I Don’t Have Self-Esteem Issues

by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 18, 2024 | About Summer, Opinions, Prayers

I have been thinking about a response I got to a post I made on Facebook last week about an interaction I had with someone. I didn’t post the conversation with the person because I wanted to get kudos for myself. I wanted to encourage anyone that needed it to make efforts to see the people around them. But I was surprised when someone responded to my post that they saw my light no matter what I felt about myself. I was surprised about this because I don’t have self-esteem issues. In fact I have come to a point in my life that there is a quiet peace. I am satisfied with myself. I know my Creator is happy with me. I know my wife and my sister are happy with me. I know even my cat is happy with me. I honestly don’t want to hurt anyone, I want to be a blessing, but I don’t need the approval or adoration of anyone.

I don’t know if this is age or just that I spend most of my time with God and Karen G Clemenson, Jamie Holloway and Xavier and we all have a high level of integrity, communication and honesty and we don’t play games with each other. This has helped me a lot. This stability I have always craved is content. The resiliency that we have had to cultivate has made us more pliable. The fact that we all understand that we do not see, hear or understand all that God does, but that we know He has us and will never leave of forsake us is powerful. We remind each other as needed. This no nonsense way of life is refreshing.

I suppose having to let people go, that I have love for, because they can’t hear me has made a difference. It was a hard process. There was mourning involved. There were many emotions involved. But there was also healing involved and honesty that has honored my self. They can’t or won’t hear me but I did. God did. He knows that I don’t want reconciliation with people that can’t or won’t hear me or respect my individuality; that I wasn’t put on this earth to serve them. I was put on this earth to serve God and He has other ideas. He needs me to be whole and able to make decisions with an un-fractured mind. He isn’t afraid of my diagnosis’ and my need for medications or therapy. He isn’t afraid of my history. He was with me every step of the way and He will be with me for every one I have yet to make.

My self-esteem is grounded in the same place my light is — in the salvation and new life I have in Jesus Christ. That doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. It means I never struggle alone. That light that person was referring to in my post was not me by myself but me in Jesus and Jesus in me.

I have been in a place that seemed like a struggle but really it was a place of rest. I was learning to trust God; that He would provide no matter what. We are getting ready for a new home. We are getting ready for a new path or at least a bigger view of the one God has had us on. God has been preparing us for something new and we are ready. That will mean I might not spend as much time at home, or maybe people will be coming to me, we shall see what He has in store but I won’t be alone so much, I know it. I have learned to relish the time alone and to talk more freely to God because He is my best friend and He is always here and I shouldn’t hold back. He knows everything anyway…

There were a lot of things that I learned from The Birthday Card I Didn’t Want. It wasn’t the only message I received that week from people I had said goodbye to. There was a note in Messenger from a person that had dumped me so many times in our 30 year relationship. The last time they dumped me they told me they didn’t want to know me and as I skimmed their message, just days after that terrible letter from Winfred, and a few days before my birthday, that is what I heard in my head: I don’t want to know you. It is true, a part of them probably loves me but another part of them really doesn’t want to know me and that is the part I am continuing to protect myself from. I deleted that message. You don’t have to be in relationships that hurt you just because you love someone. Their version of love might not be the same as yours. You have to love yourself too.

There is always a cost to saying no to someone that abuses you. But when you find people that don’t play games with you and really love you, it is easy to say no to people that don’t know how to love you. Jesus told us to give freely out of our abundance. If we are giving until it hurts we are not giving from abundance. We are not free to love. We are not loving ourselves. By loving ourselves we are filling the coffers to let love overflow. This is the natural way of loving. Jesus made time to pray and fill His coffers. We need the same thing. Finding time to talk to God and read the bible because it is the physical way we can get to know Him is the best way to get your cup to overflow. It is nice to go to church but if you have nothing to give, why go?

We are supposed to be a blessing to each other but if we are not filling our selves up, and God is the only thing that our Spirit craves, how can we bless each other. It is natural that sometimes we are going to need the support of others, but there comes a point that we must grow beyond the need of just milk but something actually to chew on and we must be able to serve each other. You don’t get this by being in need all the time. You must strengthen yourself and talking with God, just like you would with your best friend and waiting for Him to answer and reading the bible is that only way you are going to grow. Humans are not perfect and can hear things wrong. You must cultivate your own relationship with God. If this is how you ground your self-esteem you will not be unsatisfied.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information.

If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.

Book Review: My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg

by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 15, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions

Joan Ruth Bader was born on March 15, 1933. There were so many girls named Joan in her kindergarten class that her mother suggested she be called Ruth and that is how she is known for more official purposes. Ruth loved to read and write and was encouraged to be independent by her mother. Ruth’s family was not devout but Ruth valued the reverence for justice and learning that was part of her Jewish heritage. She enjoyed studying Hebrew and the history of the Jews. Ruth Bader Ginsburg loved opera. If she could have chosen one talent it would have been to able to have a glorious voice. Ruth’s mother died of cervical cancer a few days before Ruth’s high school graduation. Instead of attending, she stayed at home with her father.

It occurred to me to find a book about Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the day she died. I knew little of her, other than she was the second female Supreme Court Judge ever and she had worked hard to make many positive changes but I didn’t know what they were. I grabbed the first book that I found online and that is how I ended up with My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg in my hands. At the time I didn’t realize that this book was not a memoir but a book of her collected speeches, which is a very different type of read than a biography or autobiography. It did take me several months to make it through this book because I had to take breaks and read other things, but that is not because her life wasn’t amazing!

Ginsburg was hired at Columbia in 1972, “The year of the woman” as the beneficiary of the Nixon administration’s effort to encourage colleges and universities to hire women faculty.

During weeks that court is not in session Supreme Court Justices visit Universities and Law Schools or other lawyers in the United States. During the longer breaks some justices travel to other countries to teach or attend classes. Justice Ginsburg has been to Australia, Austria, Canada, China, England, Egypt, France, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden and Tunisia. Part 1, Chapter 8

Ginsburg was honored to receive the National Council of Jewish Women’s award on March 12, 2001. This award aligns with the belief that people are to improve steadily in our community to be more humane, fair and just. Part 2, Chapter 4

On Sunday June 27, 2010 Ginsburg’s husband of 56 years, Martin Ginsburg, died. The same month Ginsburg became the senior Justice among the liberal Supreme Court members.

These are just a few of the numerous accomplishments of an outstanding woman. Her goal was to make a more equal world for women, which she did, but she also worked to make laws equal for men that weren’t so before she got to them. She was a passionate, intelligent and energetic woman that worked longer at the Supreme Court than anyone before her. I plan to reread this book and also look for other books about her. She is truly a remarkable person. I highly recommend this book.

You can get your own copy of My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Amazon.

Read My Review on GoodReads:

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a revolutionary woman that not only fought for equal rights for woman but all people. She was energetic, intelligent and passionate about the law. This book was not an easy read, but the accomplishments of Ginsburg’s life were extraordinary and so is this book.

View all my reviews

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

Book Review: The Contemplative Tarot A Christian Guide to the Cards by Brittany Muller

by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 12, 2024 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions

I was handed a copy of The Contemplative Tarot A Christian Guide to the Cards by Brittany Muller by my sister,Jamie Holloway. My first thought was that I didn’t want anything to do with tarot. I was raised being told it was wrong. But after hearing her thoughts and giving it some thought of my own, I realized I wanted to read this book, not because I felt it would add anything to my life but it might help me not be afraid of a deck of cards.

I was surprised to learn that tarot began as a card game to entertain Italian nobles. Rooted in Christianity and enamored on Pagan antiquity and always trying to bring them together — this is what brought about tarot. The first deck was created in the 15th century (about 1401 to 1500) to play a game similar to bridge. The trumps contained figures that we see today: Death, The Fool, The Empress, Temperance, Justice, etc. The game eventually died out in Italy but remained popular in France and Switzerland and became standardized as Tarot de Marseille. It didn’t get it’s occult connection until the 19th century (about 1801 to 1900) in France when the occult became popular and people wanted to believe it came from Egypt and was meant to be a tool for divination of the future.

At the same time England had their own occult ideas. The Freemasons founded The Golden Dawn that included tarot as a ritual for fortune telling. One of the members, Aleister Crowley, left on bad terms. He left England and went to Sicily and established Abbey of Thelema in 1920. This was a spiritual philosophy he created by mixing Golden Dawn teachings, yoga and Eastern and Western mysticism — these teachings later inspired Wicca. The Thoth Tarot cards he created are still used today.

Tarot can be used for:

Divination
Self-Development
- facilitate inner knowledge, growth and transformation
- uncover one’s thoughts and feelings they might be avoiding

With constant stimulation we live with in our lives now, we don’t have time for out thoughts and self-reflection. How do we create stillness to hear the voice of God?

Tarot can help with:

We need to slow down and make space
We need to self-reflect
We need to see God in His creation

Most of the book is spent describing each of the cards in the deck. Although I don’t feel as though I want to add tarot to my worship time, I can see how it could be a tool that some people might find value in. I did find the descriptions of the cards to be surprisingly personal and the questions at the end of each description made me think of things very deeply. I was intrigued at how much I thought while I read this book. I am glad I read this book. It strengthened my resolve that objects cannot have any more power over me than I give them. A deck of cards are just that unless I believe more than that.

The way that Muller described how she uses the tarot cards to enrich her time with the bible and God sounds like she gets a lot out of her experience. The difference between her and I is that she is Catholic and I am a non-traditional Christian. I don’t rely on symbols, but I understand that most humans do and I see why these cards might be perfect for people that enjoy symbolism. I did enjoy the thought provoking questions and the quotes and tidbits about the saints that she used in this book and I do recommend this book for people that want to delve in to religious history.

You can get your own copy of The Contemplative Tarot A Christian Guide to the Cards by Brittany Muller on Amazon.

Read My Review on GoodReads:

Contemplative Tarot by Brittany Muller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had no idea what I was getting into when I began reading this book. My friend gave me this book to read and I read it to learn the history of tarot. But this book went so much more deep than I expected. Although I don’t intend to add tarot to my life, I have a new understanding of this ritual and a better walk with God. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to know their Creator better.

View all my reviews

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

The Monster Inside of Me

by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 4, 2024 | About Summer, Poetry

The monster inside of me doesn’t care about what I think
or feel or want to be
I was born with this and I don’t think it cares how old I am
It is part of my genealogy
I see it in ancestors and a few who have come after me

I have tried to get rid of this thing that rages
Unlike a few fractures that stayed a long time, I won’t name it
It is a thorn in my side and I have only learned to control me
not the monster that finds joy in causing pain

I used to break things to satisfy its temper
Hurting people hurt me too much
The feeling of satisfaction made me want to throw up
I learned to limit myself
to remain sober
to make rules so I am always in control

I NEVER feed the monster
I don’t watch fighting, or horror movies or the news
I don’t spent time with people that rely on savagery
I forgive often
I listen to music that makes me happy<

The meds I take help me use my tools
I make better choices
My mind works slower and more efficiently
but I never forget the monster
I have more boundaries for myself than for others

I see people who have their own monster and I pray for them
God leads me away from my danger zones
I know He can help them too
He doesn’t take the monster because it keeps me humble
It helps me remember that I am imperfect
It makes me work hard to love myself

The monster makes it easy to love those that seem unloveable
because I am just like them
Behind my abstinent face with the pleasant smile
I know what I choosing not to do
When the monster is awake
Besides praying it will go back to sleep

There Are Things You Just Do

by Summer D Clemenson | Jan 2, 2024 | Opinions, Prayers

I am working on this book that asks me a lot of questions. It makes me think a lot. I can’t just say I am reading this book because I have to think so much. It isn’t anything like what I was expecting. I don’t want to talk about it too much because I will do a book review on it shortly. I should finish the book in a few days. But in the chapter I just finished it was likening our relationship with God as a marriage. Where there are things you just do to keep the relationship going. The relationship is not a summation of hilltop moments but a lot of work for a few special moments.

I read many types of things every day. Part of that is because I am curious about the world. But mainly it is to help my brain focus on now and not the past. It is how I help my OCD brain stay here and now. I tend to go through my email every day. Flipboard sends me emails they think I will be interested in. Sometimes my friends send me articles and YouTube videos they think I will enjoy. I also read my bible. I have a reading plan that my old church followed that they called SOAP that I follow. It has Old and New Testament passages for each day. I don’t follow for the particular day because I didn’t start on the right day and sometimes I let other things get in the way of my bible reading but when I do read my bible, I read in both the Old and New Testaments. I also have a daily devotional I do. Right now I am following one by Bob Goff. I always have a book or two I am working on, as well.

I started reading the bible when I was 6 years old. I just turned 48 on Sunday. I haven’t always been faithful to every day but I have always tried because I was told this is just something you do to know God; it is a good way to focus on Him and hear Him. As a young person I had read a few passages that told me that God was a mystery. I would never understand everything about Him. I clung to those scriptures because, there is a lot in the bible I just don’t understand. There is a lot in the world, I also don’t understand. But I know that God will never leave or forsake me and I am His beloved. Because I know that I can’t see everything the way God sees, I can’t hear what He hears and I don’t know everything He knows, but I know that He loves His children, I have to have faith that He is always working, I can find peace in Him when there is no other peace to be found.

Like in a marriage you don’t see everything that happens. I don’t watch Karen G Clemenson work but I see her come home tired, dirty and hungry. I see her paychecks. I hear the stories she tells me about what happens at work. She doesn’t watch me do the laundry, make her meals, or manage our household, but she thanks me that she has clean clothes to wear, food to eat and there is always an extra box of tissue in the closet or whatever item she needs after she just emptied something out. When those things aren’t there, it is usually because I am sick and we are doing take out and Karen’s laundry might not be so fresh and she might be bringing a few more things home from the store than usual until I get back in the saddle. We both have things we just do to take care of each other every day.

But God doesn’t get sick so when things like war breaks out, which is totally a human thing, we get confused.

What have I learned by reading the Old Testament? Mainly history and history is full of war. Do I understand it. No. I would much rather read the words in red. The new covenant that Jesus created is so much easier to aspire to. Its so easy that we mess it up all the time. But I think that without reading the Old Testament, we can’t really appreciate the real gift of our salvation that Jesus gave us in the New Testament.

But humans require war. Just like they require laws. Not humans that live in the Spirit; but humans that don’t live in the Spirit or don’t know how to do it yet. Because salvation is such an easy concept that it takes some of us a lifetime to really grasp how easy it is to accept the fullness of our salvation and the freedom of law and order. Because if you are loving the Lord God with all your heart, soul and mind and loving your neighbor as yourself, you don’t need any laws to tell you how to live in society. You will be mindful of everyone, compassionate, generous, forgiving, loving and in return they will be the same to you. But as you can tell by turning on the TV, there are many people that don’t understand that, so we need laws and first responders and military to keep people in line.

War makes us afraid. We should be. It has been a long time since we have had a war on our shores. Our government has done a great job making sure we fight wars in other countries. I was watching It’s A Wonderful Life and I realized that we are not as strong as we were during World War II. We, as a nation, rely too much on services and not on each other. We can’t do rubber, tin and paper drives. We don’t want to go without gasoline or any other comforts. We don’t tend to cook meals for each other. Some of us would starve to death without food delivery services. How do I know this? When I get sick, if anyone sends help, it is in the form of a gift certificate. I am not unappreciative but I would love an invitation to someone’s house sometime. I am guilty of this too, though. When you live in a hotel it is hard to cook for others. I don’t have extra dishes I can loan to people. We have one car and Karen has it work all the time. We are so separated.

People in the United States are demonstrating against Israel because Hamas, a terrorist group that has been in power in Palestine for years, uses human shields and so many Palestinian civilians have died in this war that Hamas started in October against Israel. Restaurants in the United States are being boycotted if they are owned by people of Jewish, Muslim, or Mediterranean descent; even though these owners are United States citizens and have no say over what Israel or Palestine are doing. Hezbollah, another terrorist group, that is in power in Lebanon, keeps firing into Israel. US Navy helicopters were forced to kill Houthi rebels, another terrorist group, from Yemen that was attacking our cargo ship in the Red Sea. The purpose of the cargo ship is to keep the water ways open for transport for several countries. All the terrorist groups I mentioned are funded by Iran. Iran is also funding Russia who is trying to overpower Ukraine.

If we were the country we should be we would be aligning with our allies to take down Iran. But we are all dependent on their oil.

So I keep reading the Old Testament. I read and I get ideas about not understanding but relying on God. Knowing that God loves ALL His children: his Jewish, Muslim and Christian children, maybe even the Buddhist and Hindu and every other type of religion children too and I know that He is moving. I know that terrorism is just another form of slavery and God is not for this. These terrorist groups keep the people divided, controlled and impoverished. They do not allow for free will or democracy. They foster fear which can, in many ways, be worse than death.

Its ok to not know or understand everything. Curiosity is what keeps us striving. It is what makes me keep reading the Old Testament, even though there is so much I might never understand. But I understand more than I used to. Most importantly, my faith in God is made stronger because when I know I can’t do it, I know He can, because when I am weak, He is strong. I also know that every life lost, is more important to God than to anyone else. I trust His purpose. That helps me rest in His peace. I know He has His people. There are things He just does and He just never leaves or forsakes His children.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

My Soldier & I

by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 29, 2023 | About Summer, Art, Poetry, Queer Community

I didn’t move into her camp
She moved into mine
My soldier & I, together
worked hard to make it ours

Doctors & therapists were helpful
to give me a name for all
the things that make me different
I had been asking for help for so long

Medical professionals thanked her for believing me
I guess some people
don’t have a soldier like mine
But I knew that

Whether it was trying new meds
dressing wounds
changing diet & exercise
She never forgets the battle plan

I didn’t leave you because I am queer
I left because I begged for no judgement
& I needed love & peace & compassion
& I finally have it

I have everything I want right here

An Important Letter

by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 27, 2023 | About Summer, Life, Opinions

I wrote a letter to my biological father and his 2nd wife this week. It took me about 3 days to get every thing written down that I had been holding against them for the last 40 years and answer any question or accusation they made against me in the letter they sent to me on 12/22/2023. It is a terrible letter. It is an important letter.

I sent a copy to my sister, Jamie Holloway, and to my aunt. I had originally planned to send it to his work. Jamie asked me if I was sending it to his boss because I had written the address I was mailing to as his work address and wrote in 3rd person. I told her, no, I just was mailing it there. I wanted him to see it before his 2nd wife. I wanted to hurt him. I wanted to humiliate him but I didn’t want to cause a problem with his work. I just didn’t know another way to get it to him without his 2nd wife having the chance to edit it or hide it from him. I have no to reason to trust her at all.

I was reeling and writhing in pain and made a post about it on Facebook. Luckily this gave a wonderful lady the opportunity to remind me why I am referring to him as my biological father or by his first name (not here); because Jesus is my real Father. Jesus wants me to forgive and give Him my pain.

My bio dad wants an apology for what he says are lies…basically he is embarrassed that family members believe my posts. I can’t help him with that. He should have thought more about his actions. I am not a liar. His lies hurt me so much, growing up, that I abhor lying and I am honest to a fault or I am silent…well I am not so silent anymore because that is not good mental health.

I have decided that he doesn’t deserve the letter. It won’t do what I want it to do. He won’t read it and say: Oh wow! I have really done terrible things to my family, I need to repent and do better. He won’t care about me any more than he ever has. He will become defensive and even more angry. In fact the letter will be exactly what he wants me to do, the reason to engage in fighting, which I don’t want to do.

So why is the letter important? Because although I have tried many times to forgive, these things are still hurting me and they replay in my mind, probably because I have OCD and PTSD and these memories and feelings become new when triggered. He might not believe in mental illness, but I don’t have that luxury. Maybe I just haven’t gone deep enough because sin against your family causes layers of things to be forgiven. But that letter is a tool. I need this letter because I can sit with my real Father and work on forgiving with a list in my hand, not because it will help my family but it will set me free.

I can’t save them. I tried. I only have control over me and I have chosen me. That is the gift of free will; it only works on yourself.

Photo Credit: Mailbox PNGs by Vecteezy

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

Grandparents Understand

by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 27, 2023 | About Summer, Art, Poetry

Nana told me grandparents understand
I had told her I was sad
I had learned late
it was my responsibility to make time
for Grandma Clem

I was baking banana bread
when she came to me
My heart felt warm
and I knew Grandma Clem
was here

She told me she knew her son
She knew what he did
It was ok I hadn’t come
to her funeral
Grandparents understand

No More Letters

by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 23, 2023 | About Summer, Art, Poetry

I have been the daughter of a fool
For so long I wanted you
to remember you loved me
to choose me one time

Back when we built things together
and grew things in the dirt
and danced to Thriller and Three Dog Night
Before you dishonored our home
Before you left
Before you broke all your promises
I knew you loved me

When she announced the nuptials
we weren’t invited to
she told me you two were
more important than the rest of us
and you have proven it true many times

The letter you sent me for my birthday
implies you think I want you back
Let me be clear
I am not safe with you and her
I have know this for a long time
And unlike you
I am not a fool

The Birthday Card I Didn’t Want

by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 22, 2023 | About Summer, Life, Opinions

Today I went to get a package I was expecting and was shocked to get the birthday card I didn’t want. I must have looked as terrible as I felt because Lorie asked if I was ok. I stuttered as I answered her. I can’t say I wasn’t surprised by what was in that purple envelope. I hoped for better but I am always left wanting more. It brought up a lot of memories and emotions.

In February of 2014 I was hospitalized for cellulitis that took over my left leg. From my foot to the top of my thigh it looked like my leg had been dipped in boiling barbecue sauce and swollen to a huge size. Before this I had been fervently going to therapy at a pastor’s home and working on issues I had had all my life and had moved a lot of superficial issues out of the way. This trip to the hospital was big for me. I had never had anyone help me before. I had never been able to trust anyone with myself before.

The week before I went to the hospital, I had a bad flu, following a 24 hour telethon, put on by my nonprofit. I was exhausted and the flu had caused this rash I had been nursing for years to go crazy. I didn’t have health insurance and I had been afraid to go to the doctor. A few days before I went to the hospital my family called the police because I wouldn’t go to the local hospital. They thought I was suicidal. They didn’t know anything about the process they were trying to put me into, that I wouldn’t get medical attention and that I wasn’t suicidal. Police and paramedics showed up to arrest me. I kept my head straight and proved I was not crazy or suicidal and had plans to go to Legacy Salmon Creek on a particular day. The paramedic agreed when they saw that I was trying to eat plain yogurt and broccoli, that was trying to do well by myself. He checked my vitals and agreed I was ok but that my leg was obviously sick and I better do what I promised or they would have to take me in against my will.

This over the top response of my family was out of the ordinary since they usually ignored me but I was used to their attempt at controlling me. My best friend and business partner had shown up. She had experience with people in mental distress and she was quietly explaining what would happen to me if I went with the first responders and they looked remorseful. They just wanted me to get medical attention.

The night before I let Karen G Clemenson take me to the hospital I decided to trust her with every secret I had ever kept about my body because I had no one that I trusted. This trip to the hospital was the hardest and scariest thing I had ever done until this point of my life. While I was in the hospital I had to let people help me. I wasn’t used to that. I wasn’t used to people not being disgusted with my body. I wasn’t used to not having everything blamed on my weight. I was so sick that I don’t remember most of what happened in the 4 days I was there, although I do remember them being shocked that I refused the commode and would drag my sick leg to the toilet, once Karen, who never left my side, helped me get my leg out of bed to go to the bathroom. I even showered daily until the nurses found out and let me know that with my open wounds that wasn’t ok. Because I was so active, I went home 4 days earlier than most people with my same infection.

But something else happened to me during this time of being really sick and needing Karen’s help; I had deep wounds at the top and bottom of my leg that I couldn’t dress and she was the only one that was willing to help me. Something in me broke. The thing that let me think that the way my family treated me was normal. When I got out of the hospital I had to continue to follow up with doctors and get a primary. This was when I started to learn of diagnosis that I had had for a long time, some of them probably most of my life. As the diagnosis piled up I had less and less to give to anyone and I could no longer ignore the mental illness that was plaguing me.

My business partner and best friend had become my wife and I noticed that she flinched and over reacted sometimes. After I had seen any of my family members, besides my nieces and nephews, I would dissociate and often become so depressed that I would forget to eat or take my meds and most of the time, barely got out of bed for days. A phone call could send me over the edge. I realized I needed help. I was being an abuser and I was not taking care of myself.

It took over a year to find the right meds for my mental health. It took longer to find all my diagnosis and the correct amounts of medications. I promised to always take my medications because I know when I don’t, I can become mentally abusive to Karen and she doesn’t deserve that and neither do I.

I have tried to share my diagnosis with my family. They include:

Fibromyalgia
Psoriatic Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Lymphedema
Hiatal Hernia
Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease
Diabetes
Chronic Migraine (I have scars on my brain that prove I had this since I was a child)
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Endometrial Cancer
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder

My many therapist over the past 9 years have agreed I am an Emotional Neglect and Emotional Abuse Survivor and they all agreed that I needed to separate from my parents. I had hoped it could be temporary but I don’t think that is the case.

There are a lot of reasons that holidays and special occasions are hard for me and I don’t feel the need to go into detail anymore. With the death of both Nana and Grandpa this year, I feel like I need to live up to the standard they set for me. I know that I have thrown a few tantrums as I healed over the years. I needed to get out my feelings and I chose to use my blog to do that. Not really because I wanted to hurt my abusers but because I know that other people can benefit from my process. With the help of medication and therapy I have healed a lot in my brain and in my heart. I have abilities I haven’t had before and although I have the right to write and talk about my life, I don’t need to by immature about it, especially if I am aware of it so my writing has and will continue to change. This is as close to an apology as I am going to come to for what I have written in the past. I am not sorry for sharing what other people did to me.

Learning to live with all these diagnosis, that all but one will be with me for the rest of my life, has been very challenging. Mentally and physically. Sometimes it was near impossible. I lost parts of me. Some I got back and others I decided I didn’t want back. I am not a petty person, a materialistic person or even a person that likes casual things. Never during any of the years that I was suffering and learning how to live with this body that will never get better, did anyone in my family ever ask me if I needed any help or ask me why I did things the way I did. If I didn’t measure up, there was no compassion. Probably because there was no real relationship.

My wife and I have worked hard to live without the help of family (except for a few and they know who they are 🙂 ). To build our credit ratings. To build the life we want and we have made great strides. We needed this time to learn how strong we are. I am proud of us. I don’t need the validation of people that want to judge us.

Last year I mailed back the birthday check a family member sent me. I had called them to tell them about my cancer and they brought up history that, in my mind was none of their business. I did ask them to let me go. I just don’t think we can salvage anything between us. This year I got another card and a check plus a letter telling me I owe them an apology for my blog entries. I won’t be mailing the check back. I won’t spend it either. I still don’t want their money or things. I only want what I ever wanted. I wanted them to want to know me. I wanted them to hear me, see me and want to be part of my life without all the drama.

They broke every promise they ever made to me and I forgive them every time I think about it but PTSD is a bear. Pain is brand new again and again. I am sorry that they missed out on a relationship with me. I am an amazing person.

I have struggled a lot this year. The traditions I enjoy are not available to me as we still live in a hotel. With Grandpa dying only a week ago I am still reeling a bit. This is the first Christmas that is really without Nana and Grandpa… Plus I never use the address here. I have always put our business address on our letters. since this birthday card I received today was addressed to this hotel, it scared me. As a person with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I don’t need a trigger to become anxious, but seeing that address on a card addressed to me and with their name on it, felt like being kicked in the stomach. I felt like someone was spying on me. I felt unprotected. I felt violated.

I won’t be opening any mail from them anymore. I don’t have to let them abuse me anymore. I don’t want to be talked about anymore. I don’t want a relationship with their spouse who is abusive in their own way. I am done. I don’t take this lightly but I have to protect myself.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

Nana Really Liked Him

by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 19, 2023 | About Summer, Life, Opinions

I think I met him when I was about 4 years old. He was a stylish man with black curly hair and my nana really liked him. He had a pretty smile. He was quick on his feet and he liked to play with us. I remember that quiet look of shock as I went through many stages, trying on new personas and mannerisms. I was an awkward kid that was not made for sports or even the great outdoors beyond walking on solid ground but that didn’t stop him from trying to encourage me or walking home with me covered in mud after I failed, without complaint.

“Bill” married Nana when I was about 5 1/2 years old, right about the time that my youngest sibling was born. They were married in Hawaii. Their pictures showed two beautiful people in love. They went there every year. It was their favorite place to visit, full of history and charm, which was perfect for both of them. After they were married, Nana told me I could call him Grandpa Bill. I was very concerned because I had a lot of grandpas, since I still had great-grandfathers alive and I wanted to be able to give him his own name.

When my parent’s marriage failed, Grandpa Bill became the person that came regularly to make sure that heaters and sinks worked. He made sure our house would not be lost to the bank. My grandparents helped to make sure we had what we needed to stay afloat. They would come for games, dance recitals and I would go to stay with them for a week in the summer. That was my favorite. About this time Nana told me I should just call Grandpa Bill, Grandpa. I think she thought he had earned the right to be just Grandpa, I don’t think she understood that it was special to me that he was the only grandpa that I called by his first name, but I could tell it was important to her so I tried hard to stop using his first name, but when I talked about him, I still called him Grandpa Bill, because I still had a lot of grandpas.

Grandpa was raised in Spokane, his parents were a doctor and nurse. He graduated from the University of Washington. He had served in the military, but he never wanted to talk about it, other than to let me know that the only other place, beside Longview that he had experienced rain and sun at the same time was while he was serving in Japan, so I don’t remember what branch he served in. Grandpa was an accountant. He was very intelligent and details were never wasted on him. He loved to read. Every day he read a stack of newspapers, watched the news and would also have a book he was reading. He wore coveralls when he worked and meticulously cleaned his tools after he used them. He was a bit of hoarder, but everything was tidy and had its place. He owned luggage for nearly every other decade but when he went on short stays he preferred to use a shopping bag with handles. Grandpa always thought before he spoke and did not waste words. The last time I saw him, he was having his knee replaced and his pajamas were a little worn. He liked proper pajamas with a button down top and long sleeves and matching bottoms. This was not an easy thing to find, even in Kirkland, but two shopping trips later and we finally found them in JC Penney. Thank God!

Grandpa had been married before he married Nana. He had a son and two daughters and together, he and Nana had 5 children and eventually 9 grandchildren and even more great-grandchildren.

Although this was my grandparent’s second marriage, there was nothing second place about the way that Grandpa loved his family. He didn’t have to love me but we all got 1st rate love and care from him. He was the grandpa that showed up, taught me things and listened, heard and knew me. I think that is why I appreciate his quirks because that is why he didn’t question mine.

I found out my grandpa is in Hospice on Friday December 15, 2023. Not from anyone on his side of my family but from my aunt on the other side of my family that knows that I don’t have contact with them. The next day I got an email from my mother that said that Grandpa had gone to heaven yesterday on his 92nd birthday. I know my grandpa really missed Nana. I know he was probably really suffering and I know he knows Jesus. I didn’t want him to suffer. I wanted him to be home and be in the love of Jesus.

But I also felt so angry. I wanted to do unladylike things. But Grandpa would never want me to do that. Nana worked hard to instill good manners in me. So I prayed and talking to God about my feelings and prayed for my mother who probably feels like an orphan now that both her parents are gone. He was the last of my grandparents to go to heaven for me too.

I always wanted to be seen and heard. I wanted people to ask me questions. That is what I liked about my grandparents. I could have conversations with them about real topics. Nana couldn’t go too deep but Grandpa could. Nana and Grandpa were an exceptional couple; classy, hard-working, educated and well-spoken. They weren’t perfect but they tried hard to be good to everyone and make room for everyone. I hear their voices giving advice in my head all the time. I don’t have time to miss them because they are always with me. If I could say one thing to them it would be: Thank you for seeing and hearing me…not everyone knows how to do that.

As I sit here, I am thankful that I had such amazing grandparents. They still influence me. I don’t care for fads and I dress like my nana in very classic styles. I love a good cup of coffee, not Starbucks, like Nana, but Guse’s or Red Leaf. I love to read, like both my grandparents and although I am not a Republican, they probably have a hand in why I am not a Democrat either. I will never forget talking to them about Trump, when he ran the first time. Nana could not vote for him because of his hair, and Grandpa and I both thought it was a joke and that he would never win…I guess the joke was on us. Grandpa rarely said a bad word about anyone. I am a bit more passionate, like Nana, but more and more, I find my tongue being held and words that sound like his coming out. I like that.

Note: Grandpa was the family photographer. There are very few pictures of him because he didn’t like to be in front of the camera. Thankfully, Karen insisted on taking this picture one day…

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

7 Books for December 2023

by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 15, 2023 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions

We have reached the end of 2023 and it seems a good time reflect on my reading goals and what I learned while reading 7 children’s books each month. Children’s books are special. I learned that old children’s books are often nostalgic and teach classic ideas, where new children’s books tend to focus on deeper emotional ideals and broader topics but in a simple way. I have learned a lot but not in a heavy way that made me feel stressed. I think that everyone should read children’s books. I do think I will change my number of books per month but I am not sure what the number will be for 2024 yet. Without much ado, here are my 7 Books for December 2023:

A Walk In the Woods by Nikki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney

A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Walk in the Woods is a collaborative effort by Nikki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney and his son Brian Pinkney. It is a story about a son after the death of his father and how he is dealing with it. The father has left a treasure map for a walk in the woods and a surprise that will help to guide his son toward healing.

The son has no name in the story but I imagine this helps any person to relate to the pain that is expressed in the artwork by definite and indefinite lines. In the end, the father encourages his son to keep moving forward and to write his own story. I do think this book is written for a child that is at least 7 or 8 years old but there are elements that any child could related to. This is a beautiful story.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of A Walk In the Woods by Nikki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney on Amazon.

The Song That Called Them Home by David A Robertson

The Song That Called Them Home by David Alexander Robertson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lauren and James were on an adventure with their Moshom (grandfather), when he decided to take a nap. As the children became hungry, they decided to go fishing when their escapade took another turn. While they were in their canoe, Memekwesewak, or creatures that live in the water, led them to a place where dancing and singing kept them entranced. Luckily their Moshom knew The Song That Called Them Home on his drum.

This fantastic story by David A. Robertson is full of adventure and devotion to family and the illustrations by Maya McKibbin add to the imagery.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of The Song That Called Them Home by David A Robertson on Amazon.

Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler

Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a fun story that makes you want to get and dance or at least move to the beat right in your seat. Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler is a musical dancing book full of moving words and family that share in the story. Even the illustrations by R. Gregory Christie seem to bop and jive with the rhymes.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler on Amazon.

Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak

Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak is a book about two friends — real friends Jenny Mei and her friend have a great relationship because they can feel their real feelings with each other. Jenny Mei’s family is going through a hard time and sometimes Jenny Mei is happy, silly and funny, bu other times she is angry and difficult. On those days she is lucky she has her friend for the not so good times. This is a really special book with touching illustrations.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak on Amazon.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sulwe’s name means “star” but in her family and even at school, she has the darkest skin. Her sister has skin the color of high noon and people give her pet names like “Sunshine,” “Ray,” and “Beauty.” But Sulwe gets names like “Blackie,” Darky,” and “Night.” Sulwe tries anything she can think of to fit in but nothing works. Her mom tells her that her beauty must come fro her heart and her mind. But it isn’t until she has a fantastic dream that she understands that both light and dark accent each other. This is when she understands that her beauty is both inside and outside herself.

This is a beautiful book and even if your skin isn’t dark, you can understand having differences from others. The message that beauty is on the inside is important for everyone. The illustrations are as magical as the wonderful story.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo on Amazon.

Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo

Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo to my cat and he wandered away half-way through. I think it is because the transitions in this adventure were really not there. I want to like this book, and there are parts I do enjoy, especially the enchanting illustrations by Kerry Hyndman, which probably really helped me stay connected. This book droned on too long and I thought it was way too wordy for a birds’ flight home for Christmas. I don’t think a small child would be able to sit through this story.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo on Amazon.

Giant Pants by Mark Fearing

Giant Pants by Mark Fearing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Giant Pants by Mark Fearing is an adorable story about a giant loses his only pair of pants and then he loses his temper and then how he choses to deal with his problem. Both the story and the illustrations are sure to make you laugh at any age and even offer great conversation starters, as well. I highly recommend this story.

View all my reviews

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Giant Pants by Mark Fearing on Amazon.

I really enjoyed my picks for December. I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season and I also hope that you find time to read whatever books make you happy. Be blessed!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

The Icon

by Summer D Clemenson | Dec 1, 2023 | Opinions, Poetry

I breathe in because I am human
I say your name because you are human too
I have lived the life of a performer
The lights
the bystanders
the costumes and makeup
They cost too much

I don’t keep my secrets anymore
They are too heavy
I want my yes to be yes
and my no to be no
I need yours to be as close as possible to that too
I don’t want to watch you perform and be worshipped
Your smile shines brightest over coffee
and honesty
and confidence
and God diffusing His knowledge in every place

I have been labeled uptown
I have made peace with that
but I am not hoity toity
I do like elegant things and my style is timeless
I like to present a clean and honest face
The same face
to everyone
That is hard sometimes but I try
If you feel judgement
it is probably me judging me
and then my prayers that God bless us both

You have let me see a little
of you without your costume on
That is the side I like best
and I am literally not talking about
a selfy with no makeup on
I know I am asking a lot
But I don’t trust performers

Please stop inviting me to your shows
until you can at least call me back

Reference: Matthew 5:36; 2 Corinthians 2:14

Book Review: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 30, 2023 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez takes place in 1973 at the beginning of Civil Townsend’s career and in 2016 at the end of her career. Her voice is the narrator as she tells the story to her adopted daughter, Anne, as to why she did things the way she did throughout her life.

Civil, the Black daughter of the town’s daughter, began her first job as a nurse at the Montgomery Family Planning Center, in Montgomery, Alabama, believing it was important for people to have the ability to make choices about their sexual health. But at this federally funded health center that mainly served Black women and girls, she soon found out that many times patients were not being fully told what was happening to them and many people were being given medications that were not FDA approved. This included Civil’s first clients, 13 year old Erica and 11 year old India, sisters that Civil’s white boss had decided it was imperative they did not become pregnant, although there was no sign they were sexually active and India had not even begun menstruating. As Civil got to know these girls, she learned to love them and she did everything she could to help their family have a better life, including removing the girls from the Depo Provera shots that Civil had learned had caused cancer in animals. Soon her boss had misled the girls’ illiterate father and grandmother to sign papers to have the girls sterilized.

What happened to the girls was the worst pain in Civil’s life. What began as a case against the Montgomery Family Planning Center became a nation-wide case against the Federal Government as it was found that Hispanic women in California were being sterilized without their knowledge or consent. Women in North Carolina were going in for c-sections and also having their uteruses removed without consent. Mexican and Black women in Georgia were not getting needed medical care until they gave consent for sterilization.

This book is based loosely on the true case of Reif v. Weinberger. In June 1973, Minnie Lee and Mary Alice Reif, sisters aged 12 and 14, were sterilized without consent in Montgomery, Alabama. Take My Hand was awarded the 2023 NAACP Image Award of Literary Work-Fiction and BCALA Fiction Award.

I literally could not put this book down. It was well written and thoughtfully put together to include information about the Tuskegee Syphilis Study where between 1932 to 1943 Black men were infected with syphilis and studied to see what would happen to them. When penicillin was found to be the treatment for syphilis in 1943, it was not offered to these men and they were allowed to suffer and die. This story broke in 1972 by the Associated Press.

I think this story is important because it showcases the importance for all people to have the right to choose the right birth control for themselves and medical care for their body and to have all the proper information communicated to them whether they can read or not. We have come a long way and these stories of people that paid the price for our medical freedom are important for us to be thankful and continue to fight for complete medical freedom regardless of another person’s religious or personal beliefs. We are all individuals.

I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez on Amazon.

Read My Review on GoodReads:

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing fiction story based on real life events. Dolen Perkins-Valdez had me turning pages almost faster than I could read them. This heart gripping story must be read.

View all my reviews

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

Book Review: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 29, 2023 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a very special book and I am glad I read it. I had seen the movie before and I really enjoyed it but, as always I enjoyed the book more. This amazing story, mainly takes place in the summer of 1964 when Lily Owen turns 14 years old. She is girl that is being raised by an emotionally neglectful and sometimes physically abusive father, whom she calls T Ray because he was never the Daddy-type. Her only memory of her mother is when she was 4-years-old, on the day she died, December 3, 1954. She remembers her mother quickly throwing things into a suitcase. She remembers the sound of her father’s boots as he came in the room. She remembers hearing them yell at each other. She remembers her mother getting the gun out of the closet. She remembers her father taking it from her and swinging it around. She also remembers picking up the gun when it fell to the floor and it going off. It was an accident.

After finding a bag with her mother’s things in the attic and a picture with the name Tiburon, South Carolina on the back, Lily decides she needs to go there. When her only known friend and caregiver Roseleen finds herself in jail for defending herself from the white men that didn’t like her getting any ideas about her registering to vote, even though the civil rights laws had passed allowing her to vote. Lily breaks her out of the hospital after the police allow those same men to try to get an apology out of her after she was arrested and Lily and Roseleen hitchhike the two hours from Sylvan, South Carolina to find out why Tiburon was important to Lily’s mom, Deborah.

When they find the Black Madonna Honey Company and meet three sisters: August, June and May their lives are forever changed in every way. Not only are these three women beekeepers, but August was a Nanny for Deborah when she was girl.

This amazing book is about bees, coming of age, child abuse, family, civil rights, mental health, strength, forgiveness, honesty and love and everything between. I recommend it to you and I know I will read it again.

I got this book from my sister, Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd on Amazon.

Read My Review on GoodReads:

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set in 1964 this coming of age novel is both heart-wrenching and moving, warming and eye-opening. I plan to keep this book as part of my collection to re-read because the characters are raw, authentic and amazing. Sue Monk Kid did an amazing job of realizing the beauty of the importance of this deep story set in several generation and emanating out of a time of change in a girl, a family and a nation.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

I Am the One that is Supposed to be Sick

by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 28, 2023 | About Summer, Cancer, Life, Opinions, Prayers

On November 12th she started really hurting. Karen G Clemenson gets aches and pains just like anyone but not like this. She rarely gets more than a runny nose and a slight headache. She is proud of her strength and health. She likes being strong, it is part of her personal identity, that and her ability to work hard every day. She does it at work and at home. But on this day she has had to lay low. Really low. I can’t tell you how many times she apologized for being sick. I am the one that is supposed to be sick. She doesn’t get sick. It has been over 10 years since her teeth went bad, since I have seen her in this much pain. She didn’t even want to eat and Karen doesn’t turn away meals.

By Tuesday went to the ER. Her pain in her lower right quadrant was so bad she was having trouble walking. Although she drove, she couldn’t walk into the ER. I was caught by a nurse trying to procure a wheel chair. Thankfully he took over until we got to the door. We spent 7 hours there that day. They did every test and culture, except the ultra sound because she was also having stenosis of her cervix. After all that they sent her home with instructions to use Tylenol for pain. They couldn’t find any infection or reason to keep her there and we had to wait for the cultures to come back.

The next day she went to her regular clinic and took the notes from the hospital. They didn’t do any more tests because they could see that the hospital had been thorough. They gave her some muscle relaxers, pain meds and a one dose antibiotic, just in case.

Yesterday, after watching her struggle for many days and watching to see if her test results were loaded into her PeaceHealth portal without success, I called the ER to see what the hold up was. They let me know that her cultures came back normal and that she should come back to try that ultrasound again. I was afraid of the bill associated with the hospital so I called her clinic; Karen is between insurance companies. They told me to call an advice nurse because they could not advise me to come in or not. The advice nurse, after finding out that Karen’s pain had been at a 6 for several hours, said they wanted her to be seen by somebody in the next 4 hours. So I called the clinic back and left a message. Then I began to get ready for the day. They did not call me back so when we were ready to leave we went back to the hospital.

This time, Karen had success with the test and we found out she has fibroid tumors on her right ovary. The doctor seemed more upset to tell us than we were to hear it. I think I was in shock. Honestly I don’t know how Karen feels about it but she did thank me for making her come back to the hospital. I told her pain like this is not to ignore. If we waited and it became worse and she died, that was not how I planned to spend my future.

This last week I have been surprised how my body has let me do a lot of things. I am the chronically ill one. My body doesn’t handle stress well. I have been doing my chores and Karen’s. I have been helping Karen get up, walk and get into bed. I have also been doing financials and filling out charity care paperwork to get help with the hospital bill. I have found that the hospital is a perfect place to read since I have devoured almost 2 books while sitting there. I have had to adjust to the stress of our needy cat too. I didn’t start to fall apart until last night.

I had put a turkey in the crockpot before we left for the hospital so we had something to eat when we got home. When we got done with turkey and green beans and a treat of pumpkin custard with chocolate ganache on top. I had no energy left. I had to have a nap. So I set an alarm and got up at 10:45 pm to take care of the rest of the turkey. That is not a small job; pulling all the meat off the bones, setting aside the innards for Karen and separating the drippings for a stew. I needed some me time so I did a bible study and then read some more. This book I am reading is really great; it is also a good distraction.

I was chewing on the idea that it might be cancer.

I didn’t sleep well. Fibromyalgia is not nice. She causes a terrible kind of pain that nothing really helps take the sting out of and my body temp fluctuates a lot. Emotions trigger her…I am also breaking out with a new psoriasis spot.

Sometime in the early hours my sister, Jamie Holloway, sent me a message about Karen. She is worried. Because I wanted Jamie to be at rest, I googled fibroid tumors and found that they are not cancerous and don’t increase the chance of cancer but they are super painful and will probably require a surgery. But they aren’t cancer. I passed this onto Jamie. Sometimes Jamie sends me the perfect message the right time. Although I am still stressed out. This has been an expensive week and Karen has missed a lot of work and we rely on her working so heavily. I am a little relieved to know that it probably isn’t cancer and as I passed onto Jamie, Karen’s ovary is not twisted and there didn’t appear to be any other anomalies.

God must be flexing his muscles right now because the bible says when I am weak He is strong…I am about on my face.

Karen will find out soon the next step with the gynecologist. We know God has us.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

7 Books for November 2023

by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 27, 2023 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions

November has come and almost gone and one thing I am very thankful for is that I came from a family that loved to read and that love was shared with me. Reading has helped me to learn. Reading has been a favorite way to spend my time learning or traveling and imagining. Reading has led me to learn to love to write since I was 9 years old. I encourage you to read and read to the children around you and encourage them to read. Reading is a great way to let your mind wander in a healthy way. It can help you fight depression, learn new things and take you to places you might not be able to ever go to. Here are my 7 Books for November 2023:

Green on Green by Dianne White

Green on Green by Dianne White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Green on Green by Dianne White is a poetic book about the seasons and family changing throughout the year. The illustrations by Felicita Sala are beautiful and engaging and full of things to talk about before bed or any good story time.

I really enjoyed this book.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Green on Green by Dianne White on Amazon.

Clifford’s Manners by Norman Bridwell

Clifford’s Manners by Norman Bridwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Clifford was very popular when I was growing up so it was fun to visit him again in Cliffords’ Manners by Norman Bridwell. In this book we learn important ways to use our manners to be thoughtful of others. This is a very cute read.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Clifford’s Manners by Norman Bridwell on Amazon.

The Proudest Blue A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Proudest Blue A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali is a beautiful story about 2 sisters, one older and one younger. The older sister is now ready to begin wearing hijab or a head scarf meant to celebrate her Muslim religion, modesty and strength. Her younger sister is so proud of her and wants to support her even as both girls must remember how their mother has prepared them for abuse from people that don’t understand. This touching story is informational and inspiring and the illustrations by Hatem Aly make it all the more realistic.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of The Proudest Blue A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali on Amazon.

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey is a Caldecott Honor Book originally published in 1948. It is a story about Sal and her mother and a bear and her cub collecting blueberries for in winter in their own ways and how they managed to run into each other on a beautiful late summer day. The black and white illustrations are simple and sweet and really help to tell the tale.

I enjoyed this story as a child and I enjoyed it today.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey on Amazon.

Wild Blue: Taming a Big-Kid Bike by Dashka Slater

Wild Blue: Taming a Big-Kid Bike by Dashka Slater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I still remember when my training wheels came off and soon I graduated to a larger bike only to be told by my father that if God had wanted me to ride my bike without using the handle bars He would not have put them on the bicycle — I wanted to be like the big kids in my neighborhood.

Kayla is the main character in this book and she has out grown her little pink “pony” with training wheels so her dad has taken her to pick out a bigger bike which she names, “Wild Blue.”

Wild Blue: Taming a Big-Kid Bike by Dashka Slate is about the adventure most of us have as we learn to ride a bicycle. Yes we fall off and we even get hurt but eventually we learn how to match our rhythm with the pattern of the bike and we peddle hard, stop wobbling and we ride.

I really loved this story and the illustrations by Laura Hughes we’re very fun too!

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Wild Blue: Taming a Big-Kid Bike by Dashka Slate Slater on Amazon.

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Puff, puff, puff, chug, chug, chug,” went the Little Blue Engine. “I think I can — I think I can — I think I can — I think I can — I think I can — I think I can — I think I can — I think I can — I think I can.”

The little train filled with toys and good things to eat for the children on the other side of the mountain had gone through the loss of their engine and the rejection of mightier engines and one that had no self-esteem only to be blessed by the Little Blue Engine. I grew up with this story, that my wife chose at the library for me. This book reminds me of my wife because she is always willing to try and give her all. This important mantra of, “I think I can,” led the Little Blue Engine to be able to say, “I thought I could.”

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper was first published in 1930 and I am sure it will continue to give joy and inspiration to children and readers for another 90+ years.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper on Amazon.

Jump In by Shadra Strickland

Jump In! by Shadra Strickland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun book about having fun in your community. Jump In by Shadra Strickland doesn’t just have the children playing but the adults join in too! Whether it is with a jump rope, basketball, skate board or bicycle this neighborhood and their dogs enjoys sports together. The illustrations are as colorful as the people at the park. I really enjoyed this book.

View all my reviews

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Jump In by Shadra Strickland on Amazon.

As we travel through the holidays I hope you find ample times to share stories with each other. Stories are a great way to bond and share our history with each other. I hope you had a beautiful Thanksgiving and that your holiday season is shiny and bright. Happy reading!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

Letting Things Go

by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 21, 2023 | About Summer, Yarn

I have been purging and letting things go that I don’t want to take care of anymore. After the loss of the second storage unit Karen and I have had together, I have learned that letting things go is a good thing. Some things we lost were valuable, even priceless maybe, but they are just things. Things can be acquired. What is important is relationships and time.

So as it has become time to renew domains, I am realizing that I no longer need KnottyWares.com. All my crochet items listed on the site, marketing gear and even most of my crochet hooks and bobbles were lost in the last storage unit and really I have never sold anything off the site. I sold a few custom items but usually I donated most of the items I made to other nonprofits. I have new crochet hooks and now I occasionally make things for my grand-nephews.

I have slowly changed my email over to summer at goodtimesalways.com because I would rather advertise my blog so even my doctor’s offices know this new address and the only emails I get at my old KW’s address are advertisements. I hate advertisements. So if you want to email me you can remember this email address or go over to the Contact page and send me an email through the form.

I deleted the Knotty Wares Facebook Page on Friday. I thought I would be more emotional about it. I had put so much time and devotion into this campaign; hours were spent on the logo itself. But it was really easy. This tells me that I am truly done with Knotty Wares, which was really started, hoping to have something fun with a friend that really never wanted to do this with me in the first place and eventually we let the friendship go too. That reminds me…I still need to take down Twitter and Etsy. I really tried but I wasn’t successful. I guess I was just meant to give these gifts out of love.

So this translates throughout life as well. We learn what we don’t need to carry around anymore and what is important to hold onto.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

Book Review: Strength For Each Day 365 Devotions to Make Every Day a Great Day by Joyce Meyer

by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 20, 2023 | Book & Product Reviews, Prayers, Thanksgiving

Strength for Each Day: 365 Devotions to Make Every Day a Great Day by Joyce Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The last year or so has had its own challenges, as I am sure every year has but this book, Strength For Each Day 365 Devotions to Make Every Day a Great Day by Joyce Meyer has been a blessing each time I have opened it’s pages. I have laughed, cried and enjoyed the wisdom on the pages as I needed on the days that I was wise enough to make sure I made time to be in the word. I can’t say I am faithful to every day, but I try and God is always faithful to me. I actually follow this devotional with another bible study and I was always surprised that no matter what, the bible studies always seemed to fit together and echo the message for the day.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants help with their walk. Each study is only one page long and offers the scripture for the lesson on the top of the page so if you want to carry it with you and don’t want to bring a bible too, you are prepared. Many of the studies mention other scriptures so you can go deeper if you like.

View all my reviews

I got this book from my sister Jamie Holloway. You can get your own copy of Strength For Each Day 365 Devotions to Make Every Day a Great Day by Joyce Meyer on Amazon.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

A Perfect Time for Growth and Reflection

by Summer D Clemenson | Nov 17, 2023 | About Summer, Chronic Illness, Life, Opinions, Thanksgiving

I have been sick for about 3 weeks now which is a perfect time for growth and reflection. The first 4 days I am sure it was the flu but it changed and now I am thinking it is either a Fibromyalgia flare or maybe a reaction to the increase in Mounjaro. Being in a chronic body is exhausting. During those 4 days when I know it was the flu I had a dream of teachers I had in middle school and high school. Specific teachers that took a greater interest in me. They would spend more time with me, give me special treatment and tasks. In the dream I knew they knew, home was not always safe. They were waiting for me tell them that I needed help. My high school math teacher blatantly asked me once. My high school German teacher once told me it was wrong that I missed school when my siblings were sick. But I chose to keep the secrets.

I chose to protect the secrets so that my siblings would be safe. I didn’t know what would happen if I told the truth that no one said hello to me but yelled at me for whatever they thought I did wrong, or my siblings did wrong. I was called names. Every ache and pain I had was because I was fat. When my custodial parent, who did not have health insurance and no way to get help with their mental health issue, was having a hard time, I was pulled out of bed or away from my homework at any time of the night to help them. My parent had no one else. I am not mad at them. Sometimes I was asked to do ridiculous things, nothing blatantly abusive but not necessarily normal either. I was not hit. I was not molested but I was not emotionally supported and sometimes I didn’t have what I needed. My other parent would scream at me over the phone or for the entire 4 hour drive to their house about how much they hated their ex-spouse and then tell me not to say anything when we got to their house; then I was given a hard time when I was depressed during our visit.

There are more details but this is enough. After I woke up from that dream, it occurred to me for the first time that there had been people that wanted to help me. I had never really thought about that before. It really made me feel good. I chose to stay quiet and that was my choice. I chose to keep what stability I could for my siblings. They were told I was so much older and bigger than they were. They were taught to treat me badly. Not on purpose but by example. But in reality I was taller than they were. I took after one part of our family, and they took after another. But I was also only 3 1/2 years older than my younger sibling and 5 1/2 years older than my youngest sibling. I wasn’t that much older then they were. I was angry and depressed and I had chronic conditions that there probably were words for in the 80’s and I should never have been their caregiver. They got the worst of me, even though I loved them and wanted to protect them. I was angry that I had to protect them. I was angry that they would abuse me and didn’t have the responsibilities I had and never had consequences. I was angry that they got to be children and I didn’t.

Back in March I wrote in an article Memories Are Bigger Than the Thing We are Responding To that I hated my father’s wife. It is amazing what confession can do. When God says that when we are honest we can let the light in so He can heal us, He is describing repentance. He knows that I don’t want to hate anyone. He also knows that I have tried to love this person and there are shreds of love in my heart for this person. But I needed to be honest about a few things so He could shine His light on the darkness. So I could hear myself and give Him the stuff I don’t need to hold onto. I have done this on so many things and forgiveness is very freeing. It isn’t even about the other person. It is all about me being able to clear out the mess and make new decisions. I can say I don’t hate my father’s wife anymore. I don’t trust her. I don’t want her in my life. I get to make those decisions. But I don’t want bad things for her. I don’t hold hatred for her anymore. I can look at a picture of her and not want to throw it and I can have a memory and not feel evil or negative thoughts. She is actually attached to some very good memories and those I can hold onto and appreciate now.

I have had a lot of other dreams this month about memories with my extended family that are no longer in my life. I mentioned it to my wife, Karen G Clemenson. She is used to this. We have been married for over 9 years now and she has seen a lot. She quietly reminded me that our bodies remember things. I suddenly remembered that my custodial parent’s birthday was almost a month ago. This triggered their hard time of the year. Mid-October to February is always hard for them…so it is hard on me. Lot of memories and stressful times make the holidays difficult for me. The difference this time is that I seem to be watching from afar. I am not really part of the memories this time, but analyzing the memories. My therapist says this is a good change.

Because I have tried hard to find balance and positivity in my life where possible it is natural for me to think differently than I used to. I am thankful for this. I will always have OCD but I can change how I let myself think by making sure I have something meaningful to do everyday. I read something every day so I can control what I am thinking about. I listen to music that makes me feel happy. I try hard to keep the thoughts in my head constructive and useful. This has also helped me to stop and think about something else. My parents didn’t completely fail me. My parents were not perfect and they had their own scars and traumas but they tried hard to give me things they didn’t have. My custodial parent moved a lot as a child and lived in big cities. But I lived in one home from the time I was 3 until I was 17 years old in a smaller city that was easier to raise children in and when we did move I got to stay in the same school. Although my other parent left when I was 9, they gave me good memories before then that helped me through the years to follow. My parents worked hard to give me things they didn’t have growing up. My siblings and I did have things that some of our friends didn’t have. Although I was emotionally neglected, I always had books to read and music to listen to because they could buy those things for me and they knew I loved those things. My parents weren’t always absent. I have good memories of great days. They tried and they loved us as best they could.

They are human. Just like me.

I was accused by one of my nieces that I was ruining myself by writing about my past. I appreciate her 20-something viewpoint. Meaning she hasn’t lived enough to know what I know and she is probably repeating what she has been taught, which I also appreciate.

I tried to make the break from my parents, which I never intended to be from the entire extended family, be temporary. But my siblings followed suit. I was so shocked. Their actions showed me how deep that unhealthiness went in our family. If they knew what I went through to make that initial choice, they would have never left me. But no one has ever asked me why. No one. Everyone just assumed I hated them and I was evil. The last time I came around it was because another niece asked me to and although I did something that was wrong, it was blown completely out of proportion and still no one has ever asked me why. I know that my younger siblings got the worst of me, growing up but I am not that person anymore. I have worked hard to grow up, learn healthy communication and how to make healthy boundaries so that others see a mentally healthy Summer and not the broken one I was for so long. When it comes down to it I can’t make people forgive me or offer me a clean slate; I can’t make anyone choose good mental health. I can choose who I allow into my life. I know that it may very well be that I trigger the same survival mode in my family that they trigger in me. So I will love them in my prayers and leave the rest in God’s hands because He loves them more than I ever could.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

I Can Only Control Me and Where I Choose to Be

by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 31, 2023 | About Summer, Cancer, Life, Opinions, Queer Community

I have been feeling very vulnerable. It started yesterday. When there was an incident on Facebook between extended family members that went wrong. I thought I had removed everyone attached to people that knew someone that I need to stay separate from. But I was left feeling very unprotected by someone I don’t know, in a situation I wish I had stayed out of. So after praying and thinking about it, obsessively, because that is what people with OCD do…and then talking to a cousin that is discreet and compassionate, I decided to unfriend and block a couple more people in order to protect my peace that I have fought so diligently for. I can only control me and where I choose to be.

But this is not the best way to protect yourself and not the way that normal, mentally healthy people protect themselves from life’s normal stressors. This month has been quieter than August and September which had me at doctor appointments every week, sometimes 2 in one week and left me feeling like a pin cushion and over stimulated by people touching me and giving me all kinds of advice. But I did get a haircut which does make you feel like you did something just for you. I had a doTERRA class online, which enriches your brain. I went to the dentist for the first time in 4 years. I had my first mammogram. I also did one of those at home colon cancer tests and blood screening tests too. I met with my psychiatric RN. I also spent a lot of time going through all of our things and throwing away un-useful things and setting aside things we don’t need for The Red Hat. All while praying for my uncle that had a hip replacement and my aunt that had a much needed breast reduction; they are doing very well.

I really enjoyed my experience with my new stylist. Her name is Taylor Daines and she works at Wild Aces Salon in Kelso, Washington. She is a transplant from Las Vegas. I heard of her in the Longview Rainbow Group on Facebook. Someone posted a picture of their hair and a review and I thought I would give her a shot since the last person that cut my hair didn’t return my messages. Taylor is very sweet and the shop is very eclectic. She prefers to just cut hair, but she can color as well. If you want to make an appointment find Taylor Daines online. Did I mention she also keeps her own bees?

I have no really good reason for missing my teeth cleanings for 4 years. I just don’t like going to the dentist. I made a huge mistake and I am going to pay for it. I have insurance coverage but it only covers cleanings and X-rays. The last dentist I saw told me my impacted wisdom teeth were not a problem but that wasn’t true then and it isn’t true, especially now. After Karen G Clemenson gets her insurance figured out and it is my secondary insurance I will be able to get my 2 impacted wisdom teeth removed, plus one molar that was ruined by one of the wisdom teeth and then have a filling in another tooth that has a cavity from pressure from the other wisdom tooth and then one more filling I earned on my own. All in all, I need 3 teeth removed and 2 filings. At first I had a vanity moment, but then I thought about it. My wisdom teeth are impacted and I have never used them. The one molar is on my left side where I have trigeminal neuralgia and I don’t chew on that side of my mouth as it is, so I guess it works out ok for me. The dentist said that my mouth is too small for implants so that isn’t even an option (you have to have enough room for the implant and the drill at the same time and I don’t). Overall in 47 years to have only 3 cavities, and 1 is from a tooth I can’t clean. I think that is a pretty good history. The hygienist did say that I do a really good job cleaning my teeth. She was really surprised with how little buildup there was after 4 years of not having my teeth cleaned…Yes I have my next cleaning already scheduled.

I have fought against a mammogram for several years. I hate being touched my strangers. I have issues with being naked in front of people. Mammograms do not sound fun or pain free. My breasts have not changed ever…I ran out of excuses and finally sucked it up last week. The Kearney Breast Center at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center is probably the most pleasant place you can go for a mammogram. I have been to most of the departments there and this one is about comfort. The walls are painted in a pleasant magenta and are covered in beautiful art prints. The furniture is comfortable. The dressing rooms are roomy and pleasant. The lighting is calming. The music is soothing. The staff is soft spoken, professional, patient and gentle. My only complaint is that when you have chronic pain in your rib cage, leaning into the hard plastic machines is very painful. Also my sister, Jamie Holloway, who was given much larger breasts than I was, said it was not painful. My answer to her is that when you have small breasts, they have to stretch them…I will let your imagination answer what I think about that. The upside…I don’t have breast cancer. Thank You Jesus!

My primary has been trying to get me to do the colon cancer screening for 2 years. She finally said I had two choices: colonoscopy or the take home test. So I gave in. Both sound disgusting to me but the latter sounds less painful. The take home test was mailed to me and included a blood test but I wasn’t sure what was for. I made it through the process. In a week I got a letter back that I don’t have color cancer and my A1c is 7.11%. I am thankful that I don’t have colon cancer. I am also thankful that my A1c is down. The last time my primary checked it, it was 7.25% so the changes I am working on, are making a difference. Thank You Jesus!

I met with my Psychiatric RN yesterday. We were supposed to meet a couple of weeks ago but he got sick and we had to reschedule. A few weeks ago I was going to ask him to increase my meds. I was going through a terrible time dealing with a huge loss and it was wreaking havoc on my ability to manage my life. But I have accepted the loss of those things and made it through. When I told him that he suggested that we can try some anti-anxiety meds that I can have with me for trouble times that happen. I would only take these pills during extreme times. I want to think about this. I already take a lot of meds. Also Karen found a file that has medical information in it from the beginning. It may have the list of meds that we tried in the beginning that made me suicidal. I don’t remember the names of the meds so this list is important. I would like to have time to go through this file and be able to share this information with my Psychiatric RN so that we don’t end up taking a step backwards. We will be meeting that last week of December. We have paid the $7500 for the year that my insurance requires so my meds are less expensive now so we can get a lower price to start out too.

Cleaning out unnecessary things is a good way to make room for change. It is also a good way to find things you have lost. We have found so many important things in this room and even in the car…Karen has been going through the car and found so many useful things out there too! But we have also found things we don’t need to keep anymore. It is good to get rid of the things that don’t fit anymore or you aren’t using anymore or don’t mean anything to you like they once did. It helps to clear the air. It also makes room for creativity which is always my goal.

Later this week I will be going to Vancouver to have an MRI on my abdomen to see if the endometrial cancer in my uterus has grown. So far it has not, that we know of. My doctor is hoping to have me lose as much weight as possible before my hysterectomy so if the cancer has not spread we will probably wait until the New Year for my surgery. I do feel as though I have lost weight. My clothes are fitting differently and I feel like my shape is changing. I haven’t had a chance to weigh in for a month or so. I am sure they will weigh me before the MRI so maybe I will know more then. I have an appointment with my primary in mid November but she may be able to get me in sooner, if there is a cancellation. I think the Mounjaro is helping and we will probably increase the dose when I see my primary.

I can’t control what other people are going to do, but I can control me and I control my surroundings. This is what mentally healthy people do. Not everyone has to disconnect from their extended families but I did. I knew when I got cancer, I had to choose me. It was a very hard choice. I tried a trial run but when I tried to re-engage it didn’t work. I can’t make anyone forgive me and give me a clean slate. I can’t make anyone choose good mental health. I can’t make anyone love me the way I want to be loved. But I can love myself and I can celebrate healthy relationships as they come. I can also let unhealthy ones go as necessary.

So if this encourages you to get your health screenings, remove drama that is hurting you and make healthy boundaries and celebrate the successes in your life than I have been a success! Be blessed.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

7 Books for October 2023

by Summer D Clemenson | Oct 30, 2023 | Book & Product Reviews, Opinions

Happy October everyone. I hope you are enjoying the change of the season and that you don’t have too many aches and pains as the weather gets colder and wetter. Thankfully, I hear that it is supposed to dry for Halloween for the trick-or-treaters! Maybe after the kids have had their fill of candy, you can cuddle up with a good story, maybe it will be one of these 7 Books for October 2023:

The Kindest Red A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali

The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story! I didn’t want it to end. The Kindest Red A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad is a story about family and tradition, of kindness and connection. It is a sweat story about a little girl named Faizah and her day of using her kindness super power to make a good day great with the help of everyone around her.

Not only is the story engaging but the art by Hatem Aly are colorful and meaningful. I highly recommend this book.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of The Kindest Red A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali on Amazon.

The Berenstain Bears That’s So Rude by Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears: That’s So Rude! by Mike Berenstain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Reading The Berenstain Bears That’s So Rude by Mike Berenstain was like going back in time. I grew up with The Berenstain Bears so grabbing this book was very nostalgic for me. The illustrations are bright and fun. The story, however, seemed choppy and not very believable. It did have a good moral and everyone was back to their cheerful happy selves by the end.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of The Berenstain Bears by Mike Berenstain on Amazon.

Hoot Owl Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor

Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think this book needs to be read aloud by a comedian. It kind of has a Dana Carvey vibe. Hoot Owl Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor is a somewhat cute book if you aren’t wanting to teach children anything about real owls and you want to show them charming illustrations, such as those by Jean Jullien. Each time I thought the owl was going to do what an actual owl would really do, he put on a ridiculous costume and missed his prey until he finally got his beak on some pizza, which I don’t think is on a real owl’s diet. If you want a silly book, this is your book.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Hoot Owl Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor on Amazon.

Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton

Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think many of us can relate to someone bullying us at school or not understanding why we might love something they don’t. The coat that Dolly’s mom made for her, in Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton, made her feel warm and special even if the kids at school didn’t like it. Their response still hurt her though. This sweet story is very touching and the illustrations by Brooke Boynton-Hughes are just as precious.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton on Amazon.

Green Eyes by A. Birnbaum

By A. Birnbaum – Green Eyes (Family Storytime) (Reprint) (2011-01-26) [Paperback] by Abe Birnbaum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Green Eyes by A. Birnbaum is a Caldecott Honor Book. The book was written in 1953, however I believe it is still a great bed time story. The cadence is perfect for lulling a little one to sleep while telling the story of Green Eyes, the cat in his first year of life, as he describes the seasons while they change on the farm he lives on. The illustrations are simple and the colors are fun. This would be a book that would be easy to talk about animals and colors, seasons and growing, making this a good quiet conversation book before bed.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Green Eyes by A. Birnbaum on Amazon.

Big by Vashti Harrison

Big by Vashti Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a fat woman who was once a fat child this book hit home. Big by Vashti Harrison is an important book because some children are different and there is nothing they can do about it but they don’t deserve to be belittled or held back because of their differences. The fact that the child in this book was able to eventually let her feelings out and then give back the labels that people had given her that she didn’t feel fit who she really was is very empowering. No matter what makes us different, if we could learn to drop the negative things people try to put on us and hold onto what we know about ourselves, what a better world we would live in. What a powerful book this is. The illustrations are beautiful and very meaningful.

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Big by Vashti Harrison on Amazon.

Free At Last! The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Angela Bull

Free at Last: The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Angela Bull
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Free At Last! The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Angela Bull is not a light read. But it is a pretty good portrayal of history and one that would be a good conversation starter with older children. It has good photographs and illustrations and helpful tidbits of information about what was happening alongside Dr. King’s movement. With 6 chapters, this 47 page book is meant for proficient readers.

View all my reviews

I got this book from the Longview Public Library. You can get your own copy of Free At Last! The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Angela Bull on Amazon.

I hope you are inspired by any of these books. Do you ever think about reading these books with your children or just with yourself? Or maybe pick out your own. Let me know!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

Subscribe to Email Updates

Please wait...

Want to be notified when a new article is published? Enter your email address and name below to be the first to know.

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Read My Review on GoodReads:

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Tarot can be used for:

Tarot can help with:

Read My Review on GoodReads:

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

A Walk In the Woods by Nikki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney

The Song That Called Them Home by David A Robertson

Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler

Jenny Mei Is Sad by Tracy Subisak

Sulwe by Lupita Nyongo

Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo

Giant Pants by Mark Fearing

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Read My Review on GoodReads:

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Green on Green by Dianne White

Clifford’s Manners by Norman Bridwell

The Proudest Blue A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Wild Blue: Taming a Big-Kid Bike by Dashka Slater

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

Jump In by Shadra Strickland

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Feel free to leave your comments below!

The Kindest Red A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali

The Berenstain Bears That’s So Rude by Mike Berenstain

Hoot Owl Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor

Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton

Green Eyes by A. Birnbaum

Big by Vashti Harrison

Free At Last! The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Angela Bull

Feel free to leave your comments below!

Categories

Subscribe to Email Updates

Subscribe to my Latest Posts