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.

Once Upon a Time Once Upon a Time – Masterprint

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.

In the past 24 hours, I have heard much clamoring over failed attempts to acquire the Once Upon A Time Soundtrack. Notable retail websites are posting messages like “ships within 1 to 2 months.”, which is not the news fans want to read. With Once Upon A Time being TV’s number one drama, a CD of epic musical compositions by Mark Isham, and 5 highly desirable covers (Snow White, Prince Charming, Evil Queen Regina, Rumpelstiltskin and Emma Swan), it should not be a surprise to retailers that there is high demand for this soundtrack. However, it appears that retailers were not prepared for the magnitude of the deluge of fans wanting the Once Upon A Time Soundtrack.

*Please read entire post, important purchase instructions at the end. At the time of this posting, I have confirmation of the availability of the Once Upon A Time Soundtrack through one of my merchants.

Click this merchant button, and a minimum of 10% of profits from purchases originating from this website will go to various charities, including but not limited to Autism charities.
NOTE: This merchant regularly runs sales promotions for a percentage off your whole order, once you are on their page, keep a look out for the latest coupon code. Additionally, they have an excellent selection of all sorts of Once Upon A Time themed items, hence with the potential need for gifts for Mother’s/Father’s Day, graduation, birthdays, etc., now is a good time to get all your shopping done at once. Hopefully, in August, they will have season one on DVD and Blu-ray as they do with other shows.

In the meantime, here is the Once Upon A Time Track Listing:
1. Once Upon A Time Orchestral Suite 4:13
2. Henry’s Proposal 1:17
3. The Queen’s Curse 2:46
4. Jiminy Cricket 3:11
5. Dealing With Rumpelstiltskin 3:26
6. Belle’s Story 2:37
7. Dwarves 2:45
8. The Huntsman 4:31
9. Things Are Changing In Storybrooke 1:47
10. Cinderella 1:44
11. Wedding Dance 1:21
12. Advising Ashley 2:26
13. If The Shoe Fits 1:35
14. Unhappy Endings 3:46
15. Emma And Henry 1:43
16. The Siren 5:07
17. The Man With The Wooden Box 1:11
18. Hope Will Return 1:48
19. Rumpelstiltskin In Love 2:19
20. The Genie’s Wishes 1:58
21. The Road To True Love 2:50
22. The Family Compass 2:00
23. Burn The Witch 2:34
24. What The Queen Loves Most 2:30
25. The Clock Moves 1:12


*Click this merchant button. Heads up, though this merchant has an amazing selection of items, their search algorithm is rather finicky, hence if you search “The Once Upon A Time” and click the “sort” button to “newest” the soundtrack should be on the first page of results, and the same is true if you search “soundtrack”, however if you search “Once Upon A Time Soundtrack”, it would not give you any results. Additionally, for some reason the soundtrack’s “Add to Cart” button on the results page is not functioning, so click on the product description first, then click on that “Add to Cart” button. I know the process is a bit convoluted, but it is better than waiting “1 to 2 months” for the soundtrack from other retailers. One more suggestion, for the sake of expediency, it may be more effective to first look at the other items that you want (a “Chipped Cup” shirt, an Evil Queen IPhone case, etc.), because you can click on those “Add to Cart” buttons directly from the results page, then add in the soundtrack at its description page. Have fun shopping, fellow Dearies…then we all should hold on tight watching tomorrow night’s Once Upon A Time episode, “An Apple Red as Blood” as we wonder about those previews with Regina tied to a tree and Emma with Prince Charming’s sword in hand. Oooo, this is gonna be PHENOMENAL!!!

This merchant is currently having Earth Day Sale* 30% off purchase. At least 10% of profits from sales (of any items) using this link are donated by Fetch It Fido, LLC to various charities. This merchant has popular item themes: TV (Once Upon A Time, Big Bang Theory, Grey’s Anatomy, Supernatural, The Soup, Ninja Warrior, Mad Men, Dancing with the Stars, etc.), Movies (Hunger Games, Twilight, Hot Tub Time Machine, Red Riding Hood, Caddy Shack, etc.), Causes (AIDS Awareness, **Autism, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cancer Awareness, Food Allergies, etc.), Music, Environment, ***Pets, Dance, Sports, Homeschool, Spirituality and so much more. They have a wide range of items: shirts, pajamas, CDs, DVDs, books, clocks, journals, water bottles, wireless device cases, mouse pads, jewelry, stickers, tote bags and on and on.

*Save 30% off your order from CP, excluding shipping charges, gift wrap charges, taxes and custom duties. Excludes Gift Certificates, Flip products, SIGG bottles, Dreams products, Fathead products, Design Your Own products and bulk orders. Coupon code EARTHDAY30 must be entered at check out. Promotion ends on April 22, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).
**In addition to what this site (Fetch It Fido, LLC) donates to charity, this merchant will also donate an amount equal to 10% of the retail price to Autism charities for all products tagged with “autismawareness2012” sold through the its marketplace through April 30, 2012.
***This merchant carries so much more merchandise than this site can feature. For frame of reference, I searched two dog breeds: (Belgian Sheepdog and Keeshond) and found more than 1100 results for Belgian Sheepdog and more than 1800 results for Keeshond.


Twilight movies merchandise!


This merchant has the most extensive selection of Autism items that I have seen any where!


The Hunger Games Official Store


Free Droid phone while supplies last!


Grey’s Anatomy Themed Merchandise

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

American Dreams Season 1 Episode 1 Part 2

American Dreams Season 1 Episode 1 Part 3

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.

Scanning for Parkinson’s NBC Report

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

FRONTLINE | Parkinson’s: Michael J. Fox Interview | PBS

Early Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

National Parkinson Foundation

Find Local Resources

Mayo Researchers: Genetic Mutation Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson Research Foundation: Diagnosis, Causes and Treatment.

Novel Parkinsons Treatment Reportedly Reverses Symptoms

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.

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research YouTube Channel

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.

Have a fantastic birthday, Robert Carlyle!!!!

…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.

Click here to have 24/7 access to DAN doctor, Dr. Kurt Woeller and other Autism resources by joining Autism Action Plan.

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.

January February March April May June
Date(s) Location Event
NOW Internet 12 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 20 Internet Free Webinar William Shaw, Ph.D.: “Unraveling the Cause of the Autism Epidemic: Identifying the Single Most Important Factor”

January 21-March 10 California Positive 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 21 Maine Celebrate YOU! Holistic Health and Wellness Fair

January 21 Nevada You Can Heal Your Life Conference ~ Las Vegas {featured speakers: Louise L. Hay, Cheryl Richardson, Marianne Williamson, Caroline Myss, Robert Holden, Ph.D.}

January 22 California Holistic Living Expo (Sacramento)

January 23 Hawaii Education Seminar – Honolulu, Hawaii — Autism & Asperger’s: Medical, Nutritional, and Dietary Challenges and Treatments

January 23 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

January 25 California Living Trusts Workshop

January 28 Arkansas Body, Mind & Soul Expo

January 28-29 Hawaii Mastering the Art of Manifestation with Dr. Wayne Dyer – Maui

January 28 Maryland Saturday 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 28 Washington Community Information Presentation: “The HANDLE® Approach Autism” , Shoreline

January 29 Internet 83rd 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 1 Internet Free Webinar “Brain Inflammation, Microglial Activation and Autism” with Dr. Kurt Woeller

February 3 China Dr. Daniel Amen (Change your Brain, Change your Life) — Hong Kong

February 4 – March 3 Internet/Phone “Nourishing the Special Needs Mom – The 5 Week Transformation in Body, Mind & Spirit” is completely virtual – held over the phone and internet. “I help parents with dietary interventions for their children and this time, I’m focusing the support on mom and her needs.”

February 4 Georgia TACA Family Night at the Gwinnett Gladiators Hockey Game

February 5 New Jersey Support 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!

February 8 Connecticut Designing Child-Specific Interventions for Children on the Autism Spectrum

February 8-11 New York Integrative Healthcare Symposium

February 11-12 New York The HANDLE Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ossining

February 12 United Kingdom The HANDLE One Day Introductory Course (Level 1) Manchester

February 13 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

February 14 Internet PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assistance Life Services) Puppy Love Ball Fundraiser

February 18 Illinois Autism and the Autonomic Nervous System

February 18 Washington Community Information Presentation: “The HANDLE® ADD/ADHD (Can I have your attention, please!)”, Shoreline

February 19-24 Massachusetts The Autism Treatment Center of America Son-Rise Program Start-Up {Son-Rise Program the “Best Autism Therapy Tool” award winner 2011 AutismOne Conference}

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.

February 24 United Kingdom The HANDLE One Day Introductory Course (Level 1) , London

February 25-26 United Kingdom The HANDLE Basics Course – London

February 27 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

February 28-29 Illinois Social Cognition and School Success in Autism Spectrum Disorders

February 29-March 1 Georgia 2012 Georgia “Across the Spectrum” Autism/Asperger Conference featuring Keynote presentations by Dr. Temple Grandin and her mother Eustacia Cutler

March 1-3 Minnesota The 32nd Symposium on Intervention for Persons with Special Needs

March 3 Connecticut/Internet ASCONN’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 3-4 Pennsylvania Holistic Healing & Metaphysical Expo

March 8 Global World Kidney Day

March 9-11 Massachusetts Happiness Option Weekend: Take-home Tools for Personal Happiness {This is an Option Institute Event. The Option Institute was co-founded by best selling author, Barry Neil Kaufman.}

March 10 Georgia Autism Mama Retreat: Strategies for Sanity and Serenity

March 10 Illinois The 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 10 North Carolina Hope Thru Horses Open House / Easter Egg Hunt (Adults $10 / Kids $5)

March 10-11 Pennsylvania PawAbilities Benefit for Susquehanna Service Dogs

March 11-16 Massachusetts Optimal Self-Trust: Make Decisions with Absolute Confidence {This is an Option Institute Event. The Option Institute was co-founded by best selling author, Barry Neil Kaufman.}

March 11-16 Massachusetts Power Dialogues: Fundamentals of The Option Process® Counseling Method {This is an Option Institute Event. The Option Institute was co-founded by best selling author, Barry Neil Kaufman.}

March 11 New Jersey Support 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!

March 12 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

March 17-18 California Dr. Wayne Dyer: I Can Do It! IGNITE – San Jose

March 17 Arizona Gladiator Rock’N Run

March 18 Massachusetts Empower Yourself: Going for (and Getting) What You Want {This is an Option Institute Event. The Option Institute was co-founded by best selling author, Barry Neil Kaufman.}

“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 20 Michigan Food 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.

March 22-25 Texas Pan American Allergy Association – Plano

March 23-24 Louisana 9TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR AUTISM OVERNIGHT MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN

March 24 California SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS – A Workshop for Families and Professionals serving the Special Needs Community

March 24 Indiana 2012 Autism Expo–Carmel

March 25 Arizona You Can Create An Exceptional Life {featured speakers: Louise L. Hay, Cheryl Richardson, Barbara Carrellas}

March 26 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

March 29-April 1 Kentucky International College of Integrative Medicine Conference “Rapid Therapeutic Response”

March 29-30 Maryland The HANDLE Approach to Neruodevelopmental Differences–Silver Spring

March 30-31 Arizona Autism Society of Greater Phoenix 13th Annual Autism/Asperger’s Conference (Dr. Temple Grandin, Friday Keynote “Life with Autism” and Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP, Saturday Keynote)

March 31-April 1 Maryland The HANDLE Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder—Baltimore

March 31 North Carolina Hope Thru Horses Women’s Retreat

April 10-11 California Eckhart Tolle and Kim Eng– San Francisco (Event to be recorded for TV. Can attend one or both days.)

April 11 California SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS – A Workshop for Families and Professionals serving the Special Needs Community

April 13-14 Brasil II Curso Internacional Tratamentos Biomedicos para Autismo e outros Transtornos Desenvolvimento

April 13 New York Parent Panel: A Dose of Hope — Speaker: Attorney Elizabeth McCoy

April 14-15 Georgia Dr. Wayne Dyer: I Can Do It! 2012 – Atlanta

April 14-15 North Carolina Body Mind Spirit Expo (Asheville)

April 15-20 Massachusetts The Autism Treatment Center of America Son-Rise Program Maximum Impact {Son-Rise Program the “Best Autism Therapy Tool” award winner 2011 AutismOne Conference}

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 15-18 Massachusetts Nutrition & Health Conference (Boston)

April 19 NJ/NY/CT Chuck E. Cheese’s Donates 15% to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association

April 21 Indiana 2012 Evansville Autism Expo – April 21, 2012 at The Centre

April 22 – 27 Massachusetts The Autism Treatment Center of America Son-Rise Program Start-Up {Son-Rise Program the “Best Autism Therapy Tool” award winner 2011 AutismOne Conference}

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 2 Internet The 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 23 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

April 27-29 Georgia Autism Family Weekend at the Lake

April 27 South Carolina Party With PAALS—An UN-gala Event Disco Inferno (Palmetto Animal Assistance Life Services)

April 28 Connecticut 22nd 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!”}

April 28 North Carolina Hope Thru Horses Women’s Retreat

April 29 Connecticut/Massachusetts 2012 Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Kidney Walk

April 29-May 4 Massachusetts Wide Awake: Self Structured, Dynamic Program for Advanced Option Process® Students {This is an Option Institute Event. The Option Institute was co-founded by best selling author, Barry Neil Kaufman.}

May 5-6 Canada Dr. Wayne Dyer I Can Do It! 2012 – Vancouver

May 5 North Carolina Hope Thru Horses Open House (Adults $10 / Kids $5)

May 6 Pennsylvania Lancaster Kidney Walk

May 9-13 Washington DC National Kidney Foundation 2012 Spring Clinical Meetings

May 12 United Kingdom A HANDLE Introduction to Autism—Brighton

May 13 – 18 Massachusetts The Autism Treatment Center of America Son-Rise Program New Frontiers {Son-Rise Program the “Best Autism Therapy Tool” award winner 2011 AutismOne Conference}

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.

May 14 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

May 15 Michigan Food 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 16 California SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS – A Workshop for Families and Professionals serving the Special Needs Community

May 19 North Carolina Hope Thru Horses Women’s Retreat

May 20-25 Massachusetts Fearless: Move Past Your Fears {This is an Option Institute Event. The Option Institute was co-founded by best selling author, Barry Neil Kaufman.}

May 20-25 Massachusetts Calm Amid Chaos: Make Peace with Challenging Events {This is an Option Institute Event. The Option Institute was co-founded by best selling author, Barry Neil Kaufman.}

May 23-27 Illinois 2012 AutismOne Conference

June 9 Montana Billings Kidney Walk

June 11 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

June 15 New York Dr. Daniel Amen (Change Your Brain Change Your Body)

June 15-17 New York “Presence Through Movement” with Kim Eng

June 16-17 Florida Body Mind Spirit Expo (Orlando)

June 17 – 22 Massachusetts The Autism Treatment Center of America Son-Rise Program Start-Up {Son-Rise Program the “Best Autism Therapy Tool” award winner 2011 AutismOne Conference}

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.

June 17-20 New York A Retreat With Eckhart Tolle

June 23-24 Canada Dr. Wayne Dyer I Can Do It! 2012 -Toronto

June 25 New York Law of Attraction Focus Group Meeting [The second & fourth Monday of each month 7-9 pm]

June 26 Massachusetts Boston 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.”

Reminder: 12 for 2012 for Autism Scholarships continues.

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!!!

Here is the corresponding Facebook event page:
http://www.facebook.com/events/297836760255137/

Happy holidays, everyone!!!