Beyond Shadows and Safety Nets: Learning as a Parent

When i asked my son for feedback on myHeartland anthology stories, Boom gave me some helpful advice, but what i remember is the comment that it wasn't what he was expecting to find with that title.

Almost Wordless Wednesday: New Year's Eve Reflection

  You don't reach a certain age without "What ifs."
  Max and i were able to attend a Christmas eve service.  It was at 4:30pm whereas most of them are when are family gets together, and yes, he enjoyed it & did GREAT.
  Of course, music was prominently featured, and there was a flute.
  i can never hear a flute without feeling sad about my lack of musical gift or talents. 
  At  the nursing home caroling, i am the only one who knows all the words without the book. i'm also the only one who can't carry the tune.
  The flute episode was particularly painful: 3 months in which a chld  only a year older tried to teach me what she had learned the year before, during which i never made a single sound (not sure where the band director figured in this- just up front directing).
  And that's just one dream deferred.

Amy Grant Official Music: All I Ever Have to Be is What You Made Me

  i rather think this song was written for a graduation or maybe some great failure, but it works for a new year too.  i've found it comforting and encouraging from the time i first encountered it, and still do.

Can You Do It?

Art, whatever - put in the work.
i'm allergic to work, but i put time on the art.
How about you?
A first   person account:   Being and Becoming an Artist
What work I have done I have done because it has been play. If it had been work I shouldn't have done it.  --Mark Twain

coming to Wonderfull.blogspot in January

  Among the usual mix of photos, art, autism life-slices and hints, i will be releasing a Saturday Sisters SERIES in January.

Wordless Wednesday: God's Tree

       

Sifting the Spambox Again

Sometimes i wonder about ya'll, my audience. . . .

Seldom do i receive any comments that don't go into the spambox.

They all do seem to come from real people, and it also seems to help if i publish them like this.
These comments certainly

Holiday and Autism Links for You

Just a couple of links today.  Hope you will find them informative, useful,  and interesting!

Huffington Post: The Hardest Part of Autism
Holidays with Autism
 The "Holidays" link is from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism.  If you haven't been there before, you might also want to check out their homepage and other articles, including a series by Temple Grandin!

Quick & Easy Gift Suggestion

  Have you noticed how gorgeous scrapbooking papers are?  i was thinking you could seriously purchase one and simply frame it, or maybe add memorabilia for your recipient.
  Both the papers and suitable sized frames are widely available these days  -check big box stores and local hobby shops; my screen shot is from an online store having a going out of business sale.
  i'll miss you, Tropical Scrapbooking.com!

Wordless Wednesday: Elegance Past

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Different World

It's hard to believe that at age 9 Max enjoyed climbing trees.
It's hard to believe that our yard was ever this green, our old apple tree ever this profuse in blooms.
i think Max lost interest in climbing the day his cousin showed him how to safely choose a good foothold.
Now Max makes very plain that his life's goal is to lay on the couch watching TV.
Sure sounds nice.  But we can't afford to let that be anything other than relaxation time.

Running and Walking: A Sunday Doodle

  Yesterday my Study Buddy and i met. 
  And i found a CONNECTION that i hadn't seen before.
  Our lesson began with

Wordless Wednesday: Scrooge Time

It's Here!

In process this entire year, more if you count the writing time before the anthology began to be compiled, it's finally available.
Want to try it first?  Our fearless leader has compiled an excerpt of some of the fiction storiess; another group member has set up a site where you can do just that. 
Enjoy!