Shield Yourself

November 11, 2024

My memoir re healing from abuse is still being read. Here's one reader at a recent event.

Shield Yourself

November 11, 2024

Ken, who bought my book, has told me he found it very moving.

You know, once a book is out there, it’s forever … but I’m glad I wrote my memoir the way I did.

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September 16, 2024

School Reunion

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September 16, 2024

After my previous post, last month, I was inspired to write a poem. I think my August blog and this poem, below, vindicate any people who don’t feel like forgiveness. We all have a right to decide,

Shield Yourself

August 1, 2024

Don’t feel guilty if you cannot forgive!

Shield Yourself

August 1, 2024

You know how hurtful it was. You felt like a loser.

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July 31, 2024

Alice Munro protected her pedophile husband

Shield Yourself

July 31, 2024

Alice Munro protected her pedophile husband

Having read of the unspeakable skeletons in the closet of writer Alice Munro, I will never be able to re-read her books. I am one of those who cannot separate the art from the artist, at least not when it comes to this kind of crime: protecting a pedophile husband and berating her victimized child.

Shield Yourself

February 5, 2024

Let's celebrate Black History Month with a few songs

Shield Yourself

February 5, 2024

For Black History Month this year, I want to celebrate the continuing talent and success of Black singers. They have always been with us, and

Shield Yourself

December 19, 2023

Cyberbullying: a helpful webpage

Shield Yourself

December 19, 2023

I have written before about cyberbullying, but after hearing from a reader, I decided this problem needs to be raised again.

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September 26, 2023

Evidence that even now, Black children are met with discrimination (see clip)

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September 26, 2023

It has come to light that at a gymnastic event last year in Ireland, the only Black child in a line-up to receive medals was completely ignored.

Shield Yourself

August 7, 2023

Respect

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August 7, 2023

I saw this on social media somewhere (couldn’t find a writer’s name) and I felt it was worth repeating here.

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July 15, 2023

2023: The Medieval United States of America

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July 15, 2023

The bigoted and, in my opinion, the criminal Trump presidency has resulted in the termination of rights for the LGBTQ community.

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June 18, 2023

Hell Is For Children

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June 18, 2023

This is what I call a “social-awareness” song. It was written in 1980 by the American rock singer Pat Benatar, along with guitarist Neil Giraldo and bass player Roger Capps. The song is about child abuse and it was a hit on album-rock radio stations.

Shield Yourself

February 3, 2023

New rose named after one of UK’s first documented black gardeners

Shield Yourself

February 3, 2023

A flower is named after an 18th-century Black child

It’s Black History Month, and I am going to relay a story I read in The Guardian a couple of years ago. It’s about a new rose named after the first Black gardener in the UK (the link is below).

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December 28, 2022

Solving the issue of bullying and delinquency in schools

Shield Yourself

December 28, 2022

This is not a problem that can be resolved by teachers alone. It requires the team efforts of parents, school boards and community organizations to step in and take action.

Shield Yourself

November 3, 2022

Need encouragement? Here's a perfect and poetic film for you to watch and listen to

Shield Yourself

November 3, 2022

I recently came across this audio/video clip by Scott Alderson (link at bottom). I believe anyone who’s been bullied in any way will relate to this. Just 12 minutes long

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September 5, 2022

My saviours

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September 5, 2022

When life was hell evading sibling abuse at home and racism for ten years from Grade 5 to the middle of university (racial slurs, pranks and physical abuse), two angels graced my path.

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August 22, 2022

Catching up with Cousin Lou at a family barbecue in 2015

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August 22, 2022

This is a true story by Peta-Gaye Nash. When I read it I felt tears, for it truly shows what it’s like for people of colour living in Canada … and by extension, of course, living in the US, Europe and many other places.

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May 15, 2022

How others treat you reveals who they are

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May 15, 2022

This is a personal story I’d like to share with you. It happened years ago, but is one of these experiences I never forgot, especially because the person I was with suddenly changed his opinion of colleagues he previously had held in high esteem.

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March 5, 2022

Show a little kindness: hear the love, in song

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March 5, 2022

Positive vibes raise positive people. Listen to Jann Arden and the school kids here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GzLHgdz4ag

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February 6, 2022

Alvin B. Aberdeen Duncan: An important member of Canada's Black community in Oakville

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February 6, 2022

For Black History Month, I found this posted on Veterans Affairs Canada.

Born on February 27, 1913 in Oakville, ON, Alvin B Aberdeen Duncan was a confident individual with a charming smile and an outgoing nature.

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December 21, 2021

My newsletter Over The Garden Fence - third edition

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December 21, 2021

November’s Remembrance Day issue attached.

Music clips, film excerpts, pictures, articles and art.

You can download the 18-page PDF from here:

https://ragdollsandrage.com/remembrance-day-edition-of-my-free-newsletter/

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November 5, 2021

Do we even know what privilege is?

Shield Yourself

November 5, 2021

There are too many middle class and upper class individuals who assume they achieved what they did through their own intelligence and hard work. They are in management, or are entrepreneurs, or perhaps the CFO in their family business.