Chicana in Nature

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. There is no one type of person who is affected by DV. People would never have thought of the horrific life I endured behind closed doors; this was not just in one of my relationships/marriages. Masking became second nature. The constant positive outward facing person or tough exterior those who’ve encountered only concealed the vile treatment suffered daily. Please know there is not a stereotype of who is a survivor or currently dealing with the atrocities of DV. Those monsters who are abusers are skilled at disrespecting, distorting, and disempowering. It’s a process and they play the long game by pushing boundaries to see how much they can get away with each occurrence.
Please support those survivors and individuals going through this trauma by sharing resources, listen without judgement[if you have the capacity], and remind them no one has the right to harm them.
Btw reporting, providing sufficient evidence, and cooperating with authorities does not always result in indictments. The person who strangled me June 1, 2024 was not indicted by the grand jury in Dallas County. I was not provided with the why. I will say DPD’s Family Violence Unit did their work to arrest and find sufficient evidence to charge with felony assault. There was no justice served in this case. The marks on my neck are long gone; the nightmares linger…nightly. Of course they will when you see the look in someone’s eyes when they are trying to kill you.
Yes, I’m in therapy. Yes, I am in a support group. Yes, I’m taking medication for all the trauma. No; it doesn’t make things magically go away. Yes, I will continue to do the work for my own peace. Yes, this is more difficult to resolve being someone with complex trauma.
I’m tired of being silent, of holding issues in, and pretending all is fine. Domestic violence is appalling and doesn’t begin with someone putting their hands on a person.
The pic below is from June 1, 2024.

Don’t we know her? Texas State Parks

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKGHZ6vPn5i/?igsh=MXAxd2hrdDg0eW81dQ==

This day last year #homiewhohikes Melanie and I went on a hike @trinityriverauduboncenter . Both of us didn’t realize we needed only the two of us on that hike. June 7th will be the next #chicanainnature hike. Meet me at 9am at Trinity River Audubon. Please DM me if you are interested. Hope to see you there!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI1EJe2xKfR/?igsh=MTI4aGx1cnU3MGxvOQ==

Take a moment to meet another #chicanainnature Nicole who is very passionate about her community and natural spaces. She connects people to nature in El Paso, especially at @huecotanksstatepark . Her park is worth the drive. #hikingadventures #homieswhohike #nature #hiking #elpaso #pictographs

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIoirltuMiC/?igsh=ejl5ZXV2d3hzbXF5

No one came; just means I needed some nature by myself 🤗 Please get outside while we have a break from the rain 🌧️

✳️UPDATE ✳️ Rain or Shine, we are meeting. If raining, we will be meeting in the Maker’s Space on the 2nd Floor of the . There is ample parking behind the government building next to the library.

Ready for the return to our hikes???? Meet me in front of in 10am 4.19.25. This is a hike for ALL humans, abilities, and pets. Bring the homies, family, neighbors, and colleagues. This is my “Thank You” hike to the community for all the support. It’s time to get back on these trails. This one is a paved trail with plenty to see. Please share with everyone! Will you be there? Comment below 👇🏽

Order in the next 4 days to get your merch before the holidays!