Or should I say the “lack of relationships” after sexual assault. Trust is a difficult thing, especially when you’ve fallen victim to a rape. After becoming a victim myself and eventually seeking therapy, I couldn’t trust anyone, not even myself. Can you imagine the feeling… Read full post »

After being raped by two men when I was just fifteen years old, I understand the value of choice. Maybe that's because I never had one. The trauma I experienced reminds me of the abortion ban Mississippi law makers are pushing through their state… Read full post »

This week was a big week for the global LGBT community. Yesterday, Argentina made it easier for transgendered individuals to obtain hormone therapies and sex change operations. A few days before that, the US state of North Carolina banned gay marriage and civil unions. Is it… Read full post »

The above painting, L’absinthe, is by far one of my favorite Degas’. I like it more than any one of his ballerinas. This is probably because of the raw emotion it exhibits or maybe because I can identify more with a drunk than I do… Read full post »

I remember the first day I babysat Melanie. I was in college and a local family hired me to watch her four days a week. Things went really well during the initial consultation. The meeting was arranged to see if she liked me. I did her nails and… Read full post »

I’m Quitting Writing to Become a Stripper

Yeah, right. However, not long ago a male acquaintance suggested I do just that. This really blows my mind because he was the second person to do… Read full post »

I was driving home this morning from an appointment and I was feeling kind of sad. Lately things just don’t seem to be going my way and I find little happiness in my day to day affairs. In my head as I drove, I asked God to help… Read full post »

Yesterday was my dog's birthday. Well, it would've been. I know I have told this story a million times but hear me out. I had always wanted a little girl dog. My parents took me to a farm. When we pulled up to it, you could see a… Read full post »

Hayley Rose 2005

Before I moved to Arizona in 2005, my father brought me my first real camera. For about a week or so I drove around taking pictures of sunrises. It wasn't so much that I got up earlier as that I stayed up late...

As the weather gets warmer and the radio plays Journey, Chicago and other band's love ballads non-stop, I cannot help but think of the summer I spent with the only guy I was ever in love with. I guess it kind of tarnishes the good memories when I… Read full post »

On Friday April 6th, famous "painter of light" Thomas Kinkade died. Kinkade is known not only for his beautifully cheerful paintings but his strong faith and belief in Christianity. Within many of his paintings, he hid the names of his family members as well as Christian… Read full post »

In the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray's character awakes every morning to the same exact day. Because of this, he is able to live each day without consequences and still wake up the next morning as if nothing happened. He eats whatever he wants, commits suicide, and is… Read full post »

"Love Isn't Love Until You Give it Away." I saw it written on a poster at the store this morning. I probably should've been working, but instead I went shopping for vintage jewelry.

"Love Isn't Love Until You Give it Away." I just Googled it- apparently it is also… Read full post »

"No one is going to ask you out if they see those rings on you, Hayley." I didn't exactly understand my friend's concern, as the rings were on right hand. I suppose that the gold band and diamond could easily be mistaken for some type of commitment.

"I… Read full post »

Most artists in this country are greatly under appreciated. When I refer to most artists, I am not talking about the musicians and actors who are bringing home multimillion dollar paychecks each year. No. I’m talking about the artists who are barely getting by and if they're… Read full post »

“Look, I want to be honest and real with you because you deserve it sweetie… I am attracted to you and yes I want you to be mine one day if God is willing, babygirl. My wife and I would love to get to know you sweetie… You… Read full post »

Me, the picture this article is based on

Body dysmorphic disorder or BDD is a mental illness characterized by a skewed perception of the self. People with BDD spend large amounts of time obsessing over and trying to "fix" a physical flaw that they believe they… Read full post »

Petitions are circulating around the Internet calling for Rush Limbaugh's head. Regardless of his offensive rhetoric, words that I consider hate-speech, I do not believe sending him to the guillotine is the answer. During my appearance on the Geraldo Rivera Radio Show last Tuesday, Geraldo remind… Read full post »

This is Not a Woman's Movement - This is a People's Movement

 On Monday, I wrote an article calling for a new feminist movement; a movement in which men and women work together to achieve equality and to squelch hate-speech. From the beginning, I realized this issue wasn't limited to… Read full post »

What is it like to grow up with a parent who is not only abusive but a martyr? Hell. That's what. I told myself I wouldn't do it, but today I am going to write about my mother. She has pushed me over the edge. I want to… Read full post »

Today I was invited to be on the Geraldo Rivera's radio show this morning at 10AM on the NY station Wabc 770 and at noon on Kabc 790  in Los Angeles. Please tune in!

Listen to it over the internet at 10 AM at http://www.wabcradio.com/article.asp?id=2362811

And at noon at http://kabc.com/
Hayley Read full post »

I am calling for a new feminist movement and men, we really need your help.

Rush Limbaugh’s comments from last week still has people outraged. Though there are many men who despise him and his views on women, the fact that he is so forthright in the public eye… Read full post »

I found this through a Facebook “share” this morning and thought you might appreciate it. I do not know the origins of this photograph. All I know is that is was taken at a DC Slutwalk.

Slutwalks are a recent slew of protests by women who are sick of… Read full post »

Note: This is an article I am writing for a fellow blogger, Sharon Nesbit-Davis’ blog.  She works and blogs for the Rockford  arts council in Illinois.

Read full post »