Posted by Anne Caroline Drake on May 25, 2012 · 8 Comments
Memorial Day has been gradually morphing from a celebration of war to a celebration of loved ones who are no longer with us. Cindy Waitt at the Waitt Foundation is writing a blog about the loves of our lives. The Waitt Foundation is a leader in preventing domestic violence, and I am beyond intrigued that Ms. Waitt has … Read more
Category Journey to Joy (J2J) · Tagged with abuse recovery, Burt Bacharach, Cindy Waitt, Complex-PTSD, dating abuse, Depression, domestic violence, emPOWERment, Gershwin Prize, Hal David, Joy Fitness and Style, love, Loves of Your Life, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, spiritual retreats, Therapy, unconditional love, Waitt Foundation
Today began dreary and drippy. By noon, the sun was shining and everyone was giddy with joy. I decided to capture Ma Nature in all her glory in photos. When I walked out of the restaurant after lunch, I stumbled upon this brief yet glorious rainbow created by firemen flushing their hoses. I saw these … Read more
My flowers bring me tremendous joy. I love the romantic blend of pale pink, lavender, and white. Hyacinths are favorite bulbs because they herald Spring. I discovered these tiny grape hyacinths in Edmonds and love their delicate addition to a container of bulbs. When this hyacinth bloomed, it took my breath away. The daffodils this … Read more
A quarter is about as simple as math gets. The quarter is our most popular coin. Little kids who can’t count know that a quarter is 25 cents, and it takes four quarters to have $1. The US Mint uses the quarter to promote celebrations (bicentennial quarter in 1976) and coin collection (50 states and national parks). Yet, this … Read more
Posted by Anne Caroline Drake on April 20, 2012 · 1 Comment
This weekend I’m celebrating the quarter million visitor milestone for Navigating Unchartered Waters. The little blog that started out with just 20 visitors/day on V-Day, 2009 has grown up. Visitors now come from over 125 countries around the world! It is a dream come true. I feel profoundly blessed and humbled by your support and loyalty. … Read more
Category Journey to Joy (J2J) · Tagged with abuse recovery, activist, Barbara Bentley, child abuse, dating abuse, domestic violence, emotional abuse, emPOWERment, Ginny Nicarthy, Julie Owens, Karen Welch, Kit Gruelle, Mildred Muhammad, Nancy Carroll, Rita Anita Linger, self-care, sexual abuse, survivor stories, Vernetta Cockerham
Posted by Anne Caroline Drake on March 24, 2012 · 4 Comments
Shannon Wilson knows a lot about resistance to change. I remain devastated that her brilliant Rights for Mothers site was removed from the Internet. It had a wealth of information and resources for protective mothers. Sometimes allies sabotage our best efforts. They’ve got their own agendas and self-interests. I have been a champion for change … Read more
Category Journey to Joy (J2J) · Tagged with abuse of power, abuse recovery, activist, Change management, child abuse, domestic violence, emotional abuse, emPOWERment, Facebook, family court reform, litigation abuse, parental alienation syndrome, PAS, protective mothers, Rights for Mothers, Violence and Abuse
Posted by Anne Caroline Drake on February 14, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Happy V-Day, dear readers and subscribers! Wow! It is hard to believe this all started just three years ago today. You all have changed and expanded my life dramatically. Thank you! Bless you! It is hard to imagine my life without the friendships and professional connections we have created, nurtured, and sustained. … Read more
Category Journey to Joy (J2J) · Tagged with abuse recovery, artist's date, Bitzie, child abuse, Complex-PTSD, dating abuse, domestic violence, emotional abuse, emPOWERment, Facebook Favorites, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, self-care, sexual abuse, spiritual retreats, survivor stories, V-Day, Violence and Abuse

Julie Owens finds the BEST political cartoons and comments. Thanks for the belly laughs, Julie. Why do so many pro”life” folks vote against funding to care for children once they are born? There’s wisdom in the old adage: Your actions speak so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying. This last one was posted by Dominique Lamb … Read more
Posted by Anne Caroline Drake on January 20, 2012 · 2 Comments
On January 14, 2012, it started to snow in Seattle. I noticed the world was a soft black and white. One of the things I most love about living in Seattle is that it snows about once a year. It’s pretty. It isn’t cold outside. The snow remains pristine because it melts before the soot … Read more