Nov 23, 2010
Talking about:
26 posts
164 visits
164 visits
suzanne perry
LookOnTheBrightSide
Music for hope (exposing domestic violence and abuse) is going to be heard 'round the world!
Feb 18, 2010
What do you get when you take 22 years of being held down, 2 years of freedom, 23 bands, two stages, two days and 1,060 supporters? You get the EXPOSURE Concert.
And we’re not done.
Yesterday was a fantastic day of progress. I went to Page’s Paradise Island in Depew, met the raffle winner, Greg Graham of Williamsville, and presented him with the Jackson electric guitar played and signed by all of Def Leppard. 
I followed that up with an afternoon of great food, games and glow-in-the-dark putt-putt with my kids at Page’s, and then off to an evening meeting with my Marketing and Promotions Director and a trio from a production company, to be named a little later on.
All five of us left the meeting with big smiles.
The OP Music House is still accepting bands to play a set at the EXPOSURE Concert, a two-day concert promoting peace through music. At the time of this publishing, 23 acts are confirmed. OP Music House’s cause is to expose domestic violence and abuse. The idea is - if abusers were exposed, they wouldn’t do it.
The latest? We’re goin GLOBAL! The EXPOSURE Concert is going to stream live ‘round the world! Just like when The Beatles, ‘All You Need is Love’ was simulcast back in 1967, but with better technology. This is a mini-Woodstock, August 14-15, in Western New York, at Club Paradise.
The bands, my staff, and I are totally stoked.
In March I’m going to Los Angeles and you will probably hear me back at home, spreading the word of the concert, the cause, and of the awesome people of Western New York.
I write to educate about domestic violence and abuse. I seek those in the dark and will stop at nothing. I am thankful for those I have been allowed to help.
For more information please visit www.opmusichouse.org or call Suzanne Perry at 716.548-5013.
LookOnTheBrightSide
EXPOSURE Concert announced: 2 days of rock to promote anti-violence in the home by OP Music House
Feb 9, 2010
The inception: On A Dime Installations Announces New Business This is compacted from several publications over the last month to help convey how and why this venture has been formed.
Suzanne Perry, President of On A Dime Installations, based in Orchard Park, NY, has founded and announced two sibling companies to show promise of unity and hope for the new decade: OP Music House&ICE Cafe.
The 501(c)3 OP Music House is a nonprofit music venue and recording studio for young adults, offering a 24 hour hotline and referral service for abuse victims. It also will have motivational speakers, lessons and mentoring by local musicians and abuse professionals, and encouragement for people to express thru music, sharing the outlet to unwind, create and perform. ICE Cafe (stands for Instruments, Coffee and Entertainment) is an original coffee house which will be within the same proximity and will fund the OP Music House by featuring and marketing featured Western New York artisans music and food.
Perry is currently looking for a home for the new facilities.
Perry was a victim of domestic violence for over twenty years. She has been free from the violence for over two years now with her 3 children; and launched On A Dime Installations, an accredited telecommunications company in April, 2008. In mid-2009, she decided to tell her story. The response was so overwhelming, she needed an outlet and with her musically-inclined daughter, came up with the music venue and coffee house concept.
She has most recently been published inside the cover of WNY Women in Business, December 2009. http://www.metrowny.com/wnywomenonline/articles/bioya/dime.html
Perry says, "If there is one thing I want to represent, it is hope. I want people who feel like nobody understands, to reach out directly to me. I know how they feel and how to help them."
The hype has spread like wildfire through the social networking realm and the general public alike. Perry writes about domestic abuse as a means to educate the public, for several columns and websites. She is a columnist for MyBuffalo.com as a band, venue and restaurant critic as well as local business and local reflections. She also is the Buffalo startup business Examiner for Examiner.com and has drawn nearly 20% of the entire reading audience by discussing realities of business in WNY, life and death, family, priorities, spiritualism, positive thinking, and of course domestic violence and abuse; the how's and the why's.
Perry is currently looking for a home for the new facilities.
Perry was a victim of domestic violence for over twenty years. She has been free from the violence for over two years now with her 3 children; and launched On A Dime Installations, an accredited telecommunications company in April, 2008. In mid-2009, she decided to tell her story. The response was so overwhelming, she needed an outlet and with her musically-inclined daughter, came up with the music venue and coffee house concept.
She has most recently been published inside the cover of WNY Women in Business, December 2009. http://www.metrowny.com/wnywomenonline/articles/bioya/dime.html
Perry says, "If there is one thing I want to represent, it is hope. I want people who feel like nobody understands, to reach out directly to me. I know how they feel and how to help them."
The hype has spread like wildfire through the social networking realm and the general public alike. Perry writes about domestic abuse as a means to educate the public, for several columns and websites. She is a columnist for MyBuffalo.com as a band, venue and restaurant critic as well as local business and local reflections. She also is the Buffalo startup business Examiner for Examiner.com and has drawn nearly 20% of the entire reading audience by discussing realities of business in WNY, life and death, family, priorities, spiritualism, positive thinking, and of course domestic violence and abuse; the how's and the why's.
The press release came out last week OP Music House is having an EXPOSURE Concert in August, because love should not hurt. There are already 19 bands confirmed to unite and perform to expose domestic violence. It's truly amazing and moving. The wonderful people at Club Paradise are working with us to make it a two day festival, and will add 1 or 2 outdoor stages to accomodate all the acts. It's turning into a big deal.
Representing music, peace, and nonviolence in the home, what a trifecta!
An excerpt from Perry's most recent Examiner article: 'I recently wrote a very powerful article, but since it was not related to my topic, I did not publish it here. Because of my following and supporters, I am linking it here. It describes how we were raised and the comparison of why in the old days, we chose to look the other way; and how people have become monsters because of limitations embedded into our minds and imposed upon us at an early age.'
http://www.mybuffalo.com/_Hurt-at-home-Why-A-must-read-for-men/blog/1773801/85283.html
From the horse's mouth:
If you Google 'suzanne perry + violence' your screen will be packed with my work; yes I am passionate about education, prevention and intervention of abuse in the home. I am not here for my own personal gain, but to help those who need it. I live on Facebook and am a self-proclaimed photojournalist there. I post sunrise and sunset photos from my little house in the outskirts of Orchard Park, NY.
Thank you for letting me know that you care and I am helping you, or someone you love, in some form or fashion. I will raise my voice even louder and we will expose these insecure maggots who feed their weak souls by controlling people. My Examiner and MyBuffalo column's views and subscriptions are triple and quadrupled the area's standard. Although I didn't join until October, I have 20% of all last year's readership, so I obviously struck a nerve. That's pretty amazing.
A calendar of events is on the OP Music House & ICE Café website. Perry will be "locked up" for Jerry's Kids at Danny's South on February 23 with a bail set at $1600 to raise money for muscular dystrophy.
March 6 Perry will have a booth in the Community Marketplace & Job Fair in the Orchard Park High School from 10am-5pm. This event is sponsored by the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce.
A golf tournament is taking place May 23 at the Rosebrook Golf Club for the OP Music House, with a portion of the proceeds to also benefit to Make-A-Wish.
Email me anytime at enoughofit7@gmail.com and always know what's up at www.opmusichouse.org.
Rock on!, and please continue to show your support. It means the world to me. Comment and share!
THANK YOU.
It is a sensitive subject. It is a real subject, and it hurts. It's domestic violence, family and spousal abuse. I have a constant stream on communication with people and it's bone-chilling how prevalent it is. What may shock you is that men are abused almost as much as women 
are. Here are my findings of fact by personal interviews. I do not seek agreement or argument.
Many women were or are raised the old-fashioned way: believing they are inferior to men. Women were not allowed to vote, or be in the workforce. Women were conditioned to be the caretakers, the housekeepers, the nurturers. The woman's job was to cater to her man, regardless of her own needs. The woman of yesterday had to raise 13 kids while the husband fought a war, worked in a factory, or was at the saloon. The woman was always the glue, and was treated with little respect. The woman was to remain silent and was not allowed to voice her opinion or object. She was trained to be a wallflower without character, dependent on her man to survive. An on-demand slave, to be extreme.
By this old-fashioned standard, children were raised by the same theory. "Seen and not heard." Children had to work, hard, on the farm, or caring for 12 siblings. Never was it acceptable for a child to question a task assigned by their father. It was ok to strike a child for misbehavior. Teachers struck children in the classroom with a wooden ruler (among other items). Never disgrace your family or it was the belt.
The family unit dressed in their Sunday best because they were going to church.
Divorce was taboo, as was an unwed mother.
Times have changed.
Monsters were created.
Often times, the children who have been the subject of humiliation by their parents grow up to hate and seek revenge against authority. The parents who thought they were doing the right thing by insisting their child was not good enough, and must do better never have actually reared a child who will wander, seeking acceptance that was never received at home. Some may have been pushed to the point of running away. Some may have turned to drugs or other negative lifestyles to escape their feelings. Some go to the point of no return and commit suicide or murder.
Women who carry the complex, whether it was being told they weren't good enough, or for other reasons are unhappy with their own selves, become monsters in a relationship and end up abusing their partners.
For most abusers, the feeling of controlling another energizes them. They will do whatever it takes to get a reaction, unfortunately they do it negatively. They mentally exhaust their partners by constant bellowing scathing insults; insisting their partner is not good enough, is a failure, is worthless. Over time, the victim is reduced to the significance of an amoeba.
As a society, we generalize that men are a burly, steadfast Tarzan. Men have feelings, too. Women are categorized as being over-sensitive when in fact oftentimes are cantankerous, vindictive beasts in the way they treat their partner. It's no laughing matter. It's true, it's real and it's wrong. Men are purported to be the tougher, stronger sex and assumed can't be subject of such torture. Nothing could be further than the truth.
What gives anyone the right to belittle or humiliate another? They take it upon theirself to be a bully. It's not okay. Get out of the relationship. You are not going to change this person because that insecurity is at the core level. Those that have lived through it will attest. Their ex partner is doing the same thing to someone else.
In an abusive relationship, there is nothing the victim can do to please their partner. And they begin to doubt their own character and worth. It's a horrible position to be in. Constantly being henpecked, insulted, even stricken by hands, feet or objects is all abuse that nobody should accept or tolerate. We stay either because we are threatened of consequences or feel we can change the person. Over time, victims become isolated and depressed.
It is very hard for victims to understand that it's not their fault. The first support I offer is to say over and over, they do NOT deserve it and it's not their fault. It is healthy to talk to a warrior from the same battle.
I believe I have been subject of every abuse by one evil creature in order to help those in an abusive relationship today, or to help those that were and want someone to talk to.
It's never ok to be hit or ridiculed.
We are all worthy of love. We can give til it hurts but should never be hurt by those we give it to.
Treat others the way you want to be treated, that is one old-fashioned theory that should never, ever be compromised.
Jan 20, 2010
Hi, I was checking in. The past week has been a busy and very productive one. I update the OPMusicHouse website with current events and announcements.
The most recent additions are that I am spotlighted on this week's Sound Magazine radio show on Citadel stations at 1.24.10 at 6am. It is my story about rising above domestic violence (mind you, 22 years of it), and doing good in giving back.
The more I write, the more I realize, which helps me to grow and be a better person. Being a better person to me, means making a positive impact in people's lives. Based on comments on the article about me in WNY Women in Business, I am have been an inspiration to several people. That fulfills my sense of purpose.
But I am greedy, and want to inspire more people. I feel that I suffered for all those years for a reason. The reason unfurls with every comment and feedback I get, saying that I made them smile, or feel worthwhile, or helped them to see something they didn't see before.
I feel that I was brushed off and set on my feet by God himself, and that the inner glow and burn I feel every minute of every day is His "lantern of hope" and my job is to hold it high.
Call me kooky if you will, it's my story, my belief. And I told you before that the more I talk the more I am rewarded by visions of beauty. That is the reason I don't leave the house without my digital camera. This way I can take pictures to provide the backup, so people know that I do spread good and truth.
And I'm not doing this for money. As I type I have some severely delinquent bills and I just wait for things like my water to be turned off. I have not been paid a cent for writing, and my column, for examiner.com, albeit the reader subscriptions and positive vibe, owes me a total of $4. (Yes, four dollars).
What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. Maybe I am crossing the line of faith and jumping into stupidity. I don't know. But at least if I go down, its for the right reasons. I am being the best I can be.
Jan 6, 2010
had you there for a minute, didn't I?
Being the Buffalo Startup Business Examiner, who better to announce new business births in Western NY?
As of January 4, 2010, On A Dime Installations (If it carries a signal, we'll hook you up), has founded two companies: OP Music House, and ICE Cafe.
They are not identical twins. OPMH is a boy, and ICE is a girl. They were born minutes apart and have my eyes.
I have been the rope in a tug-of-war by the Heat Miser and the Cold Miser on how I can proceed. I have accounts with both: PayPal and Google checkout. As you may know, I have an electric guitar signed by all of Def Leppard that was given to me by a former radio personality (my best friend since 1st grade), as the first raffle item. This is for the very purpose of our inception - to support and acknowledge victims of spousal and family abuse and violence.
PayPal will not allow me to sell raffle tickets, but I can accept dontations, and sell merchandise. Nobody can win anything.
Google checkout says I can't use the word 'donation' until I am approved to be 501.c.3 (nonprofit) status, which can take months. (I have the novel of paperwork prepared and I'm ready for them. I'm on file with Uncle Sam and all the appropriate parties have been informed and involved. I'm not out to haggle anyone.) The whole point of the raffle is to help raise funds to get all that set-up junk paid for and grow it from there. Google checkout's bottom line is I can sell merchandise and tickets, but can't accept 'donations'.
Hmm. Reading between the lines just got harder. I think I need a new pair of reading glasses.
Please call or email me if you are local to Western NY and want to help. I can drop off a batch of tickets, and will even let you display the guitar in your business (I will advertise for you) to help me. I advertise on facebook, and via my columns and articles. I have a decent fan base on all 3 facebook accounts.
If you want to make a straight donation you can do so to the paypal account at enoughofit7@gmail.com.
If you want to make a purchase, you can do so online at our website: www.OPMusichouse.org/blank.html.
The OP Music House will be a nonprofit music venue and recording studio for young adults; offering a full referral service for victims of abuse, overseen my myself. The OP Music House will have a rotating stock of local, Western New York merchandise to promote the robust talents of our area.
ICE Cafe (stands for Instruments, Coffee and Entertainment) will be a coffee house which will occupy space within the OP Music House. Here, we can rotate home made food items that the hard-working hands of Western New Yorkers create.
The entire facility will have donated trinkets and pictures of our scenic region. We do have alot to boast.
We are currently looking for a home in the Orchard Park/West Seneca area.
Some awesome musicians have stepped up already to offer their time, services, even free performances among other items. Other local artists and speakers have indicated interest, as well as volunteers to help collect data and do whatever is needed.
It doesn't matter if we are in a recession or not; the people of this region are a hard-working class with great morals. When we get knocked down, you'd better watch out, because we get bigger and come back in numbers. We help each other and stick together. I love the people here. If you won't stick up for each other you better run the other way, fast. Ok the proud Mama is getting all teary-eyed.
Welcome into the world, the new baby businesses of 2010, Thing One and Thing Two. May the world welcome you with open arms, because you represent PEACE and UNITY.
Jan 5, 2010
It's scary. Some people cringe right up if I say those words. Those that bear the same battle scars are all related.
Something like that. Well whatever doesn't kill me, definitely makes me stronger.
At first when I talk to someone, they get sad. But what you don't understand is, it's OK now, because it's over. It's been over for more than two years now
I am learning as I go. My biggest problem was worrying about what his family was thinking. I was sure lies and rumors were flying around. I hate drama, always have. And I sure would hate to be a seed for it.
My kids tried so hard and were a big help. They said not to worry about them, because the truth would come out. I feel like I am always defending myself. Well I had enough.
Of course they were right. I have learned, that as evils try to overcome, stay focused and stay strong. We end up being a rainbow after a fierce storm. Cool, huh?
Writing all over the internet are all pieces of my book which I believe I will entitle, "Behind the Mastermind (of an abuser)".
In talking, chatting, emailing with people all over the country so far (I hope to be able to say 'world' some day), I have told enough of the profile, shocking many of them that someone actually knows, understands, honestly was there, being spat on for example on the floor. Yes, I was there.
I also have not been surprised. These beasts get stronger by degrading decent, caring human beings. I think the common ground for us, is we are wanting to trust, wanting to believe, and actually do feel guilty for the wrong reasons.
I found myself actually apologizing, after being hit. Those who were in the battle know.
The more publishings out there, in my eyes, the more credible I am for someone to reach out to. I have too many things that I want to do. But at least I want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
How can I find these people? I pray.
Jan 2, 2010
In the name of all impacted by domestic violence and family abuse.
It was announced this fall, and now we have a hot item. It's the first item donated, by the first person that I helped to stay strong and not return to her abuser.
My best friend since 1st grade was a radio jock for years, and received this guitar from Def Leppard, in person. It was played by and signed by the entire band.
A donation of $5 gets your chance to win it. Please visit www.opmusichouse.org for details. Donations are secure with Google checkout. I also have a PayPal account, but they don't allow raffle ticket sales so only straight merch purchases or direct donations can go via PayPal.
The drawing will be held February 14, 2010, Valentine's Day.
I will be taking the guitar "on tour" this month to promote the fundraiser. Donations are to get the corporation filed and obtain 501.3.c status as a nonprofit for the music venue and recording studio. The coffeehouse will be a for-profit venture.
It is very exciting! We have already had some well-known artists and musicians step up and volunteer their time and services, and even free performances, once we are ready! Local ties such as the Goo Goo Dolls, who have so much love and support for this area; Bob James, and a plethora of artists and musicians from all around the area currently extending to New Jersey have come forward! Volunteers and interns are starting to catch wind and come forth too!
My missions are to streamline immediate help for victims of domestic violence and family abuse, and to give young adults a safe place to come express theirselves which will have a full, confidential referral service.
I have received a phenominal response from the public and much encouragement in my work. Please read my articles as I love to write, share local photos and reviews, on my blog located here http://onadimeinstallations.blogspot.com/ I am a writer for the Examiner, link is here http://www.examiner.com/x-27677-Buffalo-Startup-Business-Examiner?showbio am a regular on MyBuffalo.com (tied to The Buffalo News), Blog4change and my list is growing rapidly as more show interest in my motives.
Please also read my article as posted just a couple weeks ago on WNY Women... http://www.metrowny.com/wnywomenonline/articles/bioya/dime.html
Thank you, please help to bring this to fruition. It is SO important that people know they are not forgotten and there really is hope for them to escape being rediculed, humiliated, beaten or raped in their own home.
It was announced this fall, and now we have a hot item. It's the first item donated, by the first person that I helped to stay strong and not return to her abuser.My best friend since 1st grade was a radio jock for years, and received this guitar from Def Leppard, in person. It was played by and signed by the entire band.
A donation of $5 gets your chance to win it. Please visit www.opmusichouse.org for details. Donations are secure with Google checkout. I also have a PayPal account, but they don't allow raffle ticket sales so only straight merch purchases or direct donations can go via PayPal.
The drawing will be held February 14, 2010, Valentine's Day.
I will be taking the guitar "on tour" this month to promote the fundraiser. Donations are to get the corporation filed and obtain 501.3.c status as a nonprofit for the music venue and recording studio. The coffeehouse will be a for-profit venture.
It is very exciting! We have already had some well-known artists and musicians step up and volunteer their time and services, and even free performances, once we are ready! Local ties such as the Goo Goo Dolls, who have so much love and support for this area; Bob James, and a plethora of artists and musicians from all around the area currently extending to New Jersey have come forward! Volunteers and interns are starting to catch wind and come forth too!
My missions are to streamline immediate help for victims of domestic violence and family abuse, and to give young adults a safe place to come express theirselves which will have a full, confidential referral service.
I have received a phenominal response from the public and much encouragement in my work. Please read my articles as I love to write, share local photos and reviews, on my blog located here http://onadimeinstallations.blogspot.com/ I am a writer for the Examiner, link is here http://www.examiner.com/x-27677-Buffalo-Startup-Business-Examiner?showbio am a regular on MyBuffalo.com (tied to The Buffalo News), Blog4change and my list is growing rapidly as more show interest in my motives.
Please also read my article as posted just a couple weeks ago on WNY Women... http://www.metrowny.com/wnywomenonline/articles/bioya/dime.html
Thank you, please help to bring this to fruition. It is SO important that people know they are not forgotten and there really is hope for them to escape being rediculed, humiliated, beaten or raped in their own home.
I meander through the world wide web, looking for people to play with. I have joined many affiliations, looking for that place to have fun, share stories, and help each other.
Maybe this is it, don't know.
I love to talk, to write, to photograph, in fact, I even paint scenes inside of REAL eggshells!
Looking for some way to reach my audience... hmm - who is my audience? Victims of family abuse, incest, domestic violence. Yea those are words that make people cringe, but there are SO many of us that have been in that position of helplessness. I can handle anything you want to share with me from a victim standpoint.
Heck, my husband did horrific things ... and in discussing it with people, can help reassure you that these people have very similar profiles and characteristics. I know, I really do.
I am launching a music venue and coffee house for all of us. It's a means of expression. I will be looking for volunteers in helping me get the whole 501.c.3 set up, looking for donations of services by attorneys, grant writers and all that jazz. I can't do it alone but have many believers and supporters.
So back to my audience... ok music, arts, or troubled by abusive partners and parents... does that not cover nearly everybody?
So now, I need means to pay a staff, and I need a staff!
And, I need to keep my phone on, bills paid, while I try to pull this all together! Let's see what's out there..!
Meanwhile, I'd like to share, that the first person I helped to stay strong, was my very best friend since 1st grade, which I lost contact with. She actually called me when I was in my bad situation and she was sick at what I sounded like; I could not speak freely on the phone nor answer her questions directly. It ripped my heart out to be so contained.
Being a radio personality, she has donated the first item for the op music house (the music venue and coffee house), an electric guitar used by, and signed by the entire band DEF LEPPARD! This is it here, with me. The winner will be drawn on Valentine's Day.
Jan 1, 2010
I actually do need some help from local law enforcement. I have a friend, whose sister is in trouble. She is being controlled and abused by a drug dealer. How can I get help to rescue her? This is for Buffalo NY. I promised I would help. I have never broken a promise my entire life, so I look to you in cyberland - please help me, to deliver this person's sister safely and out of the tentacles of drug dealer- and gang environments.
Me and Mom when I was a kid, and Me, Mom and my sister when we all reunited. Little did we know this would be the last time she was at my house. After 25 years, I quit smoking in May.
As delivered in January of last year, 2009.
Good morning and thank you for being here. Diane was a dedicated Mother to my sister and I, and a good Friend to others. We spent many a night staying up all hours playing board games or cards and laughing til we cried over the dumbest things. If we did good in school, we got a free day off and got to go shopping for new clothes and have lunch together. But if you violated her trust, it took a long time to earn it back. We didn’t want to tick Mom off or it was Bread and water for dinner and straight to bed. The neighbors knew her as a night owl, vacuuming, cooking and cleaning at 2am, and they were okay with that. She was an avid seamstress; she made her own curtains and was always into crafts. Yes she was notorious for glitter and sequins. She was always armed with a gluegun to fix anything. In fact she had pictures and decorations glue-gunned to her walls in her apartment. She had friends at all of the local bingoes. I remember being mad once because I had to go to Bingo with her one Friday night and had to miss the Donny & Marie show. She worked at the Shindig Pizzeria for some time and we enjoyed when she made home-made pizzas from scratch. She loved ordering stuff from Home Shopping channel and QVC. She was especially into angels, butterflies and roses. I think she and the UPS guy knew each other by name. QVC was on her TV when she passed away. Later she took up gardening, and many people would admire the display she created outside of her apartment, to include all kinds of solar angels, windchimes and flowers. That hunched over old lady you saw crossing Abbott with a walker at a snail’s pace was our Mother. She told me some people used to take those turns fast in rainy weather and spray her on purpose. How cruel some can be. As her grandchildren were born, she glowed with pride and showed them off everywhere. The first thing she taught them was love. Then Burger King. She had a long, sometimes complex life for only 62 years, with many chapters. Some flourishing and some gloomy. The last chapter, I think those that knew her would agree, that she saw closure coming to it, although we may not have realized it then. Personally, I am thankful we restored our adjourned relationship over the last year, and that we re-bonded and became close again. A week ago Friday, she called me at midnight, and we spent 5 hours on the phone talking about everything from when Cece and I were little til current day and we were giggling like kids all over again. I closed it with Thank you, Love you Mom, and she said I love you too Baby. That was my last conversation with her. She left here Sunday night. Mothers are unique creatures. You only get one. Nothing could replace a Mother’s touch when you didn’t feel well, or her hug when someone made fun of you in school. Someone to confide in, you could always call Mom. If you are fortunate enough to still have one, let her know she is appreciated. We are grateful for the time that we did have with you. The good, the bad and the ugly. All the moments and experiences happened for a reason, each one becoming thread of our personal unique fabric that cannot be altered. Mom, no words could express the sorrow that we can’t call you on the phone or see you in person. But, we have to be happy for you, that you are not in pain. We understand, and appreciate, how proud you are of us and your grandkids, and that you don’t want to see us weep. We also know that you live in us right now, and always will, and for that, we thank you.
LookOnTheBrightSide
No excuse not to 'expose yourself' free presence! Thank you Google and Merchant Circle
Jan 1, 2010
I am a small business. Because of the free services offered with giant Google, and not-so-giant Merchant Circle, I survived a recession and have been able to focus on growing my business.
Google Apps, or applications, is pretty simple to use. Just like anything else, you have to navigate and learn through trial and error, but bottom line is you can create your own domain for only $10 a year, and Google will host your website for FREE. That includes mailboxes, document storage, widgets... the whole 9 yards!
Merchant Circle lets you create a Merchant account: you build your bio, company info, and can dress it however you want. If you aren't getting the look and feel you want, they even offer to create it for you! You get a free marketing campaign, a free coupon, and they are constantly indexed so what you do here, gets picked up on searches! That rocks!
Call me a kook but I actually took the tag I got in the mail for being a favorite on Google maps, and put it in my tree! (The smaller version, I framed, lol.) The kids and I abandoned all old traditions because our lives weren't fun then. We are creating our own, new ways of celebrating the holidays, and our freedom. We put random things that make us happy, in the tree. I am grateful for these two free sources of marketing and web hosting.
I only will stand up for things I truly believe in. These two products allowed me to establish, maintain and grow my web presence, picking up credibility along the way. (Through a recession mind you) And I am not being paid or rewarded to promote either of them.
Google is a verb in my world. I Google new products, shopping for best prices. I Google potential employees, other companies, restaurants, anything and everything. Ever since my CCVP (Cisco) tech told me 2 years ago to avoid AOL like the plague and use Google, that was it. I take his word as Gospel.
I suggest to any small business with a small budget to create an account with Google and take advantage of all the free things you can do, as well as Merchant Circle.
"If it carries a signal, I'll hook you up!" my website is hosted by Google herehttp://www.onadimeinstallations.com.
Peace and Best Wishes to all of Western New York, Merchant Circle and Google.
2010 is going to ROCK!
Please follow me or subscribe to my articles: http://www.examiner.com/
Jan 1, 2010
Being the start of a new year, a new decade, I thought I'd offer my two bits.
You need to know where you were, to know where you're going. Where you were tells you and others, who you are and why you're here. Do you know why you're here? Do you know where you're gong?
I strongly suggest to stop in your tracks, just breifly. Pull aspects of our life off like a licorice rope. Every business is comprised of people: You and I. It all starts on a personal level no matter who you are.
Imagine yourself as a junk drawer; packed with years of stuff - a tape measure, old Sharpie markers, rubber bands, dull scissors ...(as I go peek in mine)... drawer knobs and... junk...ready to bust the track from being so heavy.
BE the junk drawer. Take that drawer and dump it out. Take your hand and smear the contents around a little bit, so you can start to see what's there. Grab a bag, bin or box nearby (for garbage).
Sort through that junk and start to group things and categorize it. Put the vital stuff, like your house tools in one pile. Twist ties, the broken hose nozzle, start throwing out that stuff (but save the rubber washer).
Draw the line at the half-way mark: keep tape that has at least a half roll on it (glass half full compared to backwash). Same for the bottles of blue. If it's half or less, or all dried up, pitch it! Rusty screws, nails, old batteries, toss away! Smile - it feels good, doesn't it!? Keep going. Old pennies... some of you will toss, some will put it with your first communion fund.
How many of you have a marble in that drawer? Marbles are cool, maybe they are a good luck charm. I just feel bad throwing away a marble.... you make the call there.
Touch every item that was in that drawer, make a decision of its fate, and 'file' appropriately: into a keeper pile or the circular file.
All that is left now, is your keeper stuff. Put the items back in the drawer, nice and neat. We know it won't stay nice and neat, but do it anyway.
How heavy is that garbage? How much longer will the tracks of the drawer last now? Go wash your hands and dry them well. Then come back and finish reading.
Here is the key: The tools are your morals. You can't ever throw them away. They are your inner values, your core. You never throw them out unless you replace it first.
The marble is your inner child. To me, it represents innocence and perfection.
The half-full rolls of tape and bottles of glue are your friends and family. You and they form a network to support each other; to patch things up and stay bonded. The theory here is tape and glue fix things and hold things together.
The garbage - represents negative impressions and fat. The high school bullies, the rejections, the people who did not wish you well, the failed test, the car accident, the foiled relationship. It also represents excess. The fluff. Junk you simply don't need.
A note on the garbage - It was important enough that you kept it in that drawer. It represents where you WERE. You learned something from it, it adjusted you in some form. And now, you don't need it anymore.
Now, take your clean hands, the smile on your face, and open and close the drawer. LOOK at how easily you can find things, feel how light it is as it just glides in and out, oh so happy!
That drawer is YOU. Let the bad fall to the side, allow the good to stick.
"Conceive, believe, achieve" is posted all over my house and office.
Never compromise your morals; don't be afraid to look back because it made you what you are. Realize goals, focus and go after them. Aim for the stars and work from your heart, because at the least, you are sure to at least get kissed with stardust.
Please follow me or subscribe to my articles.
My examiner contributions are here http://www.examiner.com/x-27677-Buffalo-Startup-Business-Examiner?showbio
My Google blogger is here http://onadimeinstallations.blogspot.com/
You can also find me on Blog4Change http://www.blog4change.org/member/795/Suzanne-Perry
I am on facebook here http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/Enoughofit?ref=profile
and on Twitter here http://twitter.com/OnADimeSuzanne
Happy New Year to everybody, I wish you your personal best.
and DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.
Jan 1, 2010
Pobody's nerfect. 
It's the first day of a new decade. Do a little reflectiong and gain some direction.
Ten years ago, everybody was freaking out about Y2k.
How has your life transitioned in the past 10 years?
Here is my simple self-reflection and directional tool. This is from a person who lost her family, identity and pride for over half of her life.
1. Look at where you are in your life, who is around you. Look at who you wish was at your side.
2. What would you change, if you could?
3. Make your plan how to change it to match your quest.
4. We are grown up now, so don't worry about what you look or sound like. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. So what if you are a mush. Hug that kid, hug your parent, your sibling. Better to show and share your love, then to wish you did when its too late. Everybody dies.
5. Lighten up. . Of course things could be better, things could always be worse. Appreciate, embrace and cherish what you do have, rather than worry or stress over something or someone you don't. Some things you can't control. The things you can, do so with full respect of others before your own feelings. Its the right thing to do.
6. Use this time as a time to offer of yourself to those you love. Swallow your pride and tell your neice, nephew, brother or mother, that you love them and give them a hug. Remember how that made you feel - being told you are loved or feeling the warmth of a true handshake or hug.
As humans, we all want to feel needed. Some act otherwise but love does make the world go 'round. No, it doesn't pay the bills, but people who don't have it, are really miserable.
Reflect on what worked, what didn't, what you want and how to get it. Be realistic.
7. Realize that you can change your life. There are things you can't change like health conditions, but everyone has a burn, a love. Put your passion to work for you. I know someone who makes a living painting naked women.
Focus on one thing and do it well. Use social networking, it's the sales tool of now and the next year, (the iron is hot).
Don't follow a beaten path. There's more than one way to skin an apple. I feel the terrain and then walk in with my whole body, not one foot first. And if someone doesn't like me, since I'm not hurting or bothering anyone else, I don't care!
2010 is supposed to be the year of the Monkey according to Chinese astrology... I qualify... and I do sense that 2010 is going to be a fantastically bright year, a year of unity, and advancement of peace and understanding.
Mean people are miserabe. Stick to those that return your smile rather than sneer.
Now go, and make wise decisions. The betternment of the world starts with individuals, that means YOU.
If you think I'm nuts, just watch me.
Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride. And I will NOT say, "I told you so," but I know I'm onto something.
I have so much more, I can go on for novels... on tons of topics, but ya gotta show me the love... Subscribe, comment, share my bio with your friends!
Subscribe or follow my blog - I updated it.. http://onadimeinstallations.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year!
Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution! ... and love should not hurt.
Jan 1, 2010
Last May, I was still a fresh mess.
I had just moved to a small, new house with my three kids, ages 19, 17 and 5, and left behind a house we call "the dungeon". I had to borrow money to close on the sale, due to having to pay almost $9,000 to the IRS and New York State for my husband's self-employment back-taxes.
After being controlled and abused for 22 years, he was finally removed, and we could breathe. The transition was rough. I was scared to death, constantly looking over my shoulder. If I had a dime for every time he'd say, "A piece of paper won't stop me!" I wouldn't have to work again. The second part of it was usually, "I will find you, and kill you," being stared down with daggers as he made his face tremble to reinforce to me, that he was crazy enough to do it.
Two of what appeared to be the nicest people you'd ever meet, hurt me deeply. My husband and my old boss, well everybody loved them.
Here I sat in this new house, with these people that I gave birth to, that I felt like I didn't even know. I wasn't allowed to talk to them unless my husband was present. I had a long climb ahead.
Then I lost my job. My old boss is notorious for "turn and burn." He owes me a few hundred dollars that I'll never see; he fought my unemployment case and won. The one payment I received, I had to pay back. Nice guys sometimes do finish last. I felt like the world was laughing at me. I was tired of defending myself. The insecurities nearly drowned me.
I started my own business, since I'd worked every position of IT: receptionist, office manager, dispatch, sales, project management, HR, accounting, even field technician.
As I quickly ran out of money and receiving nothing from the ex in support, I questioned my decisions. I stepped out into my backyard early on May 6 and said aloud, "Am I doing the right thing?" as I stared at and absorbed the beauty of the sky and the green spring grass.
I looked down and something caught my eye. I did a double-take. I grew a smile from ear to ear, and said, "Thank you!" I took a picture with my phone. Looking at me smack in the face, was two tiny shreds of wood, that formed a perfect cross.
Since then, I find the strength to keep going. Any time I feel the smallest shred of self-doubt, I end up seeing something spectacular. It happened so much, I started bringing my camera everywhere. And it still happens. If I could get paid to share this, I would do it full time.
Jan 1, 2010
From punching bag to entrepreneur... This is my story.
WNY Women in Business
Standing her Ground, by Nikki Gawel
Twenty-two years.
That was the length of time Suzanne Perry was abused, isolated and estranged from her family, friends and the world around her by a husband who took every opportunity to tell her she was worthless, useless and would never amount to anything. She was allowed to go to her job, but had to come right home or face the consequences.
Her three children were prisoners of his behavior, also. Perry’s former husband wouldn’t let her talk to her children unless he was present.
By 2007, the frequency and intensity of the abuse had increased to a point where Perry’s oldest daughter gave her an ultimatum: the daughter said that either her father needed to go, or she would leave herself.
That ultimatum woke Perry up. She had left and returned to that man three times in 13 years, and the final time she had married him. Clearly, this could go on no longer.
Although Perry couldn’t really talk to her daughter alone, the two managed to make a pact that when things got bad, 911 would be called.
“I tried calling for help,” said Perry. “I was told if I had a black eye, nothing could be done, but if I was kicked with a shoe, than that was okay. So was I supposed to go home and ask to be kicked? I really started to feel helpless at that point.”
On a Thursday night in November 2007, the violence escalated. Her daughter asked if she could call after Perry’s lips swelled up. Perry declined. Her daughter asked after a second incident, which resulted in blood spattered on Perry’s shirt. She still declined. After a third incident, Perry looked in the mirror, saw bright red hand marks on her throat and, finally, with more visible evidence, the authorities were called and he was taken away.
The next morning an order of protection was issued against the father of Perry’s children, and this past July the divorce was finalized.
A month after her husband was removed, Perry and her children went to the mall in December. In more than a decade, she had not set foot in a mall. Everything was so colorful, lit up and new, just like Perry’s future.
Her new freedom gave Perry the opportunity to rediscover her children’s unique personalities and gifts. And it gave another gift of its own: the opportunity to reconnect with her mother during her mother’s last 18 months of life.
“I love having no one to answer to. I like being able to not care if someone doesn’t like how I’m dressed. I also love being a regular person and that I can walk into a public place and strike up a conversation and make someone laugh or smile,” said Perry. “It feels so good spreading smiles. I love waking up being free. It’s something regular people take for granted, but not me. It was taken away from me for 22 years, so it was like living in prison all that time.”
“I have a chipped front tooth from his wedding ring,” Perry continued. “My dentist asked if they could fix it and I told them no. It’s a reminder of the thorns I bore for so long and it keeps me strong.”
But her new life was not without challenges. She lost her job, and her employer successfully contested her unemployment claim. She found herself with no income and a new house in Orchard Park.
Throughout her entire life, Perry has worked for information technology (IT) companies. In recent years, many of the companies in the area downsized or closed up shop for good. Perry’s most recent employer couldn’t even make payroll.
“I thought, ’Okay. I’m going to take my former employer’s clients and their technicians with me.’ And that’s exactly what I did,” said Perry. “Fortunately, because of my work ethic, I had developed a good rapport with clients during the years. I decided I wouldn’t lay myself off, so I opened my own company. I had a dime and a dream.”
Perry established On A Dime Installations in April 2008. She named the company not only for the dime and a dream she started with, but also for the connotation of precision of stopping or turning on a dime. She wants her company to embody that precision, quick thinking and efficient performance.
On A Dime Installations provides telecommunication equipment. If there is a signal, Perry’s company can sell and install it. Her services and products include computer networks, phone systems, structured cabling, video walls, home theatre, point of sale systems, menu boards, and interactive vending machines.
“Because we are a small business, we can boast anti-corporate pricing,” said Perry. “I meet with every client so it’s personal.”
Currently, she is her only formal employee, although she contracts with additional technicians as needed.
By spring 2010 Perry would like to have five full-time technicians and by the fall reach 10. In late spring, she plans to open an office in the Village of Orchard Park.
“I feel my goals are very realistic because I am honest and passionate about my work and I am like an open book,” said Perry. “I can’t sell something if I don’t believe in it. I just won’t do that.”
When Perry began her company last year, she had all national-level accounts. When the recession began, those accounts reduced their spending. When the going got tough, Perry got going yet again.
Perry’s focus changed to become local. Initially, she made a presence in Orchard Park, joining the chamber of commerce and continually supporting local and small businesses. The idea of digital signage came to Perry.
After sharing her story, Perry discovered the problem of domestic violence is far more prevalent than many believe.
“People started pouring their hearts out to me. I’m not a counselor and I didn’t know what to do with it,” said Perry. “Music is expression and the ability to create without being judged seemed perfect.”
That realization inspired Perry to begin a second venture that will help raise awareness for domestic violence and family abuse victims. It is a music venue with a recording studio and coffee house. It is scheduled to open May 2010.
Perry and her daughter, who is a musician, collaborated on the idea. After extensive research from numerous victims, they found that victims of violence share a common ground. The victims are trained to be silent.
“If [the abusers] were exposed, they would shrivel up and die,” said Perry. “My idea was to sell purple musical notes just like the Juvenile Diabetes sneakers, with the word ’exposure’ written on it. I want to turn up the volume and really reach out to anyone that needs it.”
To date, Perry has aided three women to stay independent from their abusers. Perry holds the mantra that if she can help one, she can help many.
“I want to help anyone that feels helpless and isolated, like I once did, so that they may find hope and understand there is a way out,” said Perry.
For more information on On A Dime Installations, visit www.OnADimeInstallations.com, or call 548-5013.Information on the music venture can be found at, www.opmusichouse.org.
