December is Here!

Wow, can you believe December is here, already? For the first time in years, we are actually "on schedule".

I think.

Most presents are purchased. The family get-together is all set. My last arts/crafts show of the season is this weekend. All (known) commitments are inked on the kitchen calendar. We're in good shape.

Figuratively speaking.

But not talking about my figure, here. It's fat-pants season in my house, no matter how many years I swear I'm not pulling those things out, again. (Darned sweet tooth!)

One thing that has me feeling more relaxed this Holiday season is the fact that we sat down as a family and discussed our plans from now until New Year's. Kristina knows what to expect, and that's half the battle in helping her enjoy the season. Not only is she not a fan of surprises, just like us, she isn't a fan of disappointment, either. Knowing certain days are filled makes it easier for her when she wants to ask to do something special. It's easier for her to realize ahead of time that Monday won't work for a trip to the Smoothie store because Dad has a meeting and mom has work due. If she asks, then we announce our plans, she often takes it personally, as most Aspies do.

So, are you ready for December? There's still time to sit down with the calendar. :)

~Julie

Are You Ready for Thanksgiving?

For those in the States, are you ready for Thanksgiving? Do you have any questions or concerns as to how to handle the day? Would you simply like to vent, especially if anxiety is trying to become the main course? Or are you looking forward to it so much, you're having a hard time keeping away from that pumpkin or pecan pie? Step over to the page on Facebook, post and share. :)

Aspies and NT's welcome!

~Julie

Publishing Comments. Or Not.

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the feedback that's coming in regarding new blogging ideas! I do read each and every comment, as I approve them before they are posted.

For this particular topic , if you'd like (or are simply ok with) your suggestion posted, simply let me know in the comment, or in a new, additional comment. Otherwise, I will keep it as private. Some you are sharing wonderful, personal stories, and I want to make sure to respect your privacy. :)

Thanks so much for reading! You are all amazing!

~Julie

P.S. Typically, I do post all comments submitted unless otherwise requested, or if they contain personal contact information or spam.

What Would You Like?

What would you like to talk about, regarding Asperger's?

Now that I have split my blog in two, I'm have tons of ideas running around inside my heard regarding Asperger's. But...

(There goes that "but" again...)

I'd love YOUR ideas for blog topics! Want to talk Middle School survival? Kids in the kitchen (or not)? Life, in general? Asperger's and girls, specifically? Asperger's, in general? Interviews and features?

Post a comment below, and I will consider each and every one!

~Julie

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

Two weeks from today, it will be Thanksgiving in our house. Literally. It will be a small gathering, but we won't be traveling this year. My daughter has a clear vision of what Thanksgiving looks like and what the food is and is supposed to taste like.

Which is why her grandmother is bringing the pumpkin pie.

And I've been informed I am not allowed to even attempt to make it, as it won't taste "right". (I can't argue with her - my cooking skills have yet to bud, let alone blossom.)

Fall Thread Painting by Julie Clark 2011

China will be on the table and the dog underfoot, hoping for a spoonful or two of sweet potato casserole to hit the floor. We have traditions we will follow aside from the dinner menu - how we spend the morning, how we dress the table, as well as ourselves.

Tradition is a good thing in our home. As the years go by, I know what my kid looks forward to, what makes her look to certain events with anticipation. And knowing we will be with some family, knowing the menu will be predictable, and that many other things will hum along according to an unwritten script lift her spirits.

Now that our plans are finally coming together, I can sense her relaxing a bit more. It isn't turning out how she originally had hoped, but it is working out. And there will be a traditional Thanksgiving feast on our table. And I, for one, am thankful my daughter isn't in college yet, as there are fewer of these moments left to savor.

Blog Splitting

There's atom splitting. There's hair splitting. But what do you call a blog that has evolved to the point it needs to divide in two? Well, for lack of a better word, I'm going with "blog splitting".

What does this mean? It means I am narrowing focus. I've decided to use this blog mainly for Asperger's and Autism Awareness, but will throw in something totally unrelated once in a while as I firmly believe life consists of more than just one aspect.

Blogging related to my studio, art business and other aspects of life and living will now be over at a brand spanking new blog, called One Clever Cottage. I'm aiming for more of a light magazine feel, and plan on using original content as much as possible. (In fact, if you want a truly awesome, diverse blog read with giveaways, recipes, craft ideas and all sort of fun, head over to my friends at We Know Stuff. They know what they are doing and the Cottage is going to have a different feel and focus, for sure.)

And, yes, there will definitely be overlap between the two! After all, Asperger's is as much a part of my life as art, and always will be.

Feel free to post any questions, comments or suggestions below. I'm excited for this change, and hope you will be, too!

~Julie

Hi Everyone, How's Life?

Hi everyone, how's life?

This guy is thankful Halloween is o-v-e-r!

Just wanted to stop for a moment and thank all of you who take the time out of your day to read "the blog". I'd love to hear from you!

Best,
Julie
(and the dog, who wishes to remain anonymous)