Seeds

I marvel at the idea of a seed. The power, the information, the possibility that lives inside a very tiny thing. It’s the beginning. It honestly makes me teary-eyed and shiver with delight. I get to use my imagination, trust and believe, dream of the future of what something, can possibly become. Whether this seed is one that is visible to me, that may grow into a plant or flower, or a seed of thought that has the ability to expand and become something more, to transform peoples beliefs, either way, the potential is there. A number of years ago, I was at the home of Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes preparing for a photoshoot with Bill and his mother Sandy Stewart for their CD “Something to Remember”. I was in the backyard where these beautiful delicate lilies were growing and was overcome by them. It was September, the time of year when some had gone to seed, Renee reached in and plucked some off and placed them in my hand. We transferred them into a little envelope and I took them home. That next year I planted them in small containers so I could identify them and care for them while they sprouted. At the end of the summer, they had grown big enough for me to transplant into the ground. It took a few years of watching them, watering them until I actually got a flower. Now seeing them grow in my backyard, I think about that day when Renee handed me those seeds. It gives me a lift, it all has to start somewhere, and sometimes it’s just a simple gesture. That thought is the fuel that powers this little engine… “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can”.
@reneerosnes #lily #seed #seeds #believe #backyardgarden

Yesterday I noticed someone (who I barely know) had posted that for his birthday donations to Autism Speaks would be kindly accepted. I privately messaged him and shared the following:
For almost 8 + years, my son and I supported Autism Speaks locally as well as at various walks, not local. We did so on our time and our dime, however, the more we helped them, the less we were acknowledged. We were not looking for a pat on the back, but we wanted to be heard because as the phrase goes, “Autism Speaks in Listening,” however they aren’t. They are just another 501c3 that pushes their volunteers to go out and raise money for the organization. The funds, in theory, are being assessed for research but how much of that money is going into salaries, and other upfront costs. The majority of families soliciting funds are scrapping by taking care of their children. Very little money donated to Autism Speaks goes toward helping individuals on the spectrum and families. “Only 1.6% of Autism Speaks’ budget goes towards the “Family Service” grants that are the organization’s means of funding services.”

When Autism Speaks about the spectrum, they dramatize the lowest end of the lineage, and they are ignoring those that may need it the most, the high functioning. And their counterparts may teeter-totter on the line. Out of 26 members on the board of Autism Speaks, only two are identified on the spectrum., and one may not have any connection to the malady known as Autism!

My son Alex pointed out to the local board that it was time to stand up to this organization and stop portraying individuals that have Autism as mysterious and frightening people. He was speaking for all and suggesting it is time to be aware of the realism that is associated with the Spectrum Disorder. It is also time to understand the mixed-bag of diagnosis labels given to children who grow up to be adults. If we assume Autism is mysterious, and we are frightened by their unique qualities, consider how they may be looking at the rest of the world. Who says we are normal and they are not?

My son Alex was once told he would not amount to anything by a local psychiatrist here in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Well, Alex proved her wrong, and he wants to help others escape the labels and preconceived notions. Alex has a dream (2 dreams). The first is to follow his heart and passion for baseball and grow within the MLB system. He will never be a major league player, but he wants to develop within the framework of this remarkable group of people. Also, he is determined to show you and the rest of this bigoted society that he and others weird. They may have symptoms of the disorder; therefore, they have unique abilities to function if we provide the pathway.

We must stop separating them and their families, leaving our communities disjointed. The value of their voices through art, music, sports, science, technology, and various contributions they can offer is invaluable. Autism Speaks must learn to speak their language and listen to their needs and wants. Do not assume that if you have a child on the spectrum, they will only have friends or acquaintances just like them. It is time to stop pairing one Aussie with another.

Alex is not in this fight alone. Here in Cleveland, Ohio, the brave and vocal John Keaney walks around this city with a sign that states his name and proudly displays he has Autism. Note, he has Autism, but Autism does not have him. John is able and capable of living on his own, driving, working as well as cultivating friends despite what some doctors and or scientist may have told his family. The word is out to stop the ignorance.

Creating a dating site for those on the spectrum is wrong! Get to know someone with Autism and learn how easy it is to love them. I fell in love with my husband 35+ years ago. I did not know what Autism was and neither did he, however as his mother said on numerous occasions, Rich marches to the beat of a different drummer. Although I agree, I learned to march with him, and last week we celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary. I am in love with my husband, who has Autism and functions like the typical population. Alex is living life as a regular individual. Isn’t it time we tell Autism Speaks to stop the chatter and listen?

A year ago, I was working out daily, sometimes too often and too long, causing myself some undue anxiety.  I continued at this pace through the early Fall, using our trip to NY and starting a new weekend job as an excuse as to why I didn’t have time or the energy to continue.  Along came winter, cold temperatures and snow giving me yet another “stupid” reason not to get to the gym.  While working out, I was more aware and in tune what I was feeding my body as well as experiencing the good feelings, often referred to endorphins.  Since the 1^st of the year, I’ve been back but not consistently, until I chose to make it public that I am getting back into the groove.  The best way for me to get healthier and maintain my positive energy is by working out and eating correctly.  On Monday of this wee, I set a plan in motion to work out, treadmill walking at my gym, Anytime Fitness.  The first step was putting it on my calendar for first thing in the morning, Monday – Thursday.  I have left Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as off days, as two of those days I am on my feet walking for 3 -4 hours.  I know it is essential for me to share my plan to help me stay focused and reach the goals necessary for my well being.  I have learned through, “The Intentionality Gurus,” https://newclevelandradio.net/the-intentionality-gurus-with-candace-pollock/ this is vital, for me.

We all can make changes that will enhance our lives.  It takes choosing to do so.  Don’t waste your minutes, hours, and days waiting for the right time, it is up to you as it was up to me!

Complaining or voicing disagreement and frustrations seems to be the conversation of the day.  We seem to be in a contest to prove to ourselves and others how tough we have it, even if it’s a half-hearted dialogue that sounds like a five minute bit for an open mic night.  However, you don’t think it’s funny, and in truth, the person(s) listening may be thinking, wait till you hear what I have to say!

The person(s) are not listening they are waiting to pounce on you with, wait till I tell you what happened to me, or did you know…?

Tuesday, July 9^th, Melinda Smith, the host of Heart Mojo and her guest Marc Alu recorded the monthly podcast of Heart Mojo https://newclevelandradio.net/follow-heart-mojo-with-melinda-smith/.  Melinda is an inspiration to many not only is she a cancer survivor, but she is also a survivor of many aspects of life, and she motivates herself through sharing, caring, and compassion for life (her’s and yours!)  Her guest Marc Alu is a two time survivor of cancer amongst life challenges.  His first go-round to reach cure/remission was not enough to make this simple, talented man smile.  As he faced his cancer demon for a second time, he radically changed his life physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Marc is a drummer and not only does he play in his band, but he is also associated with:

Drummer at Tracy Marie, Drummer at Graffiti, Drummer at Run Avril Run, Drummer at Reality Tour, Drummer at USA Country, Drummer at The Feedbacks Band; Cleveland Ohio

As we sat in the small home studio of newclevelandradio.net and discussed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, I realized that millions of people are missing out on appreciating the life they have.  You have heard we only get one, at least one in this form.  It should be our mission to make our lives the best we are able without creating earth quacks, tsunamis, tornados, or unneeded rain!  To do so, we must look at the bright side of life.  We have too many cancers in this world, and that way to remain healthy is to remove the toxicities that are destroying us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

If you want to share positivity contact us at newclevelandradio@gmail.com.

Good morning world!  As I shared yesterday, depression is a state of mind, and often the answer as to why we are feeling down, blue, and sometimes worthless is unexplainable.  The feelings of despair are often like a rollercoaster they sweep us up and down until we reach a calm.  Learning to journal and vocalize my thoughts has been my happy tool even when I sit here crying as I type the words on the screen.  However, it cleanses me and allows me to be more aware of the changes that I feel both physically and emotionally.

I have identified myself as an open book, too often wearing my heart on my sleeve, but I am OK with that.  It is my life and the way I choose to live it to the fullest.  Join me in this conversation as I begin a new podcast with YOU about Empowering Yourself to FEEL!  Let us mentor each other through the process, taking a journey with new adventures to fulfill ourselves.

Contact me at newclevelandradio@gmail.com and let’s talk!