A Special Place in Hell

"A special place in Hell."

I would bet that even an Atheist has uttered these words when referring to criminals.

There are days when I have my doubts about God’s love when I read or hear about criminal acts, especially the ones where the victim not only suffers by the actions of the criminal, but from the oppression of our legal system where the criminal has all the rights and the victim’s voice is never heard.

It is cases like these that bring Dante’s adage to mind. "The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who, in time of crisis, remain neutral" Which is the reason I am posting this blog.

The crime against me is a minor thing by comparison, but an education none-the-less.

I, along with several others, consigned items to a small shop that opened in Ruston, LA. Personally, I worked for several hours over several days pricing and inventorying over 200 items, with hopes of earning a little money to do something special with my family.

Many of the consignors fell victim to her scam to rob us of the income our items generated or the items themselves. The store remained open for only a few months, then she skipped town leaving no forwarding address; not only owing her consignors, but her landlord $3000 for three months’ rent.

Oh, in an email she promised to pay us all on January 15, 2013.

But here’s the reality. The woman is a thief who set out to purposefully commit fraud against these consignors. How do I know this? As it turns out, she had done this before, and I have a feeling she will do it again. We, the consignors, acknowledge that we may never see the income our items generated or our items that were stolen, but the education, for me, has been the most costly.

I feel that I have a responsibility to share this education I have unfortunately earned to help prevent others from falling for such a scam.

I am NOT saying anything against other consignments shops or their owners (although, in my research, I found several incidents of similar cases); I am simply sharing my experience.

Although the loss of over $500 income due to the criminal acts of this woman has been difficult, it is her “Christian” façade that has really caused my distress. She also robbed me of my faith in God, and my trust in those who call themselves Christians.

Other Christians have told me, I am blessed. Blessed? Every day is a “God ‘blanking’ hates me” day because I wake up every day in physical pain. It is because of my belief in God that I am reminded that “God ‘blanking’ hates me” when he tops off that physical pain with an extra helping of “people suck” causing me emotional pain…every day.

Okay, I am blessed. Blessed that from this experience, I have something to share. For me to not share my testimony, I am just as guilty as this criminal by not protecting others from her evil.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17 ESV

Unfortunately, due to our judicial system that protects the criminal, I cannot add her name to this post, even though she has fled the state.

Yet, I will say that I have seen the embodiment of evil; with her deceitful smile stretched across sharp, white teeth and her yellow eyes glinting with malevolent intent.

She called herself a Christian. She posted Biblical and inspirational quotes on her social media page praising God for all her blessings. Is this her attempt to lure in more hapless victims like a spider spinning a web?

A spider has a more noble character.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Mathew 7:15 KJV

What I have gained from this experience was a camaraderie that grew from meeting the other victims and learning of how their lives were affected.  It also opened dialogues with others who have suffered similar (if not significantly greater) loss at the hands of someone they trusted.

My heart goes out to all victims of crimes; especially those that hit on such a personal level that the victims’ path in life are altered in a detrimental way.

However, a “Christian” willingly commits a crime will thankfully suffer their own consequences.

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. Titus 1:16 ESV

For the record: I no longer call myself a Christian. I no longer attend my church. I no longer sing in my church’s choir. I no longer volunteer for my church’s activities.

I believe in God, I believe Jesus came to this world to die for our sins, and I believe in following the commandments, and seeking comfort, and gaining knowledge from God’s Holy word.

I know many wonderful Christians and I am so blessed that they care about me enough to call me their friend.  They are  an inspiration to me and I truly love and admire their faith and purity of heart, even in adversity. Yet, I pale so by comparison that I do not feel worthy to call myself a Christian.

My spirit is soiled by my encounter with this "Christian", and I have prayed to God over and over for help. The answer came to me at 5:11 AM this morning.

I realized I had to write about it. I know I should forgive and move on; however, when I sought comfort from Biblical quotes, I found more inspiration in the ones that supported my responsibility to educate than those conforming me to forgive.

Forgiveness (but not forgetting the knowledge I have gained) will come later. I know that this is something I have to work towards and, as someone said, there is more to be gained from hard work.

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Luke 6:35 ESV

But here is a Biblical quote for you, K.A.; one I am sure you will not be adding to your social media page.

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8 ESV

Praise be to God.

Update: I sent this link to the woman's husband via Facebook because I do not know what happened to his wife's page. The following is his response and in purple: my rebuttal.

Mrs. Taylor, you have some nerve. No One ran a scam on you or anybody else. Really? Your wife previously had a clothing consignment store where she did not pay the consignees nor returned their unsold items. I'm sure my income alone exceeds yours. No doubt, since basically the only income I generated last year, your wife stole! You have no business commenting on our agreement with the Landlord. True, but according to the First Amendment, I can add this bit of information to support my article. It seems like you are saying my wife deserves to go to hell from what I read. You are entitled to interpret the article anyway you choose. I am just glad there is a Hell (and a special place in it) for people who pose as Christians while ripping people off. You were told to come get your things because we were leaving and you failed to do so. Prior to your hasty exodus, I heard rumors that your wife was asking the consignors to pick up their things because she had other plans for the shop. When I spoke to your wife in person, at the shop, I was prepared to collect my things. She just smiled at me and told me that she wanted to get rid of some of the things that were not selling but wanted to keep my things because they were selling. She also told me she would not be able to pay me for my items that has sold until the next month or so. As far as notifying people...posting a Facebook message is not a professional way to contact the consignors. If she were acting in an ethical way, she would have called her consignors on the phone (our contact information was on our inventory sheets that she had in her notebook) before leaving town. I only found out she had skipped out on her responsibilities because I sent her a personal message. For weeks my wife and I made arrangements with you and many others to pick up your items. When I came by to get my things, the store was not open when I was told it would be. When I tried to make an appointment, that 16 year-old child you hired was only available on an afternoon that conflicted with an obligation that I could not get out of, so I sent my Mother and two sons with my inventory list to collect my things. That 16 year-old child you hired only gave them 30 minutes to collect my merchandise, which was not enough time to get the majority of the approximately 200 items on my list that I consigned with you. Especially since approximately 50 items were unaccounted for. One of you being a preacher that had items in our store and the preacher not responding either. When a group of consignors and I met with Mr. Hoogland to pick our things, another consignor and I called several remaining consignors who did not show up for their things. One person the other consigner spoke to had no idea that she had to pick up her things by a certain date. I called the lady from West Monroe with the handmade toy giraffes, etc., and she told me she was NEVER notified and had NO IDEA the shop had closed. Even the woman who had all the furniture built out of pallets had no idea what was going on due to your lack of communication. This is further evidence that you and your wife did NOT properly notify ALL the consignors. Which further supports the evidence that your committing fraud was intentional. You two probably go to the same church. Irrelevant. If you thought this was going to give you satisfaction , you were wrong Actually, this opportunity to expose your wife (and apparently you now that you admit to your involvement) for this crime IS rather satisfying. and from what I understand from public officials in Ruston you have made a ass of yourself. Apparently, anyone who has the audacity to report a crime; is an ass. Calling my friends 16yr old daughter a nasty name. I may have. I was extremely upset at the realization that I was a victim of a crime; however, the girl IS a thief. She stole my property and that of other consignors and put them on Ruston Market's Facebook page. And, yes, we all have the evidence.  If you wanted this resolved you should have responded as necessary. I did, I collected approximately 150 of the 200 items I consigned with your wife.  I sent your wife my inventory sheet as she requested and I have an email from her saying she would pay all the consignees in January. I have no need for your money or items. Then why haven't you sent the consignors (including those from the clothing shop) their money? Also, check your home for a framed painting of a shack with a Coca-Cola sign over a window and one of a bird hunter with his dog and a windmill in the background. They belong to me. When I brought them in, your wife went on about how she was going to buy the painting of the shack for your home. I never got paid for these, either. This comes from me, Steve AXXXX Jr., you mam (That should be ma'am which is a contraction of the word "madam".) are out of line especially if you claim to be a "Christian"? Apparently, you did not read the part where I said I don't call myself a Christian. I find it difficult to conform to a group that calls themselves "Christians" while committing a crime. Revenge is what I'm sensing. I have no need to seek revenge.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19 KJV

Tell who you want, your are wasting your time trying to trash my wife. You are absolutely right. Your wife did a fine job all by herself. I am not her only victim. Good day and I wish you the best with Christian journey. Right back at you.

More updates:
Steve P. AXXXX Jr.

I'm not sure of why I would be interested?
You have accused my wife if a scam and of doing this before. I have no idea where the previous time came from being we had just moved back to La in 2011.
You vendors do not have any idea of the gamble we took that involved my 5 young children. None of you helped organize, clean, construct or much of anything. If you were not selling we didn't make money. All the expense came from our savings! We didn't charge booth rent as I recall. So, everyday that you think you we at a financial loss due to your lack of priorities, think if what we provide and in return we going in the whole , stressing if my income would suffice and if you all's merchandise would sell.
This is my last conversation with you. You think we actually had the time in our life or that we are that twisted to think of such a scam. Be no means do we conduct ourselves like that and if you think so you need a psychological evaluation.
Mrs. Taylor I wish you the best and unless your last blog was about apologizing I'm not concerned. Good luck.

Steve,
This message is not going to be a rant, so please read on.
I think you should know that I was one of the first people to consign at your wife's shop. I even offered to work at the shop. I have a business degree, I've worked in retail, I used to volunteer at a charity consignment shop. I even owned my own shop, and I can tell you that I know what dipping into savings is all about but I NEVER commingled the money due my vendors with the operating funds of the business nor personal needs.
I offered to teach art and acting classes (another thing I have a degree and/or previous experience with) but she never called me. 
I felt your wife had so many wonderful ideas for her shop and I sincerely, and I mean sincerely, hoped for her success because I felt our community needed such a venue.
I brought my own shelving and bags (for my gourds) and helped to set up my things. So you can't say that I did not offer anything to support your wife's shop. That is simply not true.
I came by often, only to find the store was either closed on a day or time it should be open or, in some cases, she wasn't there.
True, you would have been better off renting booths than having a consignment shop. Or, perhaps she could have taken consignments for her booth area only. I seem to recall that I mentioned this to her when I was sharing my own experience.
The shop had some great merchandise and the place looked really cute. I don't know why she wasn't getting the traffic she needed.
The point is, your wife was still responsible for the rent due Mr. HXXXXXXX, the consignors items and the responsibility to pay them for their items that could not be accounted for when she left. Not doing so is a fraudulent.

When I tried to send him the message, I discovered he had either blocked me or cancelled his social media account.

Now, wouldn't that make you a bit suspicious?

"The Darkhouse" by Geri G. Taylor

 

A work in progress.

 

Now that "The Kitchen Dance" has been published by Melange Books, LLC I can take time from my promotional efforts and work on my new book.  I am currently over forty thousand words into my one hundred thousand plus goal of writing my second book, "The Darkhouse". For all the Southerners, like myself, whose idea of a frozen lake is a puddle is something you can skim a snowball across but can poke a pine twig through, the thought of sitting out on a frozen lake may be alien but I am doing my best to help the reader "feel" the cold and if you've ever have been cold, injured and frightened...well, imagine the discomfort my poor Kakie is going trough.

Filling the story with suspense and tension between the main characters is exciting for me as a writer. Getting my facts straight about the Hennepin County Sheriff's department and the research I have to do is proving to be very educational. I even visited Minnesota during the summer of 2012 to get a better feel for Minneapolis and the area where "The Darkhouse" takes place. I love that city and the research I have done on the local crime and corruption in the police department actually surprised me.

So, here is just a taste of where this story is going. Told in a combination of real time and flashbacks, I intend for it to be a bit of an intellectual challenge for the reader.

 

Chapter One 

 

“I’ll kill her.” Sam Quinn’s voice bounced off the ice like a snare drum. “I can do it.” He dropped the seven-pronged spear, impelled by its own weight, and grinned as it quickly sank deep into her flesh. “I just don’t know how I am going to live with myself.” He swiped at the cold water slopped on his weathered face as he pulled the twenty inch great northern pike from the hole in the ice. The sunlight penetrating the ice cast a dull green glow on his prize.

The last streaks of evening sunlight stretched across the lake glistening off the large chunks of ice piled beside the small tent-like structure used for spear and ice fishing. A small sleigh, spud, auger and a pair of ice tongs leaned against the hut hidden inside the long shadows cast across the frozen Minnesota Lake.

Quinn, a few months shy of sixty, was dressed suitable for the frigid weather, stepped from the door of the darkhouse and squinted in the harsh sunlight. He pulled down the brim of his Stormy Kromer to shield his eyes. He laid the thrashing pike on the frozen lake and, bracing her beneath his boot, tore the trident from her flesh. He tossed the pike with the rest of his catch ignoring her as she gasped for her last breaths.

 

Doesn't Sam Quinn sound like a nice guy? Oh, it gets better...or should I say, "worse".

Please visit www.melange-books.com for more information on "The Kitchen Dance" and www.g2taylor.com for more information about the author.

The Kitchen Dance is in the final editing and formatting stages with a release date of January 28, 2013 by Melange Books, LLC. Like my page on Facebook at The Kitchen Dance!

Joule Dalton, a successful interior designer with a prestigious architectural firm, lived her life choreographed by her loved ones until a tragedy forces her to learn her own steps. Allen Brooks has endured his own share of manipulations and all his hard work and sacrifice has left him with nothing. He wears his troubles like the too large overcoat he picked up at a mission while living on the streets. This coat brings them together in an unexpected way. Joule takes the misfortunate Allen into her home in hopes of turning his life around. She gives him a place to live, a job, even introduces him to her wealthy friends. What she does not give him is her trust. This he must earn. The two combine their dreams and create a wonderful relationship. Then Allen gets a call that will challenge his sense of responsibility. He makes a choice, one that Joule cannot begrudge. Allen struggles with his decision while Joule goes back to her old life until they both realize what they really want.

 

Gourd Lamp by Geri

I am a gourd artist and have recently seen various gourd lamps and thought I would give it a try.

This is a small irregular shaped gourd grown in Douglas, LA several years ago.  Due to the gourd's assymetrical shape I just allowed myself to have some fun drilling holes in random lines and shapes then creating cutouts (usually from cracks created by the pressure I was putting on it with the drill) on the larger part of the gourd as if its growth had caused these random openings.

Tools:

Drill or Drill Press with random bits (too small: not effective for my purpose and too large: created chipped holes and splits which gives you little choice but to GET CREATIVE!!!!)

X-acto Knife (for cutting random shaped holes)

Wood Rasp (cleaning and beveling random shaped holes and opening for light fitting)

Sand Paper

Pencil (for drawing designs)

Materials:

Gourd

Gold spray paint, gourd dye, gourd wax and steel wool (I will explain)

Some form of stand.  This was just something I found at Goodwill and thought I could use it for a gourd.

Light Kit (I used the type you see for ceramic holiday houses but found one with a brown cord)

LED light (candle style comparable to 15 W bulb)  USE LED ONLY!!!!

I cut off the neck of the gourd at a point that was large enough to accommodate the  LED light and, using the wood rasp, smoothed the opening.  I dumped the seeds and debris out of the gourd.  This one was relatively easy to clean.

I drew some lines then alternated drill bits creating a series of holes.  If I split the gourd creating a hole I just used the X-acto knife.  Then I let the "art major" in me come out and looked for ways to turn my work into a better design addressing each line and shape to create a crafty work of art.

I used dyes (reds, greens, purple, and browns) as the under glaze.  Once dry, I sprayed the inside of the gourd gold (to compliment the base) and lightly sprayed the dyed outer part of the gourd then used steel wool to scratch off the gold spray paint revealing the dye beneath.  This gives my gourd a vintage burnished look that i really like.  Once dry, I gave the gourd a good coat of gourd wax then buffed to a nice finish. 

I ran the light kit with the LED candlelabra bulb through the center of the stand and inserted into the gourd.  On this particular kit I had to adjust the tension pieces to accomdate the larger opening.

My advice: Do this on a gourd you could stand to toss if it doesn't work out.  In my case, little cracks, chips and splits (common on thinner gourds) just "encouraged" my creativity!!!!  I have other, more symetrical, gourds that I will attempt to create a deliberate pattern but as for this gourd, I am really pleased with how it turned out.  I learned a lot in the process of creating it and do not consider it a "practice" gourd, but an actual work of art.  The patterns of light on the wall are delightful and you can rotate the gourd to get different effects.

Remember...I teach classes and have all the tools and materials to help you craft your own gourd lamp!!!!

Geri's Childhood Pictures

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Geri's Gourds

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K-POK Book Illustration

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Book Cover Art by Geri G. Taylor

These are all book covers I designed for the books I wrote or am in the process of writing. It is my goal this year to finish them ALL and get them published.
See how I've been spending my "Creative Daze"!
Please let me know which books appeal to you as a reader.

The Kitchen Dance (Complete) Women's Fiction
Cover Version 1

The Kitchen Dance (Complete) Women's Fiction
Version 2

Joule Dalton, a successful interior designer with a prestigious architectural firm, lived her life choreographed by her loved ones until a tragedy forces her to learn her own steps.  Allen Brooks has endured his own share of manipulations and all his hard work and sacrifice has left him with nothing. He wears his troubles like the too large overcoat he picked up at a mission while living on the streets. This coat brings them together in an unexpected way. Joule takes the misfortunate Allen into her home in hopes of turning his life around. She gives him a place to live, a job, even introduces him to her wealthy friends. What she does not give him is her trust. This he must earn. The two combine their dreams and create a wonderful relationship. Then Allen gets a call that will challenge his sense of responsibility. He makes a choice, one that Joule cannot begrudge. Allen struggles with his decision while Joule goes back to her old life until they both realize what they really want.

Fearfully Made (Novel WIP) Science Fiction

After The Resource Wars mankind has no choice but to regenerate its species as quickly as possible while still defending what is left of their resources and government structure. Soldiers are massed produce as DNA enhanced fighting machines without souls or compassion. That is until one particular Gamma encounters Elisabeth, a linguist  sent to do diplomatic work on the closest hospitable planet. The same planet where the Gamma Troops are sent to prepare and defend a sight for human colonization. 

This Science Fiction Romantic Thriller has more twists and turns than a  double helical conformation .

The Darkhouse (Original Screenplay to Novel) Murder Mystery

Kakie Thomas, a larceny detective with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department, has opened a Pandora’s Box that will implicate those closest to her in a consortium of bribery and drug trafficking. Sam Gaston, has just accepted the position as head of her department; a position Kakie deserved. Sam forcible takes Kakie to his cabin. In the icy cold of a darkhouse on a frozen Minnesota lake, Kakie learns that Sam has his own secrets hidden away in that box. Whether his motives are to keep her safe or shut her up permanently remain to be seen.

The Other Mona Lisa (Novel Concept)

Mona Lisa Hollingworth hated her name. Perhaps all the teasing she received  growing up from the son a prominent business man taught her resilience.      Although her name was well known, a dark secret from her youth was not.

When her small town’s prodigal son returns for his father’s funeral, he finds no fatted calf. Instead he gets his deserved judgment for his misspent youth. Finally, the mystery is revealed behind the other Mona Lisa’s smile.

Ki11er (Novel Concept) Murder Mistery

When 11 unsolved murder cases land on the desk of FBI agent, Rigg Braxton, he starts playing the underground internet game Justifiable Homicide to unravel the clues. What he finds is an addiction to vengeance that can turn anyone into a ki11er.

The Man with the Crow Tattoo (Novel Concept) Women's Fiction

Tannis knew to avoid him. In fact she had  managed to stay clear of Jim for the first few weeks of class. Then he spoke to her and mentioned someone she knew from college.  Still he made her nervous. Then she saw his crow tattoo and suddenly everything changed. A  muse arose from an intimidating man and in an instant her dull existence transformed into one of unlimited creative  possibilities.

Geri G. Taylor is a multidisciplinary  artist, photographer, actress, playwright, writer, and community volunteer living in Ruston, LA with her husband, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. She graduated Louisiana Tech University with three degrees in  business, art and art education.

Please let me know what novels appeal to you as a reader.