GFCF Sugar Cookies

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Here is a Sugar Cookie Recipe that has had much trial and error in the test kitchen... This is so yummy that NO ONE will know they contain no wheat or dairy!! Enjoy!!

1 Cup Earth Balance Spread

1 1/2 Cup Sugar

2 Eggs

3 Cups Brown Rice Flour

2 teaspoons Xanthan Gum

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

3 Tablespoons Almond Milk - Original Flavor

Cream Earth Balance and sugar. Add eggs and whip on high. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk. Rotate adding the dry mix and almond milk until all is incorporated. Knead dough, then refrigerate for an hour in three balls. Dust work area with rice flour, roll out one ball 1/4 - 1/2 inch, cut and bake 12 minutes on 375 degrees. Repeat with remaining balls.

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Jenny McCarthy Offers Hope To Mothers: Part 2!

I wrote a post about Jenny McCarthy offering hope to some mothers a couple of months ago... Yes, I understand that was risky. You either love her or hate her, right?

Well, it turns out, some thought that opened me up to a debate on vaccinations. The post really wasn't supposed to be about vaccinations... it was about hope, hope that so many in the anti-Jenny camp rape mothers of. Hope that our children CAN function normally...

I understand, our kids will always see the world through different colored glasses, but they can function with proper support and unconditional love. This is the hope I want to instill in others... unlike, the hope that the diagnosing psychologist offered us by telling us our daughter would never have a meaningful relationship, work or live independently... if we didn't do her ABA program!

This post was about the hope Jenny offers. The strength she emits to some. It was to defend a fellow mother who has been criticized for 'speaking outside the box'. My most recent critic responded, "There is NO evidence to indicate that vaccinations cause autism. http://tinyurl.com/ylbnrpc Think critically. http://tinyurl.com/cxnbvv"

Well, I go could go on for a really long time about both of those statements, but this sums up my reaction:

I do think critically -- about a system that deems it perfectly safe to inject mercury into a pregnant woman, yet tell her not to eat tuna fish.

I think critically -- about a system that refuses 3rd party unbiased research.

I think critically -- about the people sitting behind a computer making these comments... I wonder who is paying them.

I think critically -- about the systems (including doctors who chelate) that are taking advantage of desperate mothers and families.

I think critically -- about how there is only one industry that the government says, "Hey, if your product injures or kills a child or baby... don't worry, we have your back. You are not responsible."

I think critically -- about the elephant in the middle of America's pestilence among it's children; and wonder why we continue to tip-toe around and defend it.

I think critically -- about much and often!!

Most importantly, I think critically -- about each calculated move I make in addressing my child's symptomatology (which happens to mimic mercury poisoning- but we won't go there [today]). I think critically about the cost of her traditional and non-traditional treatment, her education, her dietary needs, her spiritual needs, her emotional needs, cognitive needs, physical needs...

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Exceptional Beyond Labels… One Year After the Autism Diagnosis

It is a quiet Halloween morning…. As I sit here, I reflect on how today marks the one year anniversary of Sahara’s formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although I thought this would be an emotionally charged day, I feel quite content… and even optimistic.

SAHARA...

When Sahara was 5 months old, like many others on the autism journey, we suspected a hearing loss. The pediatrician nonchalantly dismissed our concerns, but there was always this nagging maternal instinct that something was not right. When we inquired about her speech delay at age 3 the doctor told us and I quote, “…some kids just don’t talk until they are 6.”

After another year of begging professionals to listen to us that something was wrong with our daughter, someone finally listened!! That opened up the door to many, many tests and procedures. She was formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; which prompted even more medical tests. We found that there was little hope for recovery in the western model. In fact, one medical professional told us that she would never get married, go to college, or live independently… she suggested institutionalization. I decided in that moment to prove that professional wrong and became an advocate for my daughter.

We have explored many traditional and non-traditional modalities as we addressed her speech, social, sensory, fine / gross motor, dietary, sleep and cognitive delays. As we track our results, we see many successes and accomplished milestones. Being personally touched by autism has created an empowerment in my inner core. I dedicated my professional life to serving children and helping others in the mental health and alternative health system before this journey… I find it interesting that these collective experiences were cultivating a unique perspective that would be cornerstone to my daughter’s functional expression of life.

It has been exactly one year today since we uttered the word, “autism” in connection with Sahara. As I reflect about the progress we have made, I am reminded of a little 4 year old girl that was once catatonic, nonverbal, isolated in her own world, non-interactive, anti-social, clumsy, stemming vocally, spinning, eating only a few foods, exhausted from irregular sleep patterns, wearing diapers and having tantrums because of fundamental frustrations and sensitivities. That little girl has blossomed into a 5 year old expression of life… yes, my daughter will always see life through different colored lenses, but now we can see that she is exceptional beyond this label... and we are working on a life of independence and fulfillment.

As we continue to develop tools for her to function, we see that she can and will live the life of purpose while her parents hold as of high aspirations for her as her older sister. I even reckon it would be a hoot if Emily and Sahara became Paleontologists working side by side— like they do in their imaginative play together. And yes, maybe a husband, children and we can throw a white picket fence into the mix of possibilities!!

We have come a very long way in just 12 months. …And now as I look at this exceptional child beyond the label of autism, I realize that we have a lifetime commitment to supporting her on the spectrum, but we are dissolving the negative connotations that come with a label. She is Sahara Grace, not autism. 

I recognize that there is much controversy about whether or not you can cure a child of autism… I am not going to go into my perspective on that. However, I will say that Reiki and adjunctive services have started alleviating some of the major issues in this sensitive child. Daily her vocabulary grows. Yes, she still uses echolalia... but at least now we know she is capable of developing speech. Slowly it is emerging. We are seeing evidence of her yearning to interact with others appropriately, and is entering our world more and more. I am amazed how much progress we have made in just one small year!! Regardless of her level of function I will always accept her for who she is just like a parent of a nuero-typical child would. But, each milestone comes with a special joyful celebration.

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A Self-Awareness Challenge... promoting peace around and withinn you

A dear friend of mine initiated a challenge to her friends on facebook; consciously being positive until the end of the month. No bitching, no complaining, no gossiping, no criticizing, no negative self talk….simply having positive thoughts, actions, and words until the end of the month.

Today was day 2 for me; and I made it through a brief phone call with Jim’s former employer, shopping at wal-mart, and talking with creditors on the phone today!! HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT!! Then I got on twitter and lost my cool when someone made 2 stinging comments @ me. I would rather not go into the content, but I lost it and flew off the handle.

So, another friend stepped in and reminded us about unity. And I started thinking about how I failed the challenge, BUT… now I realize I didn’t fail; I am doing precisely what I deem this challenge to be about: Becoming accountable for my responses and interactions with others (and myself). So, in hind sight I didn’t fail the challenge at all, but succeeded in self awareness!

Tomorrow is another day, and so, I invite you to join me (us)… there is no way to fail this challenge; it is about giving and promoting peace around and within you. The more peace you emit the more peace you will attract…

Let me know if you are game; and keep us posted. Here's to a powerful week of peace, love, kindness, and accountability!

(Thank you Robin for inspiring me this week in being a better person, mother, wife, child, neighbor, friend and stranger.)

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Yesterday I Hated Autism

Yesterday I hated autism; I love love love my daughter, but autism…

I wanted it out of our lives forever. It is like a bad rash on your ass… You know it is there, but others cannot see it and don’t know it is there. Yes, they can suspect something is wrong, but unless you let them in on your little secret they don’t know.

Sometimes it burns and itches like hell… all you can do is complain about this annoying circumstance you find yourself facing, but that doesn’t make it better. And every step you take has to be carefully thought out and orchestrated. The intensity of the burn causes you to be irritable, short, and emotionally violent.

Sometimes you move in slow precise ways to ease its agony and those paying close attention see something is bothering you but they just can’t put their finger on what it is. Then there are those you trust enough to tell all about this freaking rash on your ass; they show empathy, offer ointments, and a comforting shoulder, but none of them can make it go away. In fact, even if they have a rash of their own they still can’t possibly understand how YOU feel about YOUR rash.

BUT, Today I embrace autism; I love the lessons autism teaches me.

Autism...

teaches me patience

teaches me tolerance

teaches me about my weakness

teaches me that I am human

teaches me that I have strength beyond measurement

teaches me the true meaning of unconditional love

teaches me that the world is full of differences

teaches me to be resourceful

teaches me to slow down

teaches me to be creative

teaches me diversity

teaches me that God trusts me

teaches me that I am my child's biggest advocate

teaches me that my child is exceptional beyond labels

teaches me that we communicate beyond words

teaches me that we love beyond actions

teaches me...

(By no means, does this post have any derogatory intention meant towards my child or anyone else facing the autism label... it does have to do with the system, attitudes, IEP's, and the moments of helplessness we all feel on this journey. It was my expression about a day that really sucked in the world of autism.)

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National School Lunch Week Is A Farce

IF "Healthy school meals contribute to academic achievement and more productive days in the classroom", then why does the same organization making this statement offer processed, over priced non-nutritional garbage to our youth for lunch?

It is national school lunch week, and I am disgusted with the contents of our lunch selections. This week alone the menu consists of:

Monday:

Cheese Nachos or Hot Dog

Seasoned Corn

Assorted Fruit (not fresh)

Milk

Tuesday:

Johnny Marzetti or Texas grilled cheese

Tomato Soup

Assorted Fruit

Milk

Wednesday:

Pancakes w Sausage or Asian Vegtables w Rice

Hashbrown Patty

Assorted Fruit

Milk

Thursday:

Chicken cheese burrito or Cheesy Bread

Seasoned Green Beans

Assorted Friut

Milk

So, I am not a nutritionist and I do have so much more to learn about this topic. However, It doesn't take a dietitian to see that these lunches are full of complex carbohydrates. Certainly, most of this menu is tainted with high fructose corn syrup, pesticides, preservatives and artificial ingredients. Where is the real food? The fresh fruit and vegetables? A good source of protein?

Is it no wonder our children are struggling academically and socially? Yet alone, they are faced with childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes at higher rates than ever before. As they face a depletion of essential nutrients their minds, bodies, and emotions are suffering. I once read an article that said it would cost the parents $4 per lunch to provide a lunch like I am advocating...

There is no way a parent is going to shuffle out $20 per kid per week for lunch, right? Maybe or maybe not... I can't answer that.

But, I am not so sure that a healthy lunch would cost that much. I am not sure where they get there numbers... I spend probably half of that amount on fresh foods for lunches per child per week. (which is still less than the amount I'd be spending if I were to purchase their lunches from the current school cafeteria menu.) Knowing that the companies providing lunches would purchase in bulk, I don't know how they come up with these numbers.

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My Name Is Not Autism!

We have have been excelling in just about every aspect of this thing in our lives called autism; making progress with leaps and bounds. Yes, I know we have a long way to go, but it is in those seemingly small triumphs (like hearing a pronoun escape those lips) that we continue to aim for the monumental finish line. This is a race I not only got roped into without consent, but it is also one I will finish with vigor!

As we propel forward I have changed some of my thinking.... I have stopped saying that my daughter is autistic, instead I say she is diagnosed with autism. See if she is something it is here to stay. She is a girl... She is a sister... She is O-... those things won't change. But, diagnoses and labels can be (and are) removed.

My daughter in not autism, my daughter is experiencing autism.

My agenda is not hidden. My goal is to get my daughter beyond this label. Not for my benefit but hers. I know that will piss some people off. In fact, I know several camps that will claim that is impossible or that this is not all accepting of her. But, I challenge that. As we recover from the toxins that soared through her body as a fetus and infant we start to see glimpses of the Sahara Grace that would have been...

Is it wrong to want to know that child? Is it wrong to yearn for her recovery? Is it wrong to say that I won't stop this fight until the label is gone and she is able to function normally? Is it wrong to yearn to hear her thoughts, dreams and aspirations? Is it wrong to want for her to fit in with her peers without obvious deficits? Is it wrong that I get pissed off that her childhood was stolen from her? ... from her sister?

The answer is simple: no!

It isn't about the label... it is about the stigma, the deficits, the inability to effectively communicate, the lack of peer interaction, the sensitivities that interrupt the seemingly simple daily tasks, the freaking moments she can't tell me what is happening to her when I am not there to protect her...

We will conquer autism. Not because we don't love her for who she is today; that person's attributes are beyond words!! She is an incredible soul with lots of love, humor, wit, and charm. But because we want more for her than the constant feedback, "She is such a sweet child!" or "Isn't she pretty?" Yes, she is sweet and pretty.... but she is more that that. Often people say these things when the autism is in the forefront of her day.

I am sure they think this comforts me and makes me feel better. But, honestly it pushes buttons deep within me. She is more than a sweet child or a pretty girl... she is Sahara Grace, and she has so much she wants to teach the world, so much hidden in this fog that she wants to express, feeling that are bound in her, and accomplishments waiting to be recognized.

She is Sahara Grace... not autism!!

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A Reflection of Us...

We met when we were just 18 and 20 years old; like most other young adults we were young and full of ambitious dreams. One of our favorite past times was camping; we spent many clear nights under the stars and moon laughing and chattering about our future together.

Never once did the word “Autism” enter our starlit dreams and midnight conversations.

No, instead we painted an ideal about our life together and our future children… They would be perfect, a combination of the two of us. They would have their father’s wit and my compassion splashed with our analytical natures.

…In the shadow of our youth, our relationship would be challenged as we faced autism together, but like anything else lay in our path we faced it together and became stronger than before it existed.

We no longer go camping in nature as there are too many obstacles that threaten our daughter’s safety. Instead, we pitch the tent in our backyard, with the comfort of home at our finger tips. Just this past Labor Day weekend, we lay awake under the moon in our backyard with our youngest daughter obsessively reciting scenes from Dora the Explorer.

I laid there listening to the non-stop chattering that has become comforting to me, thinking about how we have had to redefine our dreams and plan for an uncertain future. I am certain there are other couples who have been drafted into the autism journey that are no longer able to identify with the life they had before autism too. As often as I say the autism doesn’t define us, it has become a part of our identity, our lifestyle, and our future.

Today, I reflect on a young couple naively entering the journey of their lives with an uncertain future. Yet… through the hills of this journey we continue to adore each other. We still have quiet passion and humor. I am so relieved to share this journey with my best friend and lover. It is he who keeps me strong after days of no sleep, or hours of worry… it is he would supports me unconditionally to move forward with not only the autism, but anything I decide I want to explore and put my attention to.

I am grateful I can participate in life with this man of integrity, passion, and strength. And I know that if there is anyone who is going to help me conquer this thing in our life called autism, it is my husband. Together we unite and are better because of it…

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In My Opinion... This Doesn't Lay to Rest the Connection

“Latest autism figures should dispel any fears about the MMR jab being linked to the condition, say experts.”

This article jabs my buttons…

Autism rates back MMR jab safety

By Michelle Roberts Health reporter, BBC News

One of the arguments that many (including myself) have used about the autism/vaccine connection is that you just don’t see 1 out of 100 adults walking around with autism. Yes, there ARE some, but those numbers just are not as staggering as those among our youth, right? Well, according to a resent “small” study that is precisely what is occurring. Yep, that is the claim; 1 out of 100 adults do indeed have autism.

Assuming you read the article, I will share some of my thoughts…

How were the 7500 participants in this study selected? AND by what criteria were they classified? Was there enough diversity in its selection to be able to generalize this to the entire adult population concluding that this disproves the MRR/autism connection?

Assuming there was... Still think about those numbers!! 1 out of 100 adults have autism... where are they?

Next time you are in church, the grocery store, the office or even at a family function.... remember 1% of the people in attendance should (according to this research) have autism.

The truth is that there are still children who are developing typically who have a sudden regression; how can we ignore this common sense? But... Dr. Wakefield's research was discredited, right? Interesting how every politician, scientist, doctor or mom that speaks out about this connection is discredited. Who is making that determination... big pharm, scientists funded by the manufacturers, politicians with deep pockets?

Certainly, not the mothers and fathers who painstakingly watched their child regress into autism.

But.. for the sake of argument, let's assume these numbers are accurate... then how are these adult autistics functioning and who is taking care of them? Daily and often through the night I strategize how our daughter is going to be able to develop the appropriate skills and resources to live a productive life now and into adulthood... And yet, here we have 1% of the populace doing it without intervention... I am not buying it!

(And I mean NO disrespect if you are an adult experiencing autism...)

Finally, I have to reiterate mercury not is safe for the human body, brain or nervous system… guys in the yellow suits w/ masks are deployed when a thermometer breaks in a high-school science lab or at the local VOA store (those are true stories)… And, of course, the FDA advises pregnant women to reduce their consumption of fish during pregnancy because of the mercury content... Yet, we are injecting it directly into pregnant women through the RhoGam shot or young infants and children via routine and flu vaccines…

This research just doesn’t lay the autism/vaccine connection to rest for me. In fact, I see it as a way to try to pacify a community that is getting louder and a smoke screen for the rest of the people.

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GFCF Cinnamon Zucchini with Sweet Dumplings

This recipe was inspired by my mother-in-law's zucchini pudding. I know it may sound bizarre at first glance, but... this is so yummy served warm with a scoop of Vanilla Rice Ice Cream! AND it will make your home smell heavenly!!

2 cups Zucchini, peeled and chopped in 1 inch pieces

20 Red Seedless Grapes halved

4 teaspoons Cinnamon

1 cup Dark Brown Sugar

2 TB Earth Balance Buttery Spread- Original

1 cup Sugar

1 cup White Rice Flour

2 teaspoons Baking Soda

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

½ teaspoon xanthan gum

1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk

Place zucchini in a stock pot with enough water to cover the vegetable. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and let set until the zucchini is tender. Drain off water and add ½ of the cinnamon, brown sugar, grapes and butter. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Pour in baking dish.

In a mixing bowl combine sugar, rice flour, baking soda, remaining cinnamon and salt together; slowly whisk in milk. Pour batter over the zucchini.

Place in 350 degree preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.

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Reflections About My Daughter Being Hit By A Car

My youngest daughter was struck by a car over the weekend on the 13^th anniversary of my father’s death!! She was riding her bike on the sidewalk in front of our house when a teen on a cell phone backed out of her driveway without looking. The driver kept backing up after hitting her; pinning Sahara under the bike and car. She didn’t stop until my husband hit the trunk of her car while yelling, “STOP… MOVE FORWARD!" Had she gunned the car or had my husband not been right behind my child it could have been catastrophic.... The girl got out of the car still talking on her cell phone saying, "I'll have to call you back".

Luckily, Sahara walked away with only 2 scratches!!

So this incident has brought several issues to light with me:

The obvious is that cell phones should not be used in vehicles. As much as we would like to think we can multi-task, the dangers are too great! In a split second, this single distraction almost took a life.

After many people said we should have called the cops, pressed charges, filed an insurance claim… I have to address my thoughts about this. Firstly, my thoughts were foremost on my child’s well-being during the incident; no one existed around us in the moment except me and my child. I never even considered those ramifications until hours later after we determined that she was indeed going to be okay. Secondly, the teen did check on Sahara later that evening and I made it a point to let her know she almost killed a child that evening! I also pointed out that it could have been her 15 month old son behind that car! By the expression on her face, I am sure she is having trouble sleeping as much as I and that is a far more natural consequence than anything a court of law could do. Drawing it out into a legal battle would have been a consumption of my energy that I just don’t have to offer right now. However, please understand that had there been different injuries we would have taken different legal actions.

Or would we… in the time I have had to process this incident, I have also come to terms with the fact that my child could have died Saturday night. So, I ask myself what I would have done under those circumstances and I have to say my response surprises even me… I would have a difficult time destroying two families and therefore I would have advocated for her not to be prosecuted for manslaughter. Why? Again, the natural consequences of taking a life would be far more punishment that anyone deserves. And to rip another mother from another child would be just as catastrophic. Furthermore, you have to consider how those actions would affect the surviving sibling.

So, this makes me realize that there was a higher purpose to this incident. My husband and I have discussed this at great length, as Sahara should not have walked away uninjured. This was a cosmic contract; for Sahara, the teen, or someone else we don’t know, but we are sure that a contract was fulfilled. I am certain this incident probably saved future lives. Whether the teen will act more responsibly or because I vow not to use my phone in a car anymore… perhaps another bystander witnessed this and will act more cautiously or because you are reading this mother’s words… I don’t know. But something larger than us occurred that night.

Sahara shouldn’t have walked away with just two scratches!!

After scooping my limp child out of my husband’s arms, I collapsed into the yard with her. Shaking uncontrollably, everyone around me seemed to fade into the background. Her big sister ran into the house and got ice packs and wet wash clothes. I gentle began cleaning her scratches and touching her; within minutes she was up and walking.

A mother’s touch is healing; not some placebo effect, but truly healing. This is why children innately ask for their mother’s to touch their boo-boos and to kiss them. A mother permeates healing energy to her child allowing the boo-boo to genuinely feel better. This is the same phenomena that can explain why others heal ailments and mend bones simply when laying hands.

That evening when we went inside and lay on the couch together, I immediately activated Reiki and began energy work. This was the first Reiki session I had given to someone else since being attuned for the Master level just a couple nights before. She lay completely still for 50 minutes as I channeled energy to her. As soon as I was done, she jumped up and started laughing, talking, and dancing. I am not sure I can put into words what transpired, but I do know that she no longer limped and whined after this session.

I am certain that Sahara was protected that evening by entities that we couldn’t see.

I am aware that my spirituality strengthened that evening.

AND

I am grateful that my child is alive!!

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What Spirituality Means to Me

To me spirituality is how you define and express your relationship with the source (commonly known as God).

God is the universal life force that animates and organizes all of creation. This life force resides in each of us, in all things, and all places. This source is pure love and light; and vibrates at the highest resonance. It is how we remember to tune into the source and stay centered in the light that brings us our spirituality.

I believe that we have cosmic contracts that we need to fulfill in this lifetime. I believe that when you are ‘wronged’ it is a cosmic contract unfolding and that it presents an opportunity for growth. I believe that nothing is coincidental. I believe that even though our path is pre-ordained we still posses the power to change the future, past and present. I believe that we are all connected and one. I believe that we all have spirit guides and angels who have been assigned to guide and support us on this journey. I believe that the more humans that start to resonate at a higher level the more the planet and human kind can heal and transform. I believe…

This belief system has evolved over the past decade and a half. However, the more Reiki I perform on myself and others the more I become aware of and experience this energy on a personal level. Performing Reiki and channeling the universal life force is like remember who I am as a part of the source. Since practicing Reiki, I have personally experienced fewer negative emotions. And when I do, I am more quickly able to re-center myself and am more aware of the higher purpose of situations. I find myself thinking more on a global scale rather than just in my corner of the world.

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A Hidden Treasure.... Indian Run Falls

As I have said before, I love the metro-parks in the Central Ohio area. Here is another hidden treasure that is in our backyard that I had no idea existed until yesterday.

Indian Run Falls, Dublin Ohio.

Although we really ventured there to see the waterfall, it happened to be dry yesterday. Without realizing it, we ended up hiking on the limestone shelves that should have been rushing with water. We were in the middle of the path of a waterfall, the energy was incredibly peaceful. What an experience! How often do you get to walk where a waterfall should be rushing?

After exploring this hidden treasure, we ventured up to the path and walked around the cliff embankments. Now, we understood that the fall itself was to be 25 feet… but don’t let that mislead you (like it did us). The cliffs are Hocking Hill sized cliffs with limited fencing. The trail had observation decks to sit and enjoy the scenic view.

After hiking around the horseshoed path we ended up in the Indian Run Falls Historical Cemetery which was established in 1813 and restored in 1975. The family and I were able to walk around each weathered stones with reverence and fascination. I love walking in cemeteries... They are full of history, energy, and they just offering a feeling of comfort to me.

We were able to hike the path back with less angst then the first time around knowing that the cliffs were there. And with that knowledge, attention to where the kids were at all time came easier. I look forward to being able to take them back when the water flows on the fall...

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My Spiritual/Healing Journey

Many of you know I have been on a spiritual/healing quest for the past decade or so… well, last night was momentous occasion for me. After our aura and chakra class, Reiki Master Dave Scarbrough attuned me to Level 3 Reiki!

Dave is a wonderful soul with many gifts and much love to share. I highly recommend Dave as a mentor on your spiritual/healing journey! You can find him on my face book list of friends or contact him directly at reikidaveohio@yahoo.com or you can visit his personal website at http://reikidaveohio.webs.com/ .

The attunement was powerful! I felt incredible energy in and around me especially around my heart chakra and hands. I have tried many modalities, and Reiki is the one thing I have found to offer consistent change without experiencing a momentary high just to go back to old patterns. With consistent use and the practice of meditation, you continue to build and channel energy!

During this journey of personal self-development I have been able to not only center myself, but have become clearer on many objectives in my life. I am so excited about how this will change my ability to address the needs of my family and those that are directed to me. Please stay tuned to what I will be doing next... it is powerful and I guarantee you no one else is doing this work here!

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How Well Do You Know Me?

So, I was recently told by a friend that I don't share much on face book, my blog or twitter about who SUSAN really is... Yes, we know your political and autism stance, but who is Susan? My response was that that was a calculated move... But in order to appease this person here is a simple trivia question....

I am sitting the waiting room with 3 other moms at Children's Hospital this morning. Each of us have a child in the social skills group. After 10 minutes of agonizing silence one Mom breaks the silence. Can you figure out which mom is me...

Mom #1: Is talking about the H1N1 vaccine. She is telling anyone that will listen that she is not going to get her kids vaccinated for it. She goes on to ramble about childhood vaccinations in general and how the whole concept just doesn't 'sit easy' with her, besides we all had chicken pox as a child and we are fine....

Mom #2: Is saying yeah, but... our kids are here in a hospital 3-4 times a week with lots of germ exposure (hospitals have more germs than any other public facility) and they are in school now around other kids with yet more germs. Plus if you get the shot you won't get the flu as bad if you hadn't taken it...

Mom #3: Is quietly texting on her cell phone, not daring to enter the debate. Probably texting her husband about the crazy mothers in the lobby today....

Mom #4: Is debating in her head whether or not she should dare chime in or not. By the time she mentions the getting sick actually strengthens the immune system, the conversation abruptly changes to giving childbirth....


Which mom am I... Mom #1,2,3, or 4?

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Mothers, Will You Unite With Me?

Today is 9/9/09 and the voices of our children are about to be heard. I invite you to advocate for the one out of 100 children that are diagnosed with autism. I invite you to be the voice our children do not have. I invite you to be the straw that got the nation to listen!

Nothing ruffles my feathers more than when mothers start to ostracize each other because they have different perspectives on the etiology of autism. Instead of getting into heated debates we should be reaching out and saying, “We agree to disagree, now let’s get things done.”

Let me share with you my perspective.

I find that to say autism can’t be caused by vaccines because your child doesn’t have autism and is fully vaccinated a ridiculous statement. I think that for you to say it can’t be the RhoGam shot because your grandbaby is ‘normal’ and that your daughter got the same shots as I a close minded response. When people say statements like this to me I want to scream, “You are missing the point!”

Let me take a different angle... I started smoking when I was eighteen, and I tinkered with smoking throughout high school and was an avid smoker by the time entered college. For the next ten years, I consistently smoked… sometimes up to two packs a day (graduate school all nighters will do that to you). However, I do not have the dis-ease called lung cancer; why? I smoked and smoking causes cancer. So, is it logical for me to conclude that smoker must NOT cause cancer?

My point is this… just because your child didn’t regress into autism doesn’t mean that the risk and dangers aren’t there. I am not against vaccinations; I oppose the toxins and second most dangerous substance known to man being willingly shoved into our children and expectant mothers. Do you know what your child would be like it he hadn’t been vaccinated? Maybe he would have been even more extraordinary!

Most mothers I know would go to the ends of the Earth for what she believed to be the right thing for her child. I am asking us, mothers, to unite together and use this energy to create a shift. Not just on your home front but nationally.

Demand that the government, scientists, pharmaceutical companies, and media admit we have a national crisis among this generation of children. Demand that fetus, infants, toddlers, and children are no longer subjected to mercury. Demand that we get 3^rd party research from unbiased scientists. Demand that we get the tools we need to see that our children can live productive and healthy lives.

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ATTENTION FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO RESIDENTS AND RIDGEWOOD PARENTS!!

Verizon Wireless and the resident of 4243 Dublin Road have taken action to request a variance to allow for the construction of a 120 foot telecommunication tower facing and residing next to the driveway loop where we wait in line to pick up our children at school and in close proximity of the playground.

The applicant is proposing to lease a 40' by 60' area which will contain a 38' by 58' fenced area where a telecommunication tower and tower equipment will be located. The fence will be 8' in height and constructed of wood. The proposed tower is 120' in height. Plans submitted indicate that the tower will also have the capability of colocating two additional carriers. Access to the site will be provided by a 20' access and utility easement.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?

*There have been no long-term studies that idicate the health risks from exposure to low-level Radio Frequency/ Microwave (RF/MW) Radiation that is emitted from cell phone towers. *This industrial monstrosity will forever scar our charming school community.

*Homes devalue on average 15% depending how close a homeowner is to a tower.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

*Construct, sign and mail the letter below immediately. The letters must arrive before the September 21st meeting!

*Attend the meeting on September 21st to voice your opinion to the Franklin County Comminssioners!

The time to stop the construction of the cell phone tower is now!

The meeting to decide whether to buld the cell phone tower in Monday, September 21, at 1:30 pm at the Franklin County Courthouse located at 373 South High Street, 26th floor. Case #VA/CU-3668. The matter is decided by the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning.

MORE DETAILS

http://www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/edp/

Go to the calendar and select August 17.

Select Meeting Materials.

Scroll down to Case VA/CU-3668 to view maps and related materials.

MORE INFORMATION REQUESTED

If you have links or information connecting RF/MW Radiation with health hazards please forward to me ASAP. And forward this to every one you know in this county!! Thank You!!

SAMPLE LETTER

Matt Brown

Franklin County Economic Development and Planning

150 S. Front Street

FSL Suite 10

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dear Mr. Brown,

We are strongly opposed to the placement of a cell tower within our neighborhood at 4243 Dublin Road. The required acreage for a cell tower is 2 acres. Mr. Rob Hinton's propery is only .98 acres. This alone should be enough to prevent the construction of the proposed tower. His property is surrounded by a dense population of homes, landscaping, and an elementary school. The cell tower would further lower property values at a time in our economy when we do not need this to happen.

Although the data in inconclusive, we are concerned about the RF signals emitted from a cell tower in our neighborhood and this close to a elementary school and its play ground. We request that the application by Verizon Wireless for a conditional variance allowing construction of the proposed tower be denied!

Respectfully,

(your name)

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