Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Nothing that stays hidden ever heals. I will not stay silent so you can stay comfortable. The time to effect change is now. Ignoring what’s going on around us is either privilege, ignorance, or both. Sometimes, being a good person requires more than lip service. And inaction/complicity speak louder than words. Stand up for what’s right or at the very least, don’t bury it. Doing better starts with each of us. But to do better we have to acknowledge the multitude of problem...s at hand. As the song goes, sometimes love just ain’t enough. You can be a good, kind, loving person but if that doesn’t create a ripple outside your self or your bubble, then who is your decency benefitting? And how good are you if you aren’t using your platform (big or small,) to help heal fissures, to shine light on darkness, to spread empathy, to speak up for those who are oppressed? At this point, silence is complicity and, while most times there is a definite grey area, sometimes there simply is just a right and a wrong, a good and a bad. And good people, however well-intentioned, can end up on either side of that: any of us can! No one is perfect, so lean into your imperfections, but shine your light for the world to see. Don’t dim your goodness or mute your passion for anyone. If someone doesn’t accept you for you, it’s time to bid adieu. Life is too unpredictable and too short. Be yourself. Be kind. But just know ignorance isn’t bliss. Platitudes mean nothing. The time to be aware and to open your minds and your hearts is now. Get woke and stay woke. The world wants us all to be divided but I want to believe we all have more in common than not, and that most people are inherently more good than bad. It’s hard to see that sometimes but I want to believe it’s true. So let’s act like it! (And disagree with grace.) #bekind #beyourself #staytrue #getwoke #speaktruth #privilegeisearned #ignoranceisnotbliss #abshuck

Nida is looking for her valentine! Sweet as candy....she is a 1 year old, 45 lb, lab mix that has so much love give! Nida lives for cuddles and gives little, ti...ny kisses. She loves to play and wrestle with her foster siblings and has never met a squeaky toy she didn't like. Nida is potty trained and crate trained. She aims to please and will no doubt make a wonderful dog. Bids would love to have a k9 sibling to share her time with. She has not been around children, but we think she would do good with them. If you are interested in meeting this sweetheart, head on over to our website at bridgetohome84.org for an application that can be emailed to us at [email protected]. See more

Better pic of my grandfather’s flag in our community! #loveyoubups #thankfulgratefulblessed #militarybanner #militaryflag

Who’s favorite breakfast food is cereal!? The Cereal Puppies are Bthar’s first 2021 arrivals! Cocoa Puff (f) Honey Bunches (f) Mini Wheat (f) Kix (m) Trix (f) T...hese cuties are lab/husky mixes with a few other unknown breeds thrown in. The Cereal Puppies will be 10 weeks old when they are ready to go to their new homes. They have a very loving and playful personalities. These puppies will most likely be large size when full grown. Send your completed application to [email protected]. Apps are on our website bridgetohome84.org. See more

Meet Flower and Butterfly. They are a bonded pair of Chihuahuas that are 5 and 6 years old that must go together They are pee pad trained and are crate trained.... They enjoy the company of other dogs, but we do not know about cats. Flower and Butterfly have been through a lot but once they start getting comfortable they have the sweetest playful personalities. They absolutely love snuggling on your lap together and being carried around and pampered. The girls will need someone that is willing to be patient and continue to work with them on house training and allowing them time to adjust to their new surroundings. Want to meet these little ladies? Then head on over to the website at bridgetohome84.org for an application and email it to us at [email protected]. See more

Lots in my #TBR pile for 2021 and there’s more where this came from! #toberead #nowreading #currentreads #bookstagram #abshuck @ Robinson Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Two UNRELATED questions: - any recommendations on books or podcasts for coping with/training blind dogs? (A dog who went blind. Not a dog who was born blind.) - have any of you humans gotten the people version of the rabies shot? I have some questions. ... Thanks in advance!

Meet Harley and Davidson. An America Legend.... Who doesn’t like a biker?? Look at these handsome dudes!! They are 10 week lab,boxer?? All American mixes.... They are looking for our forever homes.... Are you dedicated to caring for me for 10 years? Willing to be patient with me and train me??? You can’t blame what you don’t train!! Will you socialize me and take me for walks??? Will you love me and make me a part of your family?? Serious adopters can submit a completed application to us at [email protected]. See more

If you have had a child within the last 24 months, you can apply for a FREE Noom membership (or you can nominate someone who is eligible.) Noom is for weight loss, fitness, overall health/wellness/nutrition. And even mental health/stress/anxiety, or any personal, medical, weight-related, or professional goals that you want to work on. It’s normally $59 per month! Spread the word! https://web.noom.com//because-youre-getting-healthy-for-/

Do current events have you more stressed out than usual? Take breaks from the news including on social media Eat balanced meals, exercise, and get plenty of sleep Make time to unwind with activities you enjoy... Connect with others and talk with them about how you’re feeling

This inspiring quote from William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" fits many Mighty Girls perfectly: "Though she be but little, she is fierce!" It is f...eatured on one of our favorite t-shirts, available in a variety of styles and colors for both kids and adults, at https://www.amightygirl.com/fierce-t-shirt If you love this quotation and are looking for bedroom or nursery decor, it's also available as a wall decal at https://www.amightygirl.com/shakespeare-quote-though-she-may For picture books starring fierce Mighty Girls, for ages 4 to 8, we recommend "O'Sullivan Stew" (https://www.amightygirl.com/o-sullivan-stew), "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" (https://www.amightygirl.com/stand-tall-molly-lou-melon), "The Three Ninja Pigs" (https://www.amightygirl.com/the-three-ninja-pigs), and "The Paper Bag Princess" (https://www.amightygirl.com/the-paper-bag-princess) For more books starring fierce Mighty Girls to inspire children and teens, visit our "Mighty Girls" book section at http://amgrl.co/2jn7b60 For prints of the stunning illustration pictured here by artist Cat Coquillette, CatCoq, visit Etsy at http://etsy.me/2vfakg6

My husband is a teacher as are many friends of mine, and I actually thought I’d go into education at one point myself. So, this is NOT a criticism on teachers or any educators or school employees at ALL. I have mad respect for you all. I am, however, critiquing our school/education SYSTEM and PRIORITIES in this country. The era of Trumpism and the events as of late are a direct result of ignorance and a lack of TRUE education. ...Continue reading

I purchased and mailed out these Christmas gifts for all 15 coaches who I manage at work. I don’t even get reimbursed but I still like to get them something small each year because I really do care about & appreciate all of my colleagues and those that I manage. Each team has a food-themed pun as a name and ours is Game of Scones. (Which of course I came up with haha I may be gluten-free so no scones for me ... but I was a Game of Thrones stan lol! ) I had ...the custom masks and custom pencils made for them, as well as a covid-esque holiday card complete with a nod to Schitt’s Creek since many of us are fans! A weird gift for what was a weird year. (And yes I see the dog hair on the one pic! ) #latergram #2020 #abshuck #bestwisheswarmestregards #maskselfie #manager #workfam #weirdyear #gameofthrones #schittscreek

Illustration by Chris Riddell

Good morning, some of you need to hear this...... (Interesting facts). Capital can refer to uppercase letters, accumulated wealth, or the city that serves as t...he seat of a country's or state's government. A capitol is a building in which the legislative body of government meets. Capitol should only be capitalized if you’re referring to the United States Capitol, located in Washington, D.C. (Or at the start of a sentence). Yes, we are also the grammar police. Any mistakes found herein will be forwarded to the corrections officer. Carry on...... (You can thank my wife for this one).

Mr. Coco is a young one and a half-year-old (Ginger )Boston terrier. He is crate trained and seems to be housebroken. He is good with dogs his size but gets ner...vous around larger dogs. Mr. Coco is a quiet gentleman who likes to cuddle. He is a bit shy at first so he will need his new family to be patient until he settles in. He would also do fine with kids. His familiarity with cats is unknown. If you're interested in Mr. Coco, please email an application to [email protected]. bridgetohome84.org See more

To my colleagues in the press. Words matter. Do not use euphemisms to explain away what we all saw yesterday. This was an attempt to undermine American democracy incited by a defeated president of the United States. This was an insurrection, domestic terrorism, an attempted coup.

... just a relevant photo dump for this week ... different vibes ... all apropos / accurate / pertinent ... ... having a tough week physically and emotionally ... learning to ride the waves & go with the flow however. Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day. So if you can’t find it, be it.... #whatevenisthis #life #wildworld #wtfusa #spreadkindnessnotcovid #godblessamerica #usa #godblesstheusa #dobetterbebetter #chaos #blacklivesmatter #anxiety #mentalhealth #hello2021 #mentalhealthmatters #letshelpeachother #letshealtogether #arthritisashley #glitzburgh #welcometowellness2021 #ultimateyouwellness #abshuck

Denounce white supremacy.

I am very grateful for my workplace (Noom) in general, but especially during the past year or so. From the pandemic to BLM/police brutality to yesterday’s events at the Capitol, they have been extremely supportive, provided employees with resources and support, crafted both thoughtful public statements and internal emails of comfort and unity, and have encouraged our work-life balance, self-care, and mental-emotional wellbeing throughout all. Prior to this job, I never thou...ght that companies like this truly existed, especially bigger companies, and especially given how I have been treated by some horrible bosses and some very toxic and un-empathetic places of employment. (Mostly related to my medical issues, but sometimes just out of sheer corporate nonsense, sexism & misogyny, etc.) It is amazing to feel valued, respected, and supported every day, by both the team I manage, and also by those above me. Although we have thousands of employees working at Noom, each one of us feels like we are seen and heard, cared for and loved. And we ARE. That’s the amazing part! The Noomily is truly a family. #thankfulgratefulblessed PS: my views & opinions on social media are solely my own, and do not necessarily reflect that of my employer.

I’m looking for anyone that wants to better themselves physically this coming year to join my @whoop team, No Days Off so we can inspire each other and push t...owards our own personal goals. . You don’t have to be an aspiring Ironman athlete to be on my team, but you do need a WHOOP strap membership. I started using it last year and absolutely loved it. If you’re interested, DM me and I can get you a free month referral code. . It really is a great fitness tracker that monitors your strain, recovery, and sleep. It really helped keep me motivated to exercise and reach new goals. #nodaysoff #whoop See more

In 2011, I had the absolute privilege to speak to members of Congress on Capitol Hill to advocate for arthritis & healthcare legislation. Seeing the state of the Capitol today is devastating. ... I used to be super-patriotic. The Star-Spangled Banner was legit my favorite song and I used to tear up literally any time I heard it. Since 2016, my patriotism and faith in America has SADLY dwindled, never more than in the year 2020. It’s gotten to the point that I don’t even like having an American flag outside of my house anymore. This what’s going on today THIS isn’t what people have fought for and died for. This isn’t freedom: this is the opposite of democracy!!! Those who serve don’t put their lives at risk to help democracy die. A peaceful transition of power is a cornerstone of that democracy, and we have a sitting President who incites violence & division, and refuses to concede. It’s maddening and heartbreaking. This surely isn’t the future I want for my nephew, my goddaughter, or myself. These people aren’t peaceful protestors; they’re terrorists. What’s going on today looks like a movie or something from a Third World country. It’s disheartening and frightening. The lack of respect for our America, and our Capitol, is astounding. Appalling. I can’t wait to someday proudly rock the red white and blue again, but for now I am deeply concerned and ashamed, and embarrassed for this once-great nation. Shame on all of you who have put our law enforcement and lawmakers and our democracy in danger, all because of fear, hatred, ignorance, insecurity, and conspiracy. Shame. On. You. PS: I don’t care who this offends or who unfriends me: i mean ... talk about double standards, hypocrisy, and false equivalence! If these protestor thugs were Black or brown (or even liberals,) they’d be getting shot & gassed, and called terrorists and rioters. Different Americas & different policing for different people. PSS: Trumpism won’t go away when he does. Let’s do better. For ALL people of the UNITED States. #staysafe #stayblessed #saveourdemocracy #godblessamerica #abshuck #sorrynotsorry @ United States