Anthony Turner
Anthony Turner is a survivor of foster care. He has partnered with Life From the Ashes and invites you to visit his website and check out his pod cast. This Podcast is about my experiences in the Foster Care System. I share vulnerable stories about how I navigated the Foster Care System in NYC andContinue reading “Anthony Turner”
Garden Planning Step 3
The the third step to planning your garden is mapping out exactly where you plan on planting your plants. This year I am planting two gardens. My daughters are in charge of their school garden and I am planting our home garden. Due to the complexities of managing two large gardens it is vitally importantContinue reading “Garden Planning Step 3”
For the Love of Plants STOP! Planning Your Garden Part Two
Your Murdering Your Plants….. All of us have encountered someone in our lives whom we just couldn’t stand. For some reason they way they walk, talk, laugh, smile…. It just irritates us. They zap us of our energy. Thank goodness for friends, people who energize us and make us feel good about ourselves. Did youContinue reading “For the Love of Plants STOP! Planning Your Garden Part Two”
Pumpkin Chips
This is the recipe I use for my odd ball pumpkins which do not grow big enough for me to make anything out of them. Ingredients:Small to medium sized pumpkinscinnamonpaprikaonion powderOlive oil or vegetable oil Step 1: Wash pumpkins (optional, peel them). Step 2:Cut Pumpkins open and remove seeds (you don’t have to remove theContinue reading “Pumpkin Chips”
Pumpkin Seeds Roasted and Dehydrated
Ingredients:6 Cups of Pumpkin Seeds1 Cup of Salt (about 1 Tbls per cup) Step 1:For roasted pumpkin seeds I prefer the seeds found in the smaller pie pumpkins. They roast easier and are less likely to burn. If you are using a dehydrator (my personal preference) large and small pumpkin seeds both work well. RemoveContinue reading “Pumpkin Seeds Roasted and Dehydrated”
Canning Pumpkin
We can Pumpkin and squash in order to enjoy our harvest year round, without the worry of checking on the squash of pumpkins to make sure they have not gone bad. Canned pumpkin can be used to make pumpkin pie and other squash dishes. Ingredients:Pie PumpkinsWater Step 1: Wash the pumpkins and peel off theContinue reading “Canning Pumpkin”
Pumpkin Spice Chips
Ingredients:Pie Pumpkins (small pumpkins)SaltCinnamonNutmegOlive oil or vegetable oil Step 1: Wash pumpkins and peel them. Step 2:Cut Pumpkins open and remove seeds. Click here for a pumpkin spice pumpkin seed recipe , click here for a regular pumpkin seed recipe. Discard the stringy pumpkin guts and save the pumpkin seeds if you plan on makingContinue reading “Pumpkin Spice Chips”
Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients:6 Cups of Pumpkin Seeds1 Cup of Salt (about 1 Tbls per cup)NutmegCinnamon Step 1:For roasted pumpkin seeds I prefer the seeds found in the smaller pie pumpkins. They roast easier and are less likely to burn. Remove seeds from your pumpkin. Get the seeds out of from the pumpkin guts and place in aContinue reading “Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Seeds”
Roasted Sunflower Seeds
Ingredients:6 cups of sunflower seeds1 Cup of Salt Step 1: We grow our own sunflower every year. For us, obtaining sunflower seeds is a simple as walking out into our yard. Others may need to look for local farmers or farmers markets which provide sunflower heads.Obtaining sunflower’s is the hardest part of this step. OnceContinue reading “Roasted Sunflower Seeds”
Plum Pie Filling
Ingredients:2lbs of plum1tbls Citric Acid2 Cups of Brown Sugar (you can use white)1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1/2 tsp salt1/2 Cup of Clear Jel1/4 cup water Before you begin working with the food, prep all of your materials.Fill your caner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are readyContinue reading “Plum Pie Filling”
Storing Zucchini
One of my husbands, and daughters, favorite treats is Zucchini bread. The hard part about growing your own is they come in fast and it is not possible to eat them all before they go bad. This last year, I learned that our ancestors dried squash during the summer to eat during the winter. ThisContinue reading “Storing Zucchini”
Drying and Storing Cherries
My husband and I each prefer different types of cherries. He loves the tart and I love the sweet. The photos in this entry are of both types. The red cherries are tart, the yellow cherries are sweet. Dehydrated cherries go well in breads, cakes and oatmeal. They also make a yummy snack and canContinue reading “Drying and Storing Cherries”
Cherry Pie Filling
Recipe is for 7 Quart Jars Ingredients:6 Quarts of Cherries7 Cups of Sugar1 3/4 cups of clear jel9 1/3 cups cold water1/2 cup lemon juice1tsp cinnamon(optional)1tsp Almond Extract (optional) Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your caner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it isContinue reading “Cherry Pie Filling”
Cherry Drizzle
Drizzle’s are my favorite way to can because they can be used in many ways. Drizzle’s can be used in place of sugar in recipes (i.e. one cup sugar = 1 cup drizzle). In my house we use drizzle’s for baking, cakes, syrup, salad dressing, oatmeal and more. Ingredients:This recipe makes 6 pint jars ofContinue reading “Cherry Drizzle”
Cherry Jam
Ingredients:This recipe makes 6 pint jars of jam. 5lbs cherries2 and 1/2oz powdered fruit pectin1 teaspoon butter7 1/2 cups of sugar. Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your caner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. WashContinue reading “Cherry Jam”
Home Make Maraschino Cherries
If you like ingesting tons of toxic chemicals than store bought Maraschino Cherries are for you. If you prefer your food to be chemical free, this recipe is for you. It will take you a total of 3 days to complete this recipe. Ingredients:6lbs pitted cherriesFor the Brine: 4 Quarts Water and 2 Tbls PickelingContinue reading “Home Make Maraschino Cherries”
DIY Cherry Pit (Cherry Stone) Pack
Instead of paying a ridiculous amount of money for those heat and cold “therapy pillows” at pharmacies, this a simple way to make one for yourself at home. Once you are done making this:For a warm pack: heat the inner cherry stone pouch for 2-3 minutes in the microwave. The pack will stay warm forContinue reading “DIY Cherry Pit (Cherry Stone) Pack”
Fermented / Pickled Turnips and Beets
Ingredients for a 2 Quart Jar About Four Pounds of Beets and Turnips4 Tablespoons Pickling Salt4 cloves of garlic2 teaspoon dill seeds4 sprigs of fresh dill2 Bay Leaf (One per jar)4 Cups Distilled Water4 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar Instructions Step 1. Turnips and Beets in cold water and vinegar. Step 2. Wash jars thoroughly. StepContinue reading “Fermented / Pickled Turnips and Beets”
How to Make Sweet Dill Pickles Without Fermenting
This recipe should fill 4 pint jars. Ingredients:3 lbs cucumbers8 cloves of garlic4 teaspoons dill seeds8 sprigs of fresh dill2 cup apple cider vinegar2 cup water2 Cups Sugar3 tablespoons pickling salt Instructions: Step 1: Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready toContinue reading “How to Make Sweet Dill Pickles Without Fermenting”
How to Make Pickles Without Fermenting
This recipe is for 2 large pint jars. Ingredients:1 1/2 lbs cucumbers4 cloves of garlic2 teaspoons dill seeds4 sprigs of fresh dill1 cup apple cider vinegar1 cup water1 1/2 tablespoons pickling salt Instructions: Step 1: Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are readyContinue reading “How to Make Pickles Without Fermenting”
How to Ferment Cucumbers
Ingredients for a 1 Quart Jar Three too four medium sized cucumbers2 Tablespoons Pickling Salt2 cloves of garlic1 teaspoon dill seeds2 sprigs of fresh dill1 teaspoon coriander 4 Cups Distilled Water4 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar Instructions Step 1. Wash Cucumbers in cold water and vinegar. Step 2. Wash jars thoroughly. Step 3. Place ingredients /Continue reading “How to Ferment Cucumbers”
Peach Drizzle
Drizzle’s are my favorite way to can because they can be used in many ways. Drizzle’s can be used in place of sugar in recipes (i.e. one cup sugar = 1 cup drizzle). In my house we use drizzle’s for baking, cakes, syrup, salad dressing, oatmeal and more. Ingredients:9 quarts of peaches.8 Cups Brown Sugar1/4Continue reading “Peach Drizzle”
Dried Peaches
Dehydrating fruits is my favorite way to store them for later use. Dehydrated peaches can be used for oatmeal, cakes and more. Step One: Wash peaches in cold water and vinegar. Step Two:Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the peaces into the pot to boil for 5 minuets. While the peachesContinue reading “Dried Peaches”
DIY Peach Pit Art
This year, while canning over 40lbs of peaches, I found myself feeling like throwing away Peach Pits was kind of a waste. I guess my old foster grandams constant “waste not want not” sunk in further than I thought. I did a Google Search of Peach Pit art and did find quite a few uniqueContinue reading “DIY Peach Pit Art”
Peaches
Ingredients:8lbs of peaches3 Cups of Sugar8 Cups of water Directions: Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. Wash your jars, and lids, in soap and water. Most recipes youContinue reading “Peaches”
Dehydrating Catnip
Cut catnip in the early morning. This will ensure they have the most taste. Leave at least two inches of the plant behind for continual growth. Wash Catnip in cold water and vinegar. There are two options for this next step. Option 1. Take the leaves off of the stems place in dehydrator at 130Continue reading “Dehydrating Catnip”
Dehydrating Summer Squash
One of my husbands, and daughters, favorite meals is fried summer squash. The hard part about growing your own is they come in fast and it is not possible to eat them all before they go bad. This last year, I learned that our ancestors dried squash during the summer to eat during the winter.Continue reading “Dehydrating Summer Squash”
Blueberry Gummies
This is a simple recipe for making fruit chews / gummies from fruits you pick yourself. They are a safer alternative to the chemical laden and fruit flavored gummies you buy in stores. Ingredients:1/4 Cup + 2tsp Clear-Jel1/2 Cup Sugar or 1/3 cup honey1 1/3 Cup Blueberries1Tbsp lemon juice (optional) Step 1. PrepDepending on theContinue reading “Blueberry Gummies”
Blueberry Syrup
Ingredients:9 quarts of blueberries.8 Cups Brown Sugar1/4 cup lemon juice1tsp Vanilla Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. Wash your four quart jars, and lids, in soap and water. Most recipes you see on line will tell you to cleanContinue reading “Blueberry Syrup”
Dried Blueberries
Dehydrating fruits is my favorite way to store them for later use. Dehydrated blueberries can be used for oatmeal, cakes and more. There are two ways to dehydrate blueberries. The more difficult way, which includes blanching the berries, I have found results in better flavor. I have listed both below. Step one for both options:Continue reading “Dried Blueberries”
Dehydrating Rosemary
Cut Rosemary in the early morning. This will ensure they have the most taste. Cut leaves from the bottom of the plant and leave the ones on the top. Wash Rosemary in cold water and vinegar. Place in dehydrator at 130 degrees. They will be done in 1-3 hours, depending on your dehydrator. Once dehydratingContinue reading “Dehydrating Rosemary”
Dehydrating Basil
Cut Basil in the early morning. This will ensure they have the most taste. Cut leaves from the bottom of the plant and leave the ones on the top. Wash Basil in cold water and vinegar. Place in dehydrator at 130 degrees. They will be done in 1-3 hours, depending on your dehydrator. Once dehydratingContinue reading “Dehydrating Basil”
Dehydrating Sage
Cut Sage in the early morning. This will ensure they have the most taste. Cut leaves from the bottom or cut green stems only. Wash Sage in cold water and vinegar. There are two options for this next step. Option 1. Take the leaves off of the stems place in dehydrator at 130 degrees. TheyContinue reading “Dehydrating Sage”
Dehydrating Mint
Cut mint in the early morning. This will ensure they have the most taste. Leave at least two inches of the plant behind for continual growth. Wash Mint in cold water and vinegar. There are two options for this next step. Option 1. Take the leaves off of the stems place in dehydrator at 130Continue reading “Dehydrating Mint”
Blueberry Preserves
Ingredients:5 Cups of blueberries2 1/2 Cups of Sugar2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice Instructions: Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. Wash your jars, and lids, in soap and water. MostContinue reading “Blueberry Preserves”
Blueberry Drizzle
Drizzle’s are my favorite way to can because they can be used in many ways. Drizzle’s can be used in place of sugar in recipes (i.e. one cup sugar = 1 cup drizzle). In my house we use drizzle’s for baking, cakes, syrup, salad dressing, oatmeal and more. Ingredients:12 Cups of blueberries8 Cups of Sugar4Continue reading “Blueberry Drizzle”
Blueberry Jam
Ingredients:6 Cups of blueberries4 Cups of Sugar2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice1 packet of SureGel Instructions: Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. Wash your jars, and lids, in soap andContinue reading “Blueberry Jam”
Melon Gummies
This is a simple recipe for making fruit chews / gummies from fruits you pick yourself. They are a safer alternative to the chemical laden and fruit flavored gummies you buy in stores. Ingredients:1/4 Cup + 2tsp Clear-Jel1/3 Cup Honey1 1/3 Cup Melon1Tbsp lemon juice (optional) Step 1. PrepDepending on the type of dehydrator youContinue reading “Melon Gummies”
Blueberry Pie Filling
Ingredients: 7 Cups of Blueberries3/4 Cup ClearJel2 Cups Cold Water2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice7 Cups of Sugar Instructions: Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. Wash your jars, and lids,Continue reading “Blueberry Pie Filling”
Dehydrating Oregano
Cut oregano in the early morning. This will ensure they have the most taste. Leave at least two inches of the plant behind for continual growth. Wash oregano in cold water and vinegar. There are two options for this next step. Option 1. Take the leaves off of the stems place in dehydrator at 130Continue reading “Dehydrating Oregano”
Dehydrating Potatoes
Potatoes are one of those staple foods that is good to have on hand, but can be a pain to store. As a bargain shopper, I used to fall into the trap of buying bulk potatoes, when they were on sale, and then I would be frustrated a month later when they were going badContinue reading “Dehydrating Potatoes”
Teen Dating Violence. Facts All Parents and Teens Should Know
Prevalence of Teenage Dating Violence Social media, television shows, and Hollywood movies portray the teen years as the time in which adolescents begin exploring the world of romance by engaging in innocent dating relationships. The media depiction of teen romance is accurate when reviewing research that indicates 61% of teen’s ages 13 through 18 wereContinue reading “Teen Dating Violence. Facts All Parents and Teens Should Know”
College Dropout Rates Highest for Minorities, Foster Youth, Low Income Students, and First Generation Students.
As promised I am sharing my research with those of you who work with foster programs and other orgs that help the disadvantaged. This is only a portion of the paper since much of the research is locally based. I put some of the graphs from the appendix in here from the national findings. TheContinue reading “College Dropout Rates Highest for Minorities, Foster Youth, Low Income Students, and First Generation Students.”
Have You Loved Your Neighbor Today?
It has been a while since I have written a ‘passionate’ Note about my thoughts of the goings on in the world. Over the last month a few people have asked me what caused my loss of ‘idealism’ and lack of stance on issues I used to shout about from my soap box. I writeContinue reading “Have You Loved Your Neighbor Today?”
Pickled Green Beans
Ingredients:4 Cloves of Garlic 4 fresh dill heads OR 1tbls dill seed2 tsp black peppercorns4 bay leaf3 tbls pickling salt6 cups of water Before you begin wash the large jar you will be using. Step 1: Place garlic, dill, peppercorns and bay leaf in the bottom of the jar. Step 2: Wash beans in waterContinue reading “Pickled Green Beans”
Help Us Help Children Grow
About a month ago, my kids watched the documentary The Need to Grow. After watching the documentary Arabelle began dreaming about making a school garden. I had reached out to our school principal and asked her if Elmore had a garden. Three days ago Mrs. Norman showed us the remnants of what was once anContinue reading “Help Us Help Children Grow”
Welfare VS Unemployment a former Foster Perspective
I wrote this, back in 2008, 2 years after being homeless. Twelve years later I still agree with this, for the most part. Since writing this I have learned more about the complexities of our society and have, what I would like to think, is a bit more of a refined view. For those ofContinue reading “Welfare VS Unemployment a former Foster Perspective”
Dehydrating Chives
Cut chives in the early morning. This will ensure they have the most taste. Leave at least two inches of the plant behind for continual growth. Wash chives in cold water and vinegar. Cut chives into small pieces and place in dehydrator at 130 degrees. They will be done in 4-8 hours, depending on yourContinue reading “Dehydrating Chives”
Pickled Turnips and Beets
Ingredients:3 Cups Water1/3 Cup Pickling Salt2 Bay Leaves1 1/2 Cup White Vinegar2lbs Turnips1lb beets2 Cloves of Garlic Step 1. Wash beets and turnips in vinegar and water. Step 2. Slice beets and turnips. Rough Chop Garlic. Step 3. In large container place garlic, turnips and beets . Step 4: In pot add water, salt, bayContinue reading “Pickled Turnips and Beets”
How to Make Mulberry Gummies
This is a simple recipe for making fruit chews / gummies from fruits you pick yourself. They are a safer alternative to the chemical laden and fruit flavored gummies you buy in stores. Ingredients: 1/4 Cup + 2tsp Clear-Jel1/3 Cup Honey1 1/3 Cup Mulberriess1Tbsp lemon juice (optional) Step 1. PrepDepending on the type of dehydratorContinue reading “How to Make Mulberry Gummies”
How to Make Cotton Masks
When the first Covid-19 Isolation took place, back in March, I made a total of 1436 masks for medical professionals and community members. With mandatory mask ordinances happening around the country, and two ply cotton masks having been found to be the most effective, I wanted to share my simple way for making masks. ThereContinue reading “How to Make Cotton Masks”
Irish Moss
I have decided to keep track of the unique plants we plant that can be used for food. This way as my friends begin to plant their own gardens I hope these notes will help them with their own garden and home cooking plans. As I go about processing the plants I will add notesContinue reading “Irish Moss”
About Me
Hi, I’m Elizabeth. I am a wife, mother, gardener, adjunct professor, philosopher, former foster child, former homeless adult and Master in Social Work. My blog covers all the things listed above!
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Dehydrating Garlic Chives
Cut chives in the early morning. This will ensure they have the most taste. Leave at least two inches of the plant behind for continual growth. Wash chives in cold water and vinegar. Cut chives into small pieces and place in dehydrator at 130 degrees. They will be done in 4-8 hours, depending on yourContinue reading “Dehydrating Garlic Chives”
Dried Strawberries
This is, by far, the easiest thing you can do to enjoy strawberries all year long. My kids add dried strawberries to their oatmeal, or eat them like chips.Step 1. Buy as many strawberries as you want. Step 2. Wash Strawberries in cold water and Vinegar. Step 3. Air Dry of Dehydrate A. Slice strawberriesContinue reading “Dried Strawberries”
Strawberry Pie Filling
Strawberry Pie FillingIngredients:8lb Strawberries4 Cups Sugar 1. slice strawberries into large chunks. Place strawberries in a large bowl and cover in sugar. Place in the refrigerator for an hour. 2. While the strawberries are chilling fill your canning pan with water and bring to a rolling boil. While the water is boiling thoroughly wash allContinue reading “Strawberry Pie Filling”
Strawberry Syrup
Ingredients:9 quarts of strawberries.8 Cups Brown Sugar1/4 cup lemon juice1tsp Vanilla Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. Wash your four quart jars, and lids, in soap and water. Most recipes you see on line will tell you to cleanContinue reading “Strawberry Syrup”
Strawberry Jam
Ingredients:12 Cups Sliced Strawberries1/4 cup lemon juice6 tablespoons pectin or 2 packs of Suregel.7 Cups of granulated sugar Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. Wash your four quartContinue reading “Strawberry Jam”
Strawberry Drizzle
Personally, I prefer drizzle’s to Jams and Jellies. Drizzle is still in a liquid state and can be used as flavoring for breads, cakes, drinks, ice creams and more. Drizzle’s are my favorite way to can because they can be used in many ways. Drizzle’s can be used in place of sugar in recipes (i.e.Continue reading “Strawberry Drizzle”
Rhubarb Jam
Ingredients: 4lb rhubarb3tbls lemon1 packet surjel (pectin)8cups sugar Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. Wash your four quart jars, and lids, in soap and water. Most recipes youContinue reading “Rhubarb Jam”
Mulberry Jam
This Recipe makes 6 8oz jars. Ingredients: 6 cups mulberries2 cups of water1 cup sugar1/2 cup lemon juice2 Packages of Pectin Before you begin working with the food prep all of your materials.Fill your canner bath with water and turn on the heat so that it is boiling when you are ready to can. WashContinue reading “Mulberry Jam”
Mulberry Apple Orange Drizzle
Personally, I prefer drizzle’s to Jams and Jellies. Drizzle is still in a liquid state and can be used as flavoring for breads, cakes, drinks, ice creams and more. Drizzle’s are my favorite way to can because they can be used in many ways. Drizzle’s can be used in place of sugar in recipes (i.e.Continue reading “Mulberry Apple Orange Drizzle”
Fourth Foster Home Part 2. Freshmen in High School.
December 31, 2000 Age 15. Well, here I sit in my room on another New Year’s Eve. I can’t believe the year is over so quickly. I did it. I survived another year. No broken bones this time around either. I sure did a lot this year. I’m sorry, I can’t write at the moment. Continue reading “Fourth Foster Home Part 2. Freshmen in High School.”
Teaching Youth About Racism and Racial Inequality Issues.
Over the last month I have had a few people reach out to me asking me about resources for teaching kids about Racism. I have decided to share that information here for others who may be interested. I am going to break this post into 4 sections. First, the list of resources I have accumulatedContinue reading “Teaching Youth About Racism and Racial Inequality Issues.”
Mulberry Rhubarb Orange Drizzle
Personally, I prefer drizzle’s to Jams and Jellies. Drizzle is still in a liquid state and can be used as flavoring for breads, cakes, drinks, ice creams and more. Drizzle’s are my favorite way to can because they can be used in many ways. Drizzle’s can be used in place of sugar in recipes (i.e.Continue reading “Mulberry Rhubarb Orange Drizzle”
Dilly Bean Recipe
My favorite part of summer is here! Harvest time. At our house harvest time starts in the middle of June and lasts through October. Yesterday we enjoyed our first harvest of beans. We were able to get 5 lbs out of the first batch. Our bean harvest typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks so weContinue reading “Dilly Bean Recipe”
My 22 year old view on Love and Relationships
For those of you following this blog for the diary entries from my time in foster care, there are more coming. It takes a while to type them up. This is an old Facebook rant. My view on Love and Relationships March 4, 2008 at 12:58 PM I would like to start off by sayingContinue reading “My 22 year old view on Love and Relationships”
A Desperate Cry from a Family-less 22 Year Old.
For those of you following this blog for the diary entries from my time in foster care, there are more coming. It takes a while to type them up. Below is a post I wrote on Facebook back in 2008. Pathetic rant January 16, 2008 at 2:29 AM I try to be the person youContinue reading “A Desperate Cry from a Family-less 22 Year Old.”
Every moment before this one is dependent on this one.
I wish I had remembered this note existed when I was in graduate school and we were learning about trauma. When reading through this I found so many things I was struggling with relate to known psychological ramifications of attachment issues and trauma. I hope this is useful to those of you following this siteContinue reading “Every moment before this one is dependent on this one.”
Vampires Global Warming and Politics
Today, when going through my old Facebook notes, this old gem gave me a chuckle. Fun part: Apparently 22 year old me and my current self have the same sense of humor and random thought streams. Sad part: It has been 13 years and both parties are still doing the exact same thing. Have weContinue reading “Vampires Global Warming and Politics”
Foster Village Dream, Help / Information Needed
Since my late teens, I have had a dream of creating a “ranch” type of home for foster youth. My dream has always been to find a large area of land with a river, woods and fields that I could turn into a nature haven for kids in foster care and foster parents. What IContinue reading “Foster Village Dream, Help / Information Needed”
4th Foster Home Part 1
I was moved to Green Bay, WI without a home assessment ever being done. Green Bay’s CPS department was never told about my arriving here. There were no home visits, no social worker check-ins. Dolores did not believe in psychology or psychiatry so she cut me off my anxiety medications (cold turkey) and did notContinue reading “4th Foster Home Part 1”
Freedom From Others or Of Others?
My thoughts on Freedom and Covid, with a nod to history.
Do we, as a nation, continue pointing to our founding fathers, twisting their words and ideals in a way to make our beliefs about freedom right?
Some Humor for Your Holiday
I have no idea who wrote this. It is hilarious. The only thing they missed with the Superbowl controversy over J Lo and Shakira. Dear Diary 2020 Edition, In January, Australia caught on fire. I don’t even know if that fire was put out, because we straight up almost went to war with Iran. WeContinue reading “Some Humor for Your Holiday”
Let’s Change the World. Submissions Welcome
Foster Parents, former fosters, social workers, parents, survivors of child abuse and others related to the foster care system. Do you have a story to tell? Do you have ideas as to what changes in the system can make things better? I have designed my website with the hope of being able to share yourContinue reading “Let’s Change the World. Submissions Welcome”
College Bridge Program for Former Fosters
In 2014, I worked with an admissions counselor at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay to design a program which would increase the college application rates, retention rates, GPS’s and graduation rates of former foster youth. This program was looked at by many, including individuals at NWTC. It was decided the resources were not thereContinue reading “College Bridge Program for Former Fosters”
Life Skill Group for Foster Youth
Over the years I have spent a lot of time pondering the ways foster youth, specifically teenagers, can be better prepared for entering the adult world. This is a Life Skills group idea I came up with. Professionals working in the field of child welfare have spent decades amassing countless research which indicates theContinue reading “Life Skill Group for Foster Youth”
Our City Garden
We currently live in a time of crisis. Within 60 years there will not be any farmable soil left on this earth. If things do not change, within our life time we will see mass starvation and our species will be brought close to extinction. My guess is that most of you reading this alreadyContinue reading “Our City Garden”
Anonymous Story
This story was shared with me by a survivor of extreme childhood abuse. She was never “rescued” into foster care, but her siblings were. At the end of this post she leaves a note for kids currently in the foster system today. My name is anonymous, and this is my story. I was never aContinue reading “Anonymous Story”
Impacts of Foster Youth Transitional Living Programs
Introduction According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) (2008), the primary mission of social workers is to enhance the lives of individuals who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty. One of the most vulnerable, poverty stricken, and overlooked populations in the United States today is comprised of former foster children thatContinue reading “Impacts of Foster Youth Transitional Living Programs”
Third Foster Home Diary Entries Age 14
Before you, the reader read these entries, I wanted you to know that there are some very upsetting things you will read about in here in relation to the foster setting. Over a decade after I wrote these entries I found out that Sunshine, one of my social workers, did believe what I told herContinue reading “Third Foster Home Diary Entries Age 14”
Failed Reunification. Age 14 Diary Entries
July 10, 1999 Age 14 I can’t believe it. I’m actually home. This morning when I got up Mitch and Jene had a little talk with me about how all good things must end. Then they all helped me load my stuff. They also gave me my mattress, the dolphin sheets, and bedspread. When momContinue reading “Failed Reunification. Age 14 Diary Entries”
Problems stemming from the Adoption and Safe Families Act.
I wrote this paper, a few years ago, in grad school. It takes an in-depth look into the history of foster care, the introduction of the Adoption and Safe Families Act and the negative consequences this act has had on foster youth. Negative impacts include high levels of homelessness, poverty, drug abuse and mental healthContinue reading “Problems stemming from the Adoption and Safe Families Act.”
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Mental Health
Each year, an estimated six-million youth experience child abuse (Child Help, 2014), and an estimated ten million children witness domestic violence (Children’s Bureau, 2003). Of reported cases of child abuse, 64% of mothers and 36.8% of the fathers are found to be the main perpetrators (Children’s Bureau, 2006). More than four children die every dayContinue reading “The Impact of Domestic Violence on Mental Health”
Foster Home #2. Ages 13 and 14
I have to say, this one was a hard read for me. I had typed these entries out 6 years ago and at that time I had not recognized how much anger and sadness was taking over the person I was because I still harbored some of that in 2013. Reading these entries anger theContinue reading “Foster Home #2. Ages 13 and 14”
First Foster Home Diary Entries, Age 13
As with my previous diary posts, I will be leaving my teen writings in tact. I have not edited out the mundane and just left her writings as they were. As with the previous post, some of these entries are the typical “silly things” you expect to see from a young teen, other posts takeContinue reading “First Foster Home Diary Entries, Age 13”
