tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-234696232012-01-30T08:58:54.518-08:00Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.comBlogger10981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-79669043274036180202012-01-30T08:53:00.001-08:002012-01-30T08:58:54.529-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>Final call!!</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>Application deadline is tomorrow January 31st.</b></span></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phv6CILLks0/Tx15_K5BA6I/AAAAAAAADoM/Y3cepTTmLYw/s1600/IMG_9280.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phv6CILLks0/Tx15_K5BA6I/AAAAAAAADoM/Y3cepTTmLYw/s400/IMG_9280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700846829483131810" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Equal time for musicians!! The VSA 2012 International Young Soloists Award Program is looking for entries from musicians, ages 14-25, with disabilities. Cash award and an opportunity to perform on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stage in Washington, D.C.!! Find our more<a href="http://artsapp.com/kennedycenter-vsa/"> here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Focused on ability.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp </a>by Judy Winter 2012<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7966904327403618020?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-84358915065849380392012-01-30T06:58:00.000-08:002012-01-30T07:08:23.244-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXOfz8CY_Zs/TyaxUu0JbTI/AAAAAAAADq0/pjH9YneNQwU/s1600/Students-Square-email.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 319px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXOfz8CY_Zs/TyaxUu0JbTI/AAAAAAAADq0/pjH9YneNQwU/s400/Students-Square-email.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703440947833564466" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Among other important work, <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org/">Best Buddies International </a>provides opportunities for one-one-one friendships between individuals with and without disabilities. Check out the YouTube video of one such friendship between Bridget and Eric, friends for two years.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Watch it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUxv1S9Ct5Q&amp;feature=youtu.be">here.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Courtesy logo.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8435891506584938039?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-55058109948011874622012-01-30T06:34:00.000-08:002012-01-30T06:52:10.185-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8oxIlHB6G8/TyaueS5_S5I/AAAAAAAADqo/ie-9WcpcmTo/s1600/IMG_3489.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8oxIlHB6G8/TyaueS5_S5I/AAAAAAAADqo/ie-9WcpcmTo/s400/IMG_3489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703437813605682066" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Wasn't so sure when it first started, but now I like what Oprah's been doing with her new network OWN. After channel flipping through the vast wasteland of Sunday morning television a couple of weeks ago and landing on OWN, I'm now hooked on <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/About-Super-Soul-Sunday">Super Soul Sundays</a>, and I'm pretty fond of <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-master-class/About-Oprah-Presents-Master-Class">Oprah's Master's Class</a> too.<br /><br />Thanks, Oprah, for continuing your quest to offer rich, intelligent and powerful discussions that help motivate me and feed my soul, and that of millions of others.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">The woman gives great TV.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5505810994801187462?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-43312688778998984332012-01-30T06:25:00.000-08:002012-01-30T06:33:43.157-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z__b4jnU2I/TyaqKnTciOI/AAAAAAAADqc/3kWkIlAH4bs/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z__b4jnU2I/TyaqKnTciOI/AAAAAAAADqc/3kWkIlAH4bs/s400/IMG_1996.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703433077437270242" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">"Create what you want, instead of being stuck in what you don't have."</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"> -<a href="http://www.innervisionsworldwide.com/">Iyanla Vanzant</a></span></b><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2012</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-4331268877899898433?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-68494259278211931812012-01-30T06:08:00.000-08:002012-01-30T06:25:35.679-08:00<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNxZ7dVvVbU/TyBY9JT6tzI/AAAAAAAADoY/cxiXBJOug-s/s400/407680_10150497829569781_78494814780_8401405_2001267576_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" i="" admit="" love="" all="" those="" sappy="" hallmark="" hall="" of="" fame="" they="" transport="" viewers="" to="" a="" more="" civil="" but="" last="" b="" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><div><br /></div></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Okay, I admit I'm a sucker for all those sappy Hallmark Hall of Fame Specials. I like how they transport viewers to a simpler, gentler, more civil time, with no guidette or wayward housewife in sight. But last night's <a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=hallmark+hall+of+fame&amp;form=APMCS1">A Smile as Big as the Moon </a>about a Michigan special education teacher who fights to take his class of students with diverse needs to Space Camp, captured my heart more than most. I savored every single moment of the program, and yes, it made me cry. Best of all, this wasn't just Sunday evening feel-good family television, this was based on a true story.<br /><br />My son would have loved this story, all the kids in it, and going to Space Camp. I would have been in the thick of things helping make that happen, and then writing about it, too. Instead, I was cheering loudly at my television.<br /><br />Kudos to Hallmark, one great Michigan teacher, and everyone involved with this terrific program.<br /><br />More, please.<br /></span><br /><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Courtesy image.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6849425927821193181?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-4566089476638079882012-01-30T05:53:00.001-08:002012-01-30T06:06:47.568-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnMUciXmwug/TyajhhhcJjI/AAAAAAAADqQ/FCgQc8f1OQo/s1600/IMG_6558.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnMUciXmwug/TyajhhhcJjI/AAAAAAAADqQ/FCgQc8f1OQo/s400/IMG_6558.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703425774440949298" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br />Major op/ed feature in yesterday's <b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com">New York Times</a></b> about the use/abuse of Ritalin and other drugs. With millions of kids now being medicated, this piece is well worth the read and valuable discussion. It's written by L. Alan Sroufe, professor emeritus of psychology of the University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Do the drugs really work or do they create bigger problems than they solve?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">There are no quick fixes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Read <b>Ritalin Gone Wrong </b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/29/opinion/sunday/childrens-add-drugs-dont-work-long-term.html">here.</a></span><br /><div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-456608947663807988?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-63339412758379409562012-01-29T08:27:00.001-08:002012-01-29T08:27:25.826-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNxZ7dVvVbU/TyBY9JT6tzI/AAAAAAAADoY/cxiXBJOug-s/s1600/407680_10150497829569781_78494814780_8401405_2001267576_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNxZ7dVvVbU/TyBY9JT6tzI/AAAAAAAADoY/cxiXBJOug-s/s400/407680_10150497829569781_78494814780_8401405_2001267576_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701654935745771314" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Can't wait to watch the new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, <b>A Smile as Big as the Moon</b>, airing this Sunday, January 29th, on ABC at 9 p.m. E.T. The film's based on a true story/book about Michigan special educator and football coach, Mike Kersjes, who fights to realize a dream to have his special education students take part in <a href="http://www.spacecamp.com/">Space Camp,</a> a highly competitive educational opportunity that promotes the study of math, science and technology. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Extra perks? John Corbett, Aiden Shaw, of Sex &amp; the City fame, plays the teacher, while many of the actors appearing as special education students, actually have special needs. Big progress.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Read more about the terrific movie<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=23469623&amp;postID=8443257078317948433"> </a><a href="http://www.spacecamp.com/smilemovie">here.</a></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Education at its finest, and focused on ability.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Courtesy Image.</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></b></span><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6333941275837940956?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-31283993985183499602012-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:002012-01-27T06:25:15.602-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHu71mVUWC4/TyKwxqF5xGI/AAAAAAAADqE/X0rYllyFS3c/s1600/Up%2BNorth%2BTrip%2BJuly%2B7%2B-%2B2010%2B178.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHu71mVUWC4/TyKwxqF5xGI/AAAAAAAADqE/X0rYllyFS3c/s400/Up%2BNorth%2BTrip%2BJuly%2B7%2B-%2B2010%2B178.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702314445363594338" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br />Haven't shared a <b>Minute Vacation</b> with you in a while, so here you go, a brief escape from the big and little demands of the day. This shot is of the Mackinac Bridge (aka Mighty Mac), which joins the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of my beautiful state of Michigan, which celebrated a birthday yesterday.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Happy 175th Birthday, Michigan! Your beauty still dazzles.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">You can enjoy the Bridge WebCam <a href="http://www.mackinacbridge.org/">here.</a> But it is prettier in the summer. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Want to visit this incredibly beautiful state,? Click <a href="http://www.michigan.org/">here.</a> We are about more than just automobiles. Although, our cars are cool, too. They help drive the economy big time.</span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3128399398518349960?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-57570457486702616892012-01-27T06:02:00.001-08:002012-01-27T06:24:11.807-08:00<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILu4InPNG2w/TyKu6Uy3jFI/AAAAAAAADp4/OwVR_TQv4jI/s1600/logo-1.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 76px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILu4InPNG2w/TyKu6Uy3jFI/AAAAAAAADp4/OwVR_TQv4jI/s400/logo-1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702312395242179666" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>Disability.gov</b> is the federal government website with lots of good information on national and local programs, communities services and valuable links for additional resources of importance to those with special needs, and to those who care about them and disability issues.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">There's even a blog with guest bloggers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Check it out <a href="https://www.disability.gov/">here.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Courtesy logo.</span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5757045748670261689?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-40664173009588480502012-01-26T11:37:00.001-08:002012-01-26T11:54:51.191-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVPvdZ34ffU/TyGu8os8UsI/AAAAAAAADps/CxOs4LFC0NQ/s1600/Blessing%2BOffor.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVPvdZ34ffU/TyGu8os8UsI/AAAAAAAADps/CxOs4LFC0NQ/s400/Blessing%2BOffor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702030959969063618" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Recently, I posted the <b><a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2012/01/vsa-2012-call-for-musicians-with.html">2012 VSA Call for Musicians with Disabilities</a>.</b> In case you need a little extra motivation to enter, here's an update from VSA, regarding <a href="http://blessingoffor.com/"><b>Blessing Offor</b></a>, recipient of the 2010 VSA International Young Soloists Award. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">Offer, who now has his own CD, 'Guilty Pleasure,' performed on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage one year ago today.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">Watch Offor's performance <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/explorer/artists/?entity_id=12939&amp;source_type=B">here.</a> Music changes lives.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">Life worth living. Focused on ability.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Courtesy photo.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div><br /></div></span></b></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></b></span><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-4066417300958848050?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-91696675586154254862012-01-26T11:12:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:38:59.581-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-65wJNUXEKn0/TyGouXq5S5I/AAAAAAAADpg/fx-CuyRPlrA/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-65wJNUXEKn0/TyGouXq5S5I/AAAAAAAADpg/fx-CuyRPlrA/s400/IMG_5866.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702024117809138578" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br />I admit I only recently became aware of the incredible work of artist, Stephen Wiltshire (thanks Facebook friends!). Wiltshire paints and draws the most remarkable cityscapes with painstaking detail after studying them, sometimes only briefly. Wiltshire, who didn't speak fully until age nine, is also autistic.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">The amazing story of this 38-year-old artistic savant is much too rich and beautiful for me to do justice to in a short blog post. Check it our for yourself, <a href="http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk/">here.</a> Well worth your time.</span></div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;">Life worth living. Focused on ability.</span></div></div></div></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo of Chicago street artist by Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-9169667558615425486?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-36928018117059533012012-01-26T08:10:00.001-08:002012-01-26T08:34:12.275-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMPPS83kVJc/TyF_i04YBmI/AAAAAAAADpU/W4SynpekCnI/s1600/LOTP-Lauren-Potter-p.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 294px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kMPPS83kVJc/TyF_i04YBmI/AAAAAAAADpU/W4SynpekCnI/s400/LOTP-Lauren-Potter-p.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701978839515137634" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Hoping to create greater awareness of actors with disabilities, Richard Redlin, an actor with a disability, has created the new interactive online web series<b> Leader of the Pack, </b>a quirky comedy featuring kids with and without special needs. Redlin wanted to tell a great story, but with a more diverse cast. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">The series will launch February 1st and stars Lauren Potter of <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/"><b>GLEE</b></a> fame. Potter has Down syndrome and has become a popular and vocal advocate for those with special needs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Check out Leader of the Pack <a href="http://LeaderofthePackwebseries.com/">here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Check out the Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeaderofthePackwebseries">here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Read why Lauren Potter agreed to star in the webcast<a href="http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article/GLEEs_Lauren_Potter_Joins_LEADER_OF_THE_PACK_Web_Series_20101101#"> here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Check out Executive Producer/Creator Richard Redlin <a href="http://sag.org/iactor/richardredlin">here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Progress in Hollywood. Kudos to Richard Redlin and everyone involved in this ground-breaking series.</span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Courtesy photo.<br /><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3692801811705953301?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-85312014571453149812012-01-26T07:45:00.001-08:002012-01-26T08:00:20.646-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZAutH55DT8/TyF4cOBsfPI/AAAAAAAADpI/MjCoI5_qtlU/s1600/IMG_3654.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZAutH55DT8/TyF4cOBsfPI/AAAAAAAADpI/MjCoI5_qtlU/s400/IMG_3654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701971029424635122" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Don't really care what your beef is with the President, Governor Brewer. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/jan-brewer-obama_n_1232367.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl4%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D130282">Pointing your finger at Barack Obama's face, </a>especially in front of eager reporters recording every dirty look and angry word, is neither politically/media savvy nor cool.<br /><br />Take it inside, please, and have a private conversation.</span><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2012</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8531201457145314981?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-11727495640444369822012-01-26T07:11:00.001-08:002012-01-26T07:23:37.111-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFBGvLBvZio/TyFv0a6qADI/AAAAAAAADo8/IC78Cvzuhx0/s1600/San%2BFran%2BApril%2B2007%2B325.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wFBGvLBvZio/TyFv0a6qADI/AAAAAAAADo8/IC78Cvzuhx0/s400/San%2BFran%2BApril%2B2007%2B325.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701961549596983346" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">From my friends at the <b><a href="http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4048063/k.C5D5/Christopher_Reeve_Spinal_Cord_Injury_and_Paralysis_Foundation.htm">Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation:</a></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">The Transportation Security Adminstration (TSA) has launched TSA Cares, a toll-free helpline to provide information and assistance to passengers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families before they fly.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Learn more<a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds/"> here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Friendlier skies on the horizon????</span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-1172749564044436982?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-58150894789759013652012-01-25T12:27:00.000-08:002012-01-25T12:35:21.308-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5I3ViZyn8GU/TyBnIXlD87I/AAAAAAAADow/Xk9AQULOAM8/s1600/Philly%2BMay%2B2006%2B%2526%2BLA%2B117.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5I3ViZyn8GU/TyBnIXlD87I/AAAAAAAADow/Xk9AQULOAM8/s400/Philly%2BMay%2B2006%2B%2526%2BLA%2B117.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701670521717126066" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Watch Gabby Giffords official <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/gabrielle-giffords-resignation-house_n_1230693.html?ref=fb&amp;src=sp&amp;comm_ref=false">resignation.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Love this woman. What a remarkable spirit she is, and an example for all. Can't wait to see where this new path takes her.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; ">The world needs more Gabby Giffords. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5815089478975901365?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-57731998885994670182012-01-25T12:07:00.000-08:002012-01-25T12:20:02.933-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYXSuj47kEc/TyBhWZgFzCI/AAAAAAAADok/Jn7wzi5hlzY/s1600/379799_2754566672166_1497671739_32935643_511335531_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYXSuj47kEc/TyBhWZgFzCI/AAAAAAAADok/Jn7wzi5hlzY/s400/379799_2754566672166_1497671739_32935643_511335531_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701664165681548322" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Love this photo of <a href="http://www.haninaser.com/home.html">Hani Naser </a>of Hani Naser Band, and drummer, Eddie Tuduri, founder of the The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP), an international effort which uses percussion to facilitate learning in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Tuduri, who has played with such legends as Ricky Nelson and The Beach Boys, founded TRAP after breaking his neck in a surfing accident that left him temporarily paralyzed. The drummer used his music expertise to help himself recover, an event which dramatically changed the trajectory of the rocker's life.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Learn more <a href="http://www.traponline.com/">here.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo courtesy of TRAP. Used with permission of Eddie Tuduri.</span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5773199888599467018?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-24800689375940928012012-01-25T11:53:00.001-08:002012-01-25T12:07:04.952-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6qlRwQKsOWY/TLhyeFPM3uI/AAAAAAAACZA/xLk9CormbGo/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6qlRwQKsOWY/TLhyeFPM3uI/AAAAAAAACZA/xLk9CormbGo/s400/IMG_1374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528294403724861154" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Update on my friend, Johnnie Tuitel, who was removed from a US Airways flight in September 2010 after they deemed the popular author/speaker too disabled to fly. Johnnie is now working with lawyers and legislators to change a law that currently prevent him from suing the airline for damages. He's also creating a new Facebook page to support his venture entitled, Let Em All Fly. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; ">In case you missed it the first time around, I've included my original post on Tuitel's air-travel fiasco below.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div><div><div> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">You can watch an interview on Johnnie's latest advocacy efforts on behalf of all those with disabilities who fly, <a href="http://www.woodtv.com//dpp/news/local/kent_county/Disabled-man-fights-to-sue-airlines">here.</a></span><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Find out more about Johnnie Tuitel the man<a href="http://www.johnnietuitel.com/home.html">, here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">_______________________________________________________________</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Former Post: October 15th, 2011</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Just when I thought it was safe to take a day off from the blogsphere, a story comes up that hits far too close to home to ignore. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">It's a disturbing story about US Airways allegedly taking a man off a late September flight because he was deemed 'too disabled to fly.' An agent then advised the passenger that he could only take the flight with an able-bodied companion who could assist in case of an emergency, a <a href="http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/specialneeds/default.html">policy</a> stated on the airline's website.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">The man they removed from the aircraft is my good friend, <a href="http://www.johnnietuitel.com/home.html">Johnnie Tuitel</a>, a motivational speaker, entrepreneur and author of the popular <b>'Gun Lake Adventure Series,'</b> which features a child with cerebral palsy as its hero. The series is loosely based on Tuitel's life. The author is a family man, a college graduate who has traveled by air 500,000 miles the past two years alone to make a living and help support his family. That family includes three great sons, all of whom volunteer each year at the camp I co founded to honor my son's life called <b><a href="http://judywinter.com/camp.html">RicStar's Camp</a>. </b>Johnnie Tuitel serves as our camp emcee each year, and as a powerful example of ability for the campers. This year, his unselfish actions earned him our <b>2010 RicStar Award for Outstanding Community Service.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">I met Johnnie years ago. Once you meet him, you never forget him. It becomes easy to ignore the wheelchair. As a journalist who'd recently turned her focus to special needs parenting, I was immediately fascinated by Johnnie's life story and his example of overcoming tough odds to live a productive life. Meeting him helped me see what was possible for my own son in light of his significant physical disability. I met Johnnie Tuitel at a time I most needed his example. Johnnie helped energized me for the advocacy work ahead. I've been forever grateful and we've become great friends.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">After publishing a newspaper column as part of a series I did profiling successful adults with disabilities, I decided to also include Johnnie's story in my book. His story and spirit are equally remarkable. Johnnie has spent his entire life challenged by the physical realities of cerebral palsy. Given his big personality, that's not an easy reality. But Johnnie lives life to the fullest and doesn't waste time on 'why me?' He forges ahead, as he will after this recent event. He's smart, funny, hard working and charming, with a tremendous commitment to helping others as he heals from his own sense of loss of mobility. The author doesn't believe life owes him anything because of his disability. That's why this story hits so hard.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">The man I know beyond the wheelchair is someone who would most likely help the crew get others off the plane safely in an emergency before even thinking of himself. Then, he'd crawl out if he had to, probably making jokes and laughing on the way out. He has spent his life fighting hard to promote human rights/dignity/independence for himself many others with disabilities, impacting countless numbers of individuals in life-saving ways. If anyone can turn this outrage into effective advocacy and necessary change, Johnnie Tuitel can and will. That's my friend. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Johnnie finally reached his destination to speak at the 2010 National Self Advocacy Conference in Kansas City on <a href="http://www.delta.com/">Delta</a>, but he missed his professional gig.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">I feel the sting of his outrage and the injustice, too. I'm again reminded of how far we've come, and how far we still have to go to ensure the rights of those with special needs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">I'm 'Team Johnnie,' all the way.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">See the story/video <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/15/airplane.wheelchair.incident/index.html?eref=rss_us">here</a><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/15/airplane.wheelchair.incident/index.html?eref=rss_us">.</a></span></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">UPDATE Oct. 11-</span></b><a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/4376738/too-disabled-to-fly"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Fox News</span></b></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">UPDATE: See Johnnie Tuitel on CNN <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/10/15/usairways.disabled.flier/index.html?hpt=Sbin">here.</a></span></b></div><div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2010 Johnnie &amp; his terrific sons @ RicStar's Camp<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2480068937594092801?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-84432570783179484332012-01-25T11:21:00.000-08:002012-01-25T11:44:05.428-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNxZ7dVvVbU/TyBY9JT6tzI/AAAAAAAADoY/cxiXBJOug-s/s1600/407680_10150497829569781_78494814780_8401405_2001267576_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNxZ7dVvVbU/TyBY9JT6tzI/AAAAAAAADoY/cxiXBJOug-s/s400/407680_10150497829569781_78494814780_8401405_2001267576_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701654935745771314" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Can't wait to watch the new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, <b>A Smile as Big as the Moon</b>, airing this Sunday, January 29th, on ABC at 9 p.m. E.T. The film's based on a true story/book about Michigan special educator and football coach, Mike Kersjes, who fights to realize a dream to have his special education students take part in <a href="http://www.spacecamp.com/">Space Camp,</a> a highly competitive educational opportunity that promotes the study of math, science and technology. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Extra perks? John Corbett, Aiden Shaw, of Sex &amp; the City fame, plays the teacher, while many of the actors appearing as special education students, actually have special needs. Big progress.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Read more about the terrific movie<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=23469623&amp;postID=8443257078317948433"> </a><a href="http://www.spacecamp.com/smilemovie">here.</a></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Education at its finest, and focused on ability.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Courtesy Image.</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></b></span><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8443257078317948433?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-68638419578016503122012-01-23T07:14:00.001-08:002012-01-23T07:20:47.881-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phv6CILLks0/Tx15_K5BA6I/AAAAAAAADoM/Y3cepTTmLYw/s1600/IMG_9280.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phv6CILLks0/Tx15_K5BA6I/AAAAAAAADoM/Y3cepTTmLYw/s400/IMG_9280.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700846829483131810" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Equal time for musicians!! The VSA 2012 International Young Soloists Award Program is looking for entries from musicians, ages 14-25, with disabilities. Cash award and an opportunity to perform on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stage in Washington, D.C.!! Find our more <a href="http://www.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/programs/call_entries.cfm">here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Focused on ability.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp </a>by Judy Winter 2012<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6863841957801650312?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-9181536801988216722012-01-22T13:29:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:02:14.068-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7NXxcp-NZM/TxyEI0F_nvI/AAAAAAAADoA/r7WBFF3BnkU/s1600/Eric%2Band%2BJenna-McNenly%2B018.tif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7NXxcp-NZM/TxyEI0F_nvI/AAAAAAAADoA/r7WBFF3BnkU/s400/Eric%2Band%2BJenna-McNenly%2B018.tif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700576515301809906" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">So many people now making comments on social networking sites and in the media appear to feel sorry for and badly about Giffords announced resignation from Congress, while others have been calling loudly for just that.<br /><br />But not me.<br /><br />Because my family life also was completely turn upside down by the unexpected disability of my second child two decades ago, I see this development a bit differently than most. Like Giffords, my tough reality rocketed me into a challenging universe filled with amazing career and personal opportunities and special needs activism that I'd never envisioned for myself. I, too, left a job I loved, a glamour job in public television, unsure of anything except the need to help my son have a better life, a 24/7 commitment. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">The need was immediate. Our futures uncertain. My future career path a huge question mark. That reality still stings. But I know I made the right decision, one that significantly impacted the quality of my son's life, and my own. It was never easy, but it was ultimately so rewarding. The toughest job I've ever held, with the greatest teacher I've ever known.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br />Since that day I walked out on my dream job (a no-choice choice), I've since had more impact on others than I ever would have if my life course not been so dramatically altered. I believe that's exactly what Giffords will do without the frustrating and sometimes selfish and painstakingly slow confines of the political process to impede her. I, for one, can't wait to watch it all unfold. Disability changes everything, and there is still healing to be done. She deserves time to prepare for this new chapter of her amazing life.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Gabby Giffords survived for a reason. I know.<br /><br />Remarkable woman. Life worth living. Watch out world.<br /><br />Watch the beautifully stated announcement <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaSjIiaI5s0">here.</a></span><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-918153680198821672?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-47980470658067201092012-01-19T05:19:00.000-08:002012-01-19T05:24:28.619-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3flQjGcOoo/TxgZcdoeLBI/AAAAAAAADno/fGd4K4ldrWU/s1600/IMG_0017_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3flQjGcOoo/TxgZcdoeLBI/AAAAAAAADno/fGd4K4ldrWU/s400/IMG_0017_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699333305218771986" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; ">Somewhere, the sun is shining. Just not in my backyard.</span><br /><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Pass the Vitamin D, please.</span></div></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-4798047065806720109?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-23340234706656567142012-01-18T10:14:00.000-08:002012-01-18T10:17:45.667-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XisQLH8xto/TxcMgN844JI/AAAAAAAADnQ/BdQ0U4ExH_w/s1600/IMG_0015_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XisQLH8xto/TxcMgN844JI/AAAAAAAADnQ/BdQ0U4ExH_w/s400/IMG_0015_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699037601101045906" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Love my new Gaga-like shoes. I wear them while sitting at my desk and stare. They provide me with creative, youthful inspiration. A shoe muse, if you will. But I can't walk in them, which clearly makes this aging-wanna-be-baby monster fashionista a bit of a woos.<br /><br />Time to change into my cute Borns and go run errands.</span><br /><br /><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2334023470665656714?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-33479813087315526392012-01-18T09:02:00.001-08:002012-01-18T09:26:10.493-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VK0X7zsgaUg/Txb_KfHu2BI/AAAAAAAADm4/OhIZTU0DGn0/s1600/IMG_4701.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VK0X7zsgaUg/Txb_KfHu2BI/AAAAAAAADm4/OhIZTU0DGn0/s400/IMG_4701.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699022934101645330" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">With regards to the rights and dignity of those with special needs, one part of this post celebrates how far we have come. The other, how far we've still to travel.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">When Peter Dinklage, a successful and talented actor, who also has achondroplasia, a form of short-limbed dwarfism, accepted his Golden Globe this week for <b>Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role</b>, he dedicated his win to Martin Henderson and then advised people to google the man. Turns out Henderson is an aspiring actor in England and was recently the victim of senseless act of something called 'dwarf tossing.' A stranger picked the actor up against his will and threw him to the ground </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: x-large; ">resulting in partial paralysis.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">I will never get used to such unforgivable, senseless examples of man's inhumanity to man, ever. But I will always raise my voice loudly against them.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">Read more <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/15/peter-dinklage-golden-globe-winner-martin-henderson_n_1208005.html">here.</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">And kudos to the talented <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0227759/">Peter Dinklage.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3347981308731552639?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-3262348156596931532012-01-18T08:34:00.001-08:002012-01-18T08:54:09.387-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0M1ts2RwQxU/Txb2lPf4bzI/AAAAAAAADms/fXNO_dOhANM/s1600/17.1T061.pushc--300x300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0M1ts2RwQxU/Txb2lPf4bzI/AAAAAAAADms/fXNO_dOhANM/s400/17.1T061.pushc--300x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699013498159787826" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br />This new program </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;">produced by Gay Rosenthal for the Sundance Channel </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">about four Hollywood models who use wheelchairs, sounds promising, especially since Rosenthal also created the popular 'Little People. Big World.' I'll be checking it out when it debuts in April. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><b>Special note:</b> three of the four women acquired their disability due to auto accidents, a sobering reminder that disability can happen to anyone at any time (not to mention the real dangers of distracted drivers and driving while drunk).</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Now, if we could just get the media to quit using the outdated terminology 'wheelchair bound.' People don't live in wheelchairs. They use them to get from Point A to Point B. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">A special needs activist's work is never done.<br /><br />Find out more about <b><a href="http://www.sundancechannel.com/push-girls/">'Push Girls' </a></b>here.<br /></span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Courtesy photo.<br /><br />Judy Winter<br />Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations<br />Winter Ramblings Blog<br />Flickr Page</span></b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-326234815659693153?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-81996569888450790752012-01-18T07:53:00.000-08:002012-01-18T08:20:49.274-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRThdJFydoA/Txbtbjk0ZvI/AAAAAAAADmg/ba5grkgLlmg/s1600/EWSlideShowFinalRough_026.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRThdJFydoA/Txbtbjk0ZvI/AAAAAAAADmg/ba5grkgLlmg/s400/EWSlideShowFinalRough_026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699003436145862386" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Until age 11, a young girl with autism was locked inside a body and disability, unable to express herself in ways that others understood, until technology changed everything. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">The <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/2020">ABC 20/20 Medical Mysteries</a> segment featured below explains how Carly was able to break out of her body and communicate with others, especially her family, and show her intelligence. The resulting reality is both beautiful and life changing. The story reminded me of the first time my son, Eric, was able to express his own independent thoughts by using a computer, a memory which still brings tears to my eyes. He was finally able to prove that his wheelchair use and physical challenges did not also automatically equal an intellectual disability. Game changing. People treated him differently. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">In the future, we had hoped state-of-the-art technology would give our son the freedom to pursue and showcase his love of music and song writing and attend college, dreams cut far too short. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Technology has opened up the world for so many people with disabilities, as has the unconditional love and perseverance of so many remarkable parents and some exceptional professionals. Bless them all.</span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Watch 'Autistic Gril Expresses Unimaginable Intelligence' <a href="http://youtu.be/vNZVV4Ciccg">here,</a> and become inspired and further motivated regarding your own personal goals.</span></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Jenna Winter</span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8199656988845079075?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-81147821264635922722012-01-18T07:03:00.000-08:002012-01-18T07:13:08.825-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtuyt8RcCMI/TxbgcdHT2kI/AAAAAAAADl8/VUsbHtBNFu4/s1600/IMG_8418.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtuyt8RcCMI/TxbgcdHT2kI/AAAAAAAADl8/VUsbHtBNFu4/s400/IMG_8418.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698989157940189762" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">FREE IEP Seminar in the Motor City next week, in case you live nearby or plan to be in town. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">You can hit the<a href="http://naias.com/"> 2012 North American Auto Show </a>and <a href="http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com/">Eastern Market</a>, too!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Find out more about the seminar </span><a href="http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=1862&amp;EID=10310" style="font-size: x-large; ">here.</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8114782126463592272?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-53129303006223668412012-01-18T06:38:00.000-08:002012-01-18T10:43:58.571-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zR6K-tHwdlQ/Txbk53jlwcI/AAAAAAAADmU/-AUcOnMItCI/s1600/target-down-syndrome-model-kid-ad-640x497.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zR6K-tHwdlQ/Txbk53jlwcI/AAAAAAAADmU/-AUcOnMItCI/s400/target-down-syndrome-model-kid-ad-640x497.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698994061300842946" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hq811SmbwnE/TwSAN8-YJiI/AAAAAAAADi8/PWhzH-ia49o/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hq811SmbwnE/TwSAN8-YJiI/AAAAAAAADi8/PWhzH-ia49o/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693816806097561122" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;">I've already<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=23469623&amp;postID=1509248850377274665"> </a><a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2012/01/noahs-dad-and-target-advertising.html">posted</a> about how the Internet has been abuzz over a recent <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target </a>ad (love them!) that includes 6-year-old Ryan Langston, who has Down syndrome. The ad has received kudos because of the way in which Ryan's disability was never highlighted. In short, he was presented as just another model. This is an example of a growing and popular trend of using children with special needs in advertising, media efforts which have inspired many.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">After working for twenty years to increase awareness of the value of kids with special needs, and their families, I can't tell you how excited I am to see this huge progress being made in the tolerance, acceptance and awareness of our kids in the media, not to mention greater appreciation and respect for the often </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; ">overlooked purchasing power of their parents.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">One note regarding the video below, I was left wondering why Ryan is not being educated in a regular school and classroom, especially given his status as just another kid in the media. Food for thought.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Learn more about Ryan's story here.</span></div><a href="http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/16/10168449-child-model-with-down-syndrome-inspires-thousands#.TxbZVe_XDzI.blogger"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Child model with Down syndrome inspires thousands</span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">A life worth living.</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Judy Winter</span></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Flickr Page</span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5312930300622366841?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-62909225812216885982012-01-17T11:05:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:11:38.088-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kW45mx6rvW0/TxXRsA_BM4I/AAAAAAAADlw/eL0yZtz-au8/s1600/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._-_Shades_of_Grey.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kW45mx6rvW0/TxXRsA_BM4I/AAAAAAAADlw/eL0yZtz-au8/s400/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._-_Shades_of_Grey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698691457615999874" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TvWuIusJCsw/TxXPYbimJAI/AAAAAAAADlY/HEfItTWwyXY/s1600/Cow_A_Color_World-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TvWuIusJCsw/TxXPYbimJAI/AAAAAAAADlY/HEfItTWwyXY/s400/Cow_A_Color_World-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698688922123904002" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8oI6qUCYr8/TxXPOJR2P0I/AAAAAAAADlM/4x3cOF2z_tU/s1600/African_Elephant-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8oI6qUCYr8/TxXPOJR2P0I/AAAAAAAADlM/4x3cOF2z_tU/s400/African_Elephant-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698688745423126338" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b><br />Calling all Young Artists with Special Needs!!!</b><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Two of my fav resources, <a href="http://www.cvsallkidscan.com/">CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can CREATE</a> program and <a href="http://vsarts.org/">VSA </a>(the international organization on arts and disabilities) have again joined together to offer the 5th annual opportunity for young artists to see their work in action, and on display for all to see.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">This year’s theme, <b>What Inspires Me?</b>, invites children to showcase their answers through original artwork. Appropriately enough, the contest kicked off yesterday on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. <b>Artwork submitted before April 8, 2012, (click <a href="http://www.artsonia.com/allkidscan">here</a>) will be featured in an online gallery</b> and considered for display in the “What Inspires Me” exhibition debuting at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. in August 2012. One hundred and two pieces of art―two from each state and the District of Columbia―will be part of the exhibition. Last year’s call for entries resulted in more than 4,700 submissions from across the country and featured paintings, photography and sculptures.</span><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br />Children are invited to stretch their imagination by using traditional art materials as well as non-traditional ones, such as wrapping paper, newspaper or aluminum foil. In addition, teachers who submit their students’ artwork are eligible to receive one of four $1,500 cash awards to use in their classrooms.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>The deadline for the 2012 All Kids Can CREATE Call for Art is April 8, 2012. To submit artwork, click <a href="http://www.artsonia.com/museum/collections/detail.asp?coll=229">here.</a></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"><span style=" ;font-size:180%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:180%;"><b>“CVS Caremark is proud to partner with VSA for the fifth year on the All Kids Can CREATE campaign, furthering our commitment to inclusion and giving children of all abilities a unique opportunity to express themselves through their artwork,” </b>said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Relations, CVS Caremark. <b>“The artwork celebrates each individual student and raises awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion.”</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:180%;">____________________________________________</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; ">You know I like this stated mission, so get busy expressing your creative self and help change perceptions about what artists with special needs CAN do.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:180%;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">All Artwork from 2011 contest courtesy of CVS Caremark. All Kids Can. Used with permission. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;"><b>Top: Shades of Grey-Martin Luther King, Jr. by Isabelle, age 11</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>Middle: A Color World by Jacob, age 12</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>Bottom: African Elephant by Tucker, age 5</b></span></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6290922581221688598?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-27005051529139891122012-01-17T10:57:00.001-08:002012-01-17T11:04:16.859-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IExtG8NM2L0/TxXFwB7Z3FI/AAAAAAAADk0/OW7Xx3gKD24/s1600/dog-ricochet-logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IExtG8NM2L0/TxXFwB7Z3FI/AAAAAAAADk0/OW7Xx3gKD24/s400/dog-ricochet-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698678332449217618" /></a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">Update on that remarkable surf dog, Ricochet.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">He's been one busy pup.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">Watch it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INJWcran2fQ">here.</a><br /><br />When one door closes.....<br /></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Courtesy Photo.<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2700505152913989112?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-56334446232218272062012-01-17T08:32:00.000-08:002012-01-17T08:39:35.697-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpBlAqt2Ei0/TxWkCDUUQ6I/AAAAAAAADko/FbRBR5tBtIw/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpBlAqt2Ei0/TxWkCDUUQ6I/AAAAAAAADko/FbRBR5tBtIw/s400/IMG_1109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698641258664444834" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Moody landscape. Gentle rain tapping on skylight. Jack curled up on my office chair, snoring gently. Sporting purple form-fitting post-holiday sweater dress with confidence (me, not Jack). SNAP! Breathing in steam of fragrant Ginger Peach tea from oversized mug cradled in my hands. Public Radio on loudly for inspiration and renewed spirit. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Perfect writer's day.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5633444623221827206?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-22630461661817465642012-01-17T08:28:00.000-08:002012-01-17T08:31:01.691-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_v9YzcNrlM/TxWhyjZd2II/AAAAAAAADkc/FzUWpqZ6SEM/s1600/Scan%2B17.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_v9YzcNrlM/TxWhyjZd2II/AAAAAAAADkc/FzUWpqZ6SEM/s400/Scan%2B17.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698638793374816386" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Another unearthed treasure, a test shot taken years ago by the terrific Donna Terek, now a staff photographer for the Detroit News. The shoot was part of a Parents magazine photo essay of kids across the country with special needs and included Eric. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">I love it!</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo by Donna Terek<br /><br /></b></span><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2263046166181746564?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-89478185147009074962012-01-17T08:22:00.000-08:002012-01-17T08:27:45.245-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bzsDiqDd8M/TxWgrboMpsI/AAAAAAAADkQ/feGntxcuUrE/s1600/IMG_5905.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bzsDiqDd8M/TxWgrboMpsI/AAAAAAAADkQ/feGntxcuUrE/s400/IMG_5905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698637571518408386" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br />Getting in the mood for all the upcoming hoopla over the 10th year of the <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp</a>!!! More soon, including info about 2012 camp registration.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Focused on abilities!</span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8947818514700907496?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-7422911575289194942012-01-17T06:18:00.000-08:002012-01-17T10:35:57.466-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hi1___jMgNM/TxWaqJrSRAI/AAAAAAAADkE/sytf1LdNKbY/s1600/IMG_6385.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hi1___jMgNM/TxWaqJrSRAI/AAAAAAAADkE/sytf1LdNKbY/s400/IMG_6385.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698630952449885186" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">There's so much I need to share with you today. Let's get started with some news from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, news that both infuriated me and also seemed particularly timely. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">While speaking at a conference against funding for Planned Parenthood, conservative Virginia State Delegate Bob Marshall (R), allegedly said, "God punishes women who have had abortions by giving them children with special needs," a statement that has fueled national outrage. Read that reported news <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2010/02/22/83337/disabled-abortion/">here. </a> Marshall denies that he either said or believes that statement and blames a student journalist for taking liberties with his words.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">I watched the conference snippet and what Marshall said was, <b>"the number of children subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengence on the subsequent children." </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;color:#292727;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">Say what???</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">Vengence is a particularly potent term here, one Marshall now says he regrets using. I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">n his defense, not that I am defending the guy, (however, I do believe in fairness and accuracy in the media), studies back the reality that having an abortion can have serious future medical challenges, including increased risk of having a child with a disability, which was supposedly Marshall's poorly worded point.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"> But his word choice and emotional presentation left his insensitive statement open to angry, defensive interpretation. Now, he's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"> trying to stop the resulting firestorm that has ensued and save his political career.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">On the plus side, this has generated opportunities for more valuable discussion and awareness of special needs, and revisited that stubborn belief by many that having a child with special needs is some sort of parenting curse, a outdated, cruel stereotype that needs to die. There is no shame in having a child with a disability. I repeat, no shame, unless you allow it to be placed there.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;">I watched the video that included Marshall's remarks and found them insulting and insensitive. Watch it <a href="http://delegatebob.com/news/va-del-bob-marshall-clarifies-disabled-children-abortion-comments">here </a>and add your take. Guilty as charged? Or, were liberties taken by an inexperienced reporter?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;">For the record Mr. Marshall, I've never had an abortion, but I was blessed, not cursed, with a remarkable child with cerebral palsy for nearly thirteen years. Like most parents, I didn't do anyting to create my unexpected and challenging parenting reality, but I did everything in my power to raise Eric as a child of value. In all his apparent imperfection, my son became my greatest life teacher. Eric could have taught you a great deal, too.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I believe strongly that someone needs educating, and it's not the people to whom Mr. Marshall appears to have hurled insults. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">Choose your words more carefully next time, Mr. Marshall. True leadership and compassion is what this country really needs, now more than ever. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">Being a bit more media savvy wouldn't</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> hurt, either.</span></span></div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:small;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2012</b></span></div></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-742291157528919494?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-61682997717503305622012-01-16T06:58:00.001-08:002012-01-17T08:28:34.770-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5prfaO4rts/TxQ8E9IiJFI/AAAAAAAADj4/_C-8z-QTCRI/s1600/MISC%2BPhotos%2Bfrom%2BEric%2527s%2BOld%2BComputer%2B036.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5prfaO4rts/TxQ8E9IiJFI/AAAAAAAADj4/_C-8z-QTCRI/s400/MISC%2BPhotos%2Bfrom%2BEric%2527s%2BOld%2BComputer%2B036.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698245484358018130" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">I have a dream, too, Dr. King.<br /><br />When we speak of equality and dignity and human justice for all in your name, especially on this important day in history, we must remember to add those with disabilities to the equation and valuable discussions.<br /><br />Their struggles and lives matter, too. Yet too often, they are ignored in these discussions.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Here's a<a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2008/01/honoring-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-2008.html"> past post</a> about my take on this important day. I still stand by these words today.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></b></span><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6168299771750330562?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-59648517625313896062012-01-04T10:24:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:14:21.529-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4ANVak3htk/TwSamwjPCxI/AAAAAAAADjs/df9QIM22rWk/s1600/EWSlideShowFinalRough_028-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4ANVak3htk/TwSamwjPCxI/AAAAAAAADjs/df9QIM22rWk/s400/EWSlideShowFinalRough_028-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693845819561544466" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Quite possibly my favorite photo ever of my kids taken on my daughter's graduation day from high school. I know that Eric would have been an incredibly handsome and kind and compassionate adult, much like his beautiful sister. Try not to miss photo ops with your children. You'll be happy to have them.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">One cherished image.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012</span></b></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5964851762531389606?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-27777329962577675412012-01-04T09:48:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:14:57.776-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VpKt7idKfI/TwSWkuUVjoI/AAAAAAAADjg/oADbNLtnSlI/s1600/logo-lrg1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 168px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VpKt7idKfI/TwSWkuUVjoI/AAAAAAAADjg/oADbNLtnSlI/s400/logo-lrg1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693841386555936386" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b><a href="http://www.inclusionfilms.com/">Inclusion Films,</a></b> is a new workshop effort in Hollywood that trains adults with developmental disabilities on the in/outs of the film industry. It's spearheaded by Joey Travolta, brother of John. It's not the first effort for Travolta championing those with special needs. He's run acting workshops for those with disablities and produced the Keri Bowers/Taylor Cross film <a href="http://www.normalfilms.com/">Normal People Scare Me</a>, about living with autism. "I've found my true calling," Travolta says of serving this population.</span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br />Read the<a href="http://www.latimes.com/"> Los Angeles Times</a> piece <b>Inclusion Film Opens Doors in Hollywood</b>, <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/12/on-location-inclusion-films-opens-doors-in-hollywood.html">here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Kudos to you, Joey Travolta, for all the ways in which you are using your name, talents and, important industry contacts to change the lives of those with special needs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Responsible use of celebrity, and huge progress.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Logo courtesy of Inclusion Films.</span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2777732996257767541?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-23159564049601282342012-01-04T08:59:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:15:13.676-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks-Yf5wwGPI/TwSHlYEDkxI/AAAAAAAADjU/LOAuQjCLikM/s1600/IMG_9792_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks-Yf5wwGPI/TwSHlYEDkxI/AAAAAAAADjU/LOAuQjCLikM/s400/IMG_9792_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693824905087521554" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">George Clooney knows that shelter dogs rock. Read cover-boy Clooney's take on his new canine buddy, Einstein, and politics, too, in the January issue of Esquire,<a href="http://www.esquire.com/features/what-ive-learned/meaning-of-life-2012/george-clooney-quotes-0112"> here.</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Jack gives this article and Clooney, four paws up. I just look at the actor's photo and sigh.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Please adopt!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2012</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2315956404960128234?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-42225938530850810942012-01-04T08:42:00.000-08:002012-01-18T06:15:28.022-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjVWd7Hcpd0/TwSCclXpp2I/AAAAAAAADjI/4YZZV47FfSI/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjVWd7Hcpd0/TwSCclXpp2I/AAAAAAAADjI/4YZZV47FfSI/s400/IMG_2907.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693819256482408290" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Jack and I just got renewed for a third year representing <b><a href="http://tdi-dog.org/">Therapy Dogs International.</a></b> So we're off to begin a new year of therapy dog adventures and changing kids lives, and they, ours. First day back after a long holiday school break and lots of sugar buzzes? Wind chill? Inside recess? Jack is going to be a very busy boy. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Let the lovin' begin.</span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-4222593853085081094?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-15092488503772746652012-01-04T08:26:00.000-08:002012-01-18T06:16:23.365-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hq811SmbwnE/TwSAN8-YJiI/AAAAAAAADi8/PWhzH-ia49o/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hq811SmbwnE/TwSAN8-YJiI/AAAAAAAADi8/PWhzH-ia49o/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693816806097561122" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.target.com/"><b>Target </b></a>has a long history of including kids with special needs in its advertising, efforts I've applauded in the past. What I like about a recent blog post entitled <b>Target is Down with Down Syndrome: 5 Things Target Said by Saying Nothing at All, </b>about the retail giant's marketing decisions to not make a big deal about using a model with DS in its advertising, is the kudos come from the father of a child with Down syndrome, aka Noah's dad. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">I'm a big believer in the valuable role played by dads in all families, but especially in families that have children with special needs. Great dads rarely receive enough praise for what they do. I'm thrilled their voice/perspective/advocacy is out there in the blogging world, too.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Read one dad's take on special needs parenting, and about Target's recent marketing efforts, <a href="http://noahsdad.com/target-down-syndrome/">here</a>.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Dads are Very Important Parents (VIPs), too.</span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-1509248850377274665?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-84695481150870621702012-01-04T06:47:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:16:40.083-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WESYnVlCiiE/TwRxZRD8MuI/AAAAAAAADiw/V4HP1j3xHlc/s1600/Williamson.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WESYnVlCiiE/TwRxZRD8MuI/AAAAAAAADiw/V4HP1j3xHlc/s400/Williamson.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693800507793748706" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">At a time of year when so many of us cite lofty New Year's resolutions, most of which will never come to fruition, I find this simple 7-minute documentary by <b>Sproutflix </b>worth a look. It's another effort by <b>Sprout,</b> the non-profit <i>committed to providing innovative programming for those with developmental disabilities </i>and part of their <b>Make a Movie Program. </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>Sprout</b> also puts on the annual<a href="http://www.gosprout.org/film/"> <b>Sprout Film Festival</b></a> in New York City each year, an admirable effort I've posted about in the past. The production crew for this short film included individuals with intellectual challenges and asked one question of 35 people with developmental disabilities:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">If You Could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Watch the thought-provoking video<a href="http://sproutflix.org/content/one-question"> here.</a> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">How would you answer this One Question about your own life?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Making the invisible visible.</span></i><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo of Blair Williamson courtesy of Gail Williamson.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8469548115087062170?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-23560827270586692102012-01-01T06:57:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:16:58.267-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TF5V1O_SLps/TwB0epOKOWI/AAAAAAAADiY/lycqCPRNwkQ/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TF5V1O_SLps/TwB0epOKOWI/AAAAAAAADiY/lycqCPRNwkQ/s400/IMG_0119.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692677998806448482" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">A good friend who suffered big losses during the holidays has announced that she will welcome her first grandchild in 2012. I like this first bold beautiful imprint on the new year.<br /><br />Thanks to the Universe for balancing life out, congrats Sharon and John, and Happy New Year to everyone!<br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Shiny new life slate for all, overflowing with possibilities.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo of Eastern Market Detroit by Judy Winter 2012<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2356082727058669210?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-80789766221780380282011-12-30T13:21:00.001-08:002011-12-30T13:21:34.533-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSDd19GqqfQ/TvzbkPP7tmI/AAAAAAAADiA/l4xHySpF-nI/s1600/IMG_9702_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSDd19GqqfQ/TvzbkPP7tmI/AAAAAAAADiA/l4xHySpF-nI/s400/IMG_9702_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691665444704597602" /></a><b><div style="text-align: center;">Judy Winter 2011</div></b><div style="text-align: right;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8078976622178038028?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-70399031073274626252011-12-30T13:12:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:17:28.579-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDY7N25xmfk/TtfXy7iMSaI/AAAAAAAADZw/r-cU_LSCjbg/s1600/AAPD_trip_to_Washington_DC_030.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDY7N25xmfk/TtfXy7iMSaI/AAAAAAAADZw/r-cU_LSCjbg/s400/AAPD_trip_to_Washington_DC_030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681246724925704610" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">From Lauren Potter's mother, Robin: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;" >Please join me in congratulating Lauren as she is sworn in for her appointment to the <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/pcpid/">President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities</a> on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Mayor's Office at Riverside City Hall. We are SO proud of our girl!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">_________________________________________________________________<br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Can't wait for Tuesday. Huge congrats to you, Lauren Potter! All signs point to you continuing to be an excellent, vocal and highly visible advocate and spokesperson for those with special needs. Great way to begin 2012. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Cause for celebration, and progress.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo of Lauren Potter with Blair Williamson courtesy of Gail Williamson.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7039903107327462625?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-66057516998285380532011-12-30T09:54:00.000-08:002012-01-18T06:19:00.970-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ww7JoE8GtY/Tv37EIhXy0I/AAAAAAAADiM/nhfszf-SwCs/s1600/Scan.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ww7JoE8GtY/Tv37EIhXy0I/AAAAAAAADiM/nhfszf-SwCs/s400/Scan.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691981552491678530" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Another unearthed print treasure of Jenna and Eric, and one of my favorite photos of them ever.<br /><br />Worth a thousand words, plus.<br /></span><br /><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6605751699828538053?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-30178310101254775282011-12-29T13:32:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:18:35.278-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBKdcvgIkDM/TvzbL1n7IwI/AAAAAAAADh0/Cay7vg_T8e4/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBKdcvgIkDM/TvzbL1n7IwI/AAAAAAAADh0/Cay7vg_T8e4/s400/IMG_0027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691665025509040898" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:180%;color:#181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter, don't mind." -Dr. Seuss</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><b>Photo Judy Winter 2012</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3017831010125477528?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-19862596905006032682011-12-29T08:17:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:20:11.156-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5A26G8-bwN0/TvyZQImfrSI/AAAAAAAADhQ/zcreZXlEpNI/s1600/dsc00612.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5A26G8-bwN0/TvyZQImfrSI/AAAAAAAADhQ/zcreZXlEpNI/s400/dsc00612.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691592531555364130" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;" >There are several informative and entertaining special needs parenting blogs being written today by moms and dads who are walking this often dicey walk. One of my new favs is <b>flappiness is: Navigating the World of Early Childhood Autism with One Special Little Boy</b> by Leigh Merryday, the parent of two young children under age six, including one with autism. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Can you imagine this mom's daily challenges?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">I recently featured her blog post <a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2011/12/apology-from-your-childs-teacher.html"><b>An Apology From Your Child's Former Teacher</b>,</a> a post which has generated lots of reaction, pro and con. Merryday's words are especially helpful for those parents of kids challenged by autism. But I find this mom's insightful, honest and humorous posts worth the read by all who care about children with special needs, and by those trying to better understand its big challenges and many rewards.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">Merryday doesn't sugarcoat her daily reality and she's not afraid to tackle controversy, which I believe helps her better educate others. </span>And that, helps create needed change. Kudos to you, Leigh Merryday.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Read <b>flappiness is </b><a href="http://flappinessis.com/">here.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo courtesy of Leigh Merryday. Used with permission.</span></b><div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-1986259690500603268?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-26653123514495351002011-12-29T07:52:00.000-08:002012-01-18T06:20:34.586-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpD7gI7y2Xo/TvyRQB1dyhI/AAAAAAAADhE/PuzSHD4umZE/s1600/IMG_6940.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpD7gI7y2Xo/TvyRQB1dyhI/AAAAAAAADhE/PuzSHD4umZE/s400/IMG_6940.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691583733646084626" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Thirty-four-year-old, Rynita McGuire, was born with <a href="http://www.amcsupport.org/index.html">Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita</a>, a rare condition that results in multiple fixed joints throughout the body and significantly limits physical movement. But that reality hasn't stopped her from living life full out, including getting a college degree from Western Michigan University, painting in a college studio, and becoming a DJ. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Read an article focused on McGuire can do,<a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/12/western_michigan_university_st_26.html"> here</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Life worth living.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2665312351449535100?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-26702820144453400902011-12-21T07:07:00.000-08:002012-01-18T06:21:01.800-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL73yULlu3c/TvH2aOkVkEI/AAAAAAAADg4/jRo4_pSI8eU/s1600/Sibs_Jen_and_Eric_in_color-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL73yULlu3c/TvH2aOkVkEI/AAAAAAAADg4/jRo4_pSI8eU/s400/Sibs_Jen_and_Eric_in_color-5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688598734793183298" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Another priceless scanned memory of my babies.</span></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2670282014445340090?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-87236226895049249562011-12-19T10:05:00.001-08:002012-01-18T06:19:16.112-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6bZh9wsXKY/Tu9-oTlhlfI/AAAAAAAADgs/NOneB6Zp8ok/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6bZh9wsXKY/Tu9-oTlhlfI/AAAAAAAADgs/NOneB6Zp8ok/s400/IMG_0688.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687904085309756914" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDDVv37sYII/Tu9-oRF10vI/AAAAAAAADgg/kiILk0C33P8/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDDVv37sYII/Tu9-oRF10vI/AAAAAAAADgg/kiILk0C33P8/s400/IMG_0710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687904084639994610" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Sophie is a loving therapy dog who lost back function after she fell off a truck. Like many humans with such injuries, Sophie now gets around using a set of wheels. This determined dog makes a difference in many lives, including at <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp </a>each summer, where she is a big draw and an inspiration.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Remarkably resilient and loving, and a life worth living.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photos Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8723622689504924956?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-85472683716176551312011-12-19T10:03:00.003-08:002012-01-18T06:19:30.559-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5ad-3D6h98/Tq7y79HOGVI/AAAAAAAADKA/WyqIMMdQ2H8/s1600/tru_hdrLogo-1.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 86px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5ad-3D6h98/Tq7y79HOGVI/AAAAAAAADKA/WyqIMMdQ2H8/s400/tru_hdrLogo-1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669736092737083730" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Make better good choices for those with special needs. This annual guide helps you do just that.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Find the post/links<a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2011/10/media-alert-2011-toys-r-us-differently.html"> here.</a><br /></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><b><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8547268371617655131?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-57636928225510962622011-12-19T10:02:00.001-08:002011-12-19T10:02:45.139-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pYRHsCCckc/TtT17idAiBI/AAAAAAAADX4/w_8HIf_zs7Y/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pYRHsCCckc/TtT17idAiBI/AAAAAAAADX4/w_8HIf_zs7Y/s400/IMG_6372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680435433230600210" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Reminder: My tips for <b>Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs </b>can be found<a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2011/11/creating-holiday-magic-for-kids-with.html"> here.</a><br /></span><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">If you prefer, you can watch me deliver them on video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4BgS75pdXg">here.</a></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5763692822551096262?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-70409822263357190562011-12-19T09:35:00.000-08:002011-12-19T09:43:05.663-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJmJi59oeU/Tu93dc8NrGI/AAAAAAAADgU/FHgR16z-8BY/s1600/IMG_5755.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJmJi59oeU/Tu93dc8NrGI/AAAAAAAADgU/FHgR16z-8BY/s400/IMG_5755.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687896202260884578" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/">Huffington Post </a> science reporter, Cara Santa Maria, helps shine a light on an important and often-hushed subject, depression. Watch it <a href="http://www.aol.com/video/cara-santa-maria-personal-depression-story/517230317/?a_dgi=aolshare_facebook">here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Two minutes plus of valuable awareness</span>.</div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7040982226335719056?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-18314209460086231582011-12-19T09:27:00.000-08:002011-12-19T09:34:42.182-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBd_1_KTDx0/Tu91hrlL6UI/AAAAAAAADgI/SjLwof09-Ls/s1600/IMG_5824.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBd_1_KTDx0/Tu91hrlL6UI/AAAAAAAADgI/SjLwof09-Ls/s400/IMG_5824.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687894075887053122" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://therealzachanner.com/about/">Zach Anner </a>is back in action on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) tonight with back-to-back episodes of Rollin with Zach, including Chicago travels. Find out more<a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-rollin-with-zach/rollin-with-zach-blog.html"> here.</a><br /></span><br /><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Chicago Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-1831420946008623158?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-24069594685709197262011-12-17T09:45:00.000-08:002011-12-17T09:48:19.759-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFAQGV586ek/TuzVqC_um3I/AAAAAAAADf8/FQla6WO3u0Y/s1600/IMG_9861_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFAQGV586ek/TuzVqC_um3I/AAAAAAAADf8/FQla6WO3u0Y/s400/IMG_9861_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687155347797482354" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Jack made me work like a dog for this shot; pun intended. Something about how I promised I'd never dress him up, especially at Christmas. I lied.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">He does look good in red, doesn't he?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Happy Holidays!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2406959468570919726?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-24094409121905545772011-12-17T09:43:00.001-08:002011-12-17T09:49:00.036-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rN3vRSGWpSE/TuzU3exepDI/AAAAAAAADfw/BRToM6zujPw/s1600/Scan%2B2.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rN3vRSGWpSE/TuzU3exepDI/AAAAAAAADfw/BRToM6zujPw/s400/Scan%2B2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687154479080580146" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">My son's life was lived out before digital. So, while I'm thankful I took lots of photos to document his far-too-short short life, I've only recently felt healed enough to begin scanning priceless memories. The result has been unearthed treasures, especially of Eric and his terrific big sister, Jenna. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Merry Christmas to me.</span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2409440912190554577?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-66907243862134938552011-12-16T06:27:00.000-08:002011-12-16T08:32:39.852-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a26Y51Vcyk0/TutcFsi8cAI/AAAAAAAADfk/xDS02TrSWvA/s1600/main-book.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a26Y51Vcyk0/TutcFsi8cAI/AAAAAAAADfk/xDS02TrSWvA/s400/main-book.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686740207412211714" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">David Finch wrote a New York Times essay, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/17/fashion/17love.html">Somewhere Inside, a Path to Empathy</a>, that included his take on being an married adult with Asperger syndrome. His words became the basis for his new book, <b>The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome and One Man's Quest to be a Better Husband. </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;">Finch was first diagnosed with higher-functioning autism five years after he got hitched to Kristen, a speech therapist. The book chronicles how the diagnosis has impacted their marriage and his life.</span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.davebarry.com/">Dave Barry,</a> author of <b>'I'll Mature When I'm Dead: Dave Barry's Amazing Tales of Adulthood,'</b> writes of Finch's book: "His often-hilarious efforts to understand and cope with his condition will resonate with every guy whose wife has ever asked him, “What the hell were you THINKING?”<br /><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:large;">I think this is only the beginning of such stories about new adult diagnosis. Wonder how many relationships and marriages Finch's words might save, and how many adults will see themselves in his diagnosis. Probably more than one woman will be saying to herself about her husband, "Okay. Now I get it."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br />Read more about Finch and his work <a href="http://davidfinchwriter.com/">here.</a></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br />Courtesy image.</span></div></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6690724386213493855?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-61629003099228317672011-12-15T05:42:00.001-08:002011-12-15T05:51:12.764-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-co80u22X-2M/Tun6dPJONLI/AAAAAAAADfM/Gj1c7CTn7tY/s1600/IMG_6436.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-co80u22X-2M/Tun6dPJONLI/AAAAAAAADfM/Gj1c7CTn7tY/s400/IMG_6436.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686351384720323762" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Love shooting unexpected holiday photos, especially urban shots, like this one in Chicago.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo on Magnificent Mile by Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6162900309922831767?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-12508921345693328222011-12-15T05:40:00.000-08:002011-12-15T05:42:14.076-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN8IbqGmt3s/TqcRvLA5cdI/AAAAAAAADIg/w-zgBQ6zjic/s1600/Students-Poster-BnW.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN8IbqGmt3s/TqcRvLA5cdI/AAAAAAAADIg/w-zgBQ6zjic/s400/Students-Poster-BnW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667518158177137106" /></a><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I love this, a lot. That's why I keep repeating it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i>"Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization... that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)."</i><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Find out how you can get involved in this terrific organization and mission,<a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org/"> here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">True inclusion happens peer to peer.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo courtesy of Best Buddies.<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-1250892134569332822?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-50204815589294548602011-12-15T05:31:00.000-08:002011-12-15T05:39:11.281-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLHBHr2qHUY/Tun33lEhwLI/AAAAAAAADfA/D1CFScDO-Go/s1600/51PjFFn6TzL._AA160_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLHBHr2qHUY/Tun33lEhwLI/AAAAAAAADfA/D1CFScDO-Go/s400/51PjFFn6TzL._AA160_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686348538747928754" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_572gFVlx0/TrqLwpLK5iI/AAAAAAAADT8/WicxcjF86oo/s1600/cover-188x300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_572gFVlx0/TrqLwpLK5iI/AAAAAAAADT8/WicxcjF86oo/s400/cover-188x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673000348429248034" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Since many people buy books for holiday gifts, here's a repeat of my recent post of a fav read of mine this year: Come to the Edge by Christina Haag, which also has a brand new book cover. My guess is the new publishing choice of John John on the cover of the now bestseller is sure to sell more copies, and I understand why. </span></b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Here's My previous post/review:</b><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Most of us have read books that leave us wanting more when we've turned the last page. <b>'Come to the Edge'</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> by Christina Haag is such a book. Throughout its pages, the actress skillfully chronicles her life, which includes a passionate five-year love affair with John F. Kennedy, Jr., and a diagnosis of breast cancer at age forty four.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I agree with some reviewers that have taken the author to task for jumping around a bit too much, making it challenging at times to follow the storyline. But the writing is stellar and Haag offers the curious a fascinating, always respectful glimpse into the Kennedy's privileged world without turning tabloid. She captures 'John John's' unending, contagious and sometimes dangerous zest for life, and the excruciating pain of her own great loss. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">The result is a beautiful, haunting and tragic love story, and a great read. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;" >One only the author could tell.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;">Read more about the Haag <a href="http://christinahaag.com/">here.</a></span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Courtesy image.<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5020481558929454860?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-59927731759004595832011-12-14T16:00:00.001-08:002011-12-14T16:05:02.687-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbN7xc5xGrw/Tuk5fWBFd-I/AAAAAAAADe0/in8-zXQb8Ss/s1600/IMG_2947.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbN7xc5xGrw/Tuk5fWBFd-I/AAAAAAAADe0/in8-zXQb8Ss/s400/IMG_2947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686139215180822498" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">At 4 p.m., the darkness thinks it's winning. But I just turned on more pretty lights and cranked up the carols. Advantage, me.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I'm all about the glass half full. That's how I've survived.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">How about you?</span><br /><div><br /></div></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5992773175900459583?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-38839479234492518332011-12-14T15:39:00.000-08:002011-12-14T15:48:10.695-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x3lfqVxHQc/Tukz9X8uG5I/AAAAAAAADeo/NkqPp-ubJR8/s1600/IMG_5619.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x3lfqVxHQc/Tukz9X8uG5I/AAAAAAAADeo/NkqPp-ubJR8/s400/IMG_5619.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686133134025694098" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />One of our fav <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar Campers</a> and Buddy Up volunteers, the very talented and charming Kierin Kerbawy. The 2011 grad of East Lansing High School, who has been active in Michigan theatre, was featured in a 2011 Michigan campaign/billboard with the Lion's<a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=drew+stanton&amp;form=APMCS1#/?prevver=search&amp;shash=1"> </a><a href="http://drewstanton.com/">Drew Stanton</a><a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=drew+stanton&amp;form=APMCS1#/?prevver=search&amp;shash=1"> </a>that helps creates greater awareness of those with Down syndrome. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We are so proud of you, Kierin.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Life well worth living.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo of Kierin with Chuck Colby of the terrific musical group <a href="http://www.threemenandatenor.com/">Three Men and a Tenor </a>by Judy Winter 2011. Three Men and a Tenor was a recipient of a 2011 RicStar Award.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3883947923449251833?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-77872122929287556512011-12-14T15:25:00.000-08:002011-12-14T15:35:19.519-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRyc1OnAmYk/TukxGQ553sI/AAAAAAAADec/m7NyqnokrXQ/s1600/IMG_0003-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRyc1OnAmYk/TukxGQ553sI/AAAAAAAADec/m7NyqnokrXQ/s400/IMG_0003-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686129988218773186" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Sharing an oldy, but goody. Eric in his Christmas sweater at a school party with his terrific big sister. 'Tis the season for remembering that my son loved Christmas.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The holidays aren't the same without you, buddy.</span></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7787212292928755651?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-8114013559646916162011-12-14T14:46:00.000-08:002011-12-14T15:18:35.044-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6oFxnxZXkw/TukowDoK07I/AAAAAAAADeQ/iXcSRhReFbg/s1600/Solid-Lips-with-tag-wm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 144px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g6oFxnxZXkw/TukowDoK07I/AAAAAAAADeQ/iXcSRhReFbg/s400/Solid-Lips-with-tag-wm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686120810604581810" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><b>Did You Know?</b><br />Actor<a href="http://www.colinfarrell.org/"> Colin Farrell's</a> seven-year-old son, James, has Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-developmental disorder that severely impacts global developmental delays and speech. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">On behalf of his son, Farrell has become an effective and outspoken activist for the disability. Check out the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) with its resource video, and hear about Angelman in Colin Farrell's own words <a href="http://www.cureangelman.org/">here</a>. You can also find out more about <b>Speak Out </b>efforts to raise greater awareness about a disorder that impacts 1 in 15,000 lives births.</span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Kudos to Colin Farrell for sharing his own story to help his son and the cause. Another responsible use of celebrity. I love posting this kind of information to remind you than when it comes to the challenges of special needs parenting and demands of parental advocacy, you are never alone. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Disability can happen to anyone at anytime, even celebs.</span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Logo courtesy of FAST<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-811401355964691616?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-28812595450142800712011-12-11T16:29:00.001-08:002011-12-11T16:32:20.143-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxTXsCHgcJI/TuVLGewWlXI/AAAAAAAADeE/odYoP20rx3k/s1600/Eric_in_Stiped_Shirt.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MxTXsCHgcJI/TuVLGewWlXI/AAAAAAAADeE/odYoP20rx3k/s400/Eric_in_Stiped_Shirt.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685032679332287858" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">My candle is burning and I am remembering and honoring my beloved son, Eric.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">You will never be forgotten.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Thank you<a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx"> Compassionate Friends</a>, for creating this wonderfully simple and healing tradition.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2881259545014280071?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-58287179138372341912011-12-11T07:46:00.000-08:002011-12-11T07:49:01.140-08:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvVuW0XbaUY/TtT-HiXnoWI/AAAAAAAADYc/9aENq9bWcqw/s1600/IMG_7953.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvVuW0XbaUY/TtT-HiXnoWI/AAAAAAAADYc/9aENq9bWcqw/s400/IMG_7953.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680444435459449186" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The Compassionate Friends</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> <b>Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting</b> honors and remembers children who have died. This year's event will be held tonight <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">at 7 p.m.</span> local time. Please share this post with those you believe could benefit from the healing act of remembering a child who has died.</span></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">For more information on this organization that supports bereaved parents, and about this beautiful holiday tradition born in 1997, click <a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/News_Events/Special-Events/Worldwide_Candle_Lighting.aspx">here.</a></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">As always, my candle remembering my son, Eric, will be burning brightly, too. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/">Winter Ramblings Blog</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/">Flickr Page</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5828717913837234191?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-26231035010978068442011-12-09T07:15:00.000-08:002011-12-09T12:11:36.317-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6paVIFxgJno/TuIukiY4h4I/AAAAAAAADd4/OIFEZGnOHtU/s1600/IMG_6293.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6paVIFxgJno/TuIukiY4h4I/AAAAAAAADd4/OIFEZGnOHtU/s400/IMG_6293.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684156884936329090" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />Please bear with me. Sometimes I just need to add my voice to things other than special needs. I admit I found it painful and a bit disturbing to watch the very public and very emotional meltdown of the popular, talented and young, Rachel Crow, after she was eliminated from<a href="http://www.thexfactorusa.com/"> The X Factor </a>last night. When judge, Nicole Scherzinger, refused to make a choice on who to send home, the decision was left to the contestant receiving the lowest number of seasonal votes from viewers (Rachel), which when announced, sent the young girl to the floor sobbing. As people rushed the stage to her aid, including her mother. Scherzinger was loudly booed by the crowd. The reality is that the singer is on the show to be a judge with all the responsibility that entails (including voting people off) and she should have cast her vote. In trying to avoid being the heavy, she has become just that, right or wrong, and sent Crow into a tailspin. Unbelievable pressure for one so young.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Reminder, Paula Abdul, who quickly went to the aid of Schertzer and Crow, did a similar thing earlier in the season. Drama is always good for ratings.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The young charmer and American sweetheart, Crow, has since taken to the media to ask the public to stop blaming Schertziner for her elimination. Read the People magazine article <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20552381,00.html">here.</a> Class in a small package.</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I'm sure Simon Cowell will ensure that we haven't heard the last of Rachel Crow. The question is, will he allow Nicole Scherzinger back for another season? I hope so. I like her. But she should vote. Stay tuned.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">That's my Reality TV rant for now. Now back to more important matters.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Chicago Grand Lux Cafe Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2623103501097806844?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-63349999154236130542011-12-09T07:10:00.001-08:002011-12-09T07:13:01.318-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6qlRwQKsOWY/TGv7WS7kOyI/AAAAAAAACWA/EXEB5Wy4QoE/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6qlRwQKsOWY/TGv7WS7kOyI/AAAAAAAACWA/EXEB5Wy4QoE/s400/IMG_1345.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506771329847933730" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />A story worth revisiting.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />Of all the inspiring special needs stories that I have heard or told during the past twenty years, and there have been many, few have touched me as much as the life story of Richard Prangley. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Prangley was wrongly institutionalized as a child and labeled a 'low-level imbecile' and 'unable to learn' by professionals. What Richard experienced after being committed by his family at age six to the former Coldwater State Home in Michigan is both horrific and inexcusable. But what this man has done since being freed from that setting at age 21, including becoming a passionate lobbyist for the developmentally disabled at high levels, is nothing short of remarkable, and a real tribute to the power of the human spirit to triumph over the toughest life circumstances. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Richard's story was first skillfully and honestly captured in 1998 by popular Lansing State Journal (LSJ) columnist, <a href="http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/section/columnists09">John Schneider</a>, in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Home-Richard-Prangley-Story/dp/0802842119">'Waiting for Home: the Richard Prangley Story.' </a> The two men have remained close friends since the day they first met in the LSJ newsroom more than thirty years ago. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">You can view the two-part feature of Richard's remarkable live story on <b>YouTube,</b> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=RIchard+Prangley&amp;aq=f">here.</a> Thanks to Elizabeth Kelly of the PBS program, '<a href="http://www.awiderworld.com/">A Wider World</a>,' for doing an outstanding job translating a fascinating and complex life story for television.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />I'm blessed and honored to call Richard Prangley, John Schneider and Elizabeth Kelly my friends. I'm thrilled to have been part of the effort to bring this inspiring story to the PBS program 'A Wider World,' and happy to share it with you on this blog.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Richard Prangley is one of the finest human beings I've ever met, and he has much to teach us all about the power of forgiveness and true faith. I suggest you share his story with everyone you know, and refer to it when you need a boost in your own daily life, especially when challenged by the daily realities of special needs.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I do.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo: Richard Prangley, Judy Winter and Elizabeth Kelly at </b><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/camp.html"><b>RicStar's Camp</b></a><b> 2010, where Richard received the 'RicStar' Award for Outstanding Special Needs Advocacy.</b></span></div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6334999915423613054?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-53964697136053307342011-12-09T07:09:00.001-08:002011-12-16T08:30:55.713-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pYRHsCCckc/TtT17idAiBI/AAAAAAAADX4/w_8HIf_zs7Y/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pYRHsCCckc/TtT17idAiBI/AAAAAAAADX4/w_8HIf_zs7Y/s400/IMG_6372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680435433230600210" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Reminder: My tips for <b>Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs </b>can be found<a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2011/11/creating-holiday-magic-for-kids-with.html"> here.</a><br /></span><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">If you prefer, you can watch me deliver them on video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4BgS75pdXg">here.</a></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5396469713605330734?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-31078060723118067822011-12-09T07:06:00.001-08:002011-12-09T07:07:51.150-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5ad-3D6h98/Tq7y79HOGVI/AAAAAAAADKA/WyqIMMdQ2H8/s1600/tru_hdrLogo-1.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 86px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5ad-3D6h98/Tq7y79HOGVI/AAAAAAAADKA/WyqIMMdQ2H8/s400/tru_hdrLogo-1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669736092737083730" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Make better good choices for those with special needs. This annual guide helps you do just that.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Find the post/links<a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2011/10/media-alert-2011-toys-r-us-differently.html"> here.</a><br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3107806072311806782?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-28021409118368862302011-12-07T14:02:00.000-08:002011-12-07T14:24:54.469-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOz4SLdN1kM/Tt_i1PSXSnI/AAAAAAAADds/0dwp5g8gMt0/s1600/388153_237775252955585_180510985348679_560579_22904452_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IOz4SLdN1kM/Tt_i1PSXSnI/AAAAAAAADds/0dwp5g8gMt0/s400/388153_237775252955585_180510985348679_560579_22904452_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683510659029355122" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Every so often, I do an interview in my own backyard, as I did recently. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Here's the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LCC1957?blend=7&amp;ob=5#p/c/5/viifAgDdc2I">video</a> if you'd like to watch me in action, and here's the link to <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp,</a> too. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;">LCC did a great job, and I didn't even have to pack or face a body scanner.</span><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I'm passionate about what I do, and I love sharing that passion.</span></div></div></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo courtesy of LCC Connections</span></b><br /><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2802140911836886230?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-74424578983298615592011-12-07T13:43:00.001-08:002011-12-07T13:49:26.316-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5t8OASAoP4/Tt_ew33cFvI/AAAAAAAADdg/-x15bDV5dnA/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5t8OASAoP4/Tt_ew33cFvI/AAAAAAAADdg/-x15bDV5dnA/s400/DSC_0254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683506185976420082" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Special Olympic athletes tell what the organization has meant to them. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Watch In Their Own Words <a href="http://www.specialolympics.org/video_inspire_greatness.aspx">here.</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">How did we spread the word without video and social networking?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Inspire Greatness.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.</span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7442457898329861559?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-83228690474468472522011-12-07T13:21:00.001-08:002011-12-07T13:31:03.602-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95Oo0Ub4S6o/Tt_aiy5uCRI/AAAAAAAADdU/1KFiIkntjpQ/s1600/legacyhp242x100.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 100px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95Oo0Ub4S6o/Tt_aiy5uCRI/AAAAAAAADdU/1KFiIkntjpQ/s400/legacyhp242x100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683501546079127826" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Now, this is the kind of holiday card that steals my heart. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is a marvelous organization. Today, CRF honors its founder's legacies so beautifully, while changing lives in dramatic ways.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Watch the greetings <a href="http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.7900313/k.F146/Happy_Holidays_from_the_Reeve_Foundation.htm?msource=email&amp;auid=9962228">here.</a> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Please consider them in your end-of-year giving, too. I do.</span></div><br /><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo courtesy of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8322869047446847252?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-2718446723371440802011-12-07T06:41:00.000-08:002011-12-11T17:59:32.796-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgYem5IsJ4g/Tt98wDkrc0I/AAAAAAAADdI/s013vt-pqhY/s1600/MISC_Photos_from_Eric%2527s_Old_Computer_001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgYem5IsJ4g/Tt98wDkrc0I/AAAAAAAADdI/s013vt-pqhY/s400/MISC_Photos_from_Eric%2527s_Old_Computer_001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683398419799569218" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />I just love this post shared on a friend's Facebook page this morning and had to pass it on. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">Interestingly enough, I've gotten more than one e-mail from teachers and counselors who are now parents of kids with special needs who confirm that they, too, had little clue as to how tough this parenting gig really was.</span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Fortunately, Eric had more good teachers/team members than not. But it was never easy. My heart and thanks also go out to all those outstanding professionals who do care deeply about our children, but lack the resources, proper training and funding to meet such challenging special needs educational goals. We have a long way to go before no child is truly left behind.We can and must do better for all concerned. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">Putting kids in classrooms without the proper preparation, resources, staff and training is not inclusion. It's a recipe for educational failure. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">Unfortunately, too often parents must then remain ever vigilant working to ensure that their children's educational/legal needs and rights are being met. This creates additional and unfair stress on the family units that are often already struggling under the weight of their parenting responsibilities, including financial. Could you do it? There has to a better way for all involved, especially the children.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;" >One of the greatest gifts of this mother's post is the rapid-fire discussion it has generated from all sides. People are talking, and that is always a good thing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;" >Read <b>An Apology From Your Child's Teacher</b> <a href="http://flappinessis.com/2011/12/01/an-apology-from-your-childs-former-teacher/">here.</a> I<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"> have to go discover more about the mom/blogger who wrote this terrific piece.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Amazing how quickly the sting comes back, even after all these years.<br /></span><br /><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo of my son's final year at school Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-271844672337144080?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-72908141579533477672011-12-06T13:17:00.001-08:002011-12-06T13:24:47.866-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Given the last post, seems like the perfect time to repost this.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6qlRwQKsOWY/TOqUy4b4E0I/AAAAAAAACeM/4O5V0yyj5BU/s1600/I-am-Norm-logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6qlRwQKsOWY/TOqUy4b4E0I/AAAAAAAACeM/4O5V0yyj5BU/s400/I-am-Norm-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542405893296493378" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">If you haven't already done so, consider checking out the NORM campaign I've blogged about in the<a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2010/11/special-needs-kudos-i-am-norm-inclusion.html"> past. </a>Worth the time.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Click <a href="http://iamnorm.org/home.aspx">here.</a><br /></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b>Judy Winter</b></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b>Flickr Page</b></a></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7290814157953347767?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-73844768568593017792011-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:002011-12-06T13:16:05.273-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJs9XdKdfxY/Tt6F-cQb4yI/AAAAAAAADc8/Ht76C2m3b-w/s1600/Eric%2Bphotos%2Ball%2Bages%2B003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJs9XdKdfxY/Tt6F-cQb4yI/AAAAAAAADc8/Ht76C2m3b-w/s400/Eric%2Bphotos%2Ball%2Bages%2B003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683127087571657506" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Did You Know?</span></b><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Dec. 5th thru Dec. 9th is the <b>11th Annual Inclusive Schools Week.</b> You can download an activities/resource guide for schools, classrooms and families<a href="http://inclusiveschools.org/files/116/"> here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">'Great things happen in inclusive schools,' and elsewhere in our communities. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Check it out!</span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7384476856859301779?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-20604180834390246482011-12-06T12:14:00.000-08:002011-12-06T12:35:42.982-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpb4gtAOIM4/Tt57ZoMFQvI/AAAAAAAADcw/Jhsy9h_EUB4/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 341px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpb4gtAOIM4/Tt57ZoMFQvI/AAAAAAAADcw/Jhsy9h_EUB4/s400/IMG_0542.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683115460003185394" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">Those of you who helped <a href="http://therealzachanner.com/">Zach Anner</a> get his own show on the <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own">Oprah Winfrey Network</a> (OWN) will be happy to hear that the premiere of<b> Rollin with Zach</b> airs next Monday, December 12th, at 8 p.m. ET. It includes Zach surfing.</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I can't wait to watch Zach in action again. (Here's my original <a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2011/02/special-needs-shout-out-kudos-to-oprah_26.html">post. </a>announcing he'd won the competition). Zach has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to get around.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Watch the trailer for Zach's new show featuring travels in Los Angeles <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-rollin-with-zach/Rollin-With-Zach">here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Check out his presence on the <a href="http://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/Groups/Life_Rolls_On/blog/2011/12/06/rollin-with-zach-premieres-on-oprah-winfrey-networ">Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation </a>website, too.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">One funny dude, focused on ability.</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-2060418083439024648?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-71818101388445860332011-12-06T09:29:00.000-08:002011-12-06T14:01:42.079-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqZv5wGWphk/Tt5RLoOWfTI/AAAAAAAADck/4o5lm_c5iWU/s1600/finalcoverlarge.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqZv5wGWphk/Tt5RLoOWfTI/AAAAAAAADck/4o5lm_c5iWU/s400/finalcoverlarge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683069040006167858" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I'm pleased to be included as one of the 'Q/A Expert Voices' in the new book <b>Easy to Love, but Hard to Raise </b>by Kay Marner and Adrienne Ehlert Bashista.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The book is an anthology of parental essays about what it's like to raise children with a wide range of challenging behavioral diagnoses, including ADD, ADHD, OCD and many others. The book will be widely available on Feb. 12th, but it's currently available for direct purchase on the publisher's website (DRT Press) for 30 percent off the cover price until Jan. 20th. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">If you're interested in getting an advanced copy, click<a href="http://www.drtpress.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&amp;flypage=flypage_new.tpl&amp;product_id=17&amp;category_id=6&amp;option=com_virtuemart&amp;Itemid=54"> here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">In addition to <b>Easy to Love</b>, and my own book,<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"> Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs</a></b>, my words also appear in the books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Special-Kind-Love-Those-Children/dp/0805427279/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1323194479&amp;sr=8-1">A<b> Special Kind of Love: For Those Who Love Children with Special Needs</b>,</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Enabled-Words-Victories-People-Disabilities/dp/0976656019/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1323194544&amp;sr=8-12"><b>Enabled in Words: The Real Lives, Real Victories of People with Disabilties.</b></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Image courtesy of DRT Press. Used with permission.</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></b></span><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7181810138844586033?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-83636783531982463022011-12-05T13:28:00.001-08:002011-12-05T13:44:54.564-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6Qw_KfREOE/Tt06x02M_sI/AAAAAAAADcY/rnW_VseMzAc/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6Qw_KfREOE/Tt06x02M_sI/AAAAAAAADcY/rnW_VseMzAc/s400/IMG_0670.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682762932485422786" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Did You Know?</span></b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">85 percent of kids with disabilities have been bullied?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We need to remember them, too, in our discussions on this timely topic. Raise your voices.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Source: The American Association of People with Disabilities <a href="http://www.aapd.com/">(AAPD).</a></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp</a> Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8363678353198246302?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-32784323769144163492011-12-05T13:11:00.001-08:002011-12-05T13:20:29.039-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSaD-CK2n2c/TtfIGoEOfSI/AAAAAAAADZM/IK_v_hAUCog/s1600/IMG_0796.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSaD-CK2n2c/TtfIGoEOfSI/AAAAAAAADZM/IK_v_hAUCog/s400/IMG_0796.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681229471111085346" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><b>UPDATE 12-5-11: As promised, here's an updated link to that terrific video about kids with special needs/ bullying that I hyped a few posts ago. </b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><b>Thanks, Laura Schwartz of AAPD for posting the new link under comments on my original post. Love this campaign. So happy to reshare. Thanks for making it, AAPD.</b><br /></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">_______________________________</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this <a href="http://www.aapd.com/what-we-do/education/safe-schools/">PSA about bullying and kids with special needs </a>from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), a terrific resource which, according to its website, promotes<i> equal opportunity, economic recovery, independent living and political participation for people with disabilities.</i></span><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Too often we discuss bullying without mentioning how many kids with disabilities face this inexcusable behavior on a daily basis. </span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Speak up, loudly, and then pass this on.</span></span></i></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo of Remarkable Grace/<a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp </a>Judy Winter 2011<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3278432376914416349?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-62031008485964359702011-12-05T12:56:00.000-08:002011-12-05T12:59:39.061-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz7lycpRlDk/Tt0wS_wcw0I/AAAAAAAADcM/prl9c6xxxIM/s1600/IMG_6450.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 243px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz7lycpRlDk/Tt0wS_wcw0I/AAAAAAAADcM/prl9c6xxxIM/s400/IMG_6450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682751407721857858" /></a><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">J Crew Michigan Avenue-Chicago<br /><br />Love that town.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6203100848596435970?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-78275533858421761612011-12-05T08:23:00.001-08:002011-12-05T09:02:38.053-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L45qyp_d3Vs/TtzxVrkM3nI/AAAAAAAADcA/Is5KXApHlL0/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L45qyp_d3Vs/TtzxVrkM3nI/AAAAAAAADcA/Is5KXApHlL0/s400/IMG_0597.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682682184608833138" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />Warning: shameless plug. All for the cause. You can check out an interview I did in my own backyard two weeks ago that's now on YouTube regarding my book and<a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php"> RicStar's Camp</a>. More valuable awareness for special needs.<br /></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Find it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LCC1957?blend=7&amp;ob=5#p/c/5/viifAgDdc2I">here.</a></span></div><div><br /></div>Speaking of shameless promotion, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1">Breakthrough Parenting</a> makes a great Christmas gift for families challenged by special needs. I don't care about royalties; I care about changing children's lives.<br /><br /></div><div>You can also view a good promotional spot by MSU regarding the 2011 RicStar's Camp that captures the joy of the camp well. Plus, the end-of-camp Showcase is also there for viewing in three parts. Watch all the music magic <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQSJ4V2RyS0&amp;feature=feedu">here.</a></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7827553385842176161?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-81149120164937981772011-12-05T05:52:00.001-08:002011-12-05T06:00:24.919-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9ccnoVACzo/TtzNv3_bh8I/AAAAAAAADb0/i4_xScQMZSE/s1600/IMG_1407.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9ccnoVACzo/TtzNv3_bh8I/AAAAAAAADb0/i4_xScQMZSE/s400/IMG_1407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682643052202264514" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Two of the coolest Canadians I know. Smart, funny, talented and very charming.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Kurtis and his terrific mom, Glenda.</span></div></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo<a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php"> RicStar's Camp</a> Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8114912016493798177?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-68789063473293485642011-12-05T05:48:00.000-08:002011-12-05T05:52:04.986-08:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvVuW0XbaUY/TtT-HiXnoWI/AAAAAAAADYc/9aENq9bWcqw/s1600/IMG_7953.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvVuW0XbaUY/TtT-HiXnoWI/AAAAAAAADYc/9aENq9bWcqw/s400/IMG_7953.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680444435459449186" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The Compassionate Friends</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> <b>Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting</b> honors and remembers children who have died. This year's event will be held on<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> Sunday, December 11th at 7 p.m.</span> local time. Please share this post with those you believe could benefit from the healing act of remembering a child who has died. I love selecting a special candle for my son for this special evening of reflection.</span></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">For more information on this organization that supports bereaved parents, and about this beautiful holiday tradition born in 1997, click <a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/News_Events/Special-Events/Worldwide_Candle_Lighting.aspx">here. </a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">As always, my candle remembering my son, Eric, will be burning brightly, too. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/">Winter Ramblings Blog</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/">Flickr Page</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-6878906347329348564?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-40766721240393522322011-12-04T05:33:00.000-08:002011-12-04T05:37:50.721-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7zwjuA7C6s/Ttt3TF68qlI/AAAAAAAADbo/ceNZSP7kNl8/s1600/IMG_4482.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7zwjuA7C6s/Ttt3TF68qlI/AAAAAAAADbo/ceNZSP7kNl8/s400/IMG_4482.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682266524748655186" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Ouch! That one made the GREEN heart bleed. But it's still been an amazing ride and it's not over yet. Thanks, Coach Dantonio and team, for a terrific season. Still bowl bound, somewhere. This team was Rose-Bowl worthy. Big progress.<br /><br />Go Spartans!<br /></span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo of one GREEN hero, Keith Nichol, by Judy Winter 2011<br /><br /></span></b><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-4076672124039352232?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-34969889850195212682011-12-03T09:01:00.001-08:002011-12-03T09:06:56.443-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIS8A8zTuAs/TtpWEC6LoCI/AAAAAAAADbc/O4YQEYajHTk/s1600/IMG_0810.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIS8A8zTuAs/TtpWEC6LoCI/AAAAAAAADbc/O4YQEYajHTk/s400/IMG_0810.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681948507381669922" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Craig tells the best jokes of anyone I know and he's always the first to step in to help. others. He makes <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp </a>more fun.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I never get the punchlines first, ever.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3496988985019521268?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-80144345362119283352011-12-02T12:20:00.001-08:002011-12-03T12:44:39.977-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ5cNsxCYCo/Ttk0Y0YpCuI/AAAAAAAADbQ/bSGGt42pRXU/s1600/IMG_5792.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ5cNsxCYCo/Ttk0Y0YpCuI/AAAAAAAADbQ/bSGGt42pRXU/s400/IMG_5792.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681630005888092898" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Find out more, <a href="http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1561">here.</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I look forward to the day when we recognize and celebrate the lives and contributions of those with special needs every day.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We're making progress.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8014434536211928335?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-70572442610393627732011-12-01T13:02:00.000-08:002011-12-02T06:42:01.411-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UHPsNeFoZg/TtftHhcGQfI/AAAAAAAADbE/NYduPPzGhoY/s1600/IMG_5175.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UHPsNeFoZg/TtftHhcGQfI/AAAAAAAADbE/NYduPPzGhoY/s400/IMG_5175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681270168442257906" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">For all you parents who work so hard each and every day to create brighter futures for your children with special needs, this post is for you. For those of you who have chosen to take a child out of an orphanage and put them into a real home filled with love, there's a blessing in this for you, too. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Seventeen-year-old Australian, Emmanuel Kelly, is focused on ability; and he can sing, too.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Imagine.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Watch it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W86jlvrG54o?rel=0">here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Thanks, Gail Williamson, for sharing this.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp</a> Judy Winter 2011<br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7057244261039362773?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-84742718397975188962011-12-01T11:22:00.001-08:002011-12-01T13:29:45.188-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZzb-7LXo_U/TtfYZkyx4zI/AAAAAAAADa4/6u02houqlxI/s1600/Tahoe_2008_-_Al%2527s_wedding_009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZzb-7LXo_U/TtfYZkyx4zI/AAAAAAAADa4/6u02houqlxI/s400/Tahoe_2008_-_Al%2527s_wedding_009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681247388836160306" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKsTtlQhXmg/TtfYSDXl47I/AAAAAAAADao/0q73rnofsXQ/s1600/Cruise_sunset_B_%2526_G.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKsTtlQhXmg/TtfYSDXl47I/AAAAAAAADao/0q73rnofsXQ/s400/Cruise_sunset_B_%2526_G.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681247259604673458" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxGBFHVp1ts/TtfYRpYkFNI/AAAAAAAADag/bVN4-YAa2eE/s1600/Tahoe_2008_-_Al%2527s_wedding_033.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxGBFHVp1ts/TtfYRpYkFNI/AAAAAAAADag/bVN4-YAa2eE/s400/Tahoe_2008_-_Al%2527s_wedding_033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681247252629427410" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OD1T-XrEp-o/TtfYRcIboHI/AAAAAAAADaU/LHCptrqCyhQ/s1600/Gail%2527s_photos_023.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OD1T-XrEp-o/TtfYRcIboHI/AAAAAAAADaU/LHCptrqCyhQ/s400/Gail%2527s_photos_023.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681247249072103538" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uwLHpQK-mo/TtfX0LI0jKI/AAAAAAAADaI/vDDmDTz_NVs/s1600/Williamson.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uwLHpQK-mo/TtfX0LI0jKI/AAAAAAAADaI/vDDmDTz_NVs/s400/Williamson.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681246746294127778" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XALI16b9lZk/TtfXzFVJtkI/AAAAAAAADZ8/TaG_bpSYnOk/s1600/ARC_May_Day_Dance_NH_015.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XALI16b9lZk/TtfXzFVJtkI/AAAAAAAADZ8/TaG_bpSYnOk/s400/ARC_May_Day_Dance_NH_015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681246727555364418" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDY7N25xmfk/TtfXy7iMSaI/AAAAAAAADZw/r-cU_LSCjbg/s1600/AAPD_trip_to_Washington_DC_030.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDY7N25xmfk/TtfXy7iMSaI/AAAAAAAADZw/r-cU_LSCjbg/s400/AAPD_trip_to_Washington_DC_030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681246724925704610" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_xAfDisydw/TtfXn9FDhXI/AAAAAAAADZk/tTIognLjss8/s1600/AAPD_trip_to_Washington_DC_109.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_xAfDisydw/TtfXn9FDhXI/AAAAAAAADZk/tTIognLjss8/s400/AAPD_trip_to_Washington_DC_109.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681246536361805170" /></a><br />I've been writing and speaking on special needs parenting issues since my son's birth in 1990. I began at a time when few people, organizations or media were publicly addressing the challenges and rewards of raising children with disabilities, and they certainly weren't focused on individual abilities and potential or human value. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">It was still an era of shame and ignorance, and I was a starry eyed advocate hell bent on change.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">As a writer and mom, I knew I wanted to be an agent of positive change for my son and other families facing the tremendous daily challenges of special needs parenting. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">One of the first advocates I made contact with was Gail Williamson of the <a href="http://www.dsala.org/">Down syndrome Association of Los Angeles </a>(DSALA). We quickly become friends. Her son, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1107146/">Blair,</a> is a talented, working actor in L.A. who has Down syndrome. Those of you familiar with my blog know I have written about Gail and Blair in past posts. They are also included as one of the parenting success stories in my book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations,</a> for which Gail also wrote the introduction. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">They're two of my favorite people, high praise considering I've met some amazing folks during my twenty year plus special needs ride.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Because of our friendship and their place in my own author/advocacy beginnings, I've decided to feature Blair as my <b>Lives Worth Living Day 15</b> with several photos depicting the richness of his life, instead of just one. It's been a full life given birth by his amazing mom. Pun intended.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The photos show Blair most recently on a jet to Washington for an event with GLEE's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2373670/">Lauren Potter</a>, his recent love of photography, with his girlfriend, Susie, dancing at his cousin's wedding, at which he also gave her away, and with his remarkable mom, Gail, whose belief in her son early on changed the course of his life dramatically, and her own.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I hope you enjoy each image and learn from Gail and Blair's example. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I know I have.</span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">All photos courtesy of Gail Williamson. Used with permission.<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-8474271839797518896?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-45378103132972987202011-12-01T10:55:00.000-08:002011-12-01T11:04:25.120-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hE4Fqn7smag/TtfONWPDfLI/AAAAAAAADZY/Kk8mkURFWck/s1600/IMG_9061_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hE4Fqn7smag/TtfONWPDfLI/AAAAAAAADZY/Kk8mkURFWck/s400/IMG_9061_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681236183653514418" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Jack and I spent the morning with our fav new friends at our local elementary school, where we got read lots of great stories. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">Jack made the kids smile, and they us. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;">And yes, Jack does smile.</span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://tdi-dog.org/">Therapy dogs,</a> and former <a href="http://www.cesarsway.com/news/foundationnews/Find-a-Shelter-Star-Near-You">shelter dogs,</a> rock. So do the kids.</span></div><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-4537810313297298720?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-2586340503147731102011-12-01T10:18:00.000-08:002011-12-03T12:50:59.543-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSaD-CK2n2c/TtfIGoEOfSI/AAAAAAAADZM/IK_v_hAUCog/s1600/IMG_0796.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSaD-CK2n2c/TtfIGoEOfSI/AAAAAAAADZM/IK_v_hAUCog/s400/IMG_0796.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681229471111085346" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><b>UPDATE 12-3-11: The video I hyped below has since been made private. Have no idea why and unable to find a public viewing of it. So sorry. If that changes again soon, I will repost. Well worth being viewed by all.</b><br /></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">_______________________________</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this <a href="http://youtu.be/0NwEf9vV5Ck">PSA about bullying and kids with special needs </a>from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), a terrific resource which, according to its website, promotes<i> equal opportunity, economic recovery, independent living and political participation for people with disabilities.</i></span><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Too often we discuss bullying without mentioning how many kids with disabilities face this inexcusable behavior on a daily basis. </span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Speak up, loudly, and then pass this on.</span></span></i></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo of Remarkable Grace/<a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp </a>Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-258634050314773110?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-51490784950369391362011-12-01T10:09:00.000-08:002011-12-01T10:15:44.563-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdS8mt0PZi4/TtfEOLk-Z5I/AAAAAAAADZA/qv6_fYgMqTY/s1600/IMG_5994.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdS8mt0PZi4/TtfEOLk-Z5I/AAAAAAAADZA/qv6_fYgMqTY/s400/IMG_5994.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681225202856257426" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Doesn't sound like something Jesus would do.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Read <b>Interracial Couple Banned from Kentucky Church</b><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/30/interracial-couple-banned-from-kentucky-church_n_1121582.html?ref=fb&amp;src=sp&amp;comm_ref=false"> here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The gospel according to self interest.</span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5149078495036939136?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-18271501263814482852011-11-30T11:44:00.000-08:002011-11-30T12:00:31.296-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Gcu-yH-Yy8/TriDSQp9caI/AAAAAAAADRg/Uwp8FK73T4k/s1600/MV5BMTMyMjM4OTg5Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODg5NDA4Mg%2540%2540._V1._SX400_SY500_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 362px; height: 388px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Gcu-yH-Yy8/TriDSQp9caI/AAAAAAAADRg/Uwp8FK73T4k/s400/MV5BMTMyMjM4OTg5Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODg5NDA4Mg%2540%2540._V1._SX400_SY500_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672428080404984226" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">For the final monthly quote of 2011, I've chosen words from an actress who's had one terrific year. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2373670/">Lauren Potter</a> has found fame on the popular FOX program,<a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/"> Glee</a>. But it's what she's done since by adding her name to such important causes as ending bullying and use of the r-word, that makes her a special needs advocate to watch, and my choice for Lives Worth Living-Day 14.<div><br /></div><div>The actress, who has Down syndrome, is making waves in all the ways that count. Responsible use of celebrity, and focused on ability.</div><div><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">According to news on <a href="http://www.disabilityscoop.com/">Disability Scoop</a>, actress <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2373670/">Lauren Potter </a>has also been tapped by President Obama to be part of the <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/pcpid/">President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.</a></span></span><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I like Lauren Potter, a lot.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><b>"I want to encourage kids to speak up, to tell their stories." -Lauren Potter</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Image courtesy of IMDb</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><br /><br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-1827150126381448285?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-36899617658213059472011-11-30T11:34:00.001-08:002011-11-30T11:36:09.492-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnzjpms6914/TtaFdtc9PqI/AAAAAAAADY0/mz6WHdChhx4/s1600/IMG_6599.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnzjpms6914/TtaFdtc9PqI/AAAAAAAADY0/mz6WHdChhx4/s400/IMG_6599.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680874725438209698" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Backyard Winter Wonderland. Check.<br /></span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3689961765821305947?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-59198631628135038682011-11-30T11:13:00.001-08:002011-11-30T11:30:46.021-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DymMqBmAzp8/TtaDlQHBCEI/AAAAAAAADYo/PV1uU7yrezc/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DymMqBmAzp8/TtaDlQHBCEI/AAAAAAAADYo/PV1uU7yrezc/s400/IMG_0926.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680872655977252930" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />Did you know <a href="http://www.jamiefoxx.com/">Jamie Foxx </a>has a sister with <a href="http://ndss.org/">Down syndrome</a>? It's true. Her name is DeOndra Dixon and she's the 2011 Ambassador for the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://globaldownsyndrome.org/">Global Down Syndrome Foundation. </a></span><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I love the fact that so many people today, including celebs, are talking about and celebrating special needs siblings instead of pretending they don't exist.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;">Shame be gone.</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Read the People magazine article<a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20542520,00.html"> here.</a></span></div></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp </a>Judy Winter 2011</b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a><br /></b></span><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5919863162813503868?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-79673967647379220702011-11-29T07:34:00.001-08:002011-11-29T11:42:28.010-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvVuW0XbaUY/TtT-HiXnoWI/AAAAAAAADYc/9aENq9bWcqw/s1600/IMG_7953.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IvVuW0XbaUY/TtT-HiXnoWI/AAAAAAAADYc/9aENq9bWcqw/s400/IMG_7953.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680444435459449186" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx"><br /></a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx">The Compassionate Friends</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">honors and remembers children who have died. This year's event will be held on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Sunday, December 11th at 7 p.m.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> local time. Please share this post with those you believe could benefit from the healing act of remembering a child who has died. I love selecting a special candle for my son for this special evening of reflection.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx"><br /></a></span></span></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">For more information on this organization that supports bereaved parents, and about this beautiful holiday tradition born in 1997, click</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> <a href="http://www.compassionatefriends.org/News_Events/Special-Events/Worldwide_Candle_Lighting.aspx">here. </a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">As always, my candle remembering my son, Eric, will be burning brightly, too. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/">Winter Ramblings Blog</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/">Flickr Page</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7967396764737922070?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-9156707759696328142011-11-29T07:31:00.000-08:002011-11-29T07:32:19.805-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN8IbqGmt3s/TqcRvLA5cdI/AAAAAAAADIg/w-zgBQ6zjic/s1600/Students-Poster-BnW.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN8IbqGmt3s/TqcRvLA5cdI/AAAAAAAADIg/w-zgBQ6zjic/s400/Students-Poster-BnW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667518158177137106" /></a><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i>"Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization... that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)."</i><br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Find out how you can get involved in this terrific organization and mission,<a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org/"> here.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">True inclusion happens peer to peer.</span></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo courtesy of Best Buddies.<br /></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-915670775969632814?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-72547757530090247162011-11-29T07:13:00.001-08:002011-11-29T07:18:36.034-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5ad-3D6h98/Tq7y79HOGVI/AAAAAAAADKA/WyqIMMdQ2H8/s1600/tru_hdrLogo-1.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 86px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5ad-3D6h98/Tq7y79HOGVI/AAAAAAAADKA/WyqIMMdQ2H8/s400/tru_hdrLogo-1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669736092737083730" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Find the post/links<a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2011/10/media-alert-2011-toys-r-us-differently.html"> here.</a></span><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/">Judy Winter</a></b></span></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-7254775753009024716?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-38894479268983657572011-11-29T07:06:00.001-08:002011-11-29T07:12:07.601-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pYRHsCCckc/TtT17idAiBI/AAAAAAAADX4/w_8HIf_zs7Y/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pYRHsCCckc/TtT17idAiBI/AAAAAAAADX4/w_8HIf_zs7Y/s400/IMG_6372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680435433230600210" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;">Reminder: My tips for <b>Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs </b>can be found<a href="http://winterramblings.blogspot.com/2011/11/creating-holiday-magic-for-kids-with.html"> here.</a><br /></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-3889447926898365757?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-4774673780177543772011-11-29T06:48:00.001-08:002011-12-01T11:23:09.876-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGXxHcFutlc/TtTxs7QNCoI/AAAAAAAADXs/zKfpvtqBEww/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGXxHcFutlc/TtTxs7QNCoI/AAAAAAAADXs/zKfpvtqBEww/s400/IMG_1374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680430784143231618" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br />Children's book author, motivational speaker, and loving dad, <a href="http://www.johnnietuitel.com/home.html">Johnnie Tuitel</a>, lives life full out. Johnnie has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to travel from one adventure to the next. He's the popular annual emcee/mentor at <a href="http://www.cms.msu.edu/el/adults/musicTherapy_ricstar.php">RicStar's Camp</a>, where all three of his terrific sons volunteer.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;">He's a funny dude, too.</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Photo Judy Winter 2011</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Judy Winter</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Winter Ramblings Blog</span></b></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Flickr Page</span></b></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-477467378017754377?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23469623.post-53637237526635259892011-11-28T09:12:00.000-08:002011-11-28T09:25:35.991-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMDvtF_oOzI/TtPDGc0WdKI/AAAAAAAADXg/nkfC_aoKq7Y/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMDvtF_oOzI/TtPDGc0WdKI/AAAAAAAADXg/nkfC_aoKq7Y/s400/IMG_5476.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680098070626727074" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">Former <a href="http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_10/james_durbin/">American Idol frontrunner, James Durbin,</a> has become a role model for kids who are bullied. In the video link below, Durbin helps educate others by talking with <a href="http://drdrew.blogs.cnn.com/">Dr. Drew</a> about living with Asperger and Tourette syndromes. He also surprises a young fan living with the challenges of Tourettes.</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Responsible use of celebrity. I like James even more now.<br /><br />Watch it<a href="http://youtu.be/ojmJkh7jkIs"> here.</a><br /><br />Focused on ability.<br /></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Photo Judy Winter 2011/Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade</b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span><div><a href="http://www.judywinter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Judy Winter</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Parenting-Children-Special-Needs/dp/0787980811/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1198875865&amp;sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.winterramblings.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Winter Ramblings Blog</b></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wintervisions01/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><b>Flickr Page</b></span></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23469623-5363723752663525989?l=winterramblings.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Judy Winterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02700297781569555025noreply@blogger.com0