Foster Care: A Survival Guide

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Ken Marteney

If I had five minutes to talk to a kid entering foster care, here’s what I’d say to them. And if I could talk with them every day, I’d go over these things with them again and again. But I can’t. So I wrote them down. Please share. Thanks, Ken

This pocket-guide offers easy tips, which are often overlooked, for success in the foster care system and beyond. Drawing on his past experiences as a system kid, Mr. Marteney, offers insightful advice on how a few simple actions can have a huge impact on a foster child’s experience in the system.

Ken Marteney is a third-generation foster kid from the Los Angeles area, having lived in foster homes, boys’ homes, and group homes. After successfully navigating the system, Ken worked his way around the globe traveling as far east as England and as far west as Hawaii.

He’s a normal guy that just happened to have grown up in extraordinary circumstances. He is passionate about kids not only surviving, but thriving while in foster care.

Ken feels like he’s won the lottery every day. He currently resides in Texas, happily married with three kids.

Let Your Fear Disappear

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Ken Marteney

Let’s be clear

On the topic of fear

Is it the dark

Is it the fact

Everyone thinks you’re a mark

Nobody has your back

When you’re attacked

Living in that home

Wishing everyone would leave you alone

You’re thinking Darwin was right

The pecking order requires you to fight

Again and again

That revolving door seems to never end

The key to success is finding a friend

There is someone around you can trust

This action is a must

Be careful who you pick

Don’t fall for a trick

Look for somebody your own age

Don’t feed in to each other’s rage

The answer is not a gun

The question is

How do you have fun

The more you laugh

The more you smile

The more you reject

The system’s bile

It keeps your heart clean

Which stops you from being mean

It’s not cool to fail

It’s not cool to go to jail

It doesn’t make you tough

It’s just a bunch of fluff

Coming from kids that are confused

Don’t be that muse

I’ll tell you what’s tight

Standing up for what’s right

Have fun and keep your mind clear

And watch your fear disappear

Blog Till You’re Naked

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Ken Marteney

Blogging is like a global game of strip poker, where the winners end up naked first.

Stand Tall

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Ken Marteney

Stand tall

Stand tall my little ones

Stand tall

It’s not your fault

Stand tall

After surviving the lies

Don’t be afraid to look others in the eyes

Stand tall

Stand tall when those about you fall

Stand tall

Speak for the weak

Screaming their stories from the highest peak

Stand tall

I will listen for your call

Stand tall

Just remember

You’re not alone

Stand tall.

Desert Rose nominated ME for an award!!

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Ken Marteney

Today Desert Rose nominated my blog for the “Tell Me About Yourself Award.”

The rules for this award are to thank the person who nominated you, tell seven things about yourself, and nominate seven bloggers.

Thank you, Desert Rose. Thanks for making me share. 🙂

The following statements are all true.

1. I pretty much like peanut butter on everything. Including hot dogs.

2. My first dog was killed in a stash house in Mexico.

3. As a kid, I was kidnapped by a notorious biker gang and released unharmed.

4. My dad made Sixty Minutes… and not for his good deeds.

5. I was a third-generation foster kid, coming of age mostly in boys’ home and group homes and eventually aging out of the system.

6. I have lived and worked as far west as Hawaii and as far east as England and lots of places in between.

7. I feel like I won the lottery everyday. I’m happily married and have three great kids.

8. I presently earn a living hunting bad guys. I know there were only supposed to be seven things, but I’ve always had trouble following the rules. 🙂

9. I just wanted to break the rules again. I AM Potentially Disruptive.

The seven blogs I nominate for this award are… drumroll, please.

1. Poet Jena: http://poetjena.wordpress.com/about/

2. Antonio de Simone: http://antodesimone.wordpress.com/

3. Ardun Ward: http://ardunward.com/

4. Wayward Spirit: http://waywardspirit.wordpress.com/about/

5. Ramblings From an Apothetic Adult Baby: http://justingawel.com/about/

6. Scribble it Down: http://scribbleitdown.wordpress.com/

7. Cristian Mihai: http://cristianmihai.net/