Addiction..

I know, I'm so very late.  I have a horrible habit of starting blogs, saving them and re-visiting them later to finish.
With the recent passing of Amy Winehouse, the media spotlight has settled brightly on the topic of addiction.  Sadly, it isn't her amazing sound or music that is remembered when her name is mentioned..just her troubles. 

Recently, Russell Brand posted a blog entry dedicated to Amy - but not in the way you might expect.  Many artists have taken to social media to talk about how wonderful her talent was, how tragic her passing is, or how much Amy would be missed.  But Russell Brand chose to look at Amy Winehouse differently; through the eyes of a former addict.

If you've never experienced addiction - either as an addict, or a loved one of an addict - you don't really know what it's like.  Fortunately (or unfortunately), I have lived life as the loved one of an alcoholic. 

I know exactly what Brand means when he says that they look through you..as if you're not there, or as though they have something better to do.  I think the hardest part is when you realize that you're actually an enabler.  You're the one doing the things to help this person continue their lifestyle - and with your help, they may never realize that they need help.  Talk about a guilt trip around the world!

It's hard, I think.  To not help someone you love that's ASKING you for help.  Whether it's financial..or a crash on your couch for a night or a week.  You feel like you're letting them down if you refuse, and you know that if they weren't so sick..they'd do the same for you in a heartbeat.  Because this person you're seeing..well that's not them.  They're good at heart.  Loving and kind..and you know they would do anything in the world for you - if it weren't for the alcohol or the drugs that had changed them.  And if you remember the person they were before the alcohol and drugs got to them..?  Oh boy.  Then you're REALLY a sucker. 

I confess that in my RL, I live with guilt of loving someone very much, but being unable to really help them because they don't want to be helped, and I am not strong enough to dole out tough love.  I'm guilty of giving them $50 so that they can, hopefully, buy food or medication and not a bottle of vodka.  I'm guilty of taking them in when they're too drunk to go home.  Why?  Because I know what that sober person is like.  I know that with sobriety comes kindness, love and understanding.  But it's the damn alcohol.  It eats at a person like a cancer.  And in the end, you can barely recognize them.  And the things they do and say..that's a whole other story.   

I'd love to say that with the passing of Amy Winehouse, maybe those currently afflicted with addiction will wake up and change their lives for the better - but that's not realistic.  Some people need to hit rock bottom before they can wake up..and others don't ever wake up.  There is something very honest, genuine and raw in Russell Brand's blog entry.  His is the clarity that I think the loved ones of many addicts eagerly wait for in their own people.   

I don't know what the answer is.  I believe that everyone has the opportunity to get out of a life of addiction - but they have to want it.  Some people are too high or drunk to see the opportunity, though.  And their vision is too blurry for them to see the pain they cause in their loved ones as well.  Those voices have long since been lost in the fog that addiction creates.  Is the answer to be there?  Is it to show tough love?  Is it to act like there is no problem?  I have no idea anymore. 

My loved one has long since been lost to alcohol, and unfortunately, I know that final call will come one day too.  I dread it, but I know that I must come to terms with it.

I highly suggest you read the blog entry..it's absolutely more eloquent than my blog. 

http://www.russellbrand.tv/2011/07/for-amy/



XOXO,
B

No Words..

It is with deep sadness that I type this blog today.  Borday Moo's father passed away on Saturday, July 23rd.  If you'd like, Borday has left his Facebook for everyone to keep up to date.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001391834117#!/profile.php?id=100001391834117&sk=wall's

My thoughts and prayers are with Borday and his family. 

It's my understanding that his father was taken by cancer - the most foul and devastating of illnesses I've ever personally witnessed.

If you'd like to make a donation in honor of Borday's dad (no, I will not be giving out his real name), you can go to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/index.

I tried to find an appropriate psalm or quote....but I can't.  All I have is my love and light to send.  It's on it's way, Moo.  Be well.



B

Funniest SL Store Ad EVER..

Found at PreFabulous..

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deborah/189/50/34

:)  XOXO

B

So Vain!

I made this collage AGES ago!  But it had some super old pics in it...so I updated it!

Here's a project!  Make a collage of YOUR favorite pics!  Let's see it!


XOXO,
B

Music Lane..

Attended the Colbie Caillat record release party tonight.

:)  Reminded me of the days when Moo and CJ would play "Bubbly" for me at the clubs. 

Performing "Midnight Bottle"

Performing "Lucky" with Jason Young (I think Jason....)

So funny how songs..and music in general have really shaped my SL experience.  From the original days of AC/DC to the New Boyz..I've been exposed to so many amazing artists and types of music.  For every song..there is an SL memory memory to go along with it - a dance, a joke, a club, a friend...

I hope you all have your SL music memories too, and think of them often.  :)  Do you ever wonder..if without our music..would we all have ever met? 

Have an amazing night.  I know I did.

XOXO,

B

Zombie Crazy Fun!!!!

I completely LOVE the new Miho Zombie sim.  There's even a wild west zombie sim!

So much fun - kudos to Hartigan Beck and Ayn Tomsen for doing an AMAZING job. 

I spent an hour just shooting zombies - dressed as a cowgirl.

Come on.  It's awesome fun.  Just try it.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Miho/170/98/41

Have a great night!



XOXO,
B

Happy Fourth of July!

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

From my family to yours..I wish you all a safe, happy and healthy holiday.  :)  And to all of the soliders who have ever, and will ever, serve our country..THANK YOU.



XOXO,
B