Relapse Like You Never Expected

A lot of my old articles are coming up in my memories. Here's one of them.

Relapse Like You Never Expected

Newsblaze Contributor Donna Kshir

 -

Mon July 20, 2009

Eminem Launches Comeback

One day he was king of the rap scene, the next day he seemed to vanish almost into thin air. When Eminem left the rap game he was faced with the biggest decision of his life; trading his family for the stage. It was then he decided to fall back from the spotlight and remarry his childhood sweetheart Kim Scott. Both were short lived.

Dealing with drug dependency, the loss of his best friend, the break up of his second marriage, Eminem was literally drowning and adding to his dependency and addictions.

As Eminem launches his big comeback, he’s finally opening up for the first time since he left the spotlight and shunned the dark rumors of drug abuse and depression. The saddest part is many of those rumors just happened to be true, but now he’s back after surviving the demons of his own personal hell that almost cost him his life.

Yes! I said he’s back and he’s sober. Marshall Mathers is sober, after spending years of being high. I have to admit, he wears sobriety well. He’s lost a lot of weight and his appearance is quite youthful. His face tells a new story.

After a recent appearance on MTV, it was quite apparent he’s nervous and filled with fear facing his fans sober for the first time in years, but more importantly his blue eyes sparkle appearing eager and hungry, as the young rapper who emerged in 1999.

He makes his return with an album of dark, aggressive tales full of drug addiction, abuse and his own dark mortality.

“Relapse” is his darkest work, with visions of violence and mental disturbance. The second single, “3 a.m.,” finds him struggling and fighting for his life on a drug fueled killing spree.

Meet a drug crazed Eminem, face to face, alone, deep in the forest on a dark night, in a bad spirits presence that echoes overshadowing his mind and overpowering his every thought. He can’t think, he stumbles falling to the dirt covered ground. You are trapped in his world, unable to break free from his psychopathic mind for five full minutes of living hell.

Eminem sings, “It’s 3 a.m. in the morning, put my key in the door, bodies laying all over the floor and I don’t know how they got there, but I guess I must have killed them.”

Walk through Popsomp Hills rehab center with a psychopathic, drug addicted serial killer, as he’s in search and need of hardcore drugs. You will witness visions of horror, missing body parts, blood splattered walls and the kiss of death.

As your mind races, your heart paces, your palms begin to sweat and your body fills with fear, you have to determine if he is responsible for the murderous blackouts or just nightmarish visions of a blurred drug addict’s imagination.

Regardless of the reports, his ailing mother Debbie wants to squash their beef; Eminem shows no mercy in “My Mom.” Another Mariah Carey tale is the basics of “Bagpipes From Baghdad.” Lyrically and instrumentally “Crack A Bottle” is weak. “Old Times Sake” does not enlighten his abilities as an artist.

Proving himself once again was the track “Beautiful.” He invites the listener to walk in his shoes and live the daily pressures and pain that surround his life. I felt he was emptying his soul. I felt this was one song he did for himself, not caring what the rest of the world thinks. The song reveals the spirit of a true lyricist.

“Stay Wide Awake” is a valuable track for multiple reasons: the combination of instrumentals and his choice of powerful words combined make the flow remarkable. “Deja Vu” is powerful. He goes in depth of a father struggling with addiction, embracing death and failing to see it. During his journey he finds the courage to face and fight his demons that allow him come out of his darken depressed state stronger than ever.

On the album, his aggression and level of violence speaks for itself. He’s as numb as the effects of the prescription medications he consistently raps about. He’s cold, alone and distant, but using his music as his own personal therapy to complete the healing process.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Source: 

https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/music/relapse-like-you-never-expected_9898/

Perish a Child’s Nightmare

A lot of my old articles are coming up in my memories. Here's is one of them.  Perish a Child’s Nightmare 

Newblaze Contributor

Donna Kshir

 -

Wed July 22, 2009

These days, all we have to do is turn on the television and we are instantly invited into people’s lives. Whether it is Bret Michaels trying to find his Miss Rock of Love, Flavor Flav trying to find his flavor of the week or a movie on the Lifetime network surfacing around bad marriages, cheating spouses, alcohol and drug addiction or abuse. But what happens when the two hour program is over and you are faced with reality of your own life?

In April, I was introduced to an amazing woman named Sandra Potter. Sandra was different than any other person I have ever met. For a small framed woman, she had this will, drive and determination powerful enough to move mountains.

Sandra and I had several similarities and we immediately connected on many levels. We were both from small towns, mothers whose lives revolved around our children, but with all the similarities I was about to learn a difference between us that would forever change my life. She would open my eyes on many levels, including life after physical and sexual child abuse.

I will never forget the day Sandra confided in me that she took a stand after her own daughter’s innocence was stolen. Sandra came from a small country town and her mother and stepfather provided care for her young daughter. She felt comfortable knowing her child would be safe and out of harm’s way, being with family members, as she struggled working the night shift to help support her growing family.

One would think, if you can’t trust your own family, who can you trust, right? Wrong!

Sandra walked-in and caught her stepfather molesting her young daughter. It was the most horrific and traumatic moment of her life. Their lives were permanently changed by one man’s wrongful actions.

Sandra grabbed her daughter, wrapped her in a light blanket and rushed out the door. On the way to the police station Sandra’s young daughter looked and asked why she was crying. Sandra responded, Mommy’s just sad right now. It was then her baby girl placed her tiny hands on Sandra’s face and said, Mom, don’t cry, it’s okay…we were just playing our secret game. It was then Sandra’s heart sank! She wanted to die.

It was then Sandra questioned herself. How could I have not seen the signs? Why didn’t she tell me? How did I not know? Sandra’s questions were later replaced by guilt and blame.

From that day on, Sandra was no longer one of those parents who thought this type of thing would “never happen to me.” Their lives as they knew it had just been permanently changed.

Sandra felt every emotion possible and wanted this man to pay for what he did to her daughter. He confessed to molesting her little girl for three years. He was prosecuted and sentenced to 15 years in jail, but to a mother who’s daughter’s innocence was stolen, it wasn’t enough.

Wanting to make her stepfather pay for what he did, Sandra went out and purchased her very first handgun. Her intention; serving her own justice, but having a conscience she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Her child had already been through enough trauma, she couldn’t risk the outcome of a trial or a guilty conviction.

One would ask themselves if placed in this position, would a jury of my peers find me guilty? It depends… if any member of that jury would have walked in and witnessed what Sandra had witnessed that day.

Sandra is convinced if she I had known then, what she knows now, she would have seen the signs and she would have known something was wrong. She would have been able to stop the abuse, before it progressed as far as it did. She now knows and understands how hard it is to comprehend how or why anyone would ever want to hurt a child, but the reality is they do.

Did you know… Every 13 seconds a child is physically abused in the United States. One in three girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18. One in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. A total of 85 percent of teenagers who run away from home flee in an attempt to escape some type of abuse. Every 10 seconds a child is sexually abused or raped. Today, five children alone will die from neglect and child abuse.

This man’s actions cost Sandra everything, but she refused to compromise her daughter or remain silent. It was then Sandra knew she needed to help children- those without a voice. Determined to speak out for children without a voice, Sandra took a stand, started her mission and became that voice, creating Dreamcatchers for Abused Children.

Dreamcatchers is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting child abuse awareness by educating society on the signs, symptoms, statistics, prevention and steps towards recovery.

Sandra spends twelve to sixteen hours a day online building websites, answering letters and phone calls, all in hopes of educating just one more person. She believes each person who is properly educated on physical and sexual child abuse, there is a great possibility that another child will be saved and will not have to suffer.

Sandra’s dedication has earned her the Myspace Impact Award.

I am truly inspired by Sandra’s dedication. Now I’m looking at life with my eyes wide open and I am no longer blinded by the unknown. I am now determined. I want to make the world a better, safer place where children can be children and not have to worry about predators or abusers.

The reality is, instead of so much drama and rehearsed scenes on reality television shows, the American people need to wake up and focus on the real reality of the real world and the real issues affecting our country.

Source:

https://newsblaze.com/usnews/women-in-the-news/perish-a-childs-nightmare_9921/

Ruhl as a write-in candidate for Renovo Borough Council

On Thursday, Maureen A. Ruhl announced via Facebook she is running a write-in campaign for Renovo Borough Council on May 18. Ruhl, originally from Lebanon County, has lived in Renovo Borough for the last 15 years. She and her husband John love the small town feel of the community but she believes change is desperately needed, and needed now more than ever before. 

Ruhl is well known in the area as someone who isn’t afraid to speak out on tough issues. She became concerned when she heard area residents talking about Renovo Borough Council holding alleged ‘secret meetings’ behind closed doors and withholding vital information from the community. Information she believes taxpayers have the right to know. 

Concerned citizens told Ruhl they became concerned when they heard the community had no police protection. Residents believe they have a right to know why Corporal Jefferies is on paid administrative leave since March 12, and why the community is only learning about his absence a month later.

Maureen Ruhl

Ruhl said, “I’m so tired of the blame game, executive sessions and the shroud of mystery in our community. A few people know what’s going on, while the rest of us are left in the dark.”

The Elect hopeful stands with the community, she believes that the members of Renovo Borough Council are elected by the people, to represent and inform the people of vital situations surrounding the community’s growth and overall protection. By providing mis-leading information or withholding information from the community, it creates a breach of trust. When you lose trust in those representing the community; it creates great doubt that they have the community’s best interest at heart.  

Ruhl said, “It’s time for a fresh breath of transparency and being thankful and thoughtful to our citizenry.”

Maureen Ruhl decorates warming tree at Salvation Army Renovo on behalf of Advocates United for Humanity (AU4H).

She also expressed her compassion for homeowners in the mishandeling of the 14 Street row home containing 16 units that was declared unfit for habitation. The argument that Renovo Borough abused its discretion and erred in issuing a building condemnation notice. Ruhl believes things could have been handled a lot differently by Renovo Borough Council to save a lot of time, money and heartache. 

Seeking change, Ruhl said, “Our community needs transparency, a listening ear and a healthy dose of compassion, which I intend to offer.

If elected, Ruhl plans to have an open communication system with the community. Taxpayers can come to her with their questions and concerns. She promises to be open and honest at all times and committed to addressing the community’s concerns and needs. 

Ruhl is now retired but she is a former banker, business woman, child advocate and author of Frozen Tears. She donates her time to various organizations and charities in the community. She is dedicated to making a difference in hopes of creating a better tomorrow for future generations to come.

By: Donna Kshir 

#maureenruhl #donnakshir #au4h #au4h1 #northernbooks #Renovo #Pennsylvania #vote #Ruhl #kshir #candidate #counsil #RenovoBoroughCounsil #elect #election #frozentears #author #publisher #writer #columnist #generations #voteruhl #community

Local humanitarian group hosts fundraiser

RENOVO — Local humanitarian group, Advocates United for Humanity, will host a basket raffle fundraiser on Saturday, May 1, at the Renovo Fire Department from 1 – 6 p.m. And everyone’s invited.

Photos are from various events held within the community by AU4H volunteers and founder Donna Kshir. Clockwise from top left: Donna Kshir visits Renovo Elementary for a writing project. The Grinch visit the Erickson family. Donna Kshir and Maureen Ruhl hold Warming Tree at the Renovo Salvation Army. Terri Hough reads to children at Renovo Elementary.

The raffle includes a variety of gift baskets, gift cards, games and gift certificates from area businesses. AU4H volunteers will serve hot sausages, sloppy joes, a variety of cold salads, baked beans, desserts, cotton candy and drinks. The basket raffle fundraiser is coordinated by Terri Hough, area photographer and author of children’s book, “Who’s in Our Woods 2.” Hough is a longtime volunteer with the organization.

The fundraiser is being held to provide assistance to area families through the AU4H emergency food pantry that compliments local food assistance programs and AU4H Comfort Bears that donates teddy bears to local law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement will give those to children they encounter in the line of duty.

AU4H’s annual ‘Holiday Smiles’ campaigns help bring joy to the hearts of area children providing Easter Baskets, Thanksgiving meals, Secret Santa, a Warming Tree providing hats and gloves to area children and generously donating to the Renovo Elementary Community Closet benefiting Keystone Central School District children.

Two of AU4H’s most popular hands-on programs are their anti-bullying program, ‘Bystander to Upstanders,’ and their summer program, ‘The Sky’s the Limit.’ These programs help build confidence in the younger generation for the future of humanity through various community projects, team-building exercises and fun activities.

In addition, AU4H assists area residents with their online help assistance program, email service, phone service and a newly implemented text service to assist deaf and hard of hearing clients as well. AU4H dedicated volunteers have assisted with multiple missing children cases; recently assistancing law enforcement agencies in effort to bring home a missing child. Advocates United for Humanity was founded on June 8, 2016 by bestselling authors and sister advocates Donna M. Kshir and Lee Roberts. These leading ladies have volunteered their time and talents with various non-profit organizations over their lifetime including: animal rights, volunteered at their children’s schools, in youth groups and give themselves as much as they can, as their health allows.

Both women are highly respected activists using their voice for Conner’s Law — Kentucky, receiving a Letter of Recommendation from Conner’s mother Mashanna Bachuss, uniting with Erin’s Law, Animal Rescue and Rights, Children’s Rights, Missing and Unidentified Persons, the Homeless, Domestic Violence, Writing and Publishing Books, Educational Radio Broadcasts and the Deaf Community.

For more information on the fundraiser contact Terri Hough at: ltdev03@yahoo.com, or to become a volunteer, sponsor or for more information on a program, visit Advocates United for Humanity’s official website http://www.au4h.weebly.com, or email them at au4h@yahoo.com.

Where is Jessie?

It’s been a quiet four years for local author and activist Donna Kshir. Ms. Kshir, best known for her controversial opinion saying the unthinkable to grab people’s attention to create public awareness for child abuse and Conner’s Law, took a brief pause following an injury that left her recovering but now she’s back making waves. Airwaves that is.

While recovering, Ms. Kshir was quietly working behind the scenes with her best friend and sister advocate Lee Roberts continuing to create greater awareness and educate the public for the topics that no one wants to talk about. Many topics including child abuse and mental health have a stigma attached and are difficult topics of discussion for many people. Kshir and Roberts were looking for a unique way to help break the stigma and let people know they don’t need to suffer in silence or fear repercussions when coming forward. 

Once they had a format for a new talk show, AU4H Radio ‘Real Talk,’ they sensed there was still one important part of the puzzle missing. The duo had advocated for 8 years with their dear friend and sister advocate Laurie Ann Smith and there was no question in their minds about bringing Smith aboard as AU4H Radio Show Coordinator. Smith, who resides in Calgary, is well known for her radio show, ‘The Whole Issue.’ 

Now the trio was back together. It was time to get to work. There was one topic in particular that laid heavy on their hearts, missing persons, and that was the start of a dynamic show. 

On Monday, March 29, AU4H Radio’s ‘Real Talk’ podcast aired on iHeart Radio with a two-part interview with Glendene Grant, the founder of Mother’s Against Trafficking Humans. Grant is the mother of the missing woman from Calgary, Alberta Canada, Jessie Foster. 

March 29 was the 15th anniversary of Jessie Foster’s disappearance in North Las Vegas. Jessie was 21 years old at the time she went missing. Glendene has been searching for her daughter along with law enforcement officers and investigators, but there is currently no new evidence in the case. Grant just wants her daughter to come home and she will stop at nothing to make that happen. 

Grant sat down with Ms. Kshir, Roberts, and Smith for a two-part series hoping to shed light on the case. Glendene shared Jessie’s story from her childhood up until the time she went missing. The interview was a rollercoaster of emotions as memories shared elicited both joy and sadness. This is the first time anyone sat down with Grant and heard the detailed story of Foster’s childhood that she shared with us. Foster was a fun, popular girl with big dreams. She loved city life, being a prankster, dancing, and loved life in general. Now, with her missing almost 2 decades there are still so many unanswered questions as to what happened, where she is, who took her, and the inaccurate details of the ongoing investigation. 

This in-depth interview captured the attention and the hearts of people around the globe asking ‘Where is Jessie?’ 

AU4H Radio ‘Real Talk’ airs live Wednesday nights at 9 pm EST. A behind-the-scenes sneak peek also airs on YouTube with captions. They are working on providing show transcripts to reach the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Tune into the two-part interview with Grant, or other shows, on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-au4h-radio-real-talk-78312009/

If anyone has any information on Jessica Foster or her whereabouts they are asked to contact Glendene at (250)259-3694, or the North Las Vegas Police Department at (702)633-9111, Private Investigator Gil Alba of Alba Investigations, or Monica Caison at CUE Center for Missing Persons.  

Source: AU4H RADIO – Real Talk (www.au4h.weebly.com)

I'm Back

Welcome back to my blog.

Its been a rough couple years, but I'm back and I hope to share with you on a regular basis again. 

For those of you who don't know me, I believe in living in the moment. Life’s to short not to. I focus on being positive. Negativity has no place in my life. I love to explore new adventures and to live in the moment. I believe I should have been born in another generation or decade. 

Why… you ask? 

My thoughts and beliefs in this world is not as viewed by most people today. 

I believe in honesty, truth, love, unity, integrity and faith but sadly we became a world of excuse makers and hate. Integrity and God has been thrown out the window. People hate people over their skin color, their religion, their views on politics, their sexuality and their beliefs in general. We excuse people of their bad behavior and give it a big fancy medical term instead of just admitting one’s actions are wrong or inexcusable. We have to invent a reason to excuse their bad behavior. I do not agree with that. I call it as I see it.
​
My goal for this blog is to share some of my personal experiences but also things happening in the world around us. We may have to agree to disagree, at times, but the goal is to share in hopes of a better future and seeing a different perspective then viewed by most. 

Have a beautiful day. Remember to live in the moment and set your spirit free. This is my moment. Your Free Spirit!

I Got Roses Today

Donna Kshir pens a poem 'I got roses today' dedicated to her friend and aspiring author Kelley, who lost her life due to domestic violence. Ms. Kshir pens 'I got roses today. A beautiful gift. It’s not my birthday, or our anniversary, or any other special day. It was the result of an argument that seemed to go on for days. 'People say words don't hurt but what do they know. It was cruel. It hurt me. I want these feelings to go. 'He said he didn't mean it and I believe him, or he wouldn't say it. He said he was sorry. He cried real tears. I could feel his pain. What else can I say. I got roses today.' *ALL sales from this poem/eBook goes to Advocates United for Humanity in effort to end domestic violence.

FREE DOWNLOAD!