Since last week, we have seen the emergence of two major advocates for Autism and Aspergers; Susan Boyle and Dan Aykroyd.
I'm not sure some of my friends who are not as involved in Autism politics understand my excitement.
The easiest thing I can do it cite what Anderson Cooper said when he "came out".
"It’s become clear to me that by remaining silent on certain aspects of
my personal life for so long, I have given some the mistaken impression
that I am trying to hide something - something that makes me
uncomfortable, ashamed or even afraid. This is distressing because it is
simply not true. I’ve also been reminded recently that while as a
society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all
people, the tide of history only advances when people make themselves
fully visible."- Anderson Cooper; July 2nd, 2012. Read the full email here.
By having individuals who are public figures speak out on who they are, it breaks down so many different walls. It stops many of the preconceived notions of "People with Autism can't ."
We can and we do . Some of us more than others and some people need more support to .
This is a huge step forward toward breaking down stereotypes and educating people on a large scale. I'd like to believe this will change things quickly, but it won't. It just adds a new layer to the ongoing conversations about advocacy. This is big! So if people don't understand why I'm so excited, this is why.
Be loud and be proud. You are awesome just the way you are!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
One Year Later
This time last year, this was a huge week of my life.
*******
Flashback
****
Monday afternoon I was sitting in my car having lunch between art modeling jobs. I was thinking a lot about moving up to Portland, but had not really done any research. I was spending so much gas and time commuting, the move was inevitable. So I causally check on Craigslist, also the place where I've found almost all of my jobs, and decide to call people about the listings.
Wednesday afternoon I decided to head up to look at about 5 different places which all had leases beginning soon. Actually, I was going to look at every place online. The first place I looked at was right downtown without parking nearby. The second place I looked was an apartment building managed by a woman I was in a theater production with the year before. I fell in love at first sight and nothing else could compare.
Friday I took a lunch break at work to run over and sign the lease. With the keys in my hand, I had my first apartment.
Saturday night I sat around my unfurnished apartment when a friend came over to bring me a footstool she did not have room for and we sat around before heading to a friend's holiday party.
*****
Now I sit in my decorated apartment, typing on the same footstool and waiting for the same friend to go to the same party, preparing to say goodbye to it in a few weeks. I look at where I've been and where I am going; I almost don't recognize myself.
This year I fell in love, got hurt, and learned relationships are not a one size fits all box.
I lost over 40 pounds and have made huge strides in taking care of my health.
I just completed my first semester of Grad school.
I stepped back from my full time job to focus on other career goals.
I became a business partner in the amazing Dark Follies.
I gave a solo presentation on my passion at the Autism Society of America conference.
I began to take writing way more seriously.
Through the support of my friends, I removed a lot of the negative influences in my life and have become way more confident in myself.
I did lot of traveling to see old friends, family, and meet new friends and family.
Things change and grow, it's the nature of the universe. I'd be lying if I said I was not afraid of what is right around the corner. I could never imagined the wonder of my life this past year and even though I have plans for the future, plans change. New things are always popping up and I'm very much one to go with the flow of things.
I've been putting the pieces of my life together, or at least trying, and I want to thank everyone for their patience with me. I also want to thank every one of you who takes the time to read these posts. You have been along for this journey and I could not be more grateful for the support. Thank you.
So even though we have a few more weeks left of the year, I'm already preparing for 2014. I blew 2013 out of the water so let's get pumped about what's to come!
*******
Flashback
****
Monday afternoon I was sitting in my car having lunch between art modeling jobs. I was thinking a lot about moving up to Portland, but had not really done any research. I was spending so much gas and time commuting, the move was inevitable. So I causally check on Craigslist, also the place where I've found almost all of my jobs, and decide to call people about the listings.
Wednesday afternoon I decided to head up to look at about 5 different places which all had leases beginning soon. Actually, I was going to look at every place online. The first place I looked at was right downtown without parking nearby. The second place I looked was an apartment building managed by a woman I was in a theater production with the year before. I fell in love at first sight and nothing else could compare.
Friday I took a lunch break at work to run over and sign the lease. With the keys in my hand, I had my first apartment.
Saturday night I sat around my unfurnished apartment when a friend came over to bring me a footstool she did not have room for and we sat around before heading to a friend's holiday party.
*****
Now I sit in my decorated apartment, typing on the same footstool and waiting for the same friend to go to the same party, preparing to say goodbye to it in a few weeks. I look at where I've been and where I am going; I almost don't recognize myself.
This year I fell in love, got hurt, and learned relationships are not a one size fits all box.
I lost over 40 pounds and have made huge strides in taking care of my health.
I just completed my first semester of Grad school.
I stepped back from my full time job to focus on other career goals.
I became a business partner in the amazing Dark Follies.
I gave a solo presentation on my passion at the Autism Society of America conference.
I began to take writing way more seriously.
Through the support of my friends, I removed a lot of the negative influences in my life and have become way more confident in myself.
I did lot of traveling to see old friends, family, and meet new friends and family.
Things change and grow, it's the nature of the universe. I'd be lying if I said I was not afraid of what is right around the corner. I could never imagined the wonder of my life this past year and even though I have plans for the future, plans change. New things are always popping up and I'm very much one to go with the flow of things.
I've been putting the pieces of my life together, or at least trying, and I want to thank everyone for their patience with me. I also want to thank every one of you who takes the time to read these posts. You have been along for this journey and I could not be more grateful for the support. Thank you.
So even though we have a few more weeks left of the year, I'm already preparing for 2014. I blew 2013 out of the water so let's get pumped about what's to come!
Monday, December 9, 2013
By Any Other Name
The Showy Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae) is a rare flower. It is a type of orchid found in Northern North America. It is a beautiful flower and has vanished from many places. I saw one earlier this summer on the Eastern Trail and was educated on it by the specialists I was walking with. He told me even though he wished he could move the flower to a safer area away from the threat of trail walkers, it was impossible. To transplant this flower from it's original location would almost surely mean death. It is very difficult to grow this plant naturally and they have become even more rare as the time goes on. So there it sat on the side of the trail. Waiting. Surviving another day.
***********
It was a cold and icy night in Portland, Maine. There were very few cars on the road with even fewer people. Those venturing out were bundled up, shuffling along quickly from warmth to warmth.
A young man and young woman were not rushing on this night. In fact, they took their time talking about all matter of terrestrial and extraterrestrial. From suns to stars to fungi to cars, they chatted as they walked along. Both seemed oblivious to the cold snapping at their faces.
They were walking down the street when the girl felt a chill. This chill was not from an elemental force, but from a connection much more intimate. From out of the shadows came a shape lumbering down the street towards the pair. Although it looked like a man, it was in fact the monster from her childhood. This creature had the wind at its back and seemed to gain power from wicked winds snapping at the tree branches above.
But the boy did not notice.
Instead he talked about a very common plant which grew tall behind a historic house they were passing. The boy looked to the right as the creature passed on the left. The monster looked straight at her unmasked face, but did not seem to recognize her.
The monster under the bed had forgotten her.
The girl stood between the two forces and once her monster had vanished, it was as if it had never happened. She asked the boy if he had seen the man, but the sidewalk was empty by the time they turned around.
They walked back chatting about genetically engineered foods and robots while still never feeling the cold. She told the boy about the monster when they reached warmth and as he reached for his tea asked if she was alright.
A few months ago she was not alright. Back then, it was only the help of her friends and furry companion which gave the girl strength to be herself. Now though, she had grown. She had remembered who she was and the power she had.
"I'm fine," said the girl before heading for home on the icy sidewalks. Taking care with each step, she made her trek along the ghostly streets with only the sound of forthcoming snowplows to keep her company.
She entered her home, knowing her monster was only a few city blocks away and turned on the over. She began to cook dinner and then sat down at her computer. She thought of her friend and wondered if it was all just a dream, a figment on this winter night.
But men are real and monsters are real.
However, this did not trouble the girl. Instead, she went along her night as if it was all just a bad dream. It's as if she was once again a little girl running to the safety of her parent's bed only to be tucked back into her own bed. Looking up on those nights, her father would brush her hair back and say "Shhh, Brigid. Go back to bed. It was all just a dream and monsters aren't real. They can't hurt you."
But monsters are real and father knew best.
********
Peace Lillies are a species of Spathiphyllum. They need very little light to survive and grow many different places. They can grow in swamps or with very little water. When blossomed, they are beautiful plants. Given the drastic types of conditions this plant can grown in, it's easy to say it's a Survivor.
***********
It was a cold and icy night in Portland, Maine. There were very few cars on the road with even fewer people. Those venturing out were bundled up, shuffling along quickly from warmth to warmth.
A young man and young woman were not rushing on this night. In fact, they took their time talking about all matter of terrestrial and extraterrestrial. From suns to stars to fungi to cars, they chatted as they walked along. Both seemed oblivious to the cold snapping at their faces.
They were walking down the street when the girl felt a chill. This chill was not from an elemental force, but from a connection much more intimate. From out of the shadows came a shape lumbering down the street towards the pair. Although it looked like a man, it was in fact the monster from her childhood. This creature had the wind at its back and seemed to gain power from wicked winds snapping at the tree branches above.
But the boy did not notice.
Instead he talked about a very common plant which grew tall behind a historic house they were passing. The boy looked to the right as the creature passed on the left. The monster looked straight at her unmasked face, but did not seem to recognize her.
The monster under the bed had forgotten her.
The girl stood between the two forces and once her monster had vanished, it was as if it had never happened. She asked the boy if he had seen the man, but the sidewalk was empty by the time they turned around.
They walked back chatting about genetically engineered foods and robots while still never feeling the cold. She told the boy about the monster when they reached warmth and as he reached for his tea asked if she was alright.
A few months ago she was not alright. Back then, it was only the help of her friends and furry companion which gave the girl strength to be herself. Now though, she had grown. She had remembered who she was and the power she had.
"I'm fine," said the girl before heading for home on the icy sidewalks. Taking care with each step, she made her trek along the ghostly streets with only the sound of forthcoming snowplows to keep her company.
She entered her home, knowing her monster was only a few city blocks away and turned on the over. She began to cook dinner and then sat down at her computer. She thought of her friend and wondered if it was all just a dream, a figment on this winter night.
But men are real and monsters are real.
However, this did not trouble the girl. Instead, she went along her night as if it was all just a bad dream. It's as if she was once again a little girl running to the safety of her parent's bed only to be tucked back into her own bed. Looking up on those nights, her father would brush her hair back and say "Shhh, Brigid. Go back to bed. It was all just a dream and monsters aren't real. They can't hurt you."
But monsters are real and father knew best.
********
Peace Lillies are a species of Spathiphyllum. They need very little light to survive and grow many different places. They can grow in swamps or with very little water. When blossomed, they are beautiful plants. Given the drastic types of conditions this plant can grown in, it's easy to say it's a Survivor.
 |
| My first plant: Henrietta the Peace Lily |
Update!
Okay,
I totally failed at the one blog post a day for this month, but I'll try for a compromise. I'll be doing at least two blog posts a week for the rest of the month. Hey, if I like it and people react well to it the blog posts may become twice a week.
I totally failed at the one blog post a day for this month, but I'll try for a compromise. I'll be doing at least two blog posts a week for the rest of the month. Hey, if I like it and people react well to it the blog posts may become twice a week.
Monday, December 2, 2013
The people you meet
I've spent the past 3 weeks traveling around via Prius and reconnecting with people who mean a lot to me. I've spent time in Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, and I'm on my way to Massachusetts right now. I am aware of how cheesy it is to say, but the more I travel the more I see some of the same things.
What do I mean?
I see people falling in love and sharing a chaste kiss walking down the street.
I see fathers beaming with pride as they walk down the street holding their young daughter's hand.
I see the business employee who has been worn down, but tries to keep their appearance up.
I see performers who put their heart and soul into their work.
Traveling recharges me like nothing else. It restores my faith inhumanity and lets me take a step back to see the beauty all around me. I get to walk into a place where I've never been before and meet people I may never meet again.
I'll be coming back with lots of ideas and thoughts buzzing around my head.
Buzz....buzz....buzz
Sunday, December 1, 2013
NaBloPoMo
So today I am venturing on a new adventure as I am currently in a car venturing to Vermont (don't worry, I'm not driving). I'll be trying this National Blog Post Month and the theme for this is More/Less. I'll be having daily blog posts and when I get back to Maine, I'll be working on a bunch of new material.
Yay for writing!
Right now I'm riding shotgun in my Prius as my friend Jacob and I make our way East bound. We spent most of the day driving through the midwest and looking out at the farmlands.
It is always interesting driving across the landscape of America and seeing how it changes as the miles roll by. Soon the silos will give way to pine trees. The horizon will not be visible just across the land, but instead it will be behind a mountain. The smell of the midwest will give way to the cool ocean breeze and I will be back home.
This trip has made me realize more and more that home is where we choose to make it. It may be in a long familiar bed adorned with our favorite sheets or in an unfamiliar hotel room. Home exists wherever we take it and whoever we chose to share it with.
Here I sit in my car and doing my best to be productive as I'm listening to a new podcast called Welcome to Night Vale. I've had a few people recommend this to me and I am very into the humor of the show.
I'll be back with more tomorrow but tonight take care, be warm, and have grand adventures. Even if those adventures only exist in your head, have them.
Yay for writing!
Right now I'm riding shotgun in my Prius as my friend Jacob and I make our way East bound. We spent most of the day driving through the midwest and looking out at the farmlands.
It is always interesting driving across the landscape of America and seeing how it changes as the miles roll by. Soon the silos will give way to pine trees. The horizon will not be visible just across the land, but instead it will be behind a mountain. The smell of the midwest will give way to the cool ocean breeze and I will be back home.
This trip has made me realize more and more that home is where we choose to make it. It may be in a long familiar bed adorned with our favorite sheets or in an unfamiliar hotel room. Home exists wherever we take it and whoever we chose to share it with.
Here I sit in my car and doing my best to be productive as I'm listening to a new podcast called Welcome to Night Vale. I've had a few people recommend this to me and I am very into the humor of the show.
I'll be back with more tomorrow but tonight take care, be warm, and have grand adventures. Even if those adventures only exist in your head, have them.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Greetings from St Louie!
Last night I arrived in St. Louis to stay at a friend's place and leave early this morning for the trip back to New England.
It's nighttime and we are still in St. Louis at the City Museum.
Things for me don't always go as planned. That's life!
I've recently tried to let go with some of my stresses and enjoy the unplanned moments even more. Some of my favorite moments in life have been the ones I did not plan. These are the moments we share with friends and those moments which create friends. Most of my life has been a series of walking into the right door at the right time when I had no idea what was behind the door. I try my best to plan out some of the bigger things in life like my job and where I am living, but even these things are not always in my control.
So take a deep breath and try not to stress when things do not go the way you have planned. It is entirely possible the plan you thought was right for you is not the plan you are destined to have right now. We don't always get to see what the universe has planned for us, but we do need to have a little faith in things.
It's nighttime and we are still in St. Louis at the City Museum.
Things for me don't always go as planned. That's life!
I've recently tried to let go with some of my stresses and enjoy the unplanned moments even more. Some of my favorite moments in life have been the ones I did not plan. These are the moments we share with friends and those moments which create friends. Most of my life has been a series of walking into the right door at the right time when I had no idea what was behind the door. I try my best to plan out some of the bigger things in life like my job and where I am living, but even these things are not always in my control.
So take a deep breath and try not to stress when things do not go the way you have planned. It is entirely possible the plan you thought was right for you is not the plan you are destined to have right now. We don't always get to see what the universe has planned for us, but we do need to have a little faith in things.
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