Rock and Roll Saved My Soul

  June 23, 2020: This week hasn't been an easy one. I guess my boss doesn't want things to go back to the way they were before, which means I'll be stuck doing what I don't want to do. And that is frustrating. I was told when things changed that it was only temporarily. That was what was keeping me going through all this. But now, I don't know anymore. It's hard for me, because I can't just find another job easily. Because I don't drive and have to get a ride to work, it would need to be very specific hours and close proximity to where I'm already working. I just don't know what to do.  I had a meltdown because of it and how hopeless I've been feeling because of everything. I'm trying, but I just don't see any way out of this impossible situation any time soon. Sunday night I also didn't sleep at all, probably due to stress from everything. I did eventually fall asleep Monday morning around 8 a.m. but I had to call in sick to work...

Dragon Boat Festival, also called Duanwu Festival, is one of the four grandest traditional festivals in China, falling on 5th day of the 5th month in Chinese lunar calendar. The other three are Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and Qingming Festival.  Time for Dragon Boat Race People enjoy a 3-day holiday for celebrations, among which the dragon boat race is the most popular. The iconic festival food is Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).   A Day to Commemorate Qu Yuan & Ward Off Bad Things It has been observed for over 2,000 years in China, to commemorate Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), an ancient Chinese patriotic poet. It is also a day to ward off evil spirits, diseases, pests and other poisonous animals by hanging calamus and wormwood, wearing perfume pouches, drinking realgar wine, and bathing in herbal water, etc.  When is Dragon Boat Festival? – June 25th, 2020 Chinese Dragon Boat Festival is on 5th day of the 5th lunar month. In Gregorian calendar, it varies every year,...

Saint Jean Baptiste Day, held annually on June 24, is the feast day of St John the Baptist, a Jewish preacher who baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. It is a day of celebration in Quebec and other areas of French Canada. Saint Jean Baptiste Day is also known as "la Saint-Jean", "St John the Baptist Day", "Fête nationale du Québec" and "Quebec's National Holiday". Is St. Jean Baptiste Day a Public Holiday? St. Jean Baptiste Day is a public holiday in Quebec, where it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. What Do People Do? Various events are organized on Saint Jean Baptiste Day. These range from large scale public celebrations, such as rock and jazz concerts, sports tournaments, parades and firework displays, to small family or neighborhood happenings, such as yard sales, picnics, barbecues, bonfires and children's entertainment. Many church bells ring in celebration and public dances and fun ...

Every year seven million companion animals enter animal shelters and are later euthanized. Here at Rock and Roll Saved My Soul, we want to help decrease that number. We believe every pet deserves a second chance. This anthology is a collection of stories about rescue animals, strays, and the animals that have saved us. All proceeds benefit Pet Partners. Together we can save lives and help animals everywhere get a second chance. Amazon Goodreads

6-19-20: This week has been a rough week. Migraines pretty much every day. My knee started hurting Wednesday night at work I think. I'm still waiting to hear from the specialist to get an appointment. I'm waiting for my upped meds to kick in for my migraines, but I'm pretty sure they won't. I'm off two weeks now for the 4th of July shut down. I go in on the 28th to build 21 parts which I believe is the stupidest thing I ever heard of. Which I told my boss too and he just laughed at because 1 it's true and 2 because some things at my job I'm very vocal about. He trying to get me out of it though. We will see what happens. He is pretty awesome though. Gave me $50 bucks for my daughter's birthday. He fun to joke with. I did get him something with a gift card I got for free as a token of my appreciation. I'll have it for him if I do in on the 28th. My daughter birthday party is the 27th which I'm excited for. I wrapped all but 2 presents I had in my ...

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day? June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. What led to the creation of National Indigenous Peoples Day? National Aboriginal Day (now National Indigenou...

SUMMER SOLSTICE 2020: THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR In 2020, the June solstice occurs on Saturday, June 20, marking the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Here’s all you need to learn about the summer solstice—the longest day of the year! WHEN IS THE SUMMER SOLSTICE? In 2020, the June solstice is Saturday, June 20, at 5:44 P.M. EDT. This date marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt (about 23.5 degrees) toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year. (By longest “day,” we mean the longest period of sunlight.) At the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight at the most direct angle of the year. CELEBRATE THE START OF SUMMER WITH AN ECLIPSE An annular solar eclipse will occur on the weekend of the solstice, beginning just before midnight (Eastern Time) o...

A 200 page journal, 180 pages for entries, comprised of four page entries for each concert, with 20 pages at the end for autographs. All proceeds benefit Rock the Cause. Amazon  (Paperback version) Barnes and Noble  (Hardcover version)

June 16, 2020:  My boss was asking me the other day about my regular hours (what I was doing before the virus fucked everything up). I'm hoping that means I can go back to doing that soon. That would make life so much easier for me. I know it probably won't be immediately because the person she just hired needs to be trained in and all that first. But there is some hope!

All of these are for the United States. If you are somewhere else and are in need of help, please reach out and we'll do our best to put you in contact with the right place. Transportation Easterseals Project Action Services Animals Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals Treatment/Research The Mental Health Research Association (NARSAD) Psychiatric Information  American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) American Psychiatric Association- Practice Guidelines American Psychiatric Association – Healthy Minds Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation National Organizations on Children’s and Adult Mental Health Anxiety Disorders Association of America Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center Bulimia Resource Guide Center for Mental Health Services Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Recovery International  SAFE Alternatives Schizophrenia.com Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. National Organizations on Children’s Mental Health Attenti...

1. You're either mentally ill or mentally healthy. Similar to the way a physically healthy person may still experience minor health issues—like bad knees or high cholesterol—a mentally healthy person may experience an emotional problem or two. Mental health is a continuum and people may fall anywhere on the spectrum. Even if you are doing well, there's a good chance you aren't 100% mentally healthy. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates only about 17% of adults are in a state of "optimal" mental health. 2. Mental illness is a sign of weakness. As someone who trains people to build mental strength, I sometimes receive backlash from individuals who claim the phrase "mental strength" somehow stigmatizes mental illness. Those comments come from people who automatically assume people with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions are mentally "weak." Mental strength is not the same as mental health. Just as...

Nearly 1 in 2 Americans (133 million) has a chronic condition. 96% of them live with an illness that is invisible. I don't know when the war started, but I was thrown into it without my consent. It isn't fair, but I have no choice but to fight. But how can I fight back when I don't have any weapons and the enemy is inside me? People with invisible illnesses are fighting a battle everyday, even if you can't see it. This anthology aims to shed some light on these illnesses and show you the strong warriors that are hiding behind them. All proceeds will be donated to Rock the Cause. Amazon Goodreads

• It is widely believed that Betsy Ross, who assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents, made and helped design the first American flag. However, there is no historical evidence that she contributed to Old Glory’s creation. It was not until her grandson William Canby held an 1870 press conference to recount the story that the American public learned of her possible role. • The lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem since 1931, are taken from a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. His words were set to the tune of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a popular British drinking song. • In the 1950s, when it seemed certain that Alaska would be admitted to the Union, designers began retooling the American flag to add a 49th star to the existing 48. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Ohioan named Bob Heft student borrowed his mother’s sewing machine, disassembled his family’s 48...

6-12-20: This week was rough. Going back to work kicked my ass. My body was sore and exhausted. My migraines were horrible. Which I did talk to my Dr about on Wednesday. I'm also going to see a knee specialist as well for my knee. We upped my meds for my migraines. If that doesn't work. Then we will change my meds. Then if that doesn't work I will need to go see someone for that as well. So we are going to see how the upped meds go in the next month. I won't have them until the 16th cause I just dropped them off until tonight after getting my oldest and then I just decided to have them mailed to me. Cause it's so far out of my way to go and get them. I just hope something works. I had a migraine yesterday that was actually worse then normal. I actually felt sick to my stomach too. Normally mine are just pain and if it bad enough I have the sick to my stomach part. So I ended up having a nap before work. My depression still is under control for now. So I'm thankf...

June 9, 2020: Can I just say I hate summer? Because I do. I don't like the heat, I don't like the humidity. And I don't like the bugs. Mostly because I am allergic. I'm not sure what bugs it is, but when I get bit, I swell up bad. I take allergy medication as a preventative measure and I still swell up, just not as badly as I would without the meds. I got one on Saturday on my neck that swelled up. They don't itch, but they hurt. It's finally starting to go away. I'm already over it.  My sleep is still pretty messed up. But it's been easier with my schedule switched. So I'm thankful for that. Some days I just want to sleep all day, but I don't. I have too much to do. But it's what I want to do. I need a break or a vacation or something. But that's not going to happen any time soon, sadly.

The Feast of Corpus Christi (Ecclesiastical Latin: Dies Sanctissimi Corporis et Sanguinis Domini Iesu Christi, lit. 'Day of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ the Lord'), also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ,[ is a Catholic liturgical solemnity celebrating the Real Presence of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the elements of the Eucharist. Two months earlier, the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper is observed on Maundy Thursday in a sombre atmosphere leading to Good Friday. The liturgy on that day also commemorates Christ's washing of the disciples' feet, the institution of the priesthood and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. The feast of Corpus Christi was proposed by St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church to Pope Urban IV; in order to create a feast focused solely on the Holy Eucharist, emphasizing the joy of the Eucharist being the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ....

When is Portugal Day? Portugal Day, officially known as Dia de Camões, de Portugal e das Comunidades Portuguesas ('Day of Camões, Portugal, and the Portuguese Communities'), commemorates the death of Luís de Camões on June 10th 1580. It is Portugal's National Day. History of Portugal Day Camões wrote the Lusiads, Portugal's national epic celebrating the country's history and achievements. While it is only officially celebrated in Portugal, Portuguese descendants across the world may also celebrate the holiday. The Lusiads focuses on the Portuguese explorations in the 16th century, which greatly expanded the influence of Portugal. The poem is considered to be the most important piece of Portuguese literature and has become a symbol for the glory of the Portuguese nation. Camões was a colourful character. He lost one eye fighting and was shipwrecked off the coast of present-day Vietnam. According to legend, during the shipwrecking, he kept his epic poem dry by swimmin...

I Am Me By Kate Marie Robbins My name is Kate and I belong to the LGBT community. Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t. And you know what else? It shouldn’t even matter. Who I choose to love is my business and no one else’s. Just like it doesn’t matter that I choose to write with my free time. What I do is my business.      I didn’t always know I was pansexual. It’s not even something that I can pinpoint the exact moment when I knew. It was always a part of me; it just took me a long time to realize who I was. It’s taken me a long time to even love myself, so why should my sexual orientation be any different?       I’ve dated men and I’ve dated women. That doesn’t make me a bad person—not by a long shot. Being pansexual is a part of who I am, but it’s not the only thing I am. I am a friend, I am a daughter, and I am an aunt. I am a woman with many talents and skills that I use to put good back into the world. So why should my sexual orientation dictate...

Thy life's a miracle. --King Lear, William Shakespeare Have you ever experienced something that seemed impossible, but inexplicably became a reality? In each of the stories and poems in this anthology you will dive into a world where the impossible becomes possible by the work of a divine agency, hopefully bringing a tear to your eye and joy in your heart. Miracles are all around us if we open our eyes and truly believe. Featuring: Andrea Stenlund Munia Khan Kate Marie Robbins Brittany Whitmire Heather Kirchhoff Sandy Ashley Esther Rohm Carol Cassada Michaelle Madrid Jasmine McGhee Aisling Spofford Amazon Goodreads

National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual, treasured Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities nationwide, and around the world, on the first Sunday in June. It is a CELEBRATION for those who have survived, an INSPIRATION for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of SUPPORT for families, and an OUTREACH to the community. On National Cancer Survivors Day, thousands gather across the globe to honor cancer survivors and to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding, and even inspiring. It is a day for everyone, whether you're a cancer survivor, a family member, friend, or medical professional. This day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer – including America’s more than 16.9 million cancer survivors – to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It is also a day to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship in order...

6-5-20: I only worked 1 day at work even though I was supposed to work all week. My line at work shut down after the first night. Which of course is good and bad. I want to go back to work but I don't. I'll just take what I can get for now. I'll be having my 8 year old starting Sunday evening for 3 weeks so honestly I'll take not working right now. We have tons of painting things to do. I have a follow up on my knee next week before physical therapy. To see if any other action needs to be taken. I have good days and bad days. I am better than I was when I first started going but I want more answers. Some days my knee hurts pretty bad. My migraines are still off and on a lot. If I have time I will talk to her about those too next week. I'm trying to get my shit taken care of while I have the time to do it. I did get to stream my games on Monday! It went really well. Way better than I would have thought it did. I do love streaming and I do hope that soon I can get bac...

An artist's life is never easy. From the very beginning, they're face with struggles of criticism and self-doubt, making the lifestyle difficult. But from the ashes, they will rise. Despite all the negative they face, they use it to their advantage, using it to fuel their artistic side. We use music to escape. So do those who write or play music, creating the sounds we love the most. A Musician's Tale - Telling their stories. All proceeds from the anthology will be donated to: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Amazon Goodreads

June 1, 2020: Today is the beginning of what should have been a hellish week, instead it starts out with two glorious days off and I couldn't be happier about that. I'm hoping this makes a huge difference. Things are still sucky at work, but at least I'm not going into it completely exhausted. So that's something. Not much else to report on really. My anxiety and emotions are up and down, but I'm coping. 

RRSMS is taking a stand. To Stop, Listen, and Act: How You Can Help Protesters and Black Lives Matter Groups Film and TV websites aren’t anyone’s source of primary coverage during times of civic unrest. We’re the ones you turn to well after the fact, when the barricades are gone and the National Guard is a vague memory and the movies and TV shows and documentaries come out, analyzing and synthesizing the crisis. That is not now. At this writing, everyone is in the thick of this. The death of George Floyd last week in Minneapolis at the hands of police brutality sparked protests, both peaceful and violent, across the nation. Protesters are calling for justice from the police officers responsible for his death, and calling for the death of systemic racism. Right now, this is dominating culture in America. This is what is defining the world we live in, and those of the creators we cover. And right now, the best thing we can do is listen. There are many ways you can help. Here are some of ...

A Brief History on Pride Month – The history of the LGBT movement can be traced to the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village. Stonewall marked the first time that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people as a group forcefully and vocally asserted their rights to equality under the law. Historically, the LGBT community was subjected to civil laws that, in New York City, allowed bars to refuse service to LGBT patrons. Arrests, harassment and instances of entrapment by police were frequent. Civil laws reinforced their actions. Establishments often cited Section 106, Subsection 6 of the New York State Penal Code to refuse service to LGBT patrons. The code barred premises from becoming "disorderly houses." Many, including the courts, considered LGBT patrons to be disorderly. LGBT patrons were often entrapped by plain clothes police officers, posing as regular bar patrons. Transgender people were openly arrested on the streets. One establishment where LGBT patrons f...

Elbow are an English rock band formed in Bury, Manchester, in 1997. The band consists of Guy Garvey (lead vocals, guitar), Craig Potter (keyboard, piano, backing vocals), Mark Potter (guitar, backing vocals) and Pete Turner (bass guitar, backing vocals). They have played together since 1990, adopting the name Elbow in 1997. Drummer Alex Reeves replaced Richard Jupp first as session performer in 2016, which he continues to be. The band have released eight studio albums, Asleep in the Back (2001), Cast of Thousands (2003), Leaders of the Free World (2005), The Seldom Seen Kid (2008), Build a Rocket Boys! (2011), The Take Off and Landing of Everything (2014), Little Fictions (2017), and Giants of All Sizes (2019). Their studio albums, as well as their B-sides compilation Dead in the Boot (2012), all reached the top 15 of the British album chart. Seven of their singles placed in the top 40 of the British singles chart. Their most recent album, Giants of All Sizes, was released on 11 Octobe...