Thursday, June 30, 2011

Words of Wisdom from the Maya Angelou -July 2011



"I've learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou

Photo Mackinac Island Beauty by Judy Winter 2011

Simple Blessings






A beautiful summer night spent eating yummy pizza on an outdoor patio in the Motor City with my daughter and future son in law.

15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day Nine






Faces of Ability/9th annualRicStar's Camp/Day Nine















A camper waits patiently for her cue at the Showcase/Photo Judy Winter 2011






15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day Eight



Faces of Ability/9th annual RicStar's Camp/Day Eight

Campers, volunteers and staff love our hard-working, adorable Therapy Dogs. Photo Judy Winter 2011.


Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Simple Blessings


We so often get caught up in the tough stuff of life that we miss the good things all around us, especially when facing the daily challenges of special needs. So today, I'm beginning a new post called Simple Blessings dedicated to embracing brief moments of gratitude. You can do the same.

Today's Simple Blessing: While walking my dog, Jack, this morning, we crossed paths with another walker who said with a smile, "beautiful dog and well behaved, too."

Thank you for sharing that simple blessing with me, and Jack.

Photo of Jack by Judy Winter 2011

Eric Lantz Named Best Dad on Wheels 2011






Eric Lantz of Houston, Texas, has been voted as the Best Dad on Wheels in the 2011 Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation contest. The 40-year-old Lantz has been a wheelchair user since a car accident at age 18 dramatically changed his life. Being a dad wasn't on the radar then. But look at him now.

Find out more, here.

Dads are parenting VIPS, too.

Photo courtesy of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day Seven




Faces of Ability/9th annual RicStar's Camp/Day Seven




Lovely, spirited Grace. Judy Winter 2011.

Judy Winter

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Remembering Mattie Stepanek






On this day, I pause to remember and pay tribute to the remarkable young poet/peacemaker, Mattie Stepanek, who passed away on this date in 2004. Like my amazing son, Eric, Mattie lives on in beautiful ways.

Which fills me with peace and gratitude.

Gone too soon.

15 Days of Faces of Ability from 9th Annual RicStar's Camp-Day One




In honor of another terrific year of the Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp (aka RicStar's Camp), I'm sharing 15 days of beautiful faces of our campers. Sometimes a photo is worth more than words.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Why My Daughter is in a Wheelchair







A story that provides more proof that a thin line separates any of us from the reality of having a disability, including from a virus few have heard of.

Read Why My Daughter is in a Wheelchair here.

Humbling.

Photo of Sophie, one of our great RicStar's Camp therapy dogs by Judy Winter 2011. Sophie uses a cart to get around, the result of back paralysis from falling off a truck.

Food for Thought-The Disabled Listener & Stuttering


What if the greatest challenge facing those who stutter or have other speech limitations isn't a result of his/her physical reality, but instead comes from the limitations of the listener?

Some great thoughts about the challenges of stuttering and good listening come from my friend, Sharon Emery, a stutterer who knows the subject well.

Sharon recently delivered her bold message entitled The Disabled Listener at an inspirational TEDx event in Lansing, Michigan, and received a standing ovation for her efforts. She also parented a child with an intellectual disability for 26 years. Sharon and her terrific family are profiled in my book.

Sharon Emery is accomplished, smart and funny, and she always has my ear when she speaks.

Watch the video of the Disabled Listener
here.

Read Sharon's take on the TEDx event here.

Most of us could benefit from talking less and listening more, a lesson I learned well at the feet of my own son.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

9th Annual RicStar's Camp Video Montage




Love, love, love this You Tube video montage of some of our terrific RicStar's Camp participants!

Thanks to all the great photographers who make the stunning images come to life each year, especially you, Erik Taylor.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and then some.


Judy Winter

RIcStar's Camp 2011





Let the countdown begin!

One day to go before all the music-making fun begins at the 9th Annual Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp!

Where the focus is on abilities.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

Judy Winter

Zoos Benefit Those with Autism






"Zoos Benefit Those with Autism." Read it here.

I think animal therapy is good for everybody.

Photo Judy Winter 2011

Flag Day 2011





In honor of Flag Day.

A day late.



The Way of the Happy Woman by Sara Avant Stover


Every so often, I find a great read that I like sharing with others. Today is one of those days.

Discovered this marvelous book:
The Way of the Happy Woman: Living the Best Year of Your Life by Sara Avant Stover by chance yesterday. Love it already and highly recommend it to other women searching for greater balance, health and happiness in their own over-scheduled lives.

Christiane Northrup, M.D. says "Filled with health-promoting delight, pleasure, and truth. Just lovely."

I agree.

Find out more
here.

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Words of Wisdom from the Eleanor Roosevelt -June 2011




I'm finally back in touch with lots to catch up on, beginning with these challenging June Words of Wisdom from Eleanor Roosevelt.

"Do one thing every day that scares you."-Eleanor Roosevelt

I'm using this powerful mantra in my own life right now as I continue my recovery and explore new career options.

Stay tuned!

Photo Chicago Judy Winter 2011