In honor of Michael, would someone PLEASE take the microphone and air time away from Joe Jackson and his posse?
Shameless.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Take the Mic Away from Joe Jackson & Posse
In honor of Michael, would someone PLEASE take the microphone and air time away from Joe Jackson and his posse?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Loss of Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson & Reminders of Boomer Mortality
Can't help but wonder how many boomers are today thinking about their own mortality after yesterday's iconic losses of superstars Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.
What would you like your legacy to be?
My Aussie Salutes National Take Your Dog to Work Day!
Today is National Take Your Dog to Work Day!
Lucky Jack gets to hang out in my home office every day.
He's a spoiled pooch, and great writer's muse.
'Jumpin Jack' Photo Judy Winter 09
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Did You KNOW? Traumatic Brain Injuries Lead to Death & Disability
Did You KNOW?
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC
Photo by Judy Winter 2009
Welcome Little Dinosaur
Love good surprises while gardening. Glad the camera battery was charged!
Can you stay a while little dinosaur?
Photos by Judy Winter 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Shout Out! Michigan Teen Makes Wheelchair Trek to Raise $20,000 for Camp
Need a little inspiration to chase your big goals minus all the usual excuses this week?
Fourteen-year-old Gene Fletcher of Michigan recently finished a 100-mile trek in his power wheelchair to raise $20,000 for Bay Cliff Health Camp, a therapy/wellness center for those with physical challenges. Gene, who has cerebral palsy, has attended the camp for the past six years.
Read the story here.
Find out more about Gene's effort here.
What will you accomplish this week?
Photo/Judy Winter 2009
'Good Practice for a Tough Fatherhood' Essay in Sunday's 'New York Times' Interweaves Images of Autistic Son with Challenged Inner-City Youth
Douglas Brown's powerful essay in Sunday's New York Times
interweaves stark images of befriending a challenged inner-city youth with experiences raising a son with autism.
There are no easy answers for either child. Read Good Practice for a Tough Fatherhood here.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Esperanzo Spalding Deserves All the Hype
Continuing with my recent 'power of music' blogs, here's current jazz 'it' girl Esperanza Spalding,who recently performed at the White House. Last night she brought her cool vibe to the Summer Solstice Jazz Festival in East Lansing.
Lucky us. This is one young performer worth all the hype. Here are three of my shots.
NOVA Presents Program on the Power of Music and the Brain
A NEW NOVA documentary entitled 'Musical Minds' explores the power of music to impact the brain, and facilitate healing.
Dr. Oliver Sacks, an author and practicing neurologist in New York City and dubbed the poet laureate of medicine by the New York Times, leads the important discussion. The PBS program is scheduled to air nationwide on June 30th at 8 p.m. Check your listings for local air time/date. Find out more about 'Musical Minds' here.
I'm a big believer in the power of music to transform lives, especially for those with special needs. I witnessed it first hand with my son, and I see it every year at RicStar's Camp.
Music is magic! -and so is PBS.
Photo of my buddy Kieran at RicStar's Camp 09/ Judy Winter
National Down Syndrome Society Features 'My Great Story' on Website
The National Down Syndrome Society has added the feature My Great Story to its website, highlighting the accomplishments of those with Down syndrome. Read the stories here.
You know I cant resist a good special needs success story, That's why my book is filled with them.
Photo from RicStar's Camp 09 /Judy Winter
Shout Out to all Those Great Dads!
Enjoy my Father's Day tribute from the June issue of CAWLM.
Fathers' Two Cents in Parenting is Worth Much More
Too often guys can’t get no respect for the valuable roles they play in the lives of their children. Real dads know that becoming a dad is what you do after you zip the zipper—including changing stinky diapers, soothing fevered brows, dueling monsters under the bed, grabbing green snot without gagging, chortling like Sponge Bob, and initiating all those dicey teen talks.
It means showing up fully to nurture confident kids who feel loved and valued, helping create memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Real men cook Tuna Helper, grill a mean steak, or order in extra-cheesy pizza with bread sticks before heading out to play a quick round of golf.
Moms are sometimes too quick to chastise their partners when they don’t do things our way— or when they get all squirrelly when asked to hold our purses in public. But kids gain vast riches when both parents are involved in their children’s lives whenever possible. Guys bring their own magic chutzpa to the parenting equation. They strengthen the parent child bond in remarkable ways that challenge even the hippest gals— making dads parenting VIPs, too.
It was my hubby who taught our daughter to confidently face math, read maps, put air in her tires and get her oil changed. More recently he coached Jenna about her 401-K, how to shop for the best car deal and get a mortgage.
Dick always coddled Jenna less than I did, helping her become a more independent and competent young adult. I get props for teaching her about fashion, the arts, giving back to the community, and how to use the potty.
Dick never treated our son as any less valued because of the physical limitations of cerebral palsy, either. I loved observing them at bedtime, when free of male expectations Dick used his softest male voice and gently nuzzled Eric’s silky hair, completely absorbed in fatherhood. During those sacred moments, we had no idea how short their father/son moments together would be.
My hubby created precious memories with both kids because he valued the role he played in their lives. He knew that you don’t get those fleeting parenting moments back, no matter how skillfully you bargain with the devil.
To all those guys who step up to the uncertain parenting plate each day, while also bringing home at least a slice of the bacon, Happy Father’s Day— this month, you rule!
But could you try to look just a tad more confident while holding our purses in public?
It means showing up fully to nurture confident kids who feel loved and valued, helping create memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Real men cook Tuna Helper, grill a mean steak, or order in extra-cheesy pizza with bread sticks before heading out to play a quick round of golf.
Moms are sometimes too quick to chastise their partners when they don’t do things our way— or when they get all squirrelly when asked to hold our purses in public. But kids gain vast riches when both parents are involved in their children’s lives whenever possible. Guys bring their own magic chutzpa to the parenting equation. They strengthen the parent child bond in remarkable ways that challenge even the hippest gals— making dads parenting VIPs, too.
It was my hubby who taught our daughter to confidently face math, read maps, put air in her tires and get her oil changed. More recently he coached Jenna about her 401-K, how to shop for the best car deal and get a mortgage.
Dick always coddled Jenna less than I did, helping her become a more independent and competent young adult. I get props for teaching her about fashion, the arts, giving back to the community, and how to use the potty.
Dick never treated our son as any less valued because of the physical limitations of cerebral palsy, either. I loved observing them at bedtime, when free of male expectations Dick used his softest male voice and gently nuzzled Eric’s silky hair, completely absorbed in fatherhood. During those sacred moments, we had no idea how short their father/son moments together would be.
My hubby created precious memories with both kids because he valued the role he played in their lives. He knew that you don’t get those fleeting parenting moments back, no matter how skillfully you bargain with the devil.
To all those guys who step up to the uncertain parenting plate each day, while also bringing home at least a slice of the bacon, Happy Father’s Day— this month, you rule!
But could you try to look just a tad more confident while holding our purses in public?
Photo of Dick Winter, a great dad, with both of his children/Judy Winter
Friday, June 19, 2009
Go Green! -Michigan State University Awarded $2.1 Million Dollar Grant to Study Autism
Kudos to my alma mater, Michigan State University, for being awarded a $2.1 million dollar grant "to serve as the data-coordinating center for the largest epidemiological study ever on autism." Read full story here.
Photo from RicStar's Camp /Judy Winter 09
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Faces of Ability- June 2009 -Celebrating RicStar's Camp 2009!
Another year of RicStar's Camp, for individuals of all ages with a wide range of special needs (and their sibs), has come to a close. We are again left with remarkable success stories, inspiring interactions with campers and families, so many smiles, and all those wonderful faces of ability captured in priceless photos.
The power of music and music therapy to improve the lives of those with special needs is clearly present at RicStar's Camp.
Here are just a few shots of our 86 wonderful campers. Thank you to everyone who helped make another year of music magic happen for our terrific campers. This camp rocks!
See you in 2010 for year eight, and remember to sign up early! I'm guessing that we will again be full.
Your music lives on in amazing ways, RicStar!
RicStar's Camp 2009 Camper Photos by Judy Winter/ All Rights Reserved.
'Miracle Children' is an Example of the Best of the Oprah Winfrey Show
Yesterday's re-airing of 'Miracle Children with Celine Dion' was an example of the Oprah Show at its finest. The program did justice to the often heart-wrenching, complex and inspiring stories of kids and families challenged by a wide range of special needs, while showcasing everyday families who answer their tough challenges with great love and remarkable fortitude.
Worth your view.
Here's hoping the new Fall season of Oprah includes more terrific and diverse special needs coverage.
Photo of camper from RicStar's Camp 2009/Judy Winter/All Rights Reserved.
Friday, June 05, 2009
My Publishing Words of Advice Appear in Jul/Aug 09 Writer's Digest
I was thrilled to hit the mailbox today and find my advice (and book title) in the current (Jul/Aug) issue of Writer's Digest. My words are included in the article "Hindsight's 20/20. WD Readers Who Are Published Authors Share What They Wish They'd Known About the Process Going In--and Help You See Your Own Book's Future More Clearly." It's part of the WD editorial theme: 'Pub 101:Your Publishing Survival Guide.'
The issue provides valuable info for all you wanna-be authors. I wish I'd had it when I was beginning my intensive book process. Also included are articles with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist, Anne Tyler, (cover) and PBS travel-guru, Rick Steves. Not a bad issue to be in.
Check it out- and then go get yourself published!
Above photo: That's me in the parenting section of the Fifth Ave. Barnes & Noble, NYC. It was a thrill to find my book there, I assure you! It can happen to you, too!
Life is Fragile -Mother/Son Lost on Flight 447
So sad to find that 31-year-old Rita Szarvas was on the doomed Flight 447 with her 7-year-old son, Andras. Rita was a conductor at the Peto Institute of Conductive Education in Budapest and a visiting conductor to the Conductive Learning Center (CLC) in Grand Rapids, where my son spent hours improving his mobility.
As my bereaved friend, CLC director Andrea Benyovszky and I spoke yesterday, we were both again reminded of how quickly our loved ones and dearest friends can be gone.
Make time for them.
'Cemetery Blooms' Judy Winter 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Crazy Talk? Newsweek Article Takes On Oprah Advice, Including from Jenny McCarthy
The current issue of Newsweek magazine includes a less-than-flattering cover photo of Oprah Winfrey with the headline: Crazy Talk: Oprah, Wacky Cures & You.
This well-written piece zeros in on the controversial advice offered on Oprah's show in the past, including by
Suzanne Somers (hormone replacement), and Jenny McCarthy (autism).
Oprah does many things well, which the Newsweek piece also highlights. But this week's article represents bold coverage that some believe was long overdue. I believe that when it comes to special needs coverage in the media, including on Oprah, the coverage could and should be more balanced, more thorough and more inclusive of many disabilities, and presented by an array of experienced, knowledgeable voices and activists, not just Hollywood celebrities.
I hope the resulting discussion from this article results in broader, increasingly well-balanced coverage about important topics in the future, and not only on Oprah. In our celebrity obsessed, quick-fix-society, it's a valuable lesson for the general media as well.
You can read the article here.
'Cemetery Blooms' Judy Winter 2009
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Shout Out! -Jonathan Brunot is Autistic and Finished the NYC Marathon
Shout Out to Jonathan Brunot, age 19, of West Hempstead, NY
According to Autism Speaks, the chances of becoming a professional athlete are 1 in 16,000. Chances of being diagnosed with autism, 1 in 150. Completing the NY Marathon with severe autism, a rarity with no previously measured stats. But Jonathan Brunot did just that last November.
Photo Judy Winter 2008
According to Autism Speaks, the chances of becoming a professional athlete are 1 in 16,000. Chances of being diagnosed with autism, 1 in 150. Completing the NY Marathon with severe autism, a rarity with no previously measured stats. But Jonathan Brunot did just that last November.
This is one of those timeless stories worth the read and inspiration. Read the NY Times piece here.
Words of Wisdom from Megan Frayer-June 2009
Words of Wisdom-June 2009
"I feel sorry for people who don't get differences and are mean to people with special needs, because they're missing out. People with disabilities aren't that much different from anyone else." -Megan Frayer, Special Needs Sib Extraordinaire
Photo of Megan & Katie Frayer (and me) by Jenna Winter. Used with permission. Recent photo of Megan from RicStar's Camp 2009.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Aussie Update-Shelter Dogs Rock!
For those of you who have asked for an update, Jack is doing great...and yes, he's allowed up on the furniture.
Life is good.
Spoiled shelter pup.
Check it Out! Thomas the Tank Engine Helps Kids with Autism Identify Emotions
Read the story here.
That's my buddy Jon Thomas, who helped make the Arcade & Attica Train accessible for people with disabilities. Learn more about JT's on-going mission here.
Choo Choo!
Photo courtesy of Matt Williamson of Matt Williamson Photography 2008.
Love This! Toddler Wakes from Coma Singing Mamma Mia!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Give it a Rest! -NY Times Article Highlights Dangers of Texting
Just in case you want some more incentive and ammunition to talk with your kids (and yourself) about the possible dangers of texting, here it is. At the very least, please don't text and drive.
Read the sobering NY Times piece here.
2009 Judy Winter
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Love This! Kym Johnson of Dancing with the Stars & Blair Williamson at SunDown Film Fest Awards 2009
Love this photo of my buddy Blair Williamson with Kym Johnson of 'Dancing with the Stars' at the DSALA 2009 SunDown Film Festival & Awards. Kym received the 2009 Vision Award for her efforts supporting those with Down syndrome, including the dance classes she leads for those with special needs.
Thanks to my good friend Gail Williamson for sharing this photo and news, and huge thanks to Kym Johnson for her terrific work with individuals with DS in Los Angeles and in her native Australia. She's one terrific dancer and a class act.
Thanks to my good friend Gail Williamson for sharing this photo and news, and huge thanks to Kym Johnson for her terrific work with individuals with DS in Los Angeles and in her native Australia. She's one terrific dancer and a class act.
Photo courtesy of DSALA. Used with permission.
Monday, May 18, 2009
NPR's Interview with Special Needs Sib and Author Kari Taro Greenfield is No Happy Tale
Just finished listening to the NPR' piece 'A Brother Recalls Life In the Shadow of Autism,' about a sibling who grew up in family with a brother with autism.
Kari Taro Greenfield's book "A Boy Alone: A Brother's Memoir' about his childhood experience was just released. His is a bleak tale, and a harsh reminder of how tough and lasting the challenges of special needs can be on sibs- and how important it is that parents work hard to meet their needs, too. Even then, there are no guarantees.
I found Greenfield's story incredibly sad.
The direct link to the piece is not working right now. Perhaps it's overwhelmed with hits, so here is the link to NPR.org where you can find the story link once the glitch is fixed.
I found Greenfield's story incredibly sad.
The direct link to the piece is not working right now. Perhaps it's overwhelmed with hits, so here is the link to NPR.org where you can find the story link once the glitch is fixed.
Could You have Asperger's Syndrome? Check out NY Times Piece
Fascinating essay in Sunday's NY Times written by a man recently diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome by his wife, a speech pathologist who works with kids with autism. Read it here.
Wonder how may other adults are walking around undiagnosed.
Wonder how may other adults are walking around undiagnosed.
'Retreat' Judy Winter 2008
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Video of fights at State School for the Mentally Disabled Deeply Disturbing
The recently released video of the fights at the State School for the Mentally Disabled in Corpus Christi, Texas is sickening and deeply disturbing. We have far to go to ensure that all individuals with special needs are treated with the dignity, respect and human decency they deserve. Some justice was finally served last week when six employees of the home were finally indicted by a Grand Jury.
But how did so many people remain silent and unchecked for so long as these sick games continued?
But how did so many people remain silent and unchecked for so long as these sick games continued?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day 2009
Happy Mother's Day to one and all!
Be sure to read my Mother's Day column 'Defining Motherhood' posted April 30th.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Aussie Lovin! Please give a Shelter Animal a Home.
What else can I say? I adore him!
The economy has been tough on animals, too. Many have lost their homes or been abused. Please consider giving a shelter animal like Jack a home. Many are waiting, and they make great, loyal companions!
It's one of the best life decisions I ever made.
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