The vision for this piece is based upon the plot-line my fan-fiction, “Rumpelstiltskin And Belle: Metamorphosis Through Love” found at www.PinkHouseMusings.com Rumpelstiltskin and Belle have a deep and abiding love. Rumpelstiltskin is the great love of Belle’s life, and she understands that his son, Baelfire, is a cherished part of him. Thus, Belle already loves Baelfire, because he is a part of Rumpelstiltskin, and she wants to actively support Rumpelstiltskin in his efforts to find his son.
This is my Matted/Framed, Rumpelstiltskin/Belle/Baelfire FanArt “Collaboration of Love” 11×14 Acrylic & Ink Multimedia Art Piece. With frame, the size is 16×20 inches. I created this piece and donated to an auction being held December 8th-15th, by Pamela Anneliese Parker’s Facebook group “Once Upon A Time…Fan Community” to raise funds for With Kids http://www.withkids.org.uk a children’s charity for which Robert Carlyle is ambassador. Pam’s group was the first group on Facebook dedicated to Once Upon A Time. There are all sorts of OUAT goodies up for auction. Please check out this auction page http://once-withkids.tumblr.com to see the others. Click here for a direct link to the eBay page for this event.
In the Scotland and the UK, some of the most severe levels of poverty are in the East End of Glasgow. Indeed, reportedly in some areas of Glasgow, the average life span is a shockingly low 56 years. Of course, it is children that are most at risk from the effects of poverty.
Below is Robert Carlyle’s three part interview with With Kids. Please help this worthy charity!
Peace be with you!—Nicole
Please go to the auction page http://once-withkids.tumblr.com to see all the lovely Once Upon A Time related items up for sale for With Kids.
This is the Chipped Cup to be autographed by Robert Carlyle & Emilie de Ravin (Rumpelstiltskin & Belle from “Once Upon A Time”), then auctioned on September 30, 2012 for the charity, With Kids.
Now through September 30th, there is a very special charity event to support children and families in need. In the Scotland and the UK, some of the most severe levels of poverty are in the East End of Glasgow. Indeed, reportedly in some areas of Glasgow, the average life span is a shockingly low 56 years. Of course, it is children that are most at risk from the effects of poverty. Once Upon A Fan is conducting an auction to raise funds for With Kids Glasgow. See details at the Once Upon A Fan website.
Among the services provided by With Kids Glasgow are Play Therapy, Services for School, and a Drop-In Support Centre. Robert Carlyle, who portrays Rumpelstilskin/Mr. Gold on the ABC TV series “Once Upon A Time” is Ambassador for With Kids Glasgow. There are a myriad of lovely items up for auction, and 100% of the proceeds will go to With Kids Glasgow. The auction will conclude September 30, 2012 with the auction of an iconic item from “Once Upon A Time”. Robert Carlyle has donated the chipped cup used in the “Beauty and the Beast” themed episode, “Skin Deep”. The cup will be autographed by Robert Carlyle and Emilie de Ravin, who plays the beauty, Belle. The auction for various items has commenced at an Ebay site set up for the event. Click here to go to auction.
Growing up poor in the USA during the seventies and eighties, I had some experiences that no child should ever have. Though I knew that times were hard, thankfully we had some access to public assistance, and our mother did the best she could for us. Our mother always use to say that a parent should be willing to walk through fire for their child. Ironically, in January, I saw the character of Rumpelstiltskin do exactly that, and I became an avid fan. In hind sight, it is clear to me now, as a parent, the pressure our mother was under to provide food and shelter for us in some really scary times. However, I was and am keenly aware that others had tougher challenges than we did, and that the challenges we go through would be pointless, if we did not learn compassion for the struggles of others, and make our best effort to improve the human condition.
Below are videos of Robert Carlyle speaking about why he supports With Kids Glasgow. Some of you may have already seen them when I posted on Robert Carlyle’s birthday, but even so, they’re worth another look. Also, included below is the Robert Carlyle’s podcast of May 3, 2010, the 4th anniversary of his father’s death, talking about his childhood. Though I had not heard of him until December when we started watching “Once Upon A Time”, I’ve grown to respect Robert Carlyle not only as an actor in various roles, but as a person who clearly learned from his life’s challenges and makes a genuine effort to reach out and help lift those who fall between the cracks of life.
Of course, he wouldn’t have become the man that he is, if not for having a father who loved him dearly. I know we mothers get a lot of acclaim as the ‘nurturers’ by virtue of being ‘Mom’, but I don’t think dads get nearly the credit that they deserve for really putting themselves on the line for their children. Though that was not my experience with my own father, I have witnessed that kind of passionate dedication with countless special needs dads, and my own amazing husband. So, I just want to say to Robert Carlyle’s father, Joseph Carlyle, where ever you are on the spiritual plane, “You raised a good kid, who became an inspiring man. Job exceptionally well done.”
In this post, I am urging my readers to do two things: 1) Contribute in some way. Look at the various items up for auction, and if something tickles your fancy, place a bid. However, even if there isn’t something that is your cup of tea, please make a donation to With Kids Glasgow at their web site: http://www.withkids.org.uk Any amount will be a big help to those in need. 2) Spread the word. Email your friends, private message them on Facebook, share this information with the various groups of which you are a member, post it on Twitter, etc.
Also, if you want to take few minutes out of your day to go the extra mile, it has been noted by fans, Walt Disney World theme park does not have any “Once Upon A Time” memorabilia on display, while Disney Land in California does have such a display. The aforementioned chipped cup is likely the most iconic piece of memorabilia from “Once Upon A Time”. Thus, I suggest contacting Walt Disney World asking them to make the highest bid for the autographed chipped cup and display the autographed it at Walt Disney World in Orlando. That way such an iconic item as the chipped cup would be viewable by the public. It would be wonderful public relations for Walt Disney World giving to a children’s charity, as well as a tax write off, and an additional attraction to their park. Contact Information: Bryan Malenius, Walt Disney World Media Relations (407) 828-3814 wdw.media.relations@disney.com and Michelle Baumann, Walt Disney World Public Relations, (407) 397-6397 wdw.public.relations@disney.com Note, phone calls tend to have more impact than emails. An email can easily end up in a spam folder.
Thank you and peace be with you! —Nicole
Editorial Note: For those readers who have noticed my absence from this blog in recent months, in late Spring, my husband, who is in his mid-forties, went through a health crisis that climaxed with the unexpected discovery, when he was admitted to the hospital’s critical care unit with a blood sugar of 1265, that he had acquired Type One Diabetes (usually referred to has Juvenile Diabetes). Though a blood sugar of 600 will typically put a person in a coma, my husband, one of the amazing dads, actually attended our daughter’s dress rehearsal for her dance recital, prior to going into the hospital. Thank you, Crystal (our daughter’s belly dance teacher) for helping me convince him to go to the hospital. He is much better now, but I have not felt like blogging much lately, rather opting to spend time with family and spend some time writing fiction, a long dormant passion that “Once Upon A Time” reawakened in me. I will come back and blog as time allows and important events (like the aforementioned With Kids fundraiser) emerge.
On June 15, 2012, the opportunity to comment on the proposed revisions to the (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) DSM-5 will come to an end. Revisions will impact a myriad of conditions, including Autism and Asperger Syndrome. I understand, all too well, that as a special needs parent it may be challenging to take time out of your already overtaxed schedule to write a comment, but I implore you to do so. Your comment does not need to be long. Draw from your personal experience. If a thought or idea occurs to you while your involved in another task, jot it down on a note pad or in your phone (if it is safe to do so), and repeat that process as you have thoughts throughout your daily routine. Then once your child is in bed, collect your notes, type them up and send your comment off.
You may be wondering why you should do this, after all your plate is all ready full. Simple, all our plates are full, and if we chose to let this opportunity slide by, it will impact the ability of someone’s child (possibly yours) from getting assistance. Changes in criteria for numerous conditions could also affect the amount of funding available for research, because arbitrary changes in the definition of conditions, like Autism, could artificially decrease the prevalence of said condition. Thus, making it appear to be a less urgent condition to research. Reportedly, studies indicate that 25-65% of those currently with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis could be disqualified from an ASD diagnosis should these changes be enacted.
I am not here to tell you what your opinion should be or what to write. I just urge you do a little research into the changes to the condition(s) that impact your loved ones. Then make your voice heard.
As the Once Upon A Time season finale approaches, one of the questions that has loomed over this season is who wrote Henry’s book? I’ve heard and read theories ranging from August (because he is a writer, and he had been tampering with the book), the Brothers Grimm (because they are fairytale writers), Belle (because she supposedly knows all the stories and presumably left out Rumpelstiltskin’s story to protect him) and Henry from the future (because he somehow would find out all this information in the future, then send it back). I do not know if the author of the book will be officially revealed this Sunday or held back for the second season or later, but I am tossing my theory into the ring.
I have had a theory form in the last couple of days, and I have searched the Internet to see if anybody else has posted a similar theory, but did not see it anywhere. So here goes…the author of Henry’s book is the book itself. The creator or conjurer of the book is the creator of the Dark Curse, none other than the Dark One himself, our dearie, Rumpelstiltskin.
Here’s my rationale, the book ends with baby Emma being put into the enchanted cabinet right before the Dark Curse enveloped Fairytale Land. There was no time for anyone to write that part of the book before the curse had taken affect and stripped them of their memories. Based on our current knowledge of who still has their fairytale memories and who was privy to the goings on in Snow White’s and Prince Charming’s castle immediately before the curse struck, the most logical answer at this point is Rumpelstiltskin. He needed the adult Emma to break the curse, because of course, everything with Rumpel (aka Mr.Gold) is about his master plan to find his son, Baelfire. Hence, Rumpel conjured for Emma a road map to breaking the curse by conjuring a book with a specification that it would have all the information that she might need. Hence, the book had the story of Emma’s transport into the real world and for all we know at this point, may even have other stories to which Rumpel was not privy. This also could mean that the book could possibly evolve as circumstances and Emma’s needs during her quest change. In addition, if the book was created by an act of magic, it may indeed still be magical, just as a few of Evil Queen Regina’s mementos are, therefore the book may give Emma some extra help if she needs it. …and after Henry’s sacrifice of his own safety last Sunday, Emma is going to need all the help that she can get.
So, will my theory hold up? Only time and the OUAT writers know, but I like it. …and as we have learned this season, believing in one’s self is a very powerful. Have fun Sunday night watching Once Upon A Time on ABC. I sure will.
Below is a video sneak peek from the upcoming finale, beware of Regina’s apple turnovers…they will put your lights out with one bite!
Below is an extended promo for the finale…and Prince Charming and Rumpelstiltskin are in a sword fight!
To get the poster below or other posters of Snow White, Prince Charming, Emma, Evil Queen, Rumpelstiltskin or Robert Carlyle click below.
For those still desperately seeking the Once Upon A Time Soundtrack, follow the CP link below and enter 030-640864576 into the search. They also have an ever growing selection of Once Upon A Time clothing, mugs and other goodies.
This morning, Dick Clark reportedly died of a massive heart attack. So many memories have come flooding back to me. When “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” started, I was quite young and always begged my parents to let me stay up to watch it. “American Bandstand” was a MUST watch through my teen years. I thoroughly enjoyed Dick Clark’s witty and insightful presence on the talk show “The Other Half”, comparable to a male version of “The View” that he co-hosted with Mario Lopez, Danny Bonaduce, and Dorian Gregory. Additionally, in 2002, I became a huge fan of his production of the poignant family drama, “American Dreams” that depicted a family from Philadelphia trying to adjust to a turbulent time in 1960′s (at the time of President Kennedy’s assassination), in which the parents (Helen & Jack Pryor played by Gail O’Grady and Tom Verica) had a teenage daughter (Meg/Brittany Snow) who would be come a regular on “American Bandstand”, an older brother (JJ/Will Estes) going from high school to dealing with the horror of Vietnam, a very bright but socially awkward middle sister (Patty/Sarah Ramos) and the youngest brother (Will/Ethan Dampf) dealing with the aftermath of being stricken with Polio. “American Dreams” was a beautiful piece of media melding television into art. I just re-watched the pilot of “American Dreams” (see episode in 3 parts below) and was moved to goosebumps and tears at the end.
Dick Clark always seemed kind and charming. I send out my prayers to Dick Clark’s loved ones and hope that they will be given much solace by their wonderful memories.
Mr. Clark, you will be missed…rest in peace.
A very nice CBS retrospective on the career of Dick Clark.
A segment from “The Other Half”
Pilot of “American Dreams” follows:
American Dreams Season 1 Episode 1 Part 1 Pilot
As I mentioned in my Autism Awareness post, April is also Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Hence, I’ve seen some media coverage that I want to share, as well as links to resources.
Debi Brooks on Volunteering in a Parkinson’s Clinical Trial
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research co-founder Debi Brooks talks about her experience as a volunteer for PPMI (Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative), the landmark study aiming to identify biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease progression. This is the first time Debi has volunteered for clinical research, and she is blogging about what she learns along the way. Read her blog here.
We, Fetch It Fido LLC, are donating a minimum of 10% of profits to various charities, including (but not limited to) various Autism charities.
NOTE: This merchant also has awareness items for a variety of causes and conditions (Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, AIDS, Food Allergies, etc.), Non-Profits (AIDS Walk, Animal Rescue, Save Darfur, UNICEF, and many more), as well as TV and movie related items from (Once Upon A Time, Big Bang Theory, Greys Anatomy, Princess Bride, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, etc. Hence, when you buy through our Fetch It Fido link, 10% of all Fetch It Fido LLC profits from the sale of any type of item go to various charities.
The ability to move a people’s emotions and spirit, and transport them via talent is a blessing to all that may witness such a gift in action. Today is Robert Carlyle‘s birthday. His performances in the hit TV show “Once Upon A Time”, as well as countless wonderful movies has taken us from laughter to tears and everything in between, then back again.
Let’s all raise a cyber-glass and send out good wishes!
“Dear Robert,
Thank you for the abundance of joy that you bring to others! May the coming year be filled with boundless joy and opportunities for you and your lovely family. Have a spectacular birthday, ‘Dearie’!!!! Cheers!”
…and for the other Dearies reading this, here are some Robert Carlyle videos for your enjoyment.
Oasis “Little By Little” featuring Robert Carlyle
Robert Carlyle’s upcoming film “California Solo” clips to the song, Echo. This movie was presented at Sundance Film Festival, and there is talk of an Oscar nod for Carlyle. NOTE: If children are within earshot, the F word is said at the beginning of this video.
Once Upon A Time: Rumpelstiltskin plots to kill The Dark One (1X08)
Once Upon A Time: Belle and Rumpelstiltskin talk about his son (1X12)
Stone of Destiny trailer
Robert Carlyle Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson {My favorite Carlyle interview because it is less like an interview and more like listening to two mates having a chat.}
PaleyFest Robert Carlyle on Becoming Rumplestiltskin For Once Upon a Time
Stargate Universe: Rush and Perry – Open your eyes
Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School Official Trailer!
Angela’s Ashes (3/8) Movie CLIP – I Could Have Floated Out of the Bed (1999) HD
With Kids – Robert Carlyle Part 1 of 3
With kids – Robert Carlyle Part 2 of 3
With kids – Robert Carlyle Part 3 of 3
This merchant will donate “an amount equal to 10% of the retail price for all products tagged with “autismawareness2012” sold through the merchant’s marketplace during April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012 will be donated to the following two Autism charities. Proceeds will be equally split between Autism Speaks and Autism Self Advocacy Network.”
Additionally, we, Fetch It Fido LLC, are donating a minimum of 10% of profits to various charities, including (but not limited to) various Autism charities.
NOTE: This merchant also has awareness items for a variety of causes and conditions (Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, AIDS, Food Allergies, etc.), Non-Profits (AIDS Walk, Animal Rescue, Save Darfur, UNICEF, and many more), as well as TV and movie related items from (Once Upon A Time, Big Bang Theory, Greys Anatomy, Princess Bride, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, etc. Hence, when you buy through our Fetch It Fido link, 10% of all Fetch It Fido LLC profits from the sale of any type of item go to various charities.
As we near the mid point of Autism Awareness Month (also Parkinson’s Disease Month), it is worth reflecting on what it means to be impacted by Autism. For those who have Autism or love someone with Autism (or any other condition), it is not about a month, week or day, it is about one foot in front of the other, day by day, even on days that are not an arbitrary point of awareness. Though the awareness benchmarks are useful to bring public attention to a condition or cause of choice, attention and understanding appear not to go hand in hand.
On March 29, the Centers for Disease Control announced that the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders is now 1 in 88 children; 1 in 54 for boys. When our daughter was diagnosed with Autism in 2005, the Autism prevalence was 1 in 150 kids, then a couple of years later, it changed to 1 in 110. It certainly begs the question, “Why?”, because better diagnosis in not the whole answer. There are causes for the symptom of Autism.
While “Why?” is an important question, awareness or (more importantly than awareness) compassion for those impacted by Autism (including the family as a whole) must be addressed. This condition carries with it many decades of ugly discrimination and blame the family mentality. …but this is 2012, that’s over, right? Not! A recent post on a Facebook Autism page caught my attention, when a person commented that in their opinion, Autism should be called “TVism” because using the TV as a baby sitter and not cuddling our children is the reason for Autism. I don’t think the person meant to be hurtful, rather they were ill-informed. While there are various reasons not to over expose our children and ourselves to too much TV, as well as a myriad of other electronics, this person’s statement seemed to hold a judgment of Autism families. Indeed, it hearkened back to the bad old days of blaming Autism on unloving “refrigerator moms”. I know countless loving Autism parents who ache to bond with their children. At 18 months old, Autism enveloped our daughter, in spite of the fact that she was cuddled so much, that in that time that her feet rarely touched the ground. Indeed, at 17 months old, as I held our daughter as I showed her various flowers in our garden, she looked at me and said with pristine pronunciation, “I love my Momma.” A month later, she went silent.
It is one thing to be aware, but it is another thing to show compassion. I recall a few months ago, being exhausted after a long day that was part of a long week of therapies and medical tests on our daughter. We waited in line, practically counting down the minutes until we would be home. The person whose job it was to keep the line moving was chatting as people passed her check point. This was a common routine for her, but we were simply to tired to talk. As we passed her check point displaying the required identification, then kept going, she ran after us and said, “For educated people, you sure are antisocial!” We didn’t know what to say to that, and found ourselves explaining various things that we had been through recently, including a death in the family. She then began to critique what we told her, implying that it was not a sufficient level to be too exhausted to socialize with her. We left in stunned silence, utterly perplexed as to why she thought our world should revolve around her desire to chat. This just shows how much work still needs to be done in the understanding of Autism and Autism families.
Indeed, regardless of condition (Autism, Parkinson’s, Renal Failure, Cancer, etc.), I urge everyone reading this to treat people as they (those individuals) would wish to be treated. If you like to have companionship and socialize, when you are stressed or ill, I hope that universe will provide for you the people to support that desire. That said, if you see someone else struggling with Autism, kidney dialysis, chemotherapy or whatever, please keep an open mind and heart. Perhaps they could use someone to talk to, perhaps they could use help with a chore, like mowing the lawn, but also perhaps they simply need space and quiet to recharge themselves. If alone time is what they need, it is not an affront to you, so please grant them space without recrimination.
Look at it this way, a sign may make you “aware” of a speed bump, but if you do not process that information into understanding that you must reduce your speed, you can do great damage to your car. Strive to understand the needs of others and act accordingly, and it is my wish that I send out to the universe that others will show you the same consideration and compassion to abide by your wishes for yourself.
For information on April Autism and special needs events, click here.
Reminder: 12 for 2012 for Autism Scholarships continues.
This merchant will donate “an amount equal to 10% of the retail price for all products tagged with “autismawareness2012” sold through the merchant’s marketplace during April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012 will be donated to the following two Autism charities. Proceeds will be equally split between Autism Speaks and Autism Self Advocacy Network.”
Additionally, we, Fetch It Fido LLC, are donating a minimum of 10% of profits to various charities, including (but not limited to) various Autism charities.
NOTE: This merchant also has awareness items for a variety of causes and conditions (Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, AIDS, Food Allergies, etc.), Non-Profits (AIDS Walk, Animal Rescue, Save Darfur, UNICEF, and many more), as well as TV and movie related items from (Once Upon A Time, Big Bang Theory, Greys Anatomy, Princess Bride, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, etc. Hence, when you buy through our Fetch It Fido link, 10% of all Fetch It Fido LLC profits from the sale of any type of item go to various charities.
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.
This merchant will donate “an amount equal to 10% of the retail price for all products tagged with “autismawareness2012” sold through the merchant’s marketplace during April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012 will be donated to the following two Autism charities. Proceeds will be equally split between Autism Speaks and Autism Self Advocacy Network.”
Additionally, we, Fetch It Fido LLC, are donating a minimum of 10% of profits to various charities, including (but not limited to) various Autism charities.
NOTE: This merchant also has awareness items for a variety of causes and conditions (Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, AIDS, Food Allergies, etc.), Non-Profits (AIDS Walk, Animal Rescue, Save Darfur, UNICEF, and many more), as well as TV and movie related items from (Once Upon A Time, Big Bang Theory, Greys Anatomy, Princess Bride, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, etc. Hence, when you buy through our Fetch It Fido link, 10% of all Fetch It Fido LLC profits from the sale of any type of item go to various charities.
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.”
Have fun Sunday night watching Once Upon A Time on ABC. I sure will.
