, writing mentor, and publisher Donna M. Kshir. Ms. Kshir and her best friend and business partner Lee ‘Cougardawn’ Roberts worked diligently to bring Abigail’s vision to life. Both women highly encourage children to express themselves.

Abigail’s goal is to educate as many people as possible, hoping that we all will look past one another’s exteriors and get to know each other from the inside.

Books and eBook formats are available at Amazon.com and Lulu.com, as well as other fine brick-and-mortar stores. For more information, visit Abigail’s official website at:  

www.kindpeoplekindhearts.weebly.com

Publisher: Donna M. Kshir and Lee ‘Cougardawn’ Roberts #KindPeopleKindHearts #Awareness #AbigailMurphy #AlopeciaTotalis #Alopecia #autoimmunedisease #kindpeople #KindHearts #Kindness #BeKind #compassion #understanding #NorthernBooks1

Northern Books

Memorial Day 2022

Please do not wish me a Happy Memorial Day as it is not a day of happiness and celebration. Memorial Day is a somber day, a day of mourning and reflection. It is a day to honor military members, who died in service to the U.S. 🇺🇸

While you gather with family and friends, I wish you a beautiful day as you share stories and remember your loved ones who gave their all, for all of us. 🇺🇸 Thank You to all who gave the ultimate sacrifice. May you be remembered every day and not just one out of the year. 🇺🇸

Photo Credit: Pixabay
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Peace Out,

Lee

Deafness, communication, and connections

I was born hearing and progressively lost hearing after nearly fatal meningitis as a young child. I struggled growing up yet never told anyone because I felt stupid.

As a young adult, I finally had insurance that paid for hearing aids. They helped for a time. They make things louder, not clearer. They also contributed to my migraines. Eventually, I stopped wearing them as they no longer helped. I refuse to wear them for the benefit of others. As an adult, it is painful to my heart and spirit to have people who have said they were my friend yet never bothered to communicate with me in a way that works for me. My bestie is learning.. Yes, it is slow learning however the fact that she is learning is most important. It tells me that I am important to her and that I matter. I love her to bits…

I gave another ‘friend’ a small assignment to do and links to the lifeprint website and Bill’s youtube channel to begin learning. I was happy to begin teaching this person, to help them learn, to practice on video. They never bothered to do the assignment, I even reminded them. Nothing. It was a simple assignment I gave them. Put cotton in your ears and go about your errands. Resist the urge to pull the cotton out of your ears. Then come back and share with me your experience. That is my life, my world…Still, nothing from them. They told someone they felt sorry for me. That all hurts deeply. If a person cannot be bothered to learn to communicate with me then I will not waste my time with them. It is that simple for me. I am important and worth the time for you to learn how to communicate with me. You have to be willing to meet me halfway…

Peace Out

Kshir and Roberts partner with Maris to Open the Central Registry

PRESS RELEASE: 

With the Primary Election right around the corner, Denise Maris, the Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives from the 76th District, is not wasting any time getting down to business.

On Thursday, March 3, Ms. Maris met with child rights activists Donna Kshir (Clinton County, Pennsylvania) and Lee Roberts (Crestview, Florida). Both Ms. Kshir and Roberts are highly respected activists using their voice for Conner’s Law – Kentucky and receiving a Letter of Recommendation, Animal Rescue, Rights, Children’s Rights, Missing and Unidentified Persons, the Homeless, Domestic Violence, and the Deaf Community.

In July, the duo proposed to open the current Child Abuse Central Registry to provide parents and caregivers with the tool to protect their children. The idea to help better protect children came to Ms. Kshir and Roberts after 2-year-old Conner Bachuss was murdered by his mother’s then-boyfriend Ronald Saunders.

The duo told Ms. Maris, if Conner’s mother, Mashanna Waggoner had known Saunders had a violent past, she would have never gotten involved with him. Saunders served 5.5 years for killing the toddler. A month after his release, he was arrested in Oklahoma on new charges of criminal abuse in the 1st degree. If April Brandt, mother of the second victim, had known about Saunders’ prior conviction, she would have never exposed her daughter to this ‘monster.’

READ FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE...

https://au4hradio.blogspot.com/2022/03/kshir-and-roberts-partner-with-maris-to.html

Protect Our Children

Take Action:

Sign the Petition to Help Protect Our Children

Humanitarian group Advocates United for Humanity is proposing an amendment to make the Central Registry, which is currently private, available to the public. 

The Central Registry is a private database that law enforcement and state agencies use when they receive suspected abuse or neglect reports. The reports from the database aid social services agencies in their investigation, treatment, and prevention of child abuse cases. These records are used to conduct background checks on prospective foster and adoptive parents, daycare workers, schools, volunteers, and employment. 

However, the current Central Registry leaves millions of parents and caregivers nationwide in the dark on how to protect their children from those convicted of child abuse and neglect.

The proposed amendment to the current private Central Registry would make the registry available to the public. It would require law enforcement agencies to make available information on individuals convicted of child abuse or death related to child abuse.

This proposed amendment would monumentally impact the lives of children and families by significantly reducing the number of children exposed to abuse and neglect. 

Once the petition reaches 5,000 signatures it will be presented to Clinton/Lycoming County, Pennsylvania State Representative Stephanie Borowicz for her sponsorship. If Borowicz agrees to sponsor the amendment, she will then present it to the House of Representatives.  

For more information, visit Advocates United for Humanity’s official website.


Sign the petition NOW!! 

Twinship, loss and grief

I am a Wombtwin. The grief is still profound in many ways that are unexplainable to others who are not twins. We didn’t have the chance to grow up and making any memories together. I have one memory and that is of in the womb holding hands with my twin, then her slipping away…I lost a massive part of myself in that moment, that day. I was left with an empty feeling of profound loss…It is an abysmal void that nothing can fill. I believe that is why I always have felt like I am on the outside looking in…I do not feel whole. I am incomplete..I will never be complete until “WE” are together again.
My Twinship did not end with the loss of my twin. This is a bond that can never be broken, never be taken from me. It is a forever gift that I cherish even in my grief.
“Once a twin, Always a twin” Dr. Raymond Brandt, founder of the Twinless Twins Support groups
I have been offline from my main social media page for a couple years dealing with grief from multiple losses in a short time. I am part of two amazing groups of twins supporting each other thru their journeys of loss and healing. It is time for me to get back to that page so reconnect with those very special twins who help lighten my journey and continue to support them in theirs.
“Siobhan is one of thousands of twinless twins round the world—defined as somebody who lost their twin whether it be in or around birth, during childhood, or during adulthood. The sense of loss is so intense that even those whose twins died at birth or in the womb (known colloquially as “womb twins”) can remain profoundly affected.”

Memorial Day-A Day of Remembrance and Honor

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.

Memorial Day ponderings and facts…

Did you know that Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and honored military personnel who died in the Civil War?

Memorial Day commemorates military personnel who have served and died in the US military service for our freedoms.  Their loss of life is immeasurable for those who loved them. It is our duty to keep the memories of these Fallen Soldiers alive.

Pray for peace, honor the Fallen, remember their loved ones, and share their memories. Memorial Day should be every day, not just an annual day established to remember their dedicated service and sacrifices.

Consider marking this day in remembrance and spend time with veterans, fellow military members, families, and friends. Share stories and memories, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who have served or are serving.

Memorial Day is one of remembrance and gratitude for those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice. Remember them This Memorial Day we take the time to Honor all K9 and human troops 🐾🇺🇸 this Memorial Day. Thank You All for your service and sacrifices. #MemorialDay #MemorialDay2020 #memorialdayweekend2020 #neverforget #remember 

 

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Image: Pixabay

These brave men, women, and K9 Heroes gave their lives for our freedoms.

Remember them and share their stories.

 

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Image: Pixabay

What has our world become?

 

The advances in technology are amazing and have enhanced our world in a myriad of ways. It has also ruined countless families and the deep connections they once shared. Texting across rooms has become the new normal and the closeness once experienced for many is now endangered. The following piece ‘What has our world become?’ is one I have shared on the amazing writing community She Writes.

 

What has our world become?

We live in a world full of hate and violence

Where kindness and love used to rule

Sunday suppers with family were the norm

Now it’s grab and dash, eat on the run.

We’ve attached ourselves to technology

Detached ourselves from each other

Families text each other from across the room

Eye contact and conversation are minimal at best.

Outdoor play ruled over Xbox games

We came home when it got dark

Or when street lights came on

Now we’re a nation of zombie kids

What has our world become?

by Lee Roberts (c)

Kids phones -1548194_1920

Image: Pixabay

Stay Home and help flatten the curve

As the numbers of COVID-19 cases here in Okaloosa County continue to rise rapidly, I see people who continue to defy the Stay Home Order given recently by our Governor. Folks come and go daily visiting family and friends like nothing is happening…like they are immune to catching the virus and possibly infecting others…

People need to STAY HOME unless they absolutely have to go out. Doctor appointments that are critical, get food or medicines….Those are necessities, NOT visiting people…NOT going out because you feel like it or feel that this STAY HOME ORDER does not apply to you…It applies to us All….

If people do not smarten up and do what they have been ordered to do to help slow and stop the spread of this virus we may soon see ourselves in a situation of martial law…

Kentucky residents who defy the orders to stay home are being forced to wear ankle monitors…The Philippine President has given orders for police and military to kill citizens who defy the coronavirus lock-down.

 

SMARTEN UP AND STAY HOME!!!!!! #STAYHOME #StayTheFuckHome  #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HelpFlattenTheCurve #StopTheSpread #DoTheRightThing

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