It is with great joy and gratitude that we have finally unveiled the gallery of stars for the “One Million Stars to End Violence” advocacy of Perak Women for Women’s Society. At the same time, it was the formal book launching of my book “After Rain Skies: A Million Stars”.
I am sharing with you all the short talk I gave during the event.
It was a random trip to Ipoh that started this incredible journey. I was taking a stroll down Old Town Ipoh, along Concubine Lane, when a small shop with stars hanging all over caught my eyes.
It was the Perak Women for Women Society’s shop. They were advertising their latest advocacy of “One Million Stars to End Violence,” to support women and survivors of domestic violence, and I was so inspired by it that I wrote a series of poems and reflections about it on my blog to encourage my followers and fellow bloggers to join me in helping the foundation hit their one-millionth star.
The response was overwhelming. I received comments and emails from survivors of domestic violence from all over the world, sharing their stories, expressing their support, and just reaching out to be one with this beautiful advocacy. Some people knew someone close to them that had survived domestic violence and wanted to help in any way they could to end the culture of cruelty and suffering.
I realized that with our words, our voice, our passion, it is possible to rally a community into taking notice, and then defending, helping, and understanding to a certain extent our sisters, our daughters and sons, our friends who do not know how to defend themselves, who do not know who to trust, whose voices are being silenced by fear and hurt and hopelessness.
So I got in touch with Ms. Yip, to tell her about the people who had been moved by the PWW’s advocacy and efforts. And we decided we could do more. We decided we should do more. Thus came about this book.
Let me read to you the following story/excerpt:
“Erin was a vibrant, happy, and joyful woman. To her many boyfriends, all of whom mistreated her verbally and physically, she was patient. To Sufi, she was a great human being and an even better friend.
To herself, Erin was unfair.
She grew up believing she only deserved the kind of love that did nothing but hurt her. And Sufi watched her pick partner after partner that mentally burned her out and repeatedly destroyed her heart.
Still, Erin’s aspirations, inspiration, imagination, wonder, dreams, pursuits, creative brilliance, her magic, remained bright as stars on a cloudless evening, always.
Until they didn’t.
Abuse is not at all clear cut. But Sufi remembered with perfect clarity when her best friend lost the sparkle in her eyes.
First, the silence. Even though marrying the love of your life should be a nervous, excited, rambunctious affair.
Then, the realization of her colleagues that Erin was living with a man who was comfortable with sending his wife to work with bruises and a black eye.
And the dark understanding of the weight of Erin having a son, and nowhere to go that felt safe enough to risk her husband following them and breaking them worse than he would if they stayed put.
Sufi suffered watching her, but all everyone that genuinely loved Erin could do was love her until she began loving herself enough to see that she too was deserving of better treatment.
It took years, and all their support, and the kind of bravery you only learn while trying to fight through a thunderstorm, but Erin gained the self-respect she needed to leave the one that was drowning her light.
Coming home should be the safest thing we ever do in this life. Where we lay our heads at night should be where monsters will not reach us. And yet, so many find themselves making homes with monsters instead.”
Erin is just one of the women whose stories you can find in this book: After-Rain Skies: A Million Stars. This is a compilation of inspiring true stories of domestic abuse survivors, their struggles to break free from the cycle of abuse, and the courage it takes to build a new life for themselves after finally getting out.
These stories were shared by the survivors themselves, others by their loved ones, in the hope that their testimonies could give the kind of help, and hope that they had needed during their time of need, to anyone who might be going through what they went through.
These stories were shared by survivors who wanted to make people pay attention to the members of their society that need assistance and protection most of all.
It is also a compilation of poetry that I’ve written based on those survivors’ experiences. As a woman, as a mother, as a fellow human being, it is with great pride and honor that I present this book to you all with the hope that it will help create awareness on abuse and violence so these evils will be stopped.
Abuse and violence of any form are unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
The works of PWWS has inspired me so much that I was compelled to take part by lending a voice to those unable to speak up for themselves.
This book, my actions, is just one hopeful light in our dark world of today. I hope it sparks a change in you and all those who read it. Let’s end abuse and violence together.
congratulations!!
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Thank you…😊
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How amazing to know that you made such a difference. Congratulations to a lovely person. ❤
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Thank you Di..
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WOW!!! Congratulations! Hoping to have a copy of this book soon!
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Thanks Rose….hope to see you..😉
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So happy to catch up also!!
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May the light of a million and more stars continue to shine for the advocacy of all who need the strength to break a cycle that dims their light. I am so very glad that I could contribute but a few stars to this wondrous exhibit of love and hope!
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We very much appreciate your share of the stars Jules..if you could check out their fb page the stars you sent were featured there …thank you so much..☺
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The photo’s you included on your blog were more than enough 🙂
(I don’t have fb… but if I ever thought about it when my DIL is around…)
((And the star on your book looks familiar… <3))
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Oh wow that must be one of the stars you sent..the book cover artist had to pick one outstanding star from over a million stars for that cover design….thank you Jules…..really..wow!!!! Its your star😊😊😊
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Serendipity! Especially if the cover artist had no idea! ❤
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No idea at all……😇😇😇
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I am sitting here crying tears of joy, MIch! This is so beautiful and touching! Congratulations! 🙂
Millions AND MILLIONS of women will be helped because of your love, compassion, and help! Thank you! 🙂
Women need to be helping and supporting other women! Your book will encourage this! 🙂
I’ve been honored to help many women who were in abusive relationships and I will continue to help more…and when I do, I will think of you with gratitude! 🙂
(((HUGS)))
PS…I “follow” your blog, but for some reason this did NOT show up on my “Reader” page. ??? 😦
I’ll have to figure out why.
So, thank you so VERY much for mentioning this post to me in the comment section of my “autumn leaves” post. I read your comment there and headed right over here! 🙂
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Thank you too Carolyn…i have been having that problem laty with WP.
I am really glad to have known people like you here with compassion and dedication to help and make a difference. It is with great pride and joy that i share this with you …
A Million Thanks Carolyn..😊😊😊
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In my Manage Followed Sites page it says you have not posted a new blog in 22 days.
I might try unfollowing your blog and re-following it to see what happens.
But, wanted you to know that if some of your faithful followers have not commented your blog today, it might be because they don’t know it’s there. 😮
A Million HUGS, Mich! 🙂
Ha…maybe a million hugs is too many…it might wear us both out! 😛
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Oh, thank you Carolyn…i will update the rest they might be experiencing the same trouble as you..
Million hugs for all of us and for all the women out there..🤗🤗
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Carolyn, Thank you for helping too!
Your own site is marked private… I did send a request a bit ago.
I know that you participate in some of the same prompts that I do – perhaps just those that you link are open to all? I’ll have to try that option.
Best to you – I think computers are good, but sometimes they mess up. I have friends who can’t leave comments on my site. Odd.
((Hugs to you))
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Oh, i will have to tell Carolyn too…
Thanks Jules..
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….Her site might be by invitation only, but I may have gotten her confused with another blogger. ~Thanks.
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Hi, Jules!
I didNOT 😦 get an e-mail from WP that you requested to read my site. Please try that again! And we’ll hope it goes through this time. I will, also, check out your site.
HUGS!!! 🙂
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WP likes to make things complicated. At one point I had several blogs. My Icon doesn’t go to my current open blog – to which the title doesn’t match… The only current blog open is: https://julesinflashyfiction.wordpress.com/
Thanks for trying…
I just went to your place and it still says private… I’ll try again but it may come in as being from Jules Pens Some Gems 🙂
((Hugs)) and good Morning to you! 😀
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I hope you gets to connect to Carolyn Jules as i used to have difficulty getting through her site too…
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Hey, Jules!
You should be able to access my site now.
Please feel free to stop by and read and comment! 🙂
I usually only have time to post 1 blogpost per week. And it’s usually funny, or poems I write, or something I hope is encouraging! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
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Thank you! ((Hugs))
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You’re welcome! People tell me they are NOT notified about my comments back to them (from my site) so always check back, If you leave me a comment on my blog I will ALWAYS respond back. 🙂
I guess it’s because my site is on “private”, but that has never made sense to me. ??? 😮
HUGS!!! 🙂
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That’s right, i also didnt get a notification about your reply in the comment i left on your site….so i had to go back and check it there ..
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Please always check back. And don’t feel like you need to add another comment to my comment to you! Ha. Just want you to read what I say in reply to you!
I never take comments for granted. I know people only have a limited amount of time to blog, so I GREATLY appreciate when they read my drivel 😉 😀 and leave a comment!
HUGS!!! 🙂
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Lol….i.always check back 😉😉😉
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I’ve never switched to the “new” WP writing mode. I am not a fan of the extra line space it has. So a long while ago I found how to get back to the older way and am never enticed to switch. I work out of the WP Dash where comments can be accessed two ways, by the bell on the right or in the activity section. I hardly ever use the ‘Reader’ I’m not impressed with how it works. I may not always get to my return visits the same day but I always get back with at least a like (so you know I saw)… or a comment.
I also think different countries have different filters and if you have multiple sites…well that’s a whole different ball of wax especially if you are using them all as ‘free’.
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Oh now i learned something Jules…thanks so much…
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Yes, thank you, Jules! Just a “like” on the comment so I know you found it is fine. 🙂
I’ve only ever had this one WP site and I have enough trouble with keeping up with it and WP’s changes and glitches, etc. 😀
HUGS and hope your day is going great! 🙂
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this also didn’t show in my reader … WP has been sosoooo slow! And whenever I try to open something it takes me elsewhere it has been so frustrating for nearly a week now … sorry Mich, just found this!
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Hi kate…i am.really having trouble with WP too..arrgggh..
Thanks goodness you found this post .😊
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yes so glad I did … made me look at other blogs I follow and been missing quite a few .. I thought everyone was silently hibernating 😦
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Congratulations!! Awesome accomplishment, Dear Friend!!!
xoxo 💖🌹😊
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Thanks so.much chuck😊
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Congrats Mich … how delightful for everyone involved that you were so inspired 🙂
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Thank you kate…it was really wonderful …and a blessing too to have all those people that day …😊
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yes looks like a great variety and what beautiful pics and happy memories 🙂
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Oh Wow Mich, This is such a worthwhile project that I know will make such a difference to many people… You should really be proud of yourself and your achievements Mich in all the hard work you have contributed..
Well done… ❤
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Thank you so much Sue…this is really one thing i have been wanting to do…
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💖🤗
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Amazing work. Thank you for speaking out.
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Thank you too for dropping by and welcome on board..🤗
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Many congratulations Mich. I love your except. It is incredibly moving and powerful.
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Thank you Bridgid…😊😊😊
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Oh wow, so much beauty here. I love your photos. Have a lovely day.
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Thank you..😊😊😊
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Mich I read the story of Erin and Sufi and your beautiful news. I’m crying a lot with joy, from memories, but mostly it’s joy and gratitude for you. Congrats and thank you for this. I can’t wait to read your book. (I didn’t see a link so if you could direct me I will check it out). Mich, well done. Truly. We are sisters at the heart. You give me the courage to speak my truth too, and I will. The courage of women like you and Mrs. Yip and those you are helping and writing about gives me strength and hope. You are a brilliant light in the world. Thank you.
♥.
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Oh thank you so much Nikki..i am glad that you found your voice and courage to speak up..may you forever hold on to that voice and speak up for those who cant..thank you Nikki for joining me and the rest of the One Million Stars team in our efforts to end the culture of abuse..
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It is my honor and privilege Mich. Thank *you* ♥.
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Congratulations, Mich! This is a great event. 😊💕
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Thank you Winnie…how are you?
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You’re welcome, Mich. I’m writing again though I’m a bit slow. It’s the result of shelving it for a long time, I guess. Family life is also taking most of my time so my blogging is affected. I hope you’re doing fine, Mich.
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I also experienced the same delima lately Winnie..” mommy duties”…lol..am happy to see you back..
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Congratulations with your book, Mich 😀
This topic is really important and I’m happy to see, how this will develop.
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Thank you Irene…i hope this makes a difference and creates more awareness on abuse and violence..
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I hope so too.
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Small steps take you on long distances. You have made a mark on history for these victims. Kudos to you.
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Thank you so much for saying that…its just a little ray of light but i hope it sparks a change in all of us…
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Congrats!!
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Thanks Di..☺
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Wow! Congratulations and it is inspiring to see how you have reached so many people!
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Thank you so much ….i hope this sparks a change in our perspective about abuse and violence..
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Congratulations, Mich! This is such a great accomplishment!! I am going to continue to spread the word about your book and the group. Your efforts have touch so many lives…
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Thank you so much Irma for the support always..i am hoping to reach as many audience and send out a message that violence of any form is un acceptable..
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Yes, I’ll email you with some sites I would like to send it to.
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Thank you as always..
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Hala ang galing! Congrats!
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Thank you…salamat😊😊😊
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Micha, thank you for sharing your light and helping so many others are worthy of sharing theirs with the world. Thank you for helping each of these stars shine through the darkness that fills the lives of so many day after day! 🙏💗🤗
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Hey Jenna …i lost you..i cant find you anymore…i am glad you drop in..thank you
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I’ve had a few people say that recently…try unfollowing and re-following. That’s seemed to do the trick for a few others. I’ve had the same problem with some of mine. Must be something with WordPress updates.
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Thank you Jenna..will do that..
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You’re welcome Mich, happy Thanksgiving my dear! 🤗 ❤️
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Happy thanksgiving Jenna😊
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Thank you Mich 😊❤️
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Big congrats , Mich. proud of you. And so happy for your success. Way to go. Atta girl. Bless you.
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Oh, thank you Yassy😉😉
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You are so very welcome, Mich. more success to you , more ink to your quill. Kudos to you ❤️🤗
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🤗🤗🤗
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🤗🤗🤗❤️😘
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My dear Mich, so proud of the good work done by you! Congratulations and wishing your million stars continue the good effort! 😍😍❤️
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Oh, thank you Punam….thank you for the support 😚😚
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You are so welcome, dear! 🤗💖
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Wow, Mich, congratulations! You are helping more women than you may ever realize through the work you’re doing. I’m Tweeting it out this very moment xx
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Oh wow thank you Christy….thank you.
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Congratulations, Mich and such a profound and captivating post. Too good.
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Thanks so much ☺☺
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Welcome 😊😊
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Amazing. What power you’ve helped bring forth through the healing process for many! I love that poetry and art is part of your invaluable endeavor.
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Thank you Rose…it was such a rewarding feeling knowing that i was able to help ..😊😊😊
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I wish you much success w/ the book. This is an important message. ❤
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Thank you so much..😊
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Congratulations on your book.
Thank you for sharing this post and caring enough to do something about this issue. I am sure the women of the PWWS have been greatly heartened by your involvement.
BTW I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger’s award.
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Thank you so much for dropping by and for the nomination..will hop in there in a while..
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Thank you Michaud for responding and for leaving me your comment. I look forward to your visit.
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