‘Dancing Poetry’ interpretive performance

Left to right: Sandra Wade, Cynthia M. Parkhill, Jonathan Donihue and JoAnn Saccato.

Ever since she was appointed Poet Laureate in April 2006, Sandra Wade has taken part in various activities that showcase the local poetic scene. By virtue of her attendance at various poetic readings, she serves as a steady reminder that Lake County has a Poet Laureate and a viable artistic community.

Toastmasters may have something to offer

I think I'm going to join Toastmasters International. It was something I wanted to do before I learned I have AS and now that I know this about myself, I still think that Toastmasters may have something to offer.

Konocti school district deserves support for policies against bullying

The Konocti Unified School District deserves to be commended for including among policies for approval on Wednesday, Dec. 5, an outline of student conduct that specifically prohibits bullying.

Miss Elizabeth models ripple afghan

This “Warm Autumn Wrap,” a pattern by Anne Halliday from the book Afghans for All Seasons, was crocheted from Red Heart Super Saver prints and solids in shades of sage green and light brown. Modeled here by Miss Elizabeth, it was a gift for my mother-in-law, Anita Donihue.

Originally posted to Facebook

Elizabeth the cat models crocheted socks

One of Elizabeth's favorite "jobs" is to be the official model for various crocheted creations. Here she "models" multi-colored socks.

Originally posted to Facebook

Advice for AS children given by AS adult

Parents of children with AS, this is a question for you. I was recently approached by a special ed teacher at one of the local middle schools; she suggested that after I've learned more about AS, which is the process I am in right now, that I come talk to the children, possibly about self-advocacy.

If an adult who has AS were going to speak to your AS child, what sort of advice would you want them to give, or what type of behavior would you want them to model? I don't have children of my own so this is outside my frame of reference.

In some ways your children will already be at an advantage by virtue of a diagnosis that was unknown when I was their age (doesn't saying that make me feel "old"!) So, many of the interventions (and hopefully the supporters and advocates) will already be in place. I would like to address needs that are not already being met, if it is in my power.

If you've suggestions I would like to hear them.

A day that I buy books is a good day!

There were two books I wanted, specifically addressing women's issues with A.S. -- "Women From Another Planet? Our Lives in the Universe of Autism" by Jean Kearns Miller and "Asperger's and Girls" by Tony Attwood.

Outstanding Media Coverage of Public Education

To “Professional Awards,” I can add Outstanding Media Coverage of Public Education, presented by the Association of California School Administrators to the Clear Lake Observer American. The newspaper and I were nominated for the award by Dr. Louise Nan, superintendent of the Konocti Unified School District.

Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism

“This is the generation that missed the opportunity to be diagnosed and understood.” -- Tony Attwood, “The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome” (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007)

One month ago, if you had asked me, I would not even have known what “Asperger
Syndrome” was. Now, I am learning everything I can about this fascinating condition that explains my lifelong tendencies.

Coming out with Asperger's

What a relief to find that there are others like me after a lifetime of feeling out-of-place! No formal diagnosis but I am reading Tony Attwood's "Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome" and it is like reading a biography of myself.

Yesterday I told my mother that I believe I have Asperger's Syndrome. I showed her Kathy Hoopmann's delightful "All cats have Asperger Syndrome" to help introduce the subject. The book was invaluable because it used such a familiar topic -- cats -- to introduce something so new and unfamiliar.

Originally posted to DailyStrength.org

Author's Note: In June 2007, a friend told my husband about a neurobiological disorder called "Asperger's syndrome" in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. She suggested to my husband that I had it. The two books mentioned in this narrative were my introductions to Asperger's syndrome. A short while later, I created an account at DailyStrength to gain and share insights with peers.

Wearable sculptures: Hand-made socks

A pair of hand-made socks with Miss Elizabeth,
the official model for all things crochet.

In my opinion, there are fewer mediums of art closer at hand in our daily lives than the objects we wear upon our bodies. An example is a pair of hand-crocheted socks, or “wearable sculptures,” as I think of them.

Relay for Life brings back memories of Molly Ivins

When the sun goes down on Saturday, May 19, glowing “luminaria” will line the Clear Lake High School track. This special candlelight tribute is part of the Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Each small flickering flame honors a life that has been lost to cancer.

Pomo basketweavers’ artistry showcased

A day-long seminar organized by the Friends of the Lake County Museum showcased the artistry of Pomo basket-weaving with accompanying ecological concerns.

Griffin library at Lower Lake High School

A red-carpet gala commemorated the new Lower Lake High School (LLHS) library, dedicated to Winkie Griffin. "This is an honor I will be carrying for the rest of my life," Griffin said.

LLHS dedicating new library in Griffin's honor

A ribbon cutting that takes place on Thursday, March 1, will dedicate the Winkie Griffin Library Media Center on the Lower Lake High School campus.

Billy Collins reads in Santa Rosa

Poetry aficionados, the Lake County Poet Laureate among them, gave a warm welcome to Billy Collins, two-term poet laureate of the United States of America.

Back in Record-Bee newsroom

This week I built my first edition of the Clear Lake Observer American out of the Lake County Record-Bee newsroom. Yesterday, of course, was spent building an Arts & Entertainment section for the Record-Bee.