The Melindaville Blog chronicles my journey of writing and publishing my memoir, “Lost and Found,” which details my experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, as an exotic dancer and call girl, as an actor and musician in San Francisco’s punk rock scene of the 1980’s and my fifteen year journey through recovery.
I hope to inspire others who suffer from painful early childhood experiences, addiction or other self-destructive tendencies, as well as raise awareness about the need for free and available treatment in our society.
My ultimate purpose is to launch "The Melindaville Foundation" which will place suffering addicts in treatment and perhaps even pay for their college or other job training. In short, I hope to pass on to others what has been given to me.
Peace,
Melinda
Recent PostsThe purity of the fresh, white snow blanketing Cleveland belied the desperation of my own situation. Looking out of a window in the abandoned, condemned building I had been calling home for the past few months, I could feel the bitter, biting w...
Early in recovery, I was complaining about this and that (and likely everything!) to my good friend, Jim, who is also a wise Medicine Man of the Crow Tribe in Montana. He smiled patiently while listening to me and then turned, looking me direct...
I apologize for not having a podcast this week—Les and I are currently traveling and I forgot my recording equipment at home and I have not yet found a suitable replacement on the road. My wonderful friend, Edward Hemingway (yes of that Hemi...
Michael and I decided to take the long way around on our way from San Francisco to Cleveland, Ohio, dipping south into Los Angeles for a brief visit with the aunt and uncle who had partially raised him. If we had not taken that particular route...
Les and I just returned from a visit to New York City, a place that holds so many memories for me. Arriving at Penn Station last week, reflections of those experiences flooded my brain—some bitter, some sweet, and some a combination of the tw...
I love autumn . . . love the name autumn—so why would anyone want to call it “fall?” Personally, I always preferred the term “autumn” to “fall” because ‘fall’ conjures up a negative overtone. When has the word ‘fall’ been...
This blog is currently rated a 4.95 out of a possible 5 based on 44 comments.
jim gerlThis is truly a great blog.
Melinda exemplifies courage. The question isn't have you suffered setbacks, it is have you picked yourself up off the floor.
More importantly, she gets it. Your focus should never be upon you; happiness lies in being concerned with others.
If you only read a few blogs, this one is too important to skip.
Jim Gerl/ SpEdLaw
Poly MuthumbiWOW, i love what you are doing and how brave you are and what you are doing to change those around you. God bless your work
Jonathan BeckettWonderfully written, insightful and always interesting.
stillthinkingMelinda's story is precautionary, inspiring, horrifying, intriguing, melancholy, hopeful. By sharing her past and being so open with her experiences, she is acting as beacon to people who may still be in the midst of depression, suffering and addiction. Amazing read, always fascinating.
GlennJust the intro on who the author Melinda is, will tell you that you found a special place, to help teach, open your eyes and to let you understand, that you are not alone in this place we call humanity.
You see it only takes one person who can change your life in ways you would have never thought. Most of us are luckier and have more then one true friend or mentor.
What I believe you will get from this fantastic blog is reinforcement of two of the worlds oldest commandments:
*Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.
*Pay it forward.
These two universal laws I believe are at the writers foundation and she graciously gives us her insights into her own story, along with some college level reading that most of us would have to pay dearly for.
I have had the privilege briefly to communicate with Melinda and can tell from the first sentence, I met a true cyber friend. How lucky am I???
Dr.James A. LeeVery insightful and revealing of a life story that is most interesting.
baxter labatosI consider Melinda as a wonderful and interesting individual at the forum. But her real power lies in her writings. These are wonderful stories that anyone seeking the path of enlightenment should read. This is about redemption.
Jonathan BeckettAmazing blog... well written, and with a huge, interesting and deeply moving story to tell. Brutally honest, and disarmingly candid.
Aditya SharmaGreat blog from a very inspiring personality.
cindy geeThe Melindaville Blog is one of the best blogs I've come across. For writers who appreciate the work of other writers, for those who have sruggled with addiction, for victims of abuse, for husbands and partners who live with women who have suffered, for those with compassion for the disenfranchised of our society - this blog is for you. Melinda engages and inspires. The honesty that flows from her words, and her life as she how lives it, is nothing short of beautiful.
michaelYour blog very good
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michaelYour blog very good
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Michael
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Katherine JohnsonLoved the blog and enjoyed reading everything on it, it made me stop my daily work and check it out
Jack W.Nicely done blog.
Orkun BalkanciOne of the few blogs, i find worthy of reading.
CDFA great many people try to blot out the past, in the hopes that it can remain buried, forgotten - however the past can truly only be overcome by dealing with it honestly. It is to Melinda's great credit that she has embraced this cause with courage, determination, eloquence and good humour. Her blog is not a comfortable read: it makes one conscious of the kind of suffering and pain that is out there, but at the same time, one can only marvel at her resemblance to the phoenix: an individual reborn in glory from the ashes of her previous self.
Alan JobeMelinda is a very intelligent and eloquent blogger who shares a great deal of very personal information in a way that is genuinely helpful to her readers. This blog has become one my very favorites.
SnawazI have just read a story in ur blog ur's is completely different blog. I think u r doing a great job after healing from ur past experiences.
I am not psychologist but i respect them.
As u r also a psychologist i give u more respect as compared to others blogging on psychology.
Because U r writing on a very sensitive issue.
I apperciate ur blog with a few exceptions.
Thanks !
Wish u all the best !
Arcticulates1. Content(writing styles, etc.)
The content in this amazing blog can cause a major emotional reaction. The author uses her life's experiences in this blog to help others. It's a fair warning to say that the content is well written therefore you should expect to feel emotion rise up while reading, as it can be heart wrenching. The content in this blog is full of stories and thoughts of a woman who lived a life with abuse which in turn, drugs and alcohol came into the picture to give her a way out of the horror story of her young life... and how she overcame! This blog is a must read for anyone struggling with the idea of using drugs or alcohol as an escape. This blog is not written to attract sympathy but to draw attention to several life choices that many face and need help with.
2. Colors (eye-catching, blends, etc.)
The Colors chosen for this blog are a simple pale blue background which doesn't distract from the content, with various shades of blue touches here and there on the blog.
Very nicely done!
3. Fonts (Background contrasts, etc.)
The fonts used on this blog are a easy to read, and the blue colors on the fonts used for url's and Titles are very helpful for navigation purposes.
4. Layouts (orderly, theme etc.)
The layout/theme for this blog serves it well, it is not distracting in anyway, but done in light shades of color that seem to have a calming effect. The background with the crumpled papers filled with words is so well chosen, because the subjects written can be very hard subjects to write and would take several tries to either decide to use it or written in such a way that the translation would have a full impact on the hearts that are in need. I found it very poignant!
5. Navigational (working links. etc.)
The Links that I did click worked great, I had no problem with navigation. The side bar information was easy to read and access was simple. Great Job!
Melinda: I love your blog! I have subscribed a few months ago and read it on my reader. But it was nice to go and visit today. I think that the things you write about are so needed these day. Being transparent can be very hard to do, yet you do it with such class, and present it in such a humble way... that those who read it whom are needing help and direction will be able to find it and understand. You are an amazing person whom I admire and respect. I hope that you decide to keep writing, because many need what you have!
Thank-you!
~K Fields
Sean CorbettMelinda, Thanks for sharing your life experiences with the world. You have truley lived and it has been both a joy and a sorrow to read your words.Good luck with your migration over to wordpress... you'll love it.
LydiaYou know I'm a grateful fan but I'm now making it official. :)
yuvrajI enjoyed visiting your blog....very well content and desgin..keep it up buddy...thanks
Clayrn DarrowA very kinetic and entertaining blog! I have enjoyed reading Ms.Tyler's posts--they are exceptional.
BrunoEvery once in a while I stumble across a website that inspires and motivates me to new levels, The Melindaville Blog did just that. A chronicle of highs and lows and determination, a young girls struggles to to find her place in a world of mistrust. A life of child abuse, sex and entertainment to a life of hope, trust and determination.
The Melindaville Blog is a must read for anybody thinking about giving up on hope.
Frosty78Amazing variety of stories and experiences! I really like that I can listen to the blog rather than read it word by word. It's like an NPR feature, but with more enthralling content!
QupidThis is one of the most candid and beautifully written blogs you could hope to find. Sharing Melinda's reflections on her many incredible adventures can be liberating; she's aspired for things that many have only dreamed of doing, and she's endured the pain and suffering that often accompanies life's most difficult challenges. The fact that she is here today, as radiant as ever and telling her story, is something that may inspire you to get out there and live life to the fullest, accepting the good and the bad.
Jesse burganDont know if you believe in but may God help you and keep it up wonderful
http://jessebsanythinggoes.blogspot.com
Susan DeAngelisLoved your blog. We have a lot in common.
Sue
That's Life Advice for Women on the Edge
HarryIts refreshing fo rme to find a blog like this. I spend all day sifting through rubbish on insurance etc and find it hard to really engage my brain with anything. I really liked your post living in the moment. I really need to learn how to do this but i suppose i'm scared like you say!Maybe if i lived in the moment more i'd have something more interesting to write about and the ability to write it!
Klaus AlrutzHello,
a very good blog.
Best regards from Hildesheim/Germany,
Klaus Alrutz.
Tony BeachWay to go gal...you are an inspiration to many and I would love to have you as a biz partner soon...
Tony Beach
Biz Ad Splash
Dr. SanjeevAny one can get inspired by reading your blogs. Its really fantastic.
I am a doctor from India and I will certainly use your self confidence for treating my patients.
RayabiYou're a very inspired woman.
I really enjoy reading your blog. :)
katherineGreat blog...great inspiration...
Janeen DeGolier NoetlingWonderful blog, I love reading stories of people overcoming tragedy this way. It will be an inspiration to many. Three Cheers!
Asif Irtiza Hussaini dont actually read blogs with long posts or review other's blogs. but i am doing it both for this blog. go figure...
Hyderabadiz TeamWish you all the best to be one who is listed as the best-selling authors, of all times--or at least among the Best-Seller Lists @ New York Times.
GO! Smell the flowersAwesome from-the-heart stuff and one to watch for sure!
**Applause** from all at GO! Smell the flowers.
GeoffreyThis blog has as many special qualities as the woman who writes it!
It's superb.
Melinda transcends and has transformed my expectations of blogs based on personal memoirs. She approaches her subject with clarity, compassion and honesty. Her psychological insights are intelligent and never patronising. Her work is accessible and offers great insights based on some very hard life experiences that she has overcome with courage and determination...She never falls into self-pity or self-indulgent angst. Her outlook is inspiringly positive, passionate and offers profound hope to us all.
A gem of a blog, one of the best of 2008.
beck-beckwonderful. so proud of your journey through recovery and success as an artist. will read the book after it's published. blessed meanwhile to ahve you on here. you're a brave gal/ :-) LIZ/Beck
John R DykstraGood work. Wish you lots of success.
Theresa HallA freshness of honesty and blunt writing which will take many of us on a journey much different from our own upbringing. She is convincingly real. I immediately find that I am fascinated to be allowed to walk a path to read of her experiences and her triumphs. Well done!
timethiefAuthor Melinda Roberts Tyler has tackled her personal writing in this blog in a straightforward and courageously honest fashion. She is currently writing her memoir and her blog posts reflect on her tumultuous and transformation journey from actor, musician, sex-industry worker and heroin addict to writer.
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Thank you for sharing your work. I will be back to read some more. Your writings needs to be put into a lifetime story, as it provides a mirror for others to be educated and informed.
Posted: November 17th, 2009 | More Reviews From accappas | Report This Comment