Thank you, Lee. It's been so much fun to create the store and characters while having the chance to share real stories by real women. I am always amazed by the strength, insights, and tenacity of women. Let me know if you have any stories to suggest.
Ooooouch! What a good story that locks you in and at the same time a tearful, frightful journey into a world no woman wants to know. ConFUXKIngratulations! Yeah, you were woman enough and smart enough to make it out alive. Now what? A memory that will haunt her forever.
This happened to me....in real life. The date rape drug in wine by a man I thought I could trust. I did not realize I was given a date rape drug until decades later. All I knew is I was horrifically sick after I went to go to the bathroom and was molested as I vomited in the toilet. I had no where to go since I lived with him and his wife. I rented a room from them. I managed to get into my bedroom as he tried to take my jeans off. I think he was surprised I had the strength to say no. I locked myself in my bedroom. The next day I had a small vase of flowers by my bed. He and his wife stood over me. She gave a sick smile and said " I bet you Don't remember a thing". I looked at them both and said( lying to thembbecause I woke up still sick at noon the next day. I think they were afraid they had killed me with the drug) I remember EVERYTHING. His face went white. I was so naive and had never heard of a date rape drug. It was 1995. I had just lost my job. I had no place to go. As I write this and as I read this I feel a huge depth of sadness come over me. I looked them up several years ago. Her parents died and left her a lot of money. They live in a golfing community in the deep south. He is ( or was) the President of the HOA which is RIPE since the SOB barely mowed his grass prior. I used to believe in karma. After discovering these evil people are living the high life I no longer do. I have thoughts of writing them telling them I know what they did. But we all know what happens when women speak their truth about being abused. We are abused further in this bs society we have created with very bad people getting away with very bad things. Jenna...although this is painful for me to read...how could it nit be painful for anyone to read....it is written so well...and I cannot say I look forward to reading your next installment....but I will read it....and I will pray and continue to pray ( and not even know anymore who I am praying to) that justice and empathy are served to whomever has suffered. Peace.
I am so sorry. What peril and awful thing to endure. I feel your pain. What was done to you is unforgivable. How you've grown is unimaginable. What a wonderful person you are is for certain. May the universe envelop you with love and comfort like no other. May God not over look your ordeal and bring perfect justice.
Thank you Lucy Mary Ann💓 This story is written so well but it is so triggering for me. Sending you huge love and hugs...and your kind heart is good. This story is a nail biter!! Jena is brilliant.💓💓
Ooooooooohhhh! I thought it was fiction and YOU were writing it Jena...which explains my confusion!!! This realization is a game changer. I am no longer confused...I am terrified for the sweet woman who was traumatized! I do not trust that guy...food apology and all! Such a nail biter!!! 💓💓💓
I am so very very sorry to hear this happened to you.
You just spoke your truth and I am both in awe of the courage it took to write this down and sitting here wishing I could wrap my arms around you. I admire you in so many ways.
I also want to be clear that this piece is a true story told to me (acting as the Proprietress) by one of my own readers, Tizz. You can find her Substack here: https://substack.com/@jazztizz
This is one of the reasons I am writing Buttons and Bows. I want to offer a place where women can tell their stories and be celebrated by other women. The intros and artwork are mine.
Tizz is also incredibly brave and is an excellent writer. Stay tuned for the rest of the story. I'm sending love your way. my dear friend.
Thank you Jena...I think reading this triggered me because I got confused when the sweet woman started taking gifts from her Rapist...I was like NOOOOOOOOO!! PLEASE NOOOOOO! And now I know it is Real I am genuinely worried for this character!! Which is a tribute to your very good writing! I am riveted ( and confused as to why she would put herself in harms way again unless I miss something). 🤗💓
Yes, I understand your confusion and it is echoes my own. It is important that you know that I did not write the story. The intros by the Proprietress are mine, but as you know the Proprietress collects stories and makes artwork based on them. So this story is literally by Tizz, whose work can be read on Substack here: https://substack.com/@jazztizz
Your confusion makes me realize that I really need to be clearer about this part of the series. Thank you for weighing in.
My daughter knows the rules--she never takes a glass of anything--even water--from someone. She and her college friends knew to be exceptionally careful at parties, and my girl was always the sober one, watching over her flock of friends to make sure they were safe. What kind of a horrible world do we live in? What's wrong with these boys/men?
I want to be clear that this piece is a true story told to me (acting as the Proprietress) by one of my own readers, Tizz. You can find her Substack here: https://substack.com/@jazztizz
This is one of the reasons I am writing Buttons and Bows. I want to offer a place where women can tell their stories and be celebrated and supported by other women.
The intros to the stories and artwork are mine.
P.S. Some of the stories are my own of course, but this one belongs to the incredible Tizz :-)
Great work, Jena!
Thank you.
Love it Jena! And the merch!!!
Thank you, Lee. It's been so much fun to create the store and characters while having the chance to share real stories by real women. I am always amazed by the strength, insights, and tenacity of women. Let me know if you have any stories to suggest.
Ooooouch! What a good story that locks you in and at the same time a tearful, frightful journey into a world no woman wants to know. ConFUXKIngratulations! Yeah, you were woman enough and smart enough to make it out alive. Now what? A memory that will haunt her forever.
This happened to me....in real life. The date rape drug in wine by a man I thought I could trust. I did not realize I was given a date rape drug until decades later. All I knew is I was horrifically sick after I went to go to the bathroom and was molested as I vomited in the toilet. I had no where to go since I lived with him and his wife. I rented a room from them. I managed to get into my bedroom as he tried to take my jeans off. I think he was surprised I had the strength to say no. I locked myself in my bedroom. The next day I had a small vase of flowers by my bed. He and his wife stood over me. She gave a sick smile and said " I bet you Don't remember a thing". I looked at them both and said( lying to thembbecause I woke up still sick at noon the next day. I think they were afraid they had killed me with the drug) I remember EVERYTHING. His face went white. I was so naive and had never heard of a date rape drug. It was 1995. I had just lost my job. I had no place to go. As I write this and as I read this I feel a huge depth of sadness come over me. I looked them up several years ago. Her parents died and left her a lot of money. They live in a golfing community in the deep south. He is ( or was) the President of the HOA which is RIPE since the SOB barely mowed his grass prior. I used to believe in karma. After discovering these evil people are living the high life I no longer do. I have thoughts of writing them telling them I know what they did. But we all know what happens when women speak their truth about being abused. We are abused further in this bs society we have created with very bad people getting away with very bad things. Jenna...although this is painful for me to read...how could it nit be painful for anyone to read....it is written so well...and I cannot say I look forward to reading your next installment....but I will read it....and I will pray and continue to pray ( and not even know anymore who I am praying to) that justice and empathy are served to whomever has suffered. Peace.
I am so sorry. What peril and awful thing to endure. I feel your pain. What was done to you is unforgivable. How you've grown is unimaginable. What a wonderful person you are is for certain. May the universe envelop you with love and comfort like no other. May God not over look your ordeal and bring perfect justice.
Thank you Lucy Mary Ann💓 This story is written so well but it is so triggering for me. Sending you huge love and hugs...and your kind heart is good. This story is a nail biter!! Jena is brilliant.💓💓
The story was actually written by the brilliant Tizz O’Toole: https://substack.com/@jazztizz
I will have to make that clearer going forward in the series. My apologies. But I know Tizz will be delighted to hear you like her writing!
Ooooooooohhhh! I thought it was fiction and YOU were writing it Jena...which explains my confusion!!! This realization is a game changer. I am no longer confused...I am terrified for the sweet woman who was traumatized! I do not trust that guy...food apology and all! Such a nail biter!!! 💓💓💓
Oh Jennifer :-(
I am so very very sorry to hear this happened to you.
You just spoke your truth and I am both in awe of the courage it took to write this down and sitting here wishing I could wrap my arms around you. I admire you in so many ways.
I also want to be clear that this piece is a true story told to me (acting as the Proprietress) by one of my own readers, Tizz. You can find her Substack here: https://substack.com/@jazztizz
This is one of the reasons I am writing Buttons and Bows. I want to offer a place where women can tell their stories and be celebrated by other women. The intros and artwork are mine.
Tizz is also incredibly brave and is an excellent writer. Stay tuned for the rest of the story. I'm sending love your way. my dear friend.
Thank you Jena...I think reading this triggered me because I got confused when the sweet woman started taking gifts from her Rapist...I was like NOOOOOOOOO!! PLEASE NOOOOOO! And now I know it is Real I am genuinely worried for this character!! Which is a tribute to your very good writing! I am riveted ( and confused as to why she would put herself in harms way again unless I miss something). 🤗💓
Yes, I understand your confusion and it is echoes my own. It is important that you know that I did not write the story. The intros by the Proprietress are mine, but as you know the Proprietress collects stories and makes artwork based on them. So this story is literally by Tizz, whose work can be read on Substack here: https://substack.com/@jazztizz
Your confusion makes me realize that I really need to be clearer about this part of the series. Thank you for weighing in.
My daughter knows the rules--she never takes a glass of anything--even water--from someone. She and her college friends knew to be exceptionally careful at parties, and my girl was always the sober one, watching over her flock of friends to make sure they were safe. What kind of a horrible world do we live in? What's wrong with these boys/men?
I admire your daughter and you for raising her with the awareness and strength to protect herself and her friends. Bravo to you both. Hugs!
Thanks so much, Jena!
No, thank you! The more women who are raised as you raised your daughter the sooner the misogyny and abuse will stop.
🌹
You are such a great writer and artist; truly inspiring.
I appreciate you both then… thanks for the information…& your loyalty and pro-woman dedication❣️
You are very welcome. Just want to be sure to give credit where credit is due. It's really an honor to be entrusted with women's stories.
Thank you so much, Sara.
I want to be clear that this piece is a true story told to me (acting as the Proprietress) by one of my own readers, Tizz. You can find her Substack here: https://substack.com/@jazztizz
This is one of the reasons I am writing Buttons and Bows. I want to offer a place where women can tell their stories and be celebrated and supported by other women.
The intros to the stories and artwork are mine.
P.S. Some of the stories are my own of course, but this one belongs to the incredible Tizz :-)