A Spade as a Spade

Reposting the latest harassment by Tiera.

Alerts are sent when Teresa Stephens Harvey's name is used. Mailbox was full this morning 8 months after the Harvey's moved and had hoped to leave this behind. Tiera has been using Google to posts. The postings started after January 2012 while the Harvey's were trying to sell their home and move and regular post to harass the Harvey's have been posted. These are screen shots of the most recent posts. The time stamps confirm when they were posted.

The last picture is a contribution from the Harvey's of the frisbee Tiera likes to go on about -picture taken in June 2010 when the frisbee incident occurred. The picture was taken of the frisbee Tiera's sent over and her version of "new" - a sun bleached dollar store frisbee to replace the White Ultimate Frisbee the McMahon's kept that belonged to the Harvey's.  The "Nasty" message Tiera is speaking of is "Jesus Loves You" - warped sense of nasty, don't you think? Yes, the Harvey's sent their frisbee back in June 2010!

No, a frisbee isn't that important so why does someone feel the need to post it over and over? But having a neighbor and former neighbor use pictures out of context and continue to spend countless hours seeking out your address and private information... months, and months after you move for no other purpose than to post it online and harass you is Cyber Stalking.



Spring is here and it may be time to consider a move...need a larger house? Just starting out?  Looking to upgrade from your starter home? Downsizing?

There are many great homes in Midlothian, TX. You get the country life style and the convenience of being close to the city.

Check out some of the great properties currently available:



SOLD!














Realtor.com/Midlothian

Cyber Stalker, Creepers, Peepers...

Cyberbullies are not any different from a normal bully.  They are unhappy, blustering, overbearing, small minded individuals whose intent is to cause malice and harm through badgering and intimidation. The goal is to discredit and harm others through lies, intimidation and misuse of information.

You can stop their their mischief by not supporting their cause. Reporting the abuse using the "report" buttons, removing them and blocking them from your online sites.  Doing nothing does give them a sense of success and feeds the personal high they achieve by harming others.

A cyberbully has a whole arsenal of supplies to achieve their goals.  They can use social networking sites, online information data bases, online video and picture sites to target an individual. There are blogs and websites that automatically pull from YouTube and other websites any content based on descriptions and or tags - so information can be spread and shared at warp speed.

How?

Bullies can keep it personal and use email, phone calls & text. But with the popularity of the internet, digital photography, videos and smart phones bullies can now take photos, edited video clips, or out of context pictures, video and information then add malicious statements and comments to spin a story that will suck in an audience.  It doesn't have to be true, doesn't have to have any truth in it - but if it has a picture attached it draws people in to look and to possibly believe what is stated. Some bullies will even use a shred of truth that is manipulated, i.e. "I have a stalker that drives slowly past my house 6 or 7 times a day". The bully leaves out the fact that the "stalker" is really a neighbor that lives next door and drives the residential speed limit past their home every time they leave the neighborhood. But,  not everyone will not stop and ask themselves if the picture or video really add up or know any of the personal players involved. A bully is well adept at the art of editing and altering both the facts and the images they are promoting. A picture or video, are easily altered with photo shop and/or other online editing sources. The altered image can then be used to support the verbiage attached.  A bully will ensure they never show the information and actions that helped insight a response or what was really going on when the images were captured. The bullies will only create a response to support their cause by using the tools of the trade to alter, add in or take away sound bytes, totally manipulating the information so that the situation will draw in an audience to support or victimize based on the bullies agenda.

OK, so what, you say?  Not many people will see that. Or will they?
The art of online marketing is now used by our bullies.  Using catchy or trendy search names like "Jennifer Anniston", "Green Living", "Space Aliens", etc...help their content pull up in search engines.  Now they have a bigger market.  A prime example is the Jennifer Aniston Video to market water.  The video is set to play automatically anytime someone clicks on it - so even if you don't want to promote the video it will play & gain attention and support. More plays the more popular!

Marketing a video to get attention


But not everyone will know who they are talking about, will they?
Tags. You don't have to outright use a persons name & address to target them. Tags are identifying features you can use on almost all websites that allow you to add content.  A bully can learn personal and identifying information about you then add those tags to their content so that it will be linked to your online presence and/or personal information. Your name, address, work, etc., even in random order will now link back to their target.

Is that legal?
Yes. Anyone can take pictures of you, videos of you & use your information. Internet crime laws are vague and stalkers and bullies know this. Unless it is a crime or exploitation of a child the crimes are few and far between.   That being said there are some laws that prevent some of this as outlined in an earlier post, however, a lot of it is open to interpretation.  Also, anything put on the internet takes time to remove. The sites have to be checked, the information provided has to be researched and proven, then the laws have to be reviewed so the content can remain for weeks or even months before it's gone.  Also, if it is only reported by the person who is targeted then it will get little notice. Most sites require a minimum amount of complaints before it's even reviewed.  Making it more difficult is the fact that some sites only allow you to report an abuse if it is a violation against you. Also, as with the Jennifer Aniston video on some sites or videos when you click on them to report them they play & gain attention through viewings. This causes a Catch 22.

Now what?

Report, flag for abuse, block and request content to be removed.  Report the information to teachers and counselors if you are a student. If you are an adult report it to the proper authorities, police, internet crime services, and actual websites. You may have to do this more than once.  Take screen shots of the offending material. Send links to the authorities. They can document and make a report, even if there isn't an actual crime yet.  This helps protect you if it becomes a civil matter or the criminal lines get crossed. Just printing out the material isn't good enough - remember photo shop and/or editing services?  They can be used both ways so courts don't allow information that can be easily altered as evidence. However, having it witnessed and documented by the proper authorities does make for credible evidence. There are also online information storage companies that can protect and encrypt information as it was on a certain date & time.  Remember the bully can go in and alter, add to, take away or delete the information at anytime.

Keep things in perspective. Remember when viewing information online that just because someone uses words like:

Jealous, stalking, weird, unhappy, crazy etc...that the person using those words is most likely the one who is the perpetrator not the victim.  Be proactive and don't support malicious activity online.

Online and everywhere in your life be responsible and thoughtful.

More information against Cyberbully and online Harassment:

Family Safety
Steps on reporting abuse.
Kids & Teens - steps to know
McGruff puts a bite on bullies!

STALKING

Sometimes standard stalking goes hand in hand. Unfortunately, in Texas, Stalking Laws currently are directed at spouses or intimate partners.  There is very little that can be done if it's a neighbor or random person. Our family has suffered from an obsessed woman, we nicknamed "McFreakster", the police and DA's office are involved as they should be but the harassment still continues. Tougher laws need to be made.

This woman creates fiction and slander about me and our family...takes pictures obsessively and post them often claiming they are my photos or with fictional text making it seem something other than the reality. She will take internet postings and remove dates or change the text and original wording and add my name and picture and post it. Often times making it seem that I have visited her sites or sent her something that I never sent.

When dealing with a sick individual you have to keep your focus. Work with authorities and document as much as possible, the process is slow but they can help you. If the person is using the internet they can help get the content removed when it violates policy and content or state laws.

Stay vigilant and keep the focus on your family and move on as much as you can. Screen shots of some of her obsessive rants and postings.

Picture taken standing on a ladder - taken over an 8' fence

Night vision camera and a ladder were used to film over an 8' privacy fence.
Creepers!

A history of problems. Who can trust a liar and a thief?

Getting inappropriate material removed is time consuming but necessary.

These are just a few of the many problems and invasion of our life created by the person that cyber stalked and bullied us for 3+ years. It is hard to deal with but working with authorities, reporting it and following up can help.

10 Reasons Your Parents Make Great Neighbors

Hope you enjoy this post by a fellow blogger. Sheryl sent me a link to her article and permission to share it with you! Thank you for sharing, Sheryl.

10 Reasons Your Parents Make Great Neighbors

Many families end up scattered across the country these days. Trying to stay connected to parents can be difficult at times. There are those, however, who have not moved far from home. They have managed to purchase or build a home next door to their parents. This type of situation can have many advantages.

1. Babysitting – With the grandparents next door, babysitters are often available at short notice and without much hassle. Having Mom or Dad watch the kids while you run to the store or even do chores around the house, can be very helpful.
2. Security – Parents are going to keep an eye on your home when you’re away. They’ll notice anything out of the ordinary faster than the average neighbor. There won’t be any teenage parties at your home while you’re out of town, if Grandpa and Grandma are watching from next door.
3. Pet sitting – No need to pay for boarding services with parents that close by. Just hand them a key and give a few instructions, and be on your way without any worries.
4. Family gatherings – No long trips for family gatherings. In addition, you can combine your yard space to accommodate larger numbers of people for summer picnics.
5. Recipe shortages – You might hesitate going to a neighbor to borrow a couple of eggs or other ingredients that you need to finish a recipe, but doing the same from your parents wouldn’t cause you any embarrassment at all.
6. Shared rides – When going to visit other relatives or driving to any other destination, you can easily share transportation by riding together, instead of driving separately.
7. No privacy fence – There should be no need for a privacy fence to be built between your two homes, assuming that your relationship with your parents is a good one.
8. No overnight visits – With your parents living right next door, you don’t have to be concerned with them coming to stay at your house for any length of time. You can be assured that they’ll come home to their own beds at the end of any visit.
9. No complaints – You shouldn’t have to worry about your parents complaining about the noise your children make or how early you mow your lawn. Parents generally will give their kids much more leeway than they would other neighbors.
10. Sharing – Having your parents next door can be a convenience for both of you. You may have tools that your dad doesn’t have, or vice versa. If one or the other needs a few extra lawn chairs, it can be easy to share those types of items with one another, without concern for their return.

As long as you get along good with your parents, they can be the best neighbors anyone could hope for. In a day and age when many families are divided by distance, this is a rare privilege.

If you click on the title of this post you will be re-directed to a web page for changeofaddress.com. I found this site useful with tips and resources for anyone who has recently moved. Hope you find it helpful too.

Sweet...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. -Philippians 4:6-7

 It is uncanny to me how a scripture will show up in my life at the most opportune time. This verse was on a friends site and the first thing I saw two mornings ago. It had been a rough day. With a move, a school year to wrap up, and a hubby working out of town life is a BIG juggle. 

 Fortunately I have wonderful extended family support, great friends, and supportive and fun neighbors that keep me going and help our little family run smoother.  But, even with all that there are days that life and a little bit of the devil get to you and throw a cog in the wheel.  

Just at that moment when it would be easy to feel glum I have a friend that is good enough to remind me I have even more support than just friends and family.  I have an AWESOME God! Who takes care of those small little issues of life.  He will even carry us when the load seems much too heavy for our own human arms to carry. He sends us support in the form of friends, family, a nice note, a fun joke, a dinner at the table with your children, or a solution to a problem.  

This scripture reminds us that we need to communicate with our Father and make him aware of our needs and desires. He will listen and he will answer in his own perfect timing. 

 

Spring is a time for new beginnings!

I just planted a veggie garden for spring! Can't wait to see those little signs of growth pushing through the ground.  It's a reminder that God provides and starts a new.

Our family is so excited about our new adventure.  Our home is under contract, another neighbors has sold & closes in days, and interest is picking up everywhere.  This is a huge blessing for our little neighborhood. Our neighborhood is filled with corporate families and corporations are in the habit of transferring their valued employees to new areas.

Leaving Texas will be bitter sweet because it has been home my entire life and I will enjoy coming to visit & spend time with families and friends.  Now we have a new door opened and God has cleared every obstacle and we will soon be embracing a fun new place to live!!

Remember to enjoy this time of year. Look for those chances to fill your life with good and to enrich your yard, home and relationships around you. If you've been holding on to anger and hate now is a great time to let it go. Your life can not grow and move forward until you are willing to remove the negativity in your world.  What you plant now will grow and prosper in the future. :)

~Teresa 

Country Estate for Sale on 1+ acre lot with Pool! REDUCED

5/3.5/3 *4388 sq.ft. 4640 Sunrise Lane, Midlothian, TX. 76065 $355,500
Great family home located in a kid friendly neighborhood with highly sought after schools. Home has gracious floor plan for family & friends and a beautiful backyard oasis with a Texas size diving pool with tanning ledge, stacked stone hot tub & extended decks that make this a complete outdoor retreat. Extra electrical outlets for ease of extending music or lighting. Covered deck area with outdoor light & fan, professional landscaping in front & back yard. Full wood fence with cross fence for animals that includes a Texas sized dog house!

This home features all the upgrades that make entertaining a breeze. Granite, extensive custom crown moldings, tile, hard wood floors, 2" custom wood blinds & stainless appliances.  The kitchen is a chefs dream with plenty of custom wood cabinets, a double oven, microwave, 5 burner glass cooktop and side by side refrigerator.  The Kitchen is rounded out with an over sized pantry that holds everything on the shopping list & then some & a butlers pantry that is pre-plumbed for a prep sink.  Master down with all secondary bedrooms up.  This property is backed by a horse farm that completes those serene country views!  Drive out to find the biggest bang for the buck in Midlothian! Priced to sell at $83 sq. ft., best price for sq. ft, lot & pool in Midothian!! Sellers relocating.

Help send a WWII Vet to see the Washington Memorial...

Ellis County Honor Flight

The Ellis County Honor Flight is a group with a worthy goal to raise funds of any amount to help send as many WWII vets too see the WWII Washington Memorial before it is too late.  This is an honor to these fine men and women who served our country and a desire many of them share. 

Click on the link above to find out more information and ways that you can help make this dream a reality!