I’m thrilled to introduce my new college intern, Erica Graphman, to my readers! You can read Erica’s blog here: The Slanted Shelf. She will be helping me with my online presence via social media and blogging. Erica grew up in Pittsboro, Indiana, population 3000. (North Manchester’s population is 6000.) Here’s what she had to say about moving to North Manchester …
Autism + blizzard + flu = one tired Mama!
So, I now have two sick autie men (my kids with autism are 19 now), and there’s a blizzard outside. What could be more fun, right? I’m supposed to be working on two overdue manuscripts, but instead I’m feeding chicken soup to the two curled up together watching Downton Abbey. That’s not all bad, I suppose. But books and stories …
The perfect conditions for treating a patient with autism
I have long wanted to write a book for the medical community about how to deal with patients with autism. Our normal experiences with medical personnel as the twins were growing up, were less than admirable. Autism wasn’t known about as much as it is now. And I’m happy to report, after our experiences last Wednesday, that I have come …
Whoa! This book is tingly!
Imagine slipping on a special vest before curling up with a good book. The vest senses your reactions to the protagonist in the story and gives you goosebumps, or startles you. This is a real thing now. Welcome to the future. It is here. A student project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has resulted in a vest they …
Introducing inspirational author, Paula Mowery
From the time I met Paula online, I’ve felt a kinship with her as a pastor’s wife and homeschool Mama. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce my readers to her wonderful writing! Paula is a pastor’s wife and a former homeschool mom to a daughter who just started Liberty University Online. She works part-time as an assistant …
Hallelujah! We have poop!
Hey, when you live with autism, you get excited about some strange stuff. This week I’m jumping for joy about poop. I’m not saying that when Isaiah woke me up first thing Friday with — “Mom! I pooped in the hat!” that it’s my favorite way to wake up. But let me tell you, it was a long-awaited event. Isaiah …
Strong Girls are Happy Girls
Do you know what kind of girl is a pretty girl? A happy girl. Are scowly, bitter girls happy or pretty? I don’t think so. Strong girls are happy girls. And one sure way to keep from being happy is to be unforgiving and spiteful. I know it isn’t easy. Our nature without Jesus is to take revenge. To give …
Ally’s Angle: Fantasy Literature: Through the Facade
Today’s post is written by my intern, Allison O’Neil. Last week I wrote about the value of nerd-thinking: the genuine desire and love of learning, teaching, and research. This week I want to explore another nerd-related topic very near to my heart. Fantasy literature (and a lot of sci-fi) are my favorite kind of fiction. While I love a good …
Interview with Award-Winning Author, David S. Brody regarding his new release, Powdered Gold
I’m excited and honored to introduce you to David S. Brody and his latest release, Powdered Gold. I’ve written about Brody before, and I read three of his books over Christmas break while recovering from surgery. I’m happy to say Powdered Gold: Templars and the Ark of the Covenant kept me as entertained as his two former books in the …
Autism weekends
Weekends and autism are a challenge. Weekends mean less structure. And Saturdays usually end up with the twins fighting. Even though they’re 18, they still fight. Developmentally they are only about 8 or 9 years old. And I have to remember that. Add autism to the mix and it’s just not the kind of dynamic that’s by any means “normal” …