Tico & Rio

Tico, my Meyers Parrot was rescued in San Diego last December of 2015. Here is my story…

For those who read my book, you will know the piece regarding my two parakeets and this will all make sense.

Troy, former husband and I took a trip to San Diego to visit a bird rescue to adopt a bird. After writing a very painful piece regarding my childhood, I thought it would be cathartic. For many years, my “nine-year old self” blamed me for being responsible for the deaths of two birds. After writing my thoughts on paper and putting it into perspective, I asked myself a question… Would I blame a child and tell he/she, it was all their fault? As soon as I had that epiphany, I was on a mission to adopt a “baby dinosaur!”

I wanted to stop off at a pet store first to get my feathered friend some toys and supplies before the adoption. Omar’s Exotic Birds had several McCaws, Conures, Indian Ringnecks, Rainbow Lorikeets and so on and so forth. They were comparably priced but my plan was to adopt at a rescue for $250 and up. We told the management how we were planning on rescuing a bird and needed their help with purchasing the bare necessities. They were extremely accommodating and wanted to know if I would be interested in a small parrot. I said, “Yes!” They brought out a Meyers Parrot and right away, we bonded. Tico stepped up to me and I spent quality time with him. His feathers were clipped too short, he was abused by previous owners (who fortunately dropped him off at a pet shop), he was skittish, and he dived crashing down to the ground because he could not glide. He was bleeding near his anus and six months later, I found out he was also burned. I had to have Tico. I was drawn to his soul and Troy and I decided to wait a week until he got better to take him home. What are the odds that there was a bird in desperate need of rescue at a retail bird shop at the exact time, I was about to adopt a bird at the San Diego Bird Rescue.

Tico was the right fit for me and I love him so much. I am letting his wings grow out so he can eventually fly. Presently, he can glide down as opposed to crashlanding on the floor. He has confidence and we have visited Omar’s Exotic Birds so they could see his progress. The first week was nerve-wracking for me. Every time I covered Tico’s cage at night, I would rush over to make sure he was alive. My anxiety was at an all-time high (because of childhood memories) at first until, I conditioned myself with repetition that I wouldn’t find him at the bottom – dead. After numerous times of telling him how much I love him before he went to sleep and waking up lifting the cover (only to find him peaceful on his perch), my anxiety diminished. My personal demons from my past left my space.

Tico is my mascot to help prevent child abuse in teen programs. Every time someone watches a video, it will lead back to my website: JeneenMiller.com! This is only one of many miracles that is linked with my book, Pieces of Victory.

You can visit: It’s Tico Time! on YouTube and subscribe to follow his healing progress! He has such a personality and I am so grateful to have him in my life. He rescues me everyday! I named him Tico. It is the Costa Rica name for the male locals (since he is male). Although his origin is Africa, I thought Tico was fitting!

Update: In addition, I rescued another bird, Rio! I adopted an 18-year old Eclectus from Parrot's Naturally off of Tapanga Canyon in CA! He makes me laugh and is the sweetest bird! He is my angel!

The Raven

Pieces of Victory & the Raven! Here is my story… 

I wrote a piece for my book called, the Raven. I flashback to what my life was like prior to getting thrown into a locked-down reform school. I attended Cornerstone Christian and excelled in my studies. Sounds like grounds to toss me into a so-called prison, right? I ended up memorizing the Raven by Edgar Alan Poe and for extra credit, I memorized the whole entire poem. I went the extra mile in all my classes but especially, my English Literature Class. My ambitious attitude landed me a big fat A+!

Four months later, I was locked into a private boot camp for thewaywardwith no way out. The repercussions of the abusive school for troubled teens (Victory ChristianAcademy), left me feeling unfit to society. I couldn’t even look at a baby or any guests coming into the church. I had to keep my head down. This Preacherconvinced every student that we were untouchables and the epitome of lowlifes.

About four years ago, I was presented with adopting my brother-in-law, Matt’s baby. For years, I made up excuses why I should not have one of my own. I teeter-tottered with the idea but my negative thoughts seem to override the possibility. Finances, I don’t have all my ducks in a row and my list extended on… I agreed to the adoption -just like that. It is easier for me to rescue a child then to make a conscious decision to have one of my own. I started talking to Troy about my doubts again and the phone rang…it was my brother-in-law. “It’s a girl and her name is Raven!” Matt had no idea about my book or my piece regarding the Raven. After I told him my story, he made me promise to spell it different. I crossed my fingers and agreed.

What were the odds that the minute I doubted myself, I received a call about my future Raven? Raven is such an unusual name! I mean, when was the last time you called someone…Raven?Although the plan for Raven did not follow through, my heart became open to the possibilities of becoming a nurturing loving mother.

The miracle is my open door to my Raven!

The Piano

In order to understand the miracle of the piano, you’ll have to read my book, Pieces of Victory!

At the age of sixteen-years old, I was trapped inside a so-called POW camp in America. I fought for freedom in my mind by coming up with a plan for self-soothing. One of my coping mechanisms, in order to digest how I was tossed into a lockdown for the wayward, was my will to learn piano. It was going to be my time to imagine playing for Drake McCallister (my first love) and it was the only spark of hope I had left…

When the Dorm Mother of an unfit reform school caught windof my intentions, all hell broke loose. I was forbidden to play the ebony and ivory because it reminded me of my boyfriend. Worse, I could no longer utter his name – D R A K E. If I rebelled, I would be thrown into isolation for weeks or months. There was no communication between Drake and I. I could not use the phone or write anyone except… my parents. Unfortunately, those mandatory letters were also monitored. Worse, conversations about my former life were not permitted and would have a hefty repercussion if I did not comply. I could not talk about the outside world – period. Basic human rights vanished and the only escape I had… was my mind.

The only chance I had of self-reconstruction was my ambition to play for my one-true-love. Unfortunately, my positive outlet was extinguished by Victory Christian Academy. When I was finally free from the school of the living hell, I never attempted to learn how to play the piano. I just blocked it out of my mind like an unwanted nightmare.

After writing the piece about my forbidden love, I became enraged… No one can tell me that I cannot play the piano because it reminds me of someone I love! I grabbed my keys to my car and headed for the Family Music Center and bought a used baby grand piano. I played for hours a day until, I learned how to master one song on an intermediate level. 

Visit:Playground Sessions

Here is my freedom and my miracle of self-healing in a video!

Jeneen playing at Victory Christian Academy

during filming!

Templo Monte Sinai

I have been to Templo Monte Sinai three times. The first time I visited, I received permission from the new owner, Pedro Ledezma. I thought it was so nice of this Pastor to allow me to shoot the cover of my book and then to film my documentary of Victory Christian Academy on property. I wanted to tell my story at same exact location of the former school, I was locked into the year, 1988. Except this time, there wasn’t any barbed wire along the fence and the gates were wide open – welcoming.

At that point in time, I never went inside any of the buildings. If I were invited in, I would have lost it on an emotional level. For my sake, it was pretty desolate. The second time I visited, I had to get permission to shoot on location. I chose to have Ryjin Pearson, DarkFujin Productions shoot my book trailer to promote, Pieces of Victory. No one could possibly produce a high caliber film/trailer to convey my message of preventing child abuse in teen programs except Ryjin. How I received the funding for that is another miracle.

I did not have anyway of contacting the new church at this point. I did not know the name of the church and all I had was an address. I googled and the only information I found were real-estate agents from when the property was on the market. I asked if the agent would call the owner’s leaving them my phone number to call me back. I told them my story of preventing child abuse by filming on location to spread awareness. No phone calls came. I made the decision to travel from Vegas to Ramona, CA to get permission face-to-face.
Troy supported me by going with me because I wasn’t going to go alone to a place that stored all of my bad memories. I knocked and an elderly woman opened the door. She did not speak a word of English. Thanks to my longterm memory of my Spanish classes in high school, I was able to communicate enough to understand Pastor Joshua would be at the church at 7 p.m. Troy and I went around the corner and saw a sign up. We were only in town on Tuesday and then we were set to leave the next day. The church is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

We met Joshua at 7 p.m. I was reluctant to come into the church because at that point, I never set my foot inside the structure since I left at seventeen-years old. This was an additional church, I never saw because it was in the process of being built. Carey Dunn (a former student/resident) died on property building it through forced labor. I was there when they carried her out of the compound by helicopter. Joshua held his arms up in the air welcoming me in. How could I say “No.” I automatically felt the energy that was quite different from the former hellish academy, I was thrown into.

I told Joshua how I would like to film at this location and my mission in life is to help prevent child abuse in teen programs by telling my story. He looked at me and said, “You are doing God’s work. You are an amazing testimony.” This comment did not soak in until after I left the new ministry, Templo Monte Sinai. Joshua’s final words were that they needed to go through the Board to get permission but he felt at that point, it was a go! What are the odds that a new Pastor on the same property that I was called a Heathen, trash, rebellious teen-ager, unfit to be a Christian, a Jezebel and the list went on… What are the odds that a Pastor on the same soil where I suffered in hell was giving me light? I was inside the same church where a girl died and the atmosphere that was once fueled with hate is now filled with love without judgement. I walked out the door with members of the congregation reaching out to shake my hand and welcoming me into their world of peace.

The contrast is astounding. I cried as soon as Pastor Joshua’s words finally penetrated my soul. “You are doing God’s work. You are an amazing testimony.” On my third visit when we were tying up loose ends, I talked about how our mistakes, obstacles and hardships are really lessons that build character and how we can use that for the greater good. 

Pastor Joshua informed me that was the crux of his sermon. The sermon was in Spanish. I do not know fluent Spanish. He closed the conversation by inviting me to visit again and give my testimony in front of Templo Monte Sinai! I later found out that Pedro Ledezma is Joshua’s father. Although Pedro is no longer with us, his spirit remains through the works of Templo Monte Sinai.

I was forbidden to play the piano because it reminded me of my first love, Drake McCallister. I could no longer utter his name or play the piano because it reminded me of him. 28 years later, I played the piano in the same spot Victory Christian Academy told me I could not. The only difference is that the piano was turned around. What are the odds?
Thank you Templo Monte Sinai for being a part of my healing. This wonderful ministry invited me to play the piano as it echoed through the very chapel, I was abused in.

Composing my music for
Pieces of Victory:
A loving friend who happens to be a Music Director (anonymous) inspired me to compose a piano piece for my documentary and another trailer for Pieces of Victory. 

Piece cooming soon!

Pieces of Victory Orphanage - Uganda

When I was locked up in the cesspool of America’s reform school, Victory 

Christian 

Academy, I was conditioned to feel subhuman. Trained in this bootcamp, the ruthless repetition left me brainwashed to feel like I meant nothing to God and inadequate for society.

Parents could only visit their children after the first three months in order for the teachings of this program to really sink in. This included: isolation in a closet (for days, weeks and months), standing in front of a pole for hours at a time, demerits, humiliation, force feedings, forcing to eat a child’s own vomit, 3 feet behind another student, training other children to abuse and so on and so forth. I tried many times to escape this world of hell and one of my mental exits was the time, I glanced at a baby in church. It was parent-visit-day at the 

pearly gates of the righteousness. 

I thought about having a baby in the future with my high school sweetheart, Drake McCallister – perhaps, after college. The one of many escapes soon had bars that slammed in my face in a matter of seconds. I was forbidden to look at a baby. I had to put my head down and remain silent. Worse, I could not look at the guests without a hefty repercussion. 

After I was finally free from the 

land of the living hell, 

I came up with every excuse one could think of not to have a child of my own.

While working as a Massage Therapist in the casino at Planet Hollywood, I met Jeff Stewart. Jeff and his wife started visiting orphanages on their vacations to hold babies and care for them. They started 

Dream Missions!

Jeff Stewart is a 

Dentist 

(see side-note) and offers dental care for the less fortunate children. I became friends with him on Facebook and kept in touch over the years. A contact from ChildCare Uganda friended me on Facebook through the Dream Missions connection. For a while, I didn’t know his name. I just knew him as ChildCare Uganda! lol Let's just call him Drake Luganda (because I'm protecting an identity that is coinciding with this name) and he is running a Christian orphanage in Uganda. I can go visit anytime I want and hold a baby in my arms. I deserve to hold a baby in my arms!

What are the odds that the person running a Christian orphanage in Uganda has the same name as one of the main characters in my book, Pieces of Victory. If that wasn’t enough… I have the opportunity to self-heal by caring for children that have been abandoned.

*Current news: 

Mr. Luganda has changed the name of the orphanage in honor of my book, Pieces of Victory - Uganda Orphanage.

*Side-Note: 

Dentist – Read my book, Pieces of Victory to see the significance of a dentist. Drake and Pieces of Victory - Uganda Orphanage is one of many miracles that are correlating with my book, Pieces of Victory.

*Please note: 

I had to change the name of the main character and the contact name from Uganda. I use pseudonyms for characters in my book to protect their identity. The real names are identical. Contact Pieces of Victory - Uganda Orphanage and Mr. Luganda will be more than happy to provide assistance.

Merry Christmas, Mr, Luganda! Thank you for the love I feel from Pieces of Victory - Uganda Orphanage! 

Visit: 

JeneenMiller.com

How can I donate to Pieces of Victory - Uganda Orphanage?

Click here!

‎Jeff Stewart‎toJeneen Miller

April 27 at 10:54am

 · 

Mityana, Uganda

 ·

I can now tell you with absolute certainty that ******* is everything you believe and a true 

#

LikeMind

 ..

:)

 Thank you 

Jeneen

 for your persistence..

:)

#

ItsTimeForTheChildren

:)

 We will be back and my friends 

David Oteko

 and 

Jesse Lyon

 will visit he and the beautiful children he helps to succeed:)

DreamMissions Stu

 and 

Dawn Sewald

.

Rent the Runway!

Herve Leger - Black Vivien Cage Dress

Saloni - Pink Abstract Floral Dress

Elizabeth & James - Red Emmy Dress

Modeling

When I was 9-years old, a family member (who happened to be a Photographer) told me that I could not be a model. He went into explicit detail of why my goal was completely unattainable because of the peach fuzz on my face. I was mortified and wanted to duck my entire little girlunder the nearest red carpet.

Over the years, I had amateur photographers want to take my pictures. I'm currently working with Ryjin Pearson (DarkFujin Productions) and he will be taking pictures for my upcoming book, Pieces of Victory.

I'm in the midst of sending out a video and letter to Rent the Runwayabout incorporating them on my website to help empower survivors of institutional abuse. How you feel on the outside makes you feel more confident inward. I have many coping mechanisms to share with survivors and I will embody Rent the Runway. When self-esteem has been torn down by verbal abuse, we need tools to rebuild our structure.
*Also, visit:SIA-Now.org Empowering survivors!

Rent the Runway is an affordable way to wear high end clothing everyday of the week. It is only $139 a month for unlimited. Sizes go up to 22. You can choose professional styles for a talk show, interviews or look fabulous and elegant for a night on the town! It's an ingenious way to feel like a model on the nearest runway.

• No rental fees
• Free shipping, dry cleaning & insurance
• Cancel anytime

Here is a personal video I put together to show you how creative you can get with Rent the Runway!

Jeneen Miller, Author
Pieces of Victory
JeneenMiller.com

Funding My Book Trailer!

One day, I had the notion to invest in a book trailer to promote, Pieces of Victory. What a great way to market through social media and using it as a vehicle for other business opportunities. I researched other companies producing book trailers and I thought they looked very professional but I knew Filmmaker, Ryjin Pearson could produce the highest caliber possible. Ryjin is creative, professional and will listen to my vision. I was on a mission to make this happen. I am a LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) accommodating guests in various casinos.

I decided to put my bills on hold and take one week to come up with at least half. I knew, I would have to stay in the casino until 7 a.m. to make this happen. I worked from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. without any breaks for two days. I earned $1,000 in two days but that wasn’t enough to reach my goal. All I need is one whale in the casino and my life would be so much easier! Well, a whale is hard to come by these days and the odds were two or three times a year for me. It wasn’t Super Bowl weekend or a holiday but I was determined to manifest the completion of my goal.

My first client (who happens to be a big player) at the nostalgic Miami themed casino was sitting at the gaming table. Occasionally, one could catch the scent of the mafia’s essence left behind this 1957′s establishment. I spotted my friend’s energetic smile immediately. He agreed to getting a massage and I worked on him for over an hour. I told him my story about the book trailer and my goal for the week just making conversation and catching up with him. After his winning hand at Black Jack, he handed me over two chips -just like that! It was the remaining balance I needed for my trailer. He said, “I put myself through law school and you just need a break. You just need a break! You are helping prevent child abuse in teen programs and I am behind you one hundred percent! Think of it as funding your project!” I couldn’t believe it! I had to pinch myself several times. It was surreal and I had to tell myself that this was indeed, my new reality. I thanked (let’s call him Matty) countless times and hugged him! I asked him, “What made you come to Vegas? You are usually here for Super Bowl and come only on special occasions.” He then replied, “I just wanted to get-away and I left on a whim!”

The act of kindness from my friend, Matty from Chicago will never be forgotten. I am looking forward to showing him the end result of an investment that will make a difference and save our children from further abuse. I am so grateful to have this angel in my life.

Special thanks to Matty from Chicago for making Pieces of Victory rise to the surface! The greatest investment you can make is the belief in yourself!

Jeneen Miller, Author
Pieces of Victory
JeneenMiller.com

Tico & Drake McCallister

Tico, my Meyers Parrot and Drake McCallister are significant because both are pieces of victory. In order to thoroughly understand this, it’s best if you read my book!

Tico started squawking uncontrollably while he lifted his right wing in agony (No Republicans involved – Tico is Independent!). Immediately, I knew he was in pain and something was not right. I looked under his wing (while he lifted it) to find one of his almost loose feathers poking him. I read an article that birds could possibly bleed to death and I knew I had to do something. I called Troy over and we did not want to remove it ourselves because it could cause further damage. We rushed like mad all over town frantically looking for a vet that would examine and treat a bird. It was two o’clock in the morning and no animal hospital could see my exotic bird. We finally found an animal emergency that would treat Tico. I gasped when I looked at thestreet name…There it stood fully lit by a street lamp in an industrial area - D r a k e  L a n e.

Drake McCallister is the main character in my book, Pieces of Victory.

After the vet carefully removed the feather, Tico had some bleeding under his wing. The wound was cauterized and Tico is now doing better.

What are the odds that my emergency vet for my bird, Tico is on a lane called Drake?

Note: I also have a business card with the street name coinciding with the main character but because I have pseudonyms, I'm unable to include it. Just take my word for it! Tico will squawk out the real name, if you give him a pecan!

Valerie Rose Lohman

Valerie Rose Lohman - Lead Actress

played Jeneen in

Pieces of Victory, book trailer.

When Filmmaker, Ryjin Pearson with Dark Fujin Productions and I sifted through over two hundred actors, I came across Valerie Rose Lohman. We were looking for someone over eighteen to play a sixteen-year old girl.

As I watched Valerie's theater work, segments of her reels, listened to her voice overs and singing talents, I did not see any scenes of crying and screaming. I needed an actress to have sadness and anger but based on her other work intuitively... I knew she could pull it off.
I was impressed with a heated argument scene she had with a teen boy who was interested in becoming more than friends. I knew she could play the love scene because of her intensity from her reel.

Valerie is humble, professional and punctual. She does not hesitate to ask questions regarding her character. I described my experiences with parents, my boyfriend (at the time) and the horror of the lockdown reform school. She can work outside the box and we threw a lot of extra scenes and dialogue at her. Nothing is beneath her or over her head. She nailed every scene! All of the emotions I was looking for, rose (pun) to the surface!

Valerie is extroverted and works well with others. She understands what it takes to give one hundred percent to a project.

I am so honored to have Valerie be a part of the Pieces of Victory, Book Trailer. It will be used as a vehicle to make serious changes in preventing child abuse in teen programs! In essence, she plays an important role on making a difference.

The younger version of myself is Valerie Rose Lohman and she played it well!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Jeneen Miller, Producer/Author
Pieces of Victory
JeneenMiller.com

Click her for Valerie Rose Lohman's Website!
http://valerieroselohman.com/

The Press-Enterprise by Patrick Brien: 
http://www.pe.com/2017/04/20/career-takes-corona-actress-from-stage-to-screen/

Jadon Fitzpatrick - playing Drake McCallister
for
Pieces of Victory, Book Trailer.

My Filmmaker, Ryjin Pearson with DarkFujin Productions and I went through over two hundred actors to find the right fit for Drake McCallister. We were slightly under the gunso to speak. Without seeing a reel under the bio that was sent to us, we felt like Jadon fit the bill based on his resume. We were unaware of the extent of caliber regarding his performances until, on the set.

Fortunately for us, we had many actors that sent in their resumes and reels, pics etc. Ryjin and I went ahead and selected an actor best suited for the character knowing the ins-and-outs of my book.

Jadon Fitzpatrick gave a great performance. His acting was natural and he came across as a mature sixteen-year old boy. The chemistry was nothing more than incredible between Jadon and actress, Valerie Rose Lohman. He made me tear up during several scenes.

Jadon is professional, a team player and will go above and beyond the call of duty to make the project work. For example: Ryjin and I added scenes/dialogue at the last minute. Jadon nailed it and “hit it out the park!" Good job, Jadon and thank you for playing Drake McCallister!

Again, Ryjin and I did not see any reels on Jadon Fitzpatrick. We had a different bio. We took a chance based on his look for the main character and his resume qualifications. I searched for his reels on line after filming and was blown away! Apparently, we hired the best!

The book trailer, Pieces of Victory that Jadon Fitzpatrick was significantly part of will shed light on child abuse that unfortunately, continues today in teen programs! Thank you for being part of the changeby using your talents in a powerful vehicle to spread awareness.

Sincerely,
Jeneen Miller, Producer/Author
Pieces of Victory
JeneenMiller.com

Daniel Van Dyke

 
Daniel Van Dyke played the Preacher at the lockdown reform school,Victory Christian Academy.

The pseudonym I use for the Preacher is QC 

(Quality Control)

I'll never forget the time Filmmaker, Ryjin Pearson with Dark Fujin Productions and I combed through over two hundred bios for Pieces of Victory, Book Trailer. 

Immediately, I saw Daniel and he looked like the Preacher from Victory when he wore glasses or at least, a younger version of him. I clicked on his reel and viewed his role of angry and crazy in a scene. "Stop right there! That's him! That's our guy for the Preacher! He can do CRAZY!" I exclaimed to Ryjin!

Whatever I was impressed with on Daniel Van Dyke's reel certainly, did not match up to his performance while on the set for Pieces of Victory. He over exceeded any of our expectations! In fact, while I was in chapel and he was on the stage holding his Bible interrogating the girls (other actors), I had a flashback to when I was a sixteen-year old girl in that same spot. We were persecuted by a monster that used God as a green light to abuse. Daniel played the role perfectly that he had me jumping and the actors. I guarantee that their shaking movements and body language of intimidation were real fear and not acting! This is how believable Daniel's anger and madness became and he gave an outstanding performance.

Daniel was the first actor to show up and the last one to leave. He went above and beyond the call of duty because he believed in the project. He was professional, humble and asked questions so he could get into character. He can also switch characters in a blink of an eye. For example, he could be talking in his normal personality in between scenes and then get into his CRAZY character when Ryjin shouted, "Action!"

I cannot express enough, how grateful I am to have Daniel Van Dyke be a part of my book trailer that will be the vehicle to prevent child abuse in teen programs. This trailer will definitely send a message to parents that are contemplating sending their children to reform schools, wilderness camps, bootcamps, conversion therapies, rehabilitation programs. If there is a 50/50 chance that one's child will be abused in these programs, why would one take that risk? Unfortunately, the statistics are much higher.

Again I thank you, Daniel Van Dyke. You gave an outstanding performance that knocked our socks off!

Sincerely,

Jeneen Miller, Producer/Author
Pieces of Victory
JeneenMiller.com

Miracles of Victory

Miracles of Victory 

There are so many little gifts of discoveries that are coinciding with my book, Pieces of Victory. Whether you call them serendipities, miracles, coincidences or signs that my story needs to be told… This is what it means to me: It’s about taking the negative part of your life and creating the positive. Finding the contrast of the light is the miracle. I am certain that there will be more to come. I will keep adding as I go…

This will turn into a sequel of Pieces of Victory!

—Jeneen Miller, Author
Pieces of Victory
JeneenMiller.com