Sacramento Failed Matthew Hernandez

19 Mar 2013 1 Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in * R. i. P. *, Activism, Anger, California, Child 'Protective' Services - CPS, Child Abuse, Controversy, Crime, Criminals, Domestic Violence, Drugs, Fail, Frustration, Gestapo, Grief, Injustice, Legal, Legal issues, Outrage, Parenting, Poor Decisions, Upset Tags: , , ,

What sort of despicable creature kills their son in cold blood with a hatchet? Only a monster– pure evil that is incomprehensible to the rest of us– could murder their own child.

Matthew Hernandez

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Monsters exist everywhere. No part of the world escapes heinous acts from the vilest of criminals. The gruesome end to 9 year old Matthew’s life is a tragedy, one that could have happened anywhere, in any region or country. Killer Philip Hernandez could have been a resident of Delaware or Texas or North Dakota, anywhere besides California. Yet as grieving mother Jessica Hernandez will tell you….the state of California does not always act in the best interests of its most vulnerable population.

Cases such as Jessica’s are the extreme, but her allegations [evidence blatantly ignored in the courtroom, denial of basic rights, various forms of discrimination, etc.] echo throughout the state, a common denominator amongst far too many cases. Between Family Court, Child ‘Welfare’ Services, and the foster care system– something is very wrong here.

Jessica Hernandez and her two sons
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The undeniable truth: Sacramento courts failed Jessica Hernandez and her son– at the cost of the young boy’s life. A judge chose to disregard crucial information and that irresponsible decision cost a family dearly. She’s not the first judge to do so. Nor will she be the last. To whom are these authority figures judges, social workers, civil servants answering? Other than contesting a verdict via the appeals process, what choice does one have when they know something is wrong? Why must children suffer at the hands of adults supposedly entrusted with their protection?

REFORM AMONGST THE FAMILY LAW COURTS, CWS, AND FOSTER CARE IS IMPERATIVE– THE NEED IS URGENT AND THE TIME IS NOW.

MBC1

05 Mar 2013 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in A woman's Right to choose, Anxiety, Birth control, Blogs, Child 'Protective' Services - CPS, Child Abuse, Death Penalty, Etc., Facebook, Feminism, GLBT issues, Goals, Guilty Pleasures, Injustice, Kids, Legal, Passion, Race, Reproductive health, Sloane, Social Justice, Women

• March Blog Challenge •
Day 1: A self portrait + 5 random facts

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My friend, Preston, captured this image in 2005 during a spring photo shoot at the historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Megan Childers [favorite roomie and actual roomie at the time!] served as my partner in crime. We frolicked around downtown, laughing and feeling famous as we played model. I adored my strapless , formfitting dress. It made me feel glamorous and feminine– a radical departure from my tomboy style– and I distinctly remember a sense of maturity that was otherwise foreign to my 19 year old college self. The red dress with black polka dots gave me a figure [prior to my childbearing curves I rocked the physique of a fifth grade boy], much to my delight. Overall I felt stylish, elegant, sassy, playful…and exhausted. This was one of the last pictures Preston snapped. I love the way my multicolored bracelets [to this day I still wear dozens of them] are visible. Getting dolled up without compromising my identity created lasting memories. It was a fun day during a very fun time in my life.

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If the phone rings at my favorite newspaper, I answer it, regardless of employment status. Maris took this picture of me at my old desk taking a call during my last trip home [December 2012]. Note the Jersey Shore shirt.

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I uploaded a “25 Random Facts About Me” note to Facebook three years ago. Ten items didn’t make the cut whereas I copied the rest. Present day commentary is italicized.

#1) In case you haven’t noticed, I live on my own planet most of the time. My little universe consists of a plethora of books/magazines [I'd rather read than talk], abundant internet usage, and immersing myself in whatever captivates me at the moment….but I always come back to reality and get things done. Well, most of the time.
I cringe now as I read that statement. While every word is true, it is not immediately clear that I am describing ‘me’ time versus family time. My children get 100% of my focus 100% of the time. I just can’t say the same for adults. ;)

#2) Two of my worst vices are celebrity gossip [I check Perez Hilton religiously- heaven forbid I miss out on important news] and really bad television. Especially MTV. 16 & Pregnant, Teen Mom 1 & 2, Jersey Shore, True Life– I can’t get enough. For the longest time I tried to keep this ‘problem’ under wraps. Yet one day during a 3000-level philosophy class on campus an Us Weekly fell out of my backpack. Busted. I decided then to embrace it.
It’s been almost a year since I’ve had cable and the funds for magazines so I’ve learned to do without…except People magazine and the free TMZ app.

#3) I was adopted at birth. Overall I’m quite indifferent to this fact. I’m not upset or harboring resentment, I’ve just never really cared. However, I am currently in the process of obtaining medical records for the sake of Adam.
Those efforts were suspended due to an unexpected fee and will continue as soon as I am able.

#4) Through my family I can claim Reese Witherspoon, Mark Twain, and John McCain as my relatives or people that have married into our cozy bunch.
That hasn’t changed.

#5) Sports are not my cup of tea. But I do enjoy playing hockey and water polo and watching motocross.
That hasn’t changed either.

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#6) I am a sucker for a Bloody Mary or a Red Stripe beer.
Mmm….

#7) If I could have any ‘superhero power,’ I would choose to be fluent in every language that ever existed and would speak them all frequently.
I wish.

#8) Cotton balls terrify me and I refuse to touch them. As for other phobias, I hate flying, but I have to do it…I’m a nervous wreck on board an aircraft vessel. You do not want to sit next to me.
Oprah had a woman on her now defunct talk show who shared my irrational fear. Oprah also said San Luis Obispo was the happiest place in America. Boy, do I have some bombshells for Ms. Winfrey….

#9) Communication is my weakest link. I hate talking on the phone. I won’t call you unless it’s an emergency. Texting isn’t my forte either. Please don’t ever take it personally if I’m not the best at speaking with you and can never initiate a conversation.
Why can’t we all just email each other?

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#10) To say I am a liberal is an understatement. Women’s issues [especially pro-choice ones], safety for children, rights of LGBT individuals, equality, justice, compassion, kindness, peace, liberty….these things are so important to me.
Add to this list a massive overhaul of Child ‘Welfare” Services. Reforms in Family Court. Protect those innocent kids who did nothing to deserve such a fate.

#11) I am painfully shy. Sometimes it takes me years to warm up to people. But once you get me started, I don’t stop! I’m like a sponge. I sit quietly and absorb everything.
Sarcasm is a virtue and silence is golden. Both are also my defense mechanisms.

#12) If you really want to see me panic, give me ‘bad’ attention. An example of bad attention is a surprise party or servers singing to me in a crowded restaurant. ‘Good’ attention includes public speaking and/or recognition for my accomplishments.
It’s a fine line between praise and panic attack.

#13) Currently I have 9 tattoos and plan on getting at least 9 more. Sorry, Mom and Dad. All of my tattoos are in black ink. I don’t do colors. They are beautiful on others but not for me. My tattoos are words and symbols as opposed to illustrations.
Now I have 13.

#14) Writing is my passion. I will be published. There are too many stories I have to tell and topics to explore for me to remain silent.
AMEN.

#15) I am such a daredevil. This has toned down significantly since I became a mother but I’ll do anything to get an adrenaline rush.
I can’t wait to leap from a plane in the Memphis sky, parachute through the Memphis air, and land on the Memphis ground.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane

Breaking out of my tomb

16 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Adam, Child 'Protective' Services - CPS, Child Abuse

What an awesome child. Go Graham!

January 27th was the last day I saw Adam.  Three weeks tomorrow.  I’ve never been away from my son for so long.  You have to have some sort of coping mechanism so the grief doesn’t overwhelm.  Mine is denial:  Adam’s not away from me due to factors beyond my control, he’s preoccupied with Camp Ozark.  Between tribal competition, morning activities, Mish Mash [afternoon free time], evening vespers, and the nightly special events– he’s way too busy to even write home.  So what if it’s not seasonally appropriate for summer camp and he’s three years young than the earliest age of admission?  This is how I attempt to ‘deal’ with our family situation.  Of course it’s largely ineffective because I know that he’s not comfortably ensconced in the Ouachita mountains….but sometimes I can fool myself, albeit temporarily.

I’m terrified that Adam is suffering from a form of Parental Alienation Syndrome.  In layman’s terms, this is a condition where children separated from their caregiver begin to resent– if not be openly hostile towards– said caregiver.  Adam’s certainly never been hostile with me but it’s obvious that he is extremely upset, angry, and confused.  There have been multiple occasions where he has all but hung up on me over the phone when I have to tell him that he can’t come to my apartment.  I don’t have age-appropriate answers to his tough questions.  He resents me.

 

5 days until Tatum’s arrival.  <3

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

“A Fond Farewell”

24 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Adam, Changes, Child Abuse, Controversy, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Family, Friends, Motherhood, Moving, No bueno, Paso Robles, Will Reed, Women

We’re in Wine Country!
Adam debuts his new buzz cut shortly before we left Atascadero. Bonus points for the messy mouth.
The 4G Samsung Exhibit

What a month.  How can I even attempt to explain the myriad of events unfolding in the pivotal [life changing, draining, upsetting, frustrating, liberating, chaotic, isolating, emotional, and that's only to name a few] month of September?  Words fail me completely.  Do I even want to discuss most of this?  No, I don’t.  Yet there is a part of me that wants to reveal everything– loudly and clearly so there is zero confusion– because there are so many things that need to be said.  My son has endured unimaginable heartache and I am not going to add to his distress by conducting myself in a way that is not in strict accordance with the woman and mother I am….it his his privacy and our dignity as a family that I seek to preserve at all costs. 

While staying at the house in Atascadero belonging to Will’s aunt and uncle, Adam witnessed a physical action [I was not hurt-- and I'm certainly not making excuses for grossly inappropriate behavior-- but in the grand scheme of things the contact was relatively mild] against me.  Most upsetting was the fact that I was called cruel names while my toddler son was sitting five feet away.  Knowing that my innocent child was subjected to verbal abuse against his mother….I still cannot process that fully.  The legal component to ‘the incident’ has no place in Cocktails With Hemingway and I will not mention it in my blog, ever. 

Adam and I left the home and relocated to Paso Robles [a gorgeous place that I fell in love with instantly], two towns away from Atascadero, also within San Luis Obispo County.  We are living in a private home [there are four units total] for women and families that are in a major transitional phase of their lives.  Each of us have our own spacious rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and living area.  The resources, compassion, and support available to us are incredible beyond measure….I will be forever indebted to this phenomenal organization for all they have done for Adam and me.  Whether it’s shuttling me to a prenatal appointment, making arrangments for play therapy for Adam, honoring my special requests for fresh spinach and ridiculous amounts of cheese, offering baby sitting services when I have obligations, or anything in between– we have so much love and assistance as we get on our feet in less than ideal circumstances.

Here I will tread very lightly and say that Adam has been profoundly affected by numerous factors since we have come to California.  As expected ‘the incident’ proved incredibly traumatic to him…and all of the many transformations he has made with our move to the west coast have been overwhelming.  I’m not going to elaborate on his behavior [suffice it to say he has been acting out] but he is significantly affected by the things he has seen and heard combined with countless changes.  With the assistance of my new home, I acted quickly to get him in therapy, and he has been very vocal and revealing with his therapist.  Making sure he receives extra love and attention– coupled with an emphasis on his feelings and positive reinforcement– while maintaining firm boundaries and explaining the consequences of actions is how I handle this from a parental standpoint.  Also, he is a priority enrollment case at a local school here, so we’re hoping a spot opens and he can begin the program as soon as possible.

Yes we’re divorcing.

Literally I can feel my mind shutting down [this post has drained me and I am on medication to treat a concussion] so I fear I’m going to be rambling from this point forward.  I wanted to further expound on the amazing people I have met here and all of the kindness I have received.  The only times I have cried since any of this have been happy tears because of others.  My housemate, Brandi, is such an incredible woman and it has been such a privelege getting to know her and calling her a friend.  Everyone in Memphis is loved and missed and I appreciate everyone’s support.

To answer the question on everyone’s mind:  I am NOT returning to Memphis and will remain in California, even after the pregnancy. 

Despite everything that has happened I love it here and can’t see myself anywhere else.  My short-term plan involves the best possible life for Adam, a healthy pregnancy and saving money.  I am doing everything in my power to parent Adam lovingly and effectively through these challenges, as a team, and getting him every resource at his disposal.  I am exercising daily with walks, eating healthily, and trying to reduce stress.  I am on the interview circuit for part-time opportunities and in the process of fixing my laptop so I can continue to receive income from freelancing and even surveys– and yes, government assistance in a variety of forms.  Come what may, I know that I am a strong and resilient woman who can handle anything life throws at me….and as long as I remember that I can only control myself I can get through this. 

Endless thanks to Chris DeFranco– one of my dearest friends for seven years now– for generously gifting me with a cell phone.  He exceeded all expectations by sending a fully loaded 4G  smart phone with a touch screen….yet another act of kindness that moved me to tears.  Being able to have a phone is such a relief as I navigate the interview circuit, my many appointments, and the blessing of being able to communicate instantaneously with family and friends.  I love you, Chris.  Thank you for all you have done for me.  To say I value your friendship immensely is an understatement.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Jessica Beagley and my Little Ninja

30 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Child Abuse, Education, Hobbies, Schools, Unconventional Parenting

Speaking of hot sauce, this is my favorite brand. ;)

Currently I am writing an Associated Content article about ‘hot sauce mom’ Jessica Beagley.  What are your thoughts on this story?  Suffice it to say I do not believe this is child abuse– though I thoroughly disagree with the fact that she taped the incident hoping to be on national television– and I think it’s incredible the sort of parental discipline techniques that make the news while others [such as forceful spanking] happen routinely.  And that’s all I’ll say until I debut the article.

I was pleasantly surprised by the affordable price of martial arts lessons in the area:  $50 a month.  Here in Atascadero at the Pacific Martial Arts Academy, there is a Little Ninja program for kids ages 3-5.  How cute is that?!  I think it’s really important that Adam immerses himself in a regular, structured activity….especially with the baby coming within the next few months.  Will and I think he’d love any type of martial arts training [bonus points for his obsession with ninjas] so this is right up his alley.  Once Mommy gets started with her Krav Maga lessons we can spar in the backyard.  ;)

Our chances of getting into Head Start look grim.  Although it is a public education preschool, spaces are limited, and we did not begin the registration process early enough.  I didn’t even realize such a program existed here.  Thinking it would be a similar setup to Memphis, I thought our only options were church and/or private schools or wait until he was eligible for kindergarten in the public school of our district.  We simply cannot afford private tuition right now and it breaks my heart that Adam doesn’t have school in his life.  He absolutely adored Germantown Presbyterian– he talks about it all the time– and I know that having a productive way to spend his days would ease the transition of such a drastic move.  Although he has adapted wonderfully, I can tell he misses his former world and has been affected on many levels by our decision to relocate.

Overall today has been insanely stressful.  The combination of high levels of stress coupled with a feeling of helplessness [not to mention pregnancy hormones] has me feeling less than stellar.  I can’t eat or sleep and feel like I’m starting to shut down as a coping mechanism.  In these situations I try to stay calm, focus on the positive, and not get fixated on my anger.  Rage tends to accompany negativity in my life and I despise it.  There is nothing worse than feeling angry, it’s the worst emotion ever.  I would vent here but I feel as though I’d just be rehashing things and right now that is neither productive nor in my best interests.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

The quest for better schools, ‘loungerie’ for little girls, and overprocessed hair

17 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in A woman's Right to choose, Beauty, Child Abuse, Death Penalty, Education, Fashion, GLBT issues, Hair, Injustice, Links, Lookin' snazzy, Motherhood, Outrage, Politics, Schools

Could you even imagine spending 22 years on Death Row– the last 13 of them with multiple sclerosis– for a murder you didn’t commit?

According to Huffington Post:  “Ohio mother of two Kelly Williams-Bolar was released from jail Wednesday after serving nine days for falsifying records…convicted by a jury of using her father’s address to claim residency status that would allow her children to attend a higher-performing suburban school…put on probation for two years, ordered to complete 80 hours of community service, and may threaten her ability to receive the teacher’s license she was working towards.”  While I would never advocate breaking the law, I completely sympathize this mother’s position.  Who doesn’t want the best for their children– especially when it comes to education?  The article touches on the interconnected factors of race and socioeconomic and how can negatively impact a child’s schooling.

Kelly Williams-Bolar

In Kansas, new legislation was passed that covers the termination of a pregnancy only if women purchase a special abortion insurance rider added to their regular insurance policy for an additional cost.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again– a woman’s right to choose is about just that, choice– regardless of your opinions on the actual act of abortion.

A French company now makes ‘loungerie’ for little girls.  Marketing a product modeled after lingerie for adult females for prepubescent and adolescent children [4-12] borders on child pornography.  Creating outfits or pajamas to mimic mommy’s attire is one thing but fancy, somewhat racy undergarments for a young girl is deplorable.

Everything else I’ve discussed in this batch of links has been somewhat somber.  Now I wish to lighten it up a bit with…. overprocessed hair.  While this article caters to those who have bleach damage, I think it’s perfect for anyone who is guilty of too much coloring and/or heat styling.  Products and tips are offered for the repair of your fried locks and there are also two recipes found for treatments that you can find in your kitchen and at your local health store.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

You MUST attend this garage sale.

12 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Child Abuse, Friends, Injustice, Kids

Ashley and her sons, Jay and baby Jared

3920 Shadow Oaks Pkwy

Horn Lake, MS  38637

Saturday August 13th & Sunday August 14th

My friend, Ashley Morrow, is desperately trying to raise funds to bring her son, Jay, home.  The ‘father’ of her son and his new girlfriend are so envious of her happiness and success that they filed a bogus complaint with CPS claiming she hit Jay in the face.  Everyone who knows Ashley knows she is a wonderful person and mother– and that these terrible lies are the desperate measures of some very twisted people determined to undermine her– so let’s do what we can to ensure she gets the legal representation she deserves.  Ashley is the mother of two boys whom she loves deeply.  She is a very attentive and involved parent.  And it breaks her heart that she only has one of her children at home [it is no coincidence that no complaints have ever been made regarding her other son]….please make purchases from the garage sale or donate items.  Consider it a personal favor.  You all know that this is an issue that affects me deeply after somebody had the audacity to call authorities on me after we got into a fight that had nothing to do with children.  People like this need to be STOPPED.

To the girl who messaged me on Facebook saying she hopes there are “no hard feelings”– I suggest you make some serious purchases at this garage sale.  I think it’s only fair after what you attempted to do to my family to help prevent it from actually happening to somebody else.  Consider it a way to make amends for your disgusting behavior.  ;)

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Not guilty

06 Jul 2011 3 Comments

by Cocktails With Hemingway in Caylee Anthony, Child Abuse, Crime, Dr. Krause, Trials

Casey Anthony: NOT GUILTY.

Sickened, disgusted, frustrated, saddened, angered, betrayed…..all of these are adequate descriptions of my response to the verdict. One thing I am not, however, is shocked. From the very beginning I had a sinking feeling that the defendant would not be charged with murder in the first degree. Before I proceed let me refresh your memory on the exact charges and a brief description of each:

  • First degree murder: NOT GUILTY

    Subdivided into premeditated [planned and willful] or felony [a death occurs-- even if it is an accident-- from certain violent felonies such as kidnapping] though a distinction was not necessary nor did the jurors have to agree on which type of murder in the first degree

  • Aggravated child abuse: NOT GUILTY

    Committing an aggravated battery [intentionally causing physical harm] on a child; willfully torturing, maliciously punishing, or willfully and unlawfully caging a child; or knowingly and willfully abusing a child and in doing so causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement

  • Aggravated manslaughter of a child: NOT GUILTY

    Recklessly causing the death of a minor under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life

  • (4 counts) Providing false information to a law enforcement officer: GUILTY

    I don’t think this requires an explanation.

* Summarizations from Florida attorney Richard Hornsby’s website

We won't forget you

Let’s not mince words here: you’d have to be a buffoon to NOT find Casey Anthony guilty of criminal activity. Her tangled web of lies and deceit shows a cunning young woman with little regard for anyone but herself. Undoubtedly– by her own admission– she told multiple fabrications to the police and lead them on a wild goose chase, so it’s no surprise she was indicted for those four charges. As for her treatment towards her precious daughter, whether you believe she was ‘merely a bad parent’ [and I put that in quotations only because neglecting and/or abusing her child were the least of her judicial concerns] or a cold-blooded killer who premeditated the murder of her daughter…..there is no question she was a terrible mother who resented her own flesh and blood for hindering the carefree lifestyle of a party girl that she so desperately wanted. Her appalling behavior as a person and failure as a parent should not go unpunished.

The jurors must be convinced that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty of each charge. As I previously stared, I did not think there would be a murder one charge because of the lack of hard evidence. All signs point to the defendant’s [I don't even want to use the bitch's name] guilt but our legal system requires a verdict derived from analysis of the facts and evidence directly presented in trial– not speculation or character analysis– even if it is blatantly obvious her hands are dirty. Leaving murder out of the equation…I think the state met the burden of proof for both charges of child abuse, so I was surprised at the acquittal there. Furthermore, I’ll never understand why negligence charges were not included, especially after the discovery of the fictitious ‘Zanny the Nanny.’  If there was no nanny, where was Caylee while Casey was out doing god knows what?!

Megan Childers, one of my close friends who has been following the trial since day one, shared my beliefs about the outcome of the verdict. She drew an interesting parallel to the West Memphis 3. People have been sentenced to death with a lot less evidence than we saw in this case, and it can also work the opposite way. Our justice system is deeply flawed….guilty people get away with murder and innocents are wrongfully accused and placed on death row.

The defendant’s verdict in the court of public opinion was reached long ago. She’ll never be able to live a normal life. What absolutely sickens me is the prospect of her using this trial for financial gain. If she profits from the loss of her little girl– death at her hands [although I do believe it was an accident]– I hope Caylee comes back to haunt her. Seeing her tears of happiness and her huge grin today made me want to vomit. Her cold, detached, and emotionless demeanor gave way to an overjoyed and victorious manipulator. Of course she’s happy! She wins. Not only did she get away with it, she’ll be out of prison in no time at all.

I'm so sorry, Caylee

If the ruling and the defendant’s behavior wasn’t nauseating enough– watching the grins and embraces of the defense and seeing Jose Baez’s press conference sent me over the edge. He’s just as smug and arrogant as she is. The nerve of him to sit there and start thanking his family [especially that wonderful sidebar in his native tongue] was so beyond inappropriate. How tacky. Thanking your family?! An innocent child was murdered, he acted like a charlatan in the courtroom, and he’s talking about how proud he is that his healthy and living kids will praise their Daddy for doing his job? Shame on you. It’s not the Academy Awards, jackass.

Her family’s reaction says it all: Lee didn’t even bother to attend. George and Cindy didn’t smile or hug each other, they walked out of the court with their heads down. Casey destroyed her family. They know she did it and they know she got away with it. Despite the fact that her mother perjured….even they know justice was not served.  Like many people I think George Anthony has details he’s not divulging– though I do feel an immense deal of sympathy [more for him than anyone else in that ridiculous family]– but I am confident that he did not ever molest his daughter nor did he cover up the ‘accidental drowning’ of his beloved granddaughter.

What terrifies me is the idea of the defendant having more children. You know there are men out there who have been writing her incessantly and would marry her. She’ll still be within the limits of her biological clock when she’s released. But honestly, I’m not too scared about that….because I don’t think she’ll be alive for long once she’s in the free world. I do not in any way condone violence– and especially not murder– but I have a strong feeling she will be shot and killed as she’s leaving prison or shortly thereafter. Too many people were affected so deeply by this case and are absolutely incensed over the acquittal. As terrible as this sounds, I would not be surprised if it was a suburban soccer mom who drives her kids around in a minivan that pulls the trigger. This case has affected people in ways I have never seen.

I know Sean Krause is rolling over in his grave right now. Forgive my strong language, but this verdict was a big F*CK YOU to Caylee. That poor little girl died…..for what? Nobody will ever pay the price for cutting her life short so cruelly and unnecessarily. And that is a tragedy of epic proportions. Caylee, people will never forget you, nor will they ever stop talking or demanding justice and accountability– your death will not be in vain. I’m so sorry they failed you today. Rest in peace, sweet angel.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,

Sloane

Sidewalk chalk, The Teflon Cauldron, and sooty mangabeys

29 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment

by Cocktails With Hemingway in * R. i. P. *, Caylee Anthony, Child Abuse, Crime, Family, Gardening, Links, Memphis, Pagan beliefs, Parenting, Religion, Sickness, Spirituality, Trials

Family gardens and a ‘pizza pot’ project

We’re so excited about our family garden! I told my husband that all I wanted for my birthday was my own little section of soil ready to be planted. Even if you aren’t looking to make gardening an educational activity with your children, there are excellent tips in the article for making the most out of your space with a container garden. The idea of plucking something from the backyard and incorporating it into a meal thrills me.

Sidewalk chalk

My friend, Jessica, shared this link with us. Adam’s only played with sidewalk chalk a few times because it’s one of those products that I always forget exists. Now I won’t have that as an excuse anymore because I’ll just whip up a batch of my own. Much like the garden, this is another fun summer project that is great for families but certainly doesn’t require kids….or anyone other than your adult self for that matter.

‘Casey Anthony Trial Pits Mother Against Son’

Another comprehensive article from David Lohr on The Huffington Post. I’ll continue to link to his articles throughout the trial. Please explore his other articles on the Post if you haven’t already as he is one of my absolute favorite reporters.

Obsessed?

Are you a mom who is becoming obsessed with the Casey Anthony trial? An interesting phenomenon….

What happened to Christian Choate is horrific beyond words– the negligence of DHS is appalling– and everyone that had a chance to save this boy and failed to act should be prosecuted

How can anyone hurt a child, much less their own? Hearing about the torment suffered by kids at the hands of adults is so profoundly disturbing….but we need to keep the spotlight of the public on these instances so we are compelled to act. Forty years ago child abuse was a taboo topic. We’re far from where we need to be as a society and in terms of law enforcement and government involvement– yet the more we acknowledge this disturbing epidemic the more we can do to work towards its eradication.

The Teflon Cauldron

Want to know about modern paganism in the Mid-South area? Check out the newly revamped Teflon Cauldron and offer your input for what you want to see. As I’ve stated many times, I am so proud to be a part of a spiritual community that encourages all religious traditions.

Does this monkey hold the cure for AIDS?

I’ve heard rumblings about this before…..and I really hope that scientists are onto something here. But I can’t get over the photo here. Sooty mangabeys looks fierce. He knows he’s he’s got this.

With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane