Yup.
This pretty much sums it up.
What “ausomeness” is and what the lessons of nearly 22 years living with someone who is autistic has taught me.
It’s understanding that people can communicate in many different ways, and what they have to say, regardless of the way, is meaningful, significant and absolutely worth hearing.
Deaf Donald by Shel Silverstein
Far away from the Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon cuttings there is a forgotten area in my city.
It is where orphaned buildings are allowed to stand and over time evolve into echoes of days long gone.
Eventually though, new residents move in and they have names such as Neglect, Blight and Denial.
These occupants settle into their new homes and despite their urban location, they live a life of deliberate civic isolation.
Routes are created to move around town and yet avoid these areas, and finally, the least favorite tenant of all, Contempt, moves in.
For ignoring does not make these areas magically disappear, rather, these undesirable neighbors are allowed to multiply.
The idealist in me wishes our culture showed more respect and responsibility for our land, how we develop it and then learn to recognize we must have a plan for how we will maintain what we have created.
For when I see some parts of my community I think of the Joni Mitchell song, Big Yellow Taxi. We have indeed paved over parts of paradise to put up a parking lot and then, when that parking lot no longer serves our interests, we walk away.
For more Culture check out Weekly Photo Challenge here.
Last week was a tough one.
My BS filter malfunctioned and the normal stuff that doesn’t usually bother me came rushing in and left me overwhelmed by life’s nonsense. When this happens I have to go into Emergency Shutdown Mode. This includes among other things, turning off the TV, not reading any news websites, and I am strictly forbidden to be exposed in any way to anything involving politicians. Instead I must partake in a steady diet of rationalism and pragmatism.
Saturday was grey and rainy, perfect for my first day of recovery. I found a great book and curled up in my big comfy chair and read the day away. Sunday brought much warmer weather and sunny skies. After a morning with my book, I decided to get out and enjoy some fresh air. With the Photo Challenge in mind I grabbed my camera, a sure sign my optimism was returning, and as soon as I opened my front door, and took my first step, I saw a little baby bud on our Azalea.
A flower. Totally and completely lacking in pretense.
A flower. Totally and completely lacking in guile.
Like my book, and my ban on the world, that little bud was so refreshing.
With one look I knew my optimism was restored.
When I came back inside, just to confirm my suspicion, I checked out some news websites. My blood pressure didn’t rise and I didn’t go into even the slightest of rants. My BS filter was indeed repaired and I was ready for another week.
I am once again moving forward.
May you all have properly working BS filters and thus a truly wonderful week. 
For more Forward check out Weekly Photo Challenge here.
Foolishness,
madness all around.
Bold statements valuable as future checks bounced.
Words spoken,
often without meaning.
Repeated,
parroted,
no hint of question,
of doubt. Continue reading
