I know a lot of people call Valentine’s Day a “greeting card holiday”, but this day is a reminder to pause and take a moment to tell those you love how you feel. It doesn’t need to be a romantic relationship…love is love, be it a lover, family, friend or even that magnificent person in the mirror. Take a moment and express your love!
This song is “When Chemicals React” by Aly & AJ. Whoever created the YouTube did a superb job making the “Family Ties” montage match the song.
TV Love Turns to Real Life Love:
The writers of Family Ties gave the uptight Economics major Alex a love interest, Ellen, an Art major, his polar opposite. Cast in the role of Ellen was Tracy Pollan who reportedly assumed Michel J Fox was a typical Hollywood type…but time would change that assumption. On TV and in real life, the chemistry was undeniable.
In 1988, Michael and Tracy were married.
For those who question the reality of intuition, I have one of my intuitive moments to share. A few days before the first Family Ties episode with Tracy Pollan was to air, Entertainment Tonight interviewed her. I was hit with a realization, “She’s the one that Michael is supposed to end up with.” I was so sure of it, that a few months later I was annoyed that a magazine cover had Tracy with Kevin Bacon. A couple of years passed and I watched Michael J Fox win an Emmy and kiss someone. I couldn’t see who it was because the shot cut so quick. As he accepted his award, Michael said, “I love you, Tracy!” I screamed and started to jump around, yelling, “I knew it! I knew it!” My mom looked at me like I had totally lost my mind! Later, Tracy was his rock when Michael had to come to grips with having Parkinson’s Disease.
The reason I share this story is that many of us go through periods of extreme loneliness, thinking we may never find that one person with whom to share our life. However, the universe will put us in contact with the right person when we are really ready. The road to my husband and I getting together was far from a straight one…I had similar intuitive impulses that we were meant to be together, yet the relationship didn’t come to fruition and didn’t seem viable. …until it happened in its own time. The time that lay in between on that crooked road included others that I now realize we were meant to meet and love, laugh with, ache for and grow from those experiences. So, if you are feeling like it will never happen for you, just remember that the universe takes its time, but it is worth the wait…it will happen for YOU! Love to you all!!!!!
Now, go do your heart some good, and find out more about supporting Parkinson’s research: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Facebook Page The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Twitter Page The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research YouTube Page Update:February 15, 2012Michael J Fox Op-Ed: Volunteers needed in fights against Parkinson’s
PS. If you are wanting to see “The Real Thing” Family Ties episode including the Billy Vera and the Beaters song “At This Moment”, this is an abbreviated video that someone posted or you can watch the entire two episodes on Netflix Instant Play. The Real Thing episodes are the first two episodes of the fourth season. Enjoy!
My favorite piece of art to use as a focal point during meditation.
Time to share events for 2012. These events deal with therapeutic interventions {dietary, animal aided, teaching modalities, etc.}, allergies, legal issues, support, advocacy, conferences, fund raising and family fun. Additionally, I have decided to broaden the spectrum of events that I include on this page. Since our lives involve more than special needs, and it is vital that we take are of ourselves in order to be effective caregivers, in addition to Autism and special needs events, I am including self enrichment, LOA, and spiritual events as well. Some prominent speakers/facilitators include: Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Temple Grandin, Carol Gray, Louise Hay, Robert Holden, Ph.D., Barry Neil Kaufman, Caroline Myss, Cheryl Richardson, William Shaw, Ph.D , Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Kurt Woeller, etc.
This is a preliminary list of events. If you have any events to share, please post them in the comment section of this blog and I will add them.
SPECIAL NOTE: The AutismOne Conference is coming up in May, but you must registrar early if you want to have your child included in the child care provided at the conference. Also, preparations for ASCONN’S Annual Fundraising event, Autism Puzzlethon™ on March 3rd are going on now. Additionally, The Seeing Eye, guide dog charity, is now accepting donations of items to be sold during their online auction that begins April 23rd.
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJune Date(s)LocationEvent NOWInternet12 for 2012 for Autism Scholarships
In the US, having a child with Autism has many financial and emotional challenges, however in some countries the culture deems children with Autism as a “curse” and their lives are constantly endangered because of this belief. Just think of the global impact of parents and child care professionals being able to bring to such countries, knowledge and understanding of those with Autism. The Son-Rise Program taught by the Autism Treatment Center of America, has helped over 25,000 Autism families from more than 80 countries globally, and was awarded the title of “Best Autism Therapy Tool” at the 2011 AutismOne Conference. Please make a tax deductible donation of least $12 dollars now and share this information with at least 12 people. In the “Please use my donation for:” section, please copy and paste, “Son-Rise Program Scholarships [12for2012]“. You can literally help change the world! To donate go to: http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/document.php?sectionid=7&documentid=52
For more information watch this video or read my 12 for 2012 blog post.
January 21-March 10CaliforniaPositive Action Community Theatre (PACT) Provides inclusive theatre and dance programs to children, teens, and adults with autism and other disabilities. {Winter 8-week sessions begin January 21st.}
January 28MarylandSaturday Night Alive {Spend your Saturday evening with people of all ages, disabilities, families/caregivers and friends…be encouraged & supported, be part of a vibrant community where everyone is welcome and accepted and learn from each other and make lasting friendships.}
January 29Internet83rd Anniversary Seeing Eye (The Seeing Eye, Inc. was founded on January 29, 1929 by a group of visionaries that would create the modern guide dog movement. Since that time, our organization has matched over 15,500 Seeing Eye® dogs with people who are blind, enhancing their independence and changing lives. Please consider making a donation so that we may continue our work for another 83 years!)
From the Seeing Eye Frequently Asked Questions page: “How much does a Seeing Eye dog cost?”
“Students pay $150 for their first dog and $50 for each successor dog.” I am profoundly impressed that they provide these dogs for such a low cost to those who need their guidance, in my opinion, it is a testament to Seeing Eye’s exemplary use of donations. Inspiring!
February 5New JerseySupport The Seeing Eye by purchasing discounted tickets to select New Jersey Devils games. Tonight NJ Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins. From the Seeing Eye Frequently Asked Questions page: “How much does a Seeing Eye dog cost?”
“Students pay $150 for their first dog and $50 for each successor dog.” I am profoundly impressed that they provide these dogs for such a low cost to those who need their guidance, in my opinion, it is a testament to Seeing Eye’s exemplary use of donations. Inspiring!
March 3Connecticut/InternetASCONN’S Annual Fundraising event, Autism Puzzlethon™ (Raise $250.00 online and get a 2012 ASCONN Annual Conference Registration FREE!) {Note: Details for the 2013 Puzzlethon T-shirt Art Contest also found at this link.}
March 10IllinoisThe Alexander Leigh Center for Autism (ALCA) 6th Annual Charity Event, “A Gift of Change” – Chicago Marriott Northwest in Hoffman Estates, IL. The evening will include silent and live auctions, raffles and dinner. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., Dinner Seating at 7:00 p.m. Event Tickets are available now, $75 adult, $25 child. Visit ALCA’s website, http://www.alexanderleighcenterforautism.com, for a preview of live and silent auction items. All proceeds benefit the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For additional information, please contact ALCA at (815) 477-2522.
March 11New JerseySupport The Seeing Eye by purchasing discounted tickets to select New Jersey Devils games. Tonight NJ Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers. Official Seeing Eye Night (March 11, 2012) will feature:
* Demos with Seeing Eye® dogs & puppies in training
* NJ Devils Mystery Puck Sale – Every puck is guaranteed to be signed by a Devils player or coach and will be individually wrapped so the identity remains a surprise until after purchase. Each puck is $20 and all proceeds will benefit The Seeing Eye!
* Seeing Eye giveaways while supplies last.
From the Seeing Eye Frequently Asked Questions page: “How much does a Seeing Eye dog cost?”
“Students pay $150 for their first dog and $50 for each successor dog.” I am profoundly impressed that they provide these dogs for such a low cost to those who need their guidance, in my opinion, it is a testament to Seeing Eye’s exemplary use of donations. Inspiring!
“If you’re going to sit, sit…if you’re going to stand, stand…do not wobble.” You will understand that if you watch this video.
March 20MichiganFood Allergy Children’s Team (FACT) support group, allergist Dr. Ben Song, regularly attends to provide updates on current research and answer general questions. Located at 2340 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 in “Gretchen’s House Child Care,” across from the Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library.
Note: If you click on this video and Ustream indicates that it can not find the video, try again. I just did and it works.
April 23-May 2InternetThe Seeing Eye 2012 Online Auction
From the Seeing Eye Frequently Asked Questions page: “How much does a Seeing Eye dog cost?”
“Students pay $150 for their first dog and $50 for each successor dog.” I am profoundly impressed that they provide these dogs for such a low cost to those who need their guidance, in my opinion, it is a testament to Seeing Eye’s exemplary use of donations. Inspiring!
Watch and listen to Seeing Eye founder, Morris Frank, in this incredible footage from The Seeing Eye archive.
April 28Connecticut22nd ANNUAL STATEWIDE CONFERENCE ON AUTISM {Featuring keynote speaker Carol Gray, The creator of Social Stories™ and “comic book conversations” returns to Connecticut with a completely new presentation: “Taming the Social Context Jungle: Teaching and Interpreting Social Context” and Speaker from the Spectrum, Dr. Stephen Shore, “Friendship, Dating and Deeper Relationships”…”Plus local, regional and national exhibitors, and the larges Autism bookstore in Connecticut!”}
May 15MichiganFood Allergy Children’s Team (FACT) support group, allergist Dr. Ben Song, regularly attends to provide updates on current research and answer general questions. Located at 2340 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 in “Gretchen’s House Child Care,” across from the Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library.
May 20-25MassachusettsFearless: Move Past Your Fears {This is an Option Institute Event. The Option Institute was co-founded by best selling author, Barry Neil Kaufman.}
June 26MassachusettsBoston Higashi School “The Annual Celebration is the culmination of the school year. These stage performances consist of Music and Physical Education. All performances reflect the daily guidance throughout the year.”…”This opportunity makes Daily Life Therapy® at Boston Higashi School very unique. Additionally the high school students plan and operate several “Higashi Stores” selling snacks, T-Shirts, Higashi goods and their own hand made ceramics.”
As 2011 draws to a close, I am struck by the dichotomy of that year that has been. It has been a year of great challenge for most of us, yet within this year there has been evidence of the blossoming of the human spirit. Seemingly ordinary people have taken it upon themselves to do extraordinary things for the common good.
So here we stand in the midst of various holidays and on the cusp of a new year. What can we do yet in the coming days to further the relevance of 2011? I know it is easy to be preoccupied with the hectic events during this time or focused on political battles, but it would feel so good to kiss 2011 good bye and greet 2012 with an act of love and kindness.
Thus, I have a proposal to everyone. One in every 110 children in the US has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. A lot of the time, families impacted by ASD struggle on so many levels; financially, emotionally, etc. This year at the AutismOne Conference, the Son-Rise Program, taught at the Autism Treatment Center of America, was awarded Best Autism Therapy Tool. Son-Rise has been a great gift to our family over the years. We are certain that our daughter would not have progressed as far as she has to this point, if not for Son-Rise. Scholarships for both my husband and myself to attend the Son-Rise Startup Course started us on our way, and we am eternally grateful. This is one charity that we know personally that puts genuine effort into helping those who are in need. The Son-Rise Program has helped over 25,000 Autism families from more than 80 countries globally.
Most of us are facing great financial challenges, but small donations added to other small donations have a huge impact. So I am urging everyone reading this to make a tax deductible donation of at least $12 to the Autism Treatment Center of America to bring 2012 in with a wave of compassion. If you want to donate more, please certainly do…donate $24, $60, $120 or what ever you can manage. That said, even that small $12 donation is a magnificent gesture of kindness. Most of us can afford to part with $12 for a good cause and that warm feeling of knowing we have helped. Twelve dollars is approximately what you spend for two people to eat at a cheap fast food place. Ask 12 friends to donate too…it all adds up!
A wave of compassion can form $12 at a time.
If you donate at least $12 ($12 total) & pass this on to
12 people who donate at least $12 ($156 total) & they in turn pass this on to
12 people who donate at least $12 ($1,730 total) & they in turn pass this on to
12 people who donate at least $12 ($20,748 total) & they in turn pass this on to
12 people who donate at least $12 ($248,848 total) & they in turn pass this on to
12 people who donate at least $12, together, we will raise $2,985,996 (nearly THREE MILLION DOLLARS) for scholarships in 2012!
Please go to: http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/document.php?sectionid=7&documentid=52 and on the billing information page at the bottom, in the “Please use my donation for:” section, please copy and paste, “Son-Rise Program Scholarships [12for2012]“. Note: Please include the [12for2012] so they can track the number of people doing this versus random donations. Please donate at least $12 and share with at least 12 people, working together we will make a huge difference in the lives of countless Autism families.
Dear readers, I have seen you come out in force to support UDS Service Dogs, SafeHouse, the Old Stone Museum, etc., and I thank you for all of that. Hence I implore you all with your open, loving hearts to do this one more act of kindness in 2011 to send compassion, love and positive energy into the universe for 2012. Let’s do it $12 for 2012 for Autism!!!
I begin this cautionary post with a poem that I stumbled upon many years ago.
CHRISTMAS RETURNS
“Santa comes quietly long before dawn
While shops are still busy and lights are still on
While dinners are cooking and kitchens are warm
And children count presents they’ll open by morn.
He slips past the trees in windows aglow
Through the gate to the backyard
As icy winds blow
To find the pup he brought last year
Chained up in the snow
And, kneeling, he whispers,
“Are you ready to go?”
There are too many stops like this one tonight
Before the beginning of his regular flight
He leaves not a note or footprint in sight
Just an unbuckled collar
On a cold Christmas night…..” AUTHOR UNKNOWN
If anyone knows who the author is, please let me know.
In our house one of our favorite holiday songs is “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” Filled with childhood naivete, people love this cute song, but of course parents aren’t getting their children hippopotami for presents. That would be totally impractical. However, every year countless multitudes chant the mantra “Let’s get a puppy for Christmas!”, with no thought of the practicality of this action.
Having been involved in dog rescue years ago, I have written in the past of the abuse and prevalence to disease from which a pet store puppy originates. I have seen the result of puppy mill dogs kept in cages all their lives, with their only purpose in life to breed more and more pets. Note: Puppies that come from the local pet store or on the Internet originate from puppy mills, and no reputable breeder will sell you a puppy without getting to know you and what kind of home that you will provide. I have also witnessed the aftermath of dogs being neglected and abused because those would had them as pets were ill-equipped to care for another living creature. Thus, I will not belabor that heartbreak in this post, rather direct you to my Valentine’s post regarding rescue dogs.
Instead in this post, I deal with the current moment: Christmas six days way and the idea of giving a puppy for Christmas. While holiday times are full of light, color and childhood magic, they are hectic and often stressful. Really, think about bringing a puppy or even an older dog into someone’s life in the midst of running from event to event, working extra hours to pay for the holiday, and dealing with family relations which on occasion are situationally toxic. Also, speaking of toxic, there are any number of holiday related things that can harm or kill a dog, thus the new pet needs to be closely supervised or kept in a safe area or dog crate to prevent them from chewing on holiday decorations; lights, Christmas balls, holly plants, poinsettias, etc. Timing is important when adding a new family member.
If you are getting a pet for a child, whether your child or someone else’s, no matter how much that child insists that they will take care of the pet, ultimately the responsibility falls to the adults in the household to be certain that their new furry family member gets the proper care. This is really not the time of year to undertake an unplanned challenge. Puppies, while cute, fun and super soft, are a lot of work. They chew on everything that they can. They have what seem to be thimble bladders and bowels, waking their owners at all hours of the night…because if they are not dealt with at the time, their owner may discover a pee and poop covered puppy in the morning. That is not conducive to getting to work on time. Additionally, the money for which the owner is working so hard will be going in part to the local veterinarian for routine visits, as well as the unexpected. For example, our dog has developed allergies, and the diagnostic process gets costly. Once the puppy has out grown the pottying issues, new issues emerge, such as adolescence…from approximately the ages of six to twelve months, even the most well trained dog starts the “you’re not the boss of me” phase. It’s like having a teenager trying to swipe the keys to the car to go to a party that they have been forbidden to attend. They are testing their boundaries in all kinds of ways, and it is vital that the owners of said puppy put in the time, effort and money to train the dog to be a respectful family member.
When getting a new pet, that pet’s relationship to other pets currently in the household must be considered. Forging a good relationship with an existing dog takes finesse. Constantly correcting an older dog for not playing nicely with the puppy will create resentment on the older dog’s part. Thus, the older dog and the puppy need to be closely supervised, and the puppy must also be taught to understand that there are times that he/she must back off and give the older dog some space. Furthermore, if there is a small animal in the house, this will require extreme caution. Though a puppy may be friendly with a pet rabbit, ferret, etc., there may come a time when instinct kicks in and the small animal is viewed as “lunch”.
Also, by getting a puppy or adult dog for a child or even another adult as a present, you are actually cheating the recipient out of a very special moment; the moment of discovering which puppy or dog with whom they have that special connection. I remember vividly the moment that I first met each of the dogs that have shared part of my life and my heart. Several of those dogs came from the local Humane Society, and two of those dog came from well researched breeders. I remember meeting our most recent family member, Ella, who is now fifteen months old, when she was six weeks old. When her breeder let the litter out into the main play area to meet us, Ella (the runt of the litter) lead the pack straight up to us. Minutes later, the little dickens was trying to trot off with my purse. We spent time with the litter again a week later, after the Puppy Aptitude Test was conducted, and we were verifying the results with our earlier impressions. Thus, by the time we brought her to our home at nine weeks old, a bond was already forming, making our experience more worth the extra work and lack of sleep that would come our way in the next several months.
Ella at 6 weeks old during our first visit.
Hence I implore you, do not get a puppy or dog as a gift for Christmas. Make a New Year’s resolution to brain storm with the recipient(s) to find the puppy or older dog that is the right breed or mix breed and personality for them and to prepare their lives for the new family member. Don’t overlook mixed-breeds who are in shelters and available for adoption…our Labrador/Chow mix, Tenor, who came from the local Humane Society gave us fifteen wonderful years and countless treasured memories.
So here is a list of links to assist you on your endeavor in the new year: AKC Breeds List to help you learn about the breeds. This list is still useful when considering a mix breed to determine what mix will work for the recipient’s life. AKC Breeder Referral Contacts AKC Breed Rescue Links Info Dog can help you find a local dog show in order to get to know various breeds. Additionally, your local breed club will likely schedule social events such as luncheons, agility trials, etc. that will offer the opportunity to really interact with the breed of your interest.
Also, remember that the Humane Society estimates that twenty-five percent of dogs that enter shelters are purebred, so this is certainly an option for finding your new family member.
The website Pet Finder, enables you to search by breed, age and location for dogs and other animals from shelters and rescues.
If you are contemplating such an addition to your family, please check out my dog information page at this link.
Merry Christmas!
Our Ella at 7 weeks old after having her Puppy Aptitude Test
In the current economic climate, everyone must tighten their belts, but it must be done wisely with a vision of the future and acknowledgment of the importance of the past. Museums and historical landmarks are often shortsightedly seen as dispensable. Yet, the vision of the next generation is shaped by its understanding of the past and history’s relevance to modern times. One such museum that is in peril due to imminent budget cuts is the Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie County, NY.
Whether you are a history buff, a home school or public school parent or simply a concerned citizen of the USA, please take a few minutes to voice your support for the Old Stone Fort Museum. The Old Stone Fort Museum’s budget is a pittance in the Schoharie County overall budget (a mere three-tenths of one percent of total county expenses), yet if the county decimates the museum’s budget, the Schoharie County (and indeed our country) will lose an educational and historical treasure.
The management of the Old Stone Fort Museum has proposed alternative budgetary recommendations. Please send an email now to the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors Clerk (Karen Miller millerk@co.schoharie.ny.us ), urging the county supervisors to accept the budgetary recommendations of the Old Stone Fort Museum management. Time is of the essence, emails must be in Thursday, December 8th. We all have hectic lives, and it is easy to put something aside and forget to do it, so please send Clerk Miller a quick email now, supporting the Old Stone Fort Museum management’s budgetary recommendations. Additionally, please include in your email the state that you live in, if you are not a Schoharie County resident, and if you do live in Schoharie County, please include the name of your town or post office. Everyone can email to help! Also, if you can spare an extra moment, please copy and paste in the comment section of this blog what you send to Clerk Miller, so that I can share your emails with the Old Stone Fort Museum’s management. Thank you in advance for your help!
One year ago today, I posted my first blog piece. To date, this blog has had 50,359 hits. The response has been more than I could have imagined. Thank you to all of those who have supported me in this endeavor! I am extremely humbled and filled with gratitude! May you all have a wonderful holiday season!
When we are out with our service dog in training, Ella, the most common question is what breed is she (or what mix is she)…some people think she is a collie/chow mix. Belgians are not that well known in the USA, which I kind of like because I prefer that they don’t become over bred and thus a rescue crisis like other breeds such as Dalmatians. That said, the Belgian breed, which can be challenging for a novice, has my great affection for their intellect, loving spirit and playfulness…and of course, their beauty. My affection was born from the entrance of a Belgian shelter puppy, Diva, who came into our lives in 1993. Yesterday, Veteran’s Day, I saw the video below and immediately flashed back to our Diva, as the dog, Eli, has a very similar head and expression to Diva.
Like his Belgian ancestors, who performed heroic efforts in World War I as messenger dogs, Red Cross dogs, ambulance cart dogs, etc., Eli has also served heroically. Eli, born in 1999, is one of the last surviving 9/11 canine heroes, having served as a Therapy Dog since the trauma of that day. Eli is also the 2011 Ambassador of The National Dog Show on November 19 and 20 at the The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and televised Thanksgiving Day on NBC. He even has his own Facebook page.
Thus, I post this video in honor of Veteran’s Day weekend (because one day is not enough to show our gratitude), in honor of Eli himself for bringing healing and joy to those in need and in honor of all Belgian Sheepdogs, as well as all the canines who love us whether pure breed or lovable mutts.
Our Diva and our daughter taken the week after 9/11.
Please vote for our Belgian Shepherd service dog, Ella, (Cinder Ella Enchanted) to win the Blue Buffalo Halloween contest. http://bluebuffalo.com/halloween/costume-contest.php?costume=4533
We could win a year’s worth of dog food for our service dog. As any special needs parent knows, we have to save money where we can…our daughter has special dietary issues and is on a long list of biomeds, plus we are hoping to save up for a Son-Rise Program Outreach or Intensive. Besides that, Ella is cute and well worth a vote. It only takes a moment to vote…please share with your friends.
Here’s a video for inspiration for those facing challenges.
It is advised that if caught outside during a storm with no protection, we should find a ditch, and lay in it making ourselves a small (hard to hit) target for lightening. Yet for some of us, the sense of being small to hide from lightening strikes and flying debris is a daily part of life. Abuse in its various forms seems like a never ending storm of chaos and pain.
Too much time spent trying to make ourselves small to be less of a target never stops the storm, and over time creates the belief that we are actually small and powerless against a raging storm. Self doubt builds and secrets are kept, isolating us from help…just what the abuser wants. The abuser wants us to be small and alone…all the better to control us. People do not exist just to be treated like garbage. We all have immense power within us and a destiny to fill…and that destiny is bigger than any abuser. I write this in the first person collective (we/us/our) because abuse can happen to any of us. Though the abused often feel ashamed, there is no need for that emotion. Being targeted by an abuser does not diminish who we are…it does not impeach our intellect, talent or spirit.
Abusers often make threats of further violence and/or ruining personal reputations of their target and/or family and loved ones, in order to keep control. Hearing that someone we love may be killed if we leave is a powerful emotional obstacle to leaving…however, staying does not buy safety. Someone who is threatening to do those things under the condition of us leaving, is just as likely to do them if we stay. There is power in letting the secret out. Letting others know what we are going through, helps us build a support system. There is no reason to feel embarrassed because likely someone else that we know has experienced this. We do not deserve the abuse, and we did not cause it. The statement, “You make me so mad!” is not valid. We do not control that person’s emotions and actions…they chose them. We, in turn, can chose our emotions and actions…we are each a life force of amazing power worthy of respect. I have experienced abuse in my childhood…seen it happen to others…known those who stayed in it…and known those, who though frightened out of their minds, found a opening, took control and got out.
Last year, I found out that someone, who has brought a lot of light and beauty to our lives, had fled an abusive situation. During the time without her, she was missed, but we were happy that she found her wings to fly to a safe and happy life. At the time, an Orianthi CD occupied my daughter’s player, and every time the song “Courage” played, I thought of the dear spirit who winged her way to safety.
It is my hope that everyone who finds themselves in harm’s way at the hands of a spouse, parent, family friend or other finds safe passage to a happy life. Leaving seems impossible if we look at the mountain of reasons why we believe we can’t do it. Yet, mountain climbers ascend a mountain one step at a time…they find a place to grab to pull themselves up, a place to step to prepare for the next step, and make their way.
There are organizations to help…and to donate to if you would are inclined to do so. Our daughter’s former belly dance teacher, Ziva Gibbs, is trying to fund-raise for one such organization by hosting belly dance workshops. As I’ve stated in previous blogs, I have great affection for belly dance. Belly Dance can be enjoyed by all body types, because it embraces the joy and color of the universe.
Here are the details:
“Mini Workshop Series With Ziva
Spice up your summer with a blast of Belly Dancing and Bollywood! Ziva will be coming home to Pa. this August to share some of her latest choreography… Don’t miss this opportunity while she is in town. Take a journey of love and passion with her latest Bollywood choreography to Mind Blowing Mahia from the Hit Hindi Film Cash. And get your shimmy engines started with a drum solo to Portent by Pasion Turca. Plus the best part, a portion of the proceeds from these workshops will go to the SafeHouse Organization, helping survivors of Domestic Violence. So come out and dance to not only uplift yourself, but shimmy to uplift those who need a helping hand.
Each workshop will be two hours long and include a warm-up and cool down. Please bring veils (2 or more) with you to the Bollywood workshop if you have them (if not a limited amount will be available to borrow).
A suggested donation of $20.00 per workshop can be paid in cash or check at the door. Please make checks out to Ziva Gibbs. If you would like to make a direct donation to SafeHouse, please visit www.safehousecenter.org for details.
Workshops will be held at MGM Dance Studio, 241 North Main Street. Shrewsbury PA. For more information or to hold your spot please contact Ziva via phone 734-355-7360 or email zivalynn@yahoo.com
Dates and Times:
Bollywood
Friday August 19th 6:00-8:00PM
Drum Solo
Monday August 22nd 6:00-8:00PM”
Note: If you don’t have a veil, don’t let that stop you from attending…other than borrowing veils at the event, you can get some sheer/chiffon fabric at the local store and cut it to a size of 3 yards by 45-50 inches (or less if you are of petite height).
Below is a map and some videos.
This is Ziva performing.
Though I don’t have the instructional video mentioned or know the person in the YouTube below, and this person is not affiliated with the above event, I thought I’d include this YouTube excerpt as an example of some lovely veil choreography.
If you didn’t get the chance to listen to this song at the beginning of the post, I think it’s worth posting twice. “Courage” by Orianthi
We have not yet made it to an AutismOne Conference, but hopefully some year. In the meantime, they have DVDs and will have downloads in the near future of the various presentations for this year…click here.
Below is a video of the AutismOne Awards which features a song by an Autism dad.
The awards program starts at approximately four and a half minutes into the video, so you can scroll forward. The award winners were determined by votes from over 4,000 Autism professionals and parents globally.
Spoiler Alert!!!
If you are a person who likes to be surprised, don’t read any further until you have watched the video. Below is a list of the award winners and some comments about those who are close to my heart.
Spoiler Alert!!!
To Kristi Hogg, though I had not heard your name before you won for Most Inspirational Parent, I am sure you are fantastic, because Autism/special-needs parents are made of some very special stuff. Most Inspirational Parent was a tough choice…I saw several names of parents of whom I think quite highly. It makes me think of a quote from actor Mike Farrell talking about being asked to name his favorite episode of M*A*S*H, “It’s like be asked to pick a favorite from a beautiful litter of puppies.” That said, to all the Autism/special-needs parents reading this, everyone of you are an inspiration! God, the universe, or Source has infused us with all that we need to travel the road ahead with our children…those qualities give us a fortitude that most will never experience. So, embrace yourself as an inspiration!
Seeing The Listening Program win for best product was a treat. My husband and I have always been keenly aware of the extraordinary impact that music has on the mind and spirit. Thus, when we heard about this specialized program incorporating music, as well as sounds of nature to gently train an individual’s auditory system to effectively process sound to improve concentration, language, memory, sensory integration, social abilities, physical coordination and more, we were intrigued. After some research, we concluded this was worthwhile. So, my husband, being one of the awesome Autism dads, took The Listening Program certification course to become a Listening Program provider.
Raun Kaufman winning best presenter is well deserved. He uses wit, empathy and a incisive knowledge of the various aspects of Autism to engage and educate his audience. For those of you who don’t know, Raun, as a child, was diagnosed as severely Autistic with an IQ of less than 30, but later after the tireless efforts of his family and volunteers/friends, he recovered to have a full life, including graduating from the Ivy League college, Brown University. Having known Raun for years now, it was a point of amusement to me that as I typed up the winners list while watching the above video, that I miss-typed his award category as “Pest Presenter”. I, like countless parents, initially looked at Raun as a rock star, the boy who had Autism. What an odd experience that must be for him. However, overtime I gained perspective and saw him for the man that he is. It is seeing people as they are that illuminates their real value to the human experience. I’ve seen Raun with an impish twinkle in his eye as he gently prodded students, including myself, to transcend their current beliefs about their child and themselves. In such a moment, the word “pest” might emerge in one’s mind, but it is only as a term of endearment toward someone who has become a valued part of the life’s journey.
This video demonstrates why Son-Rise won AutismOne’s Best Autism Therapy Tool award and why Raun Kaufman won Best Presenter.
Regarding the Son-Rise Program winning Best Therapy Tool, it is a great joy to me that Son-Rise is finally getting this positive spot light. As those who have read my blog for a while know, Son-Rise has altered our lives in the most positive way possible. It is also a testament to the power of Autism parents, starting with the Son-Rise creators Barry Neil Kaufman and Samahria Lyte Kaufman. Autism parents when face with what is not working for their child become visionaries in order to help their child and in the case of Son-Rise, countless others. There is a great line from the television show, “The Big Bang Theory” that fits this situation, “There is a fine line between wrong and visionary. Unfortunately, you have to be a visionary to see it.” The Kaufmans were told plenty of times that they were wrong, thankfully they didn’t listen. They stepped sure-footedly toward their vision. We, as Autism parents, choose everyday to follow what we know to be right for our individual children. Here’s to all the Autism parents, our visionary efforts and persistent belief in our vision will be rewarded in time.
I know a lot of people call Valentine’s Day a “greeting card holiday”, but this day is a reminder to pause and take a moment to tell those you love how you feel. It doesn’t need to be a romantic relationship…love is love, be it a lover, family, friend or even that magnificent person in the mirror. Take a moment and express your love!
You will understand that if you watch this video.
