What you decide will affect the nation, the world, and the rest of your lives. You swore an oath to defend the Constitution from enemies both domestic and foreign. Following illegal orders puts you in direct conflict with that oath and puts you in harm's way. Research what happened to the Gestapo, SS, and the Nazi when they claimed they were just following orders. Why did you enlist?
Always listening. Triggered by every sound. Every movement. Fight or flight? Check. Double check. Adrenaline explosion. A flash in the distance. Friend or foe? Message or warning? Heart pounding. Always scanning. Always on high alert. Screaming silence. Moments of sleep shattered by night terrors. Nervous system overload becomes the norm; emotional and physical exhaustion becomes a way of life.
Veterans, who have experienced physical and emotional trauma, call this just another day that ends in “Y”. No matter how it is labeled, the trauma they experienced affects every aspect of their life until the core issue has been addressed and healed. Medication masks symptoms; however, they are highly addictive and never resolve the real source of the pain. Talk therapy has mixed results. Civilians simply don’t understand the military mindset. Peer-support, while more effective, is more difficult to find.
While in service, personnel are told to suck it up and just get over it. It’s part of the culture. To show weakness, especially during combat, makes the person a liability to the sisterhood and brotherhood. While in service, the shared experience gives courage and comfort to the whole unit. Yet, after separation, that mindset becomes a liability as the camaraderie vanishes and is replaced by isolation.
Yet, there are ways for veterans to rebuild their lives and reclaim that support system that doesn’t involve addictive drugs with horrible side effects. Equine therapy is an effective healing methodology that has been around for decades. As with all therapy animals, horses are chosen for their temperament and intelligence. Working with horses provides comfort and support as they help the handler actively restructure their emotional responses and strengthen their bodies.
Horses' innate ability to sense the handler’s emotions provides real-time biofeedback. They can hear and match a person’s heartbeat from nearly four feet away. The horses reflect back the handler’s emotional state. If the handler is relaxed and calm, the horse will be as well. However, if the handler is emotional—angry, frustrated, or afraid, the horse will become anxious. However, instead of becoming aggressive, they will shy away, run, or refuse to cooperate. This real-time feedback helps the handler understand and work through their triggers. The mission is to remain calm and focused in the moment so that the horse will trust the person enough to interact with them. In this way, working with horses helps the handler stay focused on the present moment.
For many people, equine therapy evokes images of riding horses. However, this is not always the case. There are two primary equine therapy methodologies: EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and PATH International. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International). Both are national and international organizations that set standards that each associated equine center must meet to be certified by the organization. Horses are never ridden at Eagla therapy centers. The focus remains on the boots-on-the-ground interaction between the veterans and horses. However, the PATH-certified programs offer both riding and non-riding programs. Both programs heal emotional and physical challenges. Riding a horse uses the same muscles a person uses to walk, which strengthens the body, while motivating the mind into forward thinking. As part of the certification process, the program must be associated with a state-certified counselor with a master's in mental health and have a hands-on equine certification.
Equine centers can be found in most states, mostly in rural or semi-rural areas. As non-profit organizations, they offer the therapy free to veterans. However, they are limited as to how many veterans they are able to help by their fundraising capabilities. In these financially challenging times, the centers have been doubly hit by the increasing costs to care for their horses and the reduction of funding, especially from the VA. Donating to local centers helps veterans while providing yourself with good karma points and a tax deduction.
To find the closest center, visit Horses and Heroes’ website. It has direct links to both the EAGALA and PATH websites. Please click on the link below.
https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/horsesandheroes
The unscripted documentary TV series, Horses and Heroes, combines the highly effective Peer Support Therapy with Equine Therapy. Unlike most in the unscripted genre, it will focus on healing and positive growth rather than endorsing bad behavior. Each season will bring together veterans from World War II to the current conflicts. They will share their challenges and support each other as they find new solutions to their physical and emotional challenges. They know the talk because they have walked the walk. They see the dodges and will be able to call each other on them. Sparks may fly. Tempers may flare, especially when they force each other to face their ghosts. But there will also be laughter and fun as they rebuild the camaraderie, which kept them safe and strong during their time of service. The snarkiness and practical jokes between the branches don't simply end. There is always room for just one more prank. This interaction will help them rebuild that sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, which will help them reclaim their civilian lives. When it airs, it will reach the veterans, who need to hear that they are not alone and give them information as well as the permission they need to also heal. They will help each other find their way back to the World. Veterans can’t go back and make a brand new start, but they can start from now and make a brand new end.
#veterans #EAGALA #PATH #HorsesandHeroes #TheresaChaze #KaliedoscopeFilmandTelevision, #equinetherapy #PeerSupportTherapy #hiringveterans #PTSD #support
The weather over the last few days is a perfect metaphor for what has been happening in the world. It has been unseasonably cold, windy, and rainy. One day, we had 50-60 mile an hour gusts that did considerable damage. A very large branch from one of my trees fell. I was extremely lucky; it only damaged one of my rose bushes. My neighbor wasn’t so lucky. One of his trees started coming down. If they hadn’t immediately done a controlled removal, it would have caused considerable damage to his home. One of the workers was nice enough to cut my branch into manageable pieces so I could move it.
Last night, it again rained.
When I woke up, it was still raining; it was so cold that I turned on
the furnace; I don’t react well to cold and damp. To say that turning on the furnace on June 18th
is depressing is an understatement.
Instead of wallowing, I drank some tea and watched the Obama Presidential
Center ceremony.
The Obamas again brought strength and hope to the world. Unfortunately, the last thing I remember
before I fell asleep was Bruce Springsteen singing. Sorry, Bruce.
Nothing personal. I love your
music. When I woke up, the wind had blown away the
clouds. The sun was out. It was warm
enough to turn off the furnace and open the windows. In just a few minutes, everything changed.
Much of life is perspective.
We have a choice. We can focus on
the clouds and the rain or we can remember that life is about change and embrace
every moment, but especially when it comes to challenges. We all have the power of choice; we don’t
always like the options, yet when we take the broader view, we can make the
best one.
Those who spoke at the ceremony focused on the positive—on what
they wanted to create for the nation. They
refused to bring the negativity of the current administration into the spender
of the day. As a side note, I suspect that ketchup will be dripping off the walls
because of it. Hey, if I didn’t say
something snarky, those who know me wouldn’t think I wrote this. Michell Obama said when they go low, we need
to go high. This is true. But her suing over those comments also proves
that we need to stand in our power and fight for what is right. Becoming angry and frustrated is only a
positive when it motivates us to be our best selves and to stand up for others,
the rule of law, and Civil Rights. When
we do, we become the wind that blows away the clouds and brings back the
sunshine.
#ObanaPreisdentalCenter #hope #ceremony #positivechange #tomorrow
When I talk about breaking stereotypes by supporting age, gender, and ethnic diversity, it isn’t just a talking point; it’s a mission. The goal is to make diversity and inclusion so commonplace that talking about them is boring. This is achieved by creating unique characters that challenge the perceived stereotypes and encourage new perspectives.
Graham Greene is a perfect example of our goal. As a Native American, Graham honored his culture; however, he did so by playing characters who were cops, veterans, doctors, politicians, etc. His ethnicity was only one aspect of a multifaceted character. I enjoyed his work because you never knew what to expect from his talent. He refused to play one-dimensional characters, which is why I created Martin Flying Crow in Operation Home Base with him in mind.
Martin Flying Crow
A full-blooded Oneida, Martin Flying Crow enlisted as an Army Medic to escape the abject poverty of the Rez, only to find the destiny his ancestors had placed before him. Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow walked the Red Road from childhood. At age 13, he set out on a vision quest to learn his life’s path. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was destined to be a healer and guide others. This life was to be one of service to others. He was to teach them the way of spiritual balance. However, to lead others, he needed to walk the path himself. Enlisting as a combat medic in the Army was the first step of many. In Vietnam, he served two tours as a medic. Although he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Deek and Walter. After his tour, he returned to the Rez. Working as a Paramedic, he quickly learned how little emotional, spiritual, and medical support there was for the military personnel, vets, and wounded warriors, along with their families. Working out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts, and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wounded warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure that brought him to the attention of Lorelei Stuart and Michael Woodsman.
Unfortunately, Graham is permanently unavailable. I need to consider one of the many very talents alterative and tweak the character to make it more comfortable for the actor.
The projects that I write and produce offer the same opportunities and growth for women, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community. It’s this fractioning of the expected norm that shatters stereotypes and turns two-dimensional paper dolls into real people. This is our goal; we will achieve this mission by focusing on entertaining first and foremost. No one likes to be preached at. But by creating characters and putting them in situations that touch people’s hearts, you can change minds and behaviors. In a world where ignorance and cruelty are now celebrated, we will find the commonality in our humanity to celebrate. If you share our mission, let’s chat. Here is the link to our website.
https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/
#diversity #inclusion #veterans #women #Native Americans #indigouspeople #TheresaChaze #KaleidoscopeFilmandTelevision #film #Television
There is a market and a need for support in film and television for the LGBTQ+ community. Many Indie projects do support diversity and inclusion. The bump in the road is the lack of support from marketing and advertising professionals to talk the good talk, but when it comes to supporting projects through product placement and integration, their rubber leaves the road--they don't follow through with their support. Talk is cheap. The projects I write and produce break stereotypes by supporting diversity and inclusion. However, instead of making a big hairy deal out of it--looky, looky, we have a gay character--we do as a matter of fact, every day--she/he is gay; so what? mentality.
There is a scene in Completely Loyal to Me where William James speaks to the portrait of his love, Samuel. He expresses his loss and anger. Of all that could have been, that will never be because of the murder. When it comes to grief, gender doesn't matter.
WILLIAM JAMES
Today, your beard gets shaved. They will be gone and the Oyster will be back at her home dock. Will it make me miss you more or less? The sea was our oyster. We could be ourselves--without fear. I wish we could have claimed our love. If we hadn't needed her, you would still be alive. We would be together. Happy. Maybe we should have left. So many maybes and what ifs. But you are dead, my dearest. Nothing can bring you back.
(crying)
After they have gone, I'll take your ashes to your favorite fishing spot. She thinks she got away with it. She thinks they can leave and enjoy their love. She murdered you. She stole our lives together. I may be alone
(grief turns to anger)
but I'll see them in hell even if it means I can't see you in heaven. Ohmygod Samuel, I miss you!
To read more about Completely Loyal to Me and the other projects on our slate visit our website.
#diversityandinclusion #lbgtqcommunity #womeninfinance#womeninfilmandtelevision #nativeamerican#nativeamericaninfilm #veterans #TheresaChaze#Kaleodoscopefilmandtelevision
If you believe that diversity and inclusion should become so commonplace that they are no longer remarkable, join our mission. Those who work in film and televsion has the means to make this possible. Join our team to make original projects that tell tales about how when we face our fears we become our best selves.
Visit our website
https://www.kaleidoscopefilmandtelevision.com/
https://youtu.be/WHD9zwedx6Q?si=CMHFLV9lOMWGU2aQ
#supportingdiversity #inclusion #film #television #women #NativeAmericans #IndigeousPeople #veterans #TheresaChaze #KaleidoscopeFilmandTelevision #Michigan #Oklahomas
Taylor Sheridan missed the
opportunity to continue the Yellowstone legacy while challenging the status quo
of the industry movement toward Conservatism.
Instead of just a western cop show, he had all the elements to create a
series that would be comparable to Billy Jack. However, killing off the character of
Monica challenges that possibility.
The partnership between Monica
and Kaycee reflects that of Billy Jack and Jean. Billy and Kaycee are both wounded warriors
who channel their pain into helping and protecting others. Both teachers, Jean and Monica, were strong
women who were idealistic, healing, and brave enough to create a better
world. The storylines would have been
expanded beyond the us-versus-them mentality, which was the common theme of the
Yellowstone series, into the empowering of veterans and reclaiming the
Indigenous cultures.
The trauma of military service
and his family history gives Kaycee a unique understanding of the benefits of
equine therapy for veterans. Partnering
with Mo Brings Plenty, Kaycee would have created an equine center that
intertwined equine therapy with Native healing techniques. In
doing so, it would raise awareness of the benefits of equine therapy for
veterans, while challenging the stereotypical image of Indigenous People. The therapy program would make room for some
of the original cowboys to return, plus give opportunities for the appearance
of guest stars, including real-life heroes.
Monica’s teaching experience
would be continued and expanded to include writing articles and books that
teach accurate Indigenous history. Truth-based facts break stereotypes. It also gives pride to the culture and gains respect
from others. I heard that Kelsey Asbille
lied about her ethnicity. Making a false
claim is wrong; it dishonors the stolen culture and the one that was thrown
away. However, killing the character was
a big mistake. It threw away the
opportunities to examine the true meaning of family. Monica would have learned that she was
adopted, setting up an emotional and spiritual crisis. Seeing her whole life as a lie, she no longer
knows who she is or where she belongs. The identity and spiritual crisis would
have also affected Tate. Kaycee doesn’t
know how to help them. Normally, Monica
would have gone into the mountains to find comfort and wisdom, yet she doesn’t
want to again dishonor the Ancestors' and her family’s teachings. Her
Grandfather reminds her of all the times she went to seek their guidance and
was given the wisdom she sought. The
Great Spirit and the Ancestors knew the truth, even if she didn’t, and gave her
what she needed. Heritage is the starting point of a life; it’s not the final
destination. They saw her compassionate
heart and warrior spirit; they claimed her just as her parents had when they adopted
her into the family. Monica goes on the
vision quest only to return more determined than ever to dispel the lies and
honor the Indigenous heritage.
Although the ranches were miles
apart, Beth and Rip would remain active parts of Moncia and Kaycee’s lives. More than just helping each other with the
challenges associated with the ranches, they would have to face the political
fallout of the Dutton family legacy.
What happened to Jamie? What
would happen if the train station were accidentally discovered? Just because
John Dutton was dead and Yellowstone belonged to the Nation, the repercussions
would still echo throughout the next generations.
Rip and Carter would work the
ranch. Although Beth would help, it’s
not within her temperament to be stay at home wife. She loves the challenges of the financial and
business worlds too much to give them up.
Instead, she would continue to work to change the ranching business
model to make it more profitable for family ranches. She couldn’t do it for her father and the
Yellowstone, but she would continue to look for new opportunities to make
ranching profitable.
As cousins, Carter and Tate would
face their own challenges of growing up and deciding their futures. What do they want to be when they grow
up? What opportunities do they have? Both would also face a similar identity
crisis—Tate with his heritage and Carter with finding his place in the family
dynamics. Their primary question is the
same as all teens: Where do I go from here?
However, unlike Billy Jack, the Indigenous
culture would play a more active role.
Thomas Rainwater and Mo Brings Plenty walk the thin line between the
Progressives and Traditionalists.
Neither side accepts them. The
storylines would involve Thomas and Mo working to bring the factions together
by blending the best of both worlds. How
do they bring jobs and prosperity to their people while still protecting the
land?
The family connection between
Rainwater and the Duttons was solidified with the transfer of the Yellowstone
to the Nation; however, the loss of jobs continues to undercut Rainwater’s
leadership. With the internet and diverse competitors, the Rez casinos are
experiencing declining returns. Rainwater
must find alternatives.
With common financial experience
and business backgrounds, Rainwater and Beth work together to build a meat
processing plant and a direct-to-consumer delivery business model. Benefiting the ranchers with a higher profit
return and creating jobs for those on the Reservation, the venture becomes
extremely popular and profitable. The business model expands to include other
reservations and ranches across the nation, challenging the corporate-run
ranches and meatpacking companies. To protect their monopolies, the
corporations first attempt to buy their competitors. When the bribery fails, they turn to
alternative means of persuasion.
To compete with the glitz and
glamour of the city casinos, Rainwater works with Monica and Beth to offer the
“Native Experience” with spiritual teachings and tours that tell the history of
the Nations. They offer peaceful retreats with the primary pitch being, “enjoy
all the benefits without the stress and costs of ownership.” Monica and the Elders plan the events. Beth uses her connections to promote and
market them.
Instead of just another cop show,
this series would have tapped into the nostalgia of Billy Jack while telling
suspenseful tales of love, hope, and new beginnings.
