Autistics

It turns out when you give the correct tools of expression to people affected by autism, they have loads to say. The problem is not that they can't feel anything but rather that they can't express it in ways we understand. For example, they often can't tell where their bodies limits. They don't know if they are sitting or standing - they cannot move if you say "Come" but will stand up and walk to you if you phrase it this way. This week's Time magazine's cover story explores the brains of those affected and methods to work with autistics.

The Colour Orange

Tiger, fruit, flower, cheese, monk's robes, summer, sun (sometimes), pumpkins, pepper, Sunkiss Express, Montreal subway line
Orange is an interesting color. It shows up in the most unusual places in large vegetables or exotic flowers. I used to endlessly wonder why Velveeta cheese, carrots and oranges share the same color with such differing tastes... Green was everywhere to be seen and one focused on ways to differenciate the various foodstuff rather then concentrate on their commonality. I love the different tints of it - vibrancy and speed, warmth and happiness, sunshine. It is a "feel good" colour in my book.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima. A word that stirs up conflicting emotions in me, mostly sadness and guilt. Growing up, when I saw a wheelchair painted on the road near a lowered sidewalk corner, I would be reminded of the shadows of people imprinted in the asphalt.
I can understand the shame of the generations of Germans born after Hitler. They bore the shame and guilt associated with him. And so it is with me and my uneasy relationship with this word, this past and the pain that was inflicted long ago yesterday today. It lives as a reminder of what happens without love.

Talking as Regression

What if talking was really not an improvement in the human race but a regression? I mean, so many people take offense at perceived slights or fight over misunderstandings. Would we not be more peaceful beings if an imprint of out thoughts or feelings were communicated to one another? You will argue that with the advent of language, we have been able to communicate and retain knowledge much more readily and, arguably, evolve faster.
Maybe then, it is not the fact of talking that is the problem, but rather what is being said. Talking is so overrated. Let's try silence.

Alone thoughts

What are the thoughts that come to you when you are alone? Do you mull over your mistakes, replay the movie of your actions until you get the desired results? Or do you re-live the good parts and enjoy them over again?
Or are you one of those who avoid the thoughts that surface from the depth of your being when there are no distractions to cover them up; no music; no tv; no friends on the phone to drown their voices?
Those voices are the only ones worth listening to: the voices of experience, and of wisdom. Your own.

My To-Do List

Here’s what happens when you think you have a winning idea. You talk about it and make it sound like a great idea for someone else to do it and make it work. Here it goes: as part of my 100 words assignment, I thought it would be interesting to lay out a To-Do list. I decided it should be funny, yet accurate. What an eye-opener. My To-Do List was surprisingly boring with stuff I need to do but that is not very entertaining. I have new-found respect for Leno. (Tip: Hyphenate adjectives so they count only as one word).

100 words - first try

Do you want to know what's on my mind? If you do, at any given time, listen to what I hum. It might be an indication of what I am thinking - or of the last word that hit my conscience. An example would be the word garlic (pronounced "aye" in French) which sends me into a rendition of "Aye, aye, aye, aye! Cielito lindo!" You see, only the sound matters: the meaning itself takes a backseat.
And if nothing else strikes my fancy, I go to bed humming the stupid song, grateful for a new day and new words...

Enough said; more words

Canadiens lost. They played so well. Enough said: time to move on to the Senators...

I subscribed to the 100 words site (http://www.100words.net/front.cfm). Here is the deal: it starts fresh every first day of the month. You write 100 words and upload those to the site. You write every day - not one day in advance, nor do you cram later on. You are allowed to forget one day - just one. You have to finish a whole month before it is published. You can't read what you wrote the previous day. Nothing is published if you miss two days.
I never knew about the constraints. It makes it more interesting, actually. I can't start until June (I didn't know about the guidelines) but now I am excited about it. Nothing like obstacles to make you want to jump higher : ) So - should I practice on my blog? That's already 157 words. Less is more...

May the best one win!

I have been struck down by the flu: the hockey fever has taken hold of me. Evening after evening, I alternate between my favorites and watch the Senators and the Habs triumph or writhe in pain as they sail to victory or crash to defeat. Within my body, I follow them in their ups and downs, go to bed exhilarated or sad and wake up the same depending on the previous night's performance.

I don't watch hockey during the regular season so I am always surprised by the virulence of the attack. This year, I can indulge in my passion (and I do!) which is great. With the "new" regulations, the game is so much smoother, a throwback to the years that followed the games against the Russians when we changed our ways to embrace speed and sgility over brute force. Hockey as an art form.

If all goes well, the Senators and the Habs will meet soon. And then what do I do? Support my adopted home team or stay true to my roots? Either way I will cheer the winner and follow them through the Cup, with sadness in my heart for those who didn't quite make it. There is no excess too great for a goal so great as the Stanley Cup.

May the best one win!

Tidbits

I had an experience where I lived for a week in a monastery. I missed... reading and writing. Everything else, I could do without. Even not speaking was ok. You can communicate very effectively non-verbally. The monastery was located in the middle of some woods. After a week, I came back to the city. The colors assaulted my senses. The noise was ok - not traumatic. But I was amazed by the sensory overload our eyes deal with on a daily basis. No wonder we block out advertising (and the billboards become more conspicuous). It might not be speed but it's equally alienating.

I downloaded Yahoo widgets - so cool. One of them is called "Clockish". It displays the time it is approximately. For example, it says "Half past 7" not 7:29 pm or "7 fifteenish", or "a bit after 7". It fits welll with my present situation where clocks have become a nuisance and a stressor.

A friend told me about a site where you can write 100 words a day - just to keep your writing muscle going. I haven't taken the plunge yet though I am thinking of it. Go there if you are curious: http://www.100words.net/front.cfm

Infant signing

So your child doesn't talk yet but he/she has plenty to say: Hungry? Mommy, Help, Cat, Earache.
I love language in all its forms and sign language has always fascinated me. Infant sign language is easier because it is about simple words and not meant for older children with complex needs. Parents say it cuts down on the frustration on both sides as the child can now effectively communicate his or her needs before he/she can talk. There is less guesswork involved and the child actually teaches signs to the parent too.
I was reading testimonies and one parent was saying how her child signs with one hand when the other is full of fish crackers... Another was saying the child signs as he says the words but his words are unintelligeble and so the sign helps her understand what is going on.
There are studies proving higher IQs as a result... I think it is a given, when a parent goes to that trouble and is alert to a child's need, the child is more stimulated + the child has an influence on the environment so is more self-confident, etc. I also read it stimulates the same brain centers as language does - which makes sense because it's all about communicating.
Anyways, food for thought. Here is a site I liked.
http://www.mimicbaby.com/bsl.htm
and another:
http://www.signwithme.com/001_infant_signing.asp

Signing off...

What's in a Name (2)?

The question of identity has always fascinated me - probably because I always felt I wasn't quite Canadian being born to new immigrants. As a child, I did not have a Quebecois accent and was asked repeatedly where I was from (despite the fact my brothers spoke with no accent and played with the same kids - I guess everybody assumed I was adopted...). I was puzzled - I don't think I really understood that I was speaking "funny".
Fast forward to my life in Ontario - a disproportionate number of my friends go by a given name that is not theirs by birth. Most are... immigrants or children of, who have anglicised their names. Oblivious to the obvious discrepancy between their origins (a Polish friend called "Ron" not Roman, for example), it took me years to realize that most of the people I knew under one name just gave up being called by approximate names that were not their own and decided to take destiny in their hands. They named themselves with a simple name that people would be comfortable with. Similar to "Pi", the boy in Yann Martel's famous "Life of Pi". I had always assumed names were absolute - had I known they were just an easy way for people to address you, I would have changed mine in grade 2... Mine is rare enough in French, and downright exotic (as in weird) in English.
So it's another absolute that doesn't hold. I read that in some cultures, your name changes as you go through life, so that it reflects more closely who you are. Sort of trial and error?
Still looking for absolutes.

Trees

I just finished reading a book about trees and their energies. Since I have been working from home and going for walks in the woods behind the house, I have reacquainted myself with trees. And, after our adventures making maple syrup, I have been even more intrigued by them.
Since reading the book, I tend to look more at individual trees, instead of as part of the woods. I have been trying to write a children's book about trees and was looking for descriptions of how different species "behave" so as not to write impossible stuff...
This book deals with trees in relation to humans - how we can benefit from their presence and what they can teach us. The author uses tree essences in therapies to help people. He takes 9 types of trees and assigns them characteristics that can help heal us at different stages during the resolution of a problem. He also suggests exercises to feel their vibrations and so on. Pretty New Agey stuff. I haven't tried any of the exercises yet but I will - and will keep you posted on all the wonderful things I learn about myself ; )
Actually, walking in and around trees has proven to have mesurable health benefits. It's just that the writing in that book put me off... the pictures in the book are quite beautiful though so all in all, it was a pleasant read.

Fun in the Sun

Did I tell you how much I am enjoying my time off from the corporate world?
This week-end, we collected sap from our maple trees and have started boiling it to create maple syrup. I have uploaded a few pix for your enjoyment:

You see me baby sitting Big Bertha (it's hard work but somebody's gotta do it); then Paul checking on the boil; Paul and Yseult collecting sap for tomorrow's boil; Frika helping out;
I can't wait to sample the final product.

Yeah, sure, I miss work : )

Convergence

I had an intersting adventure over the week-end. I went to Merrickville with a friend to buy a gift at the glass blowers' place but the town was closed because of a planned power outage (it's a small town). Most of the stores were closed until noon - we ended up in a quilt store. Now I just read Plain and Simple whose structure is loosely based on simple quilts made of nine squares. Throughout the book, the idea of quilts floats around and permeates the atmosphere. As you know, I also read a book about Slowing down and so have constantly in my mind those two notions of simplicity and slowing down. I was happy to have an opportunity to learn about quilts.
Well, these days quilts is serious business. There are classes, and beginners are encouraged to buy special grids to help them calculate their creations. Right sizes of squares are sold in very nice fabrics. I asked ther lady if she herself did any. She said she made them for her grand-children. I asked if she used old material which carried memories of the year. She didn't answer. I guess I am too old school. People these days buy pretty easy-to-assemble squares and use patterns to stimulate their imagination.
So things are as you make them to be and slowness will only creep in if you let it. BTW, we had time to kill before the elcticity came back and we could buy our gift. We had to sit down in a cafe in front of hot chocolate and chat for an hour. Talk about the joys of Slowness : )

Plain And Simple

Plain and Simple was published in 1989 by Sue Bender and is still relevant today. I was reading it the other day - it is a woman's personal quest for meaning of life through her fascination with the Amish. I thought I would go through her findings and see how they resonate in my new life.
1- Value the process, product
I am working on slowing down. I became aware that I was reacting to internal pressures for speeding things up and have proceeded to change that. In the process, I am paying more attention to the way I am doing things and trying to improve every step.
2- Living in Time
Yeah - see above.
3- Celebrating the ordinary
Again, a conscious decision to do so. I decided to find joy in all things around me. When I succeed, I am less irritable. Nice side-effect.
4- Home
No change, really. My identity is not linked to a place and I don't thnk I have ever "inhabited" a home. I like it bare but can live in clutter. I am easy...
5- Community
Now this one has changed because of Freecycling (as my regular readers know). More virtual than what she refers to but it definitely exists.
6- Life is Art
Haven't given it much thought.I never thought of art as being separate from people or things, just as science is everywhere so - yeah, life is art. It is also science.
7- Limits as Freedom
Personnally, I think you need to free your mind to find freedom. I guess more choices equals clutter and makes the process harder. I think the limits increase your focus and that is valid.
8- Power of contrast
No thoughts on how that one could relate to me.
9- Choice
Here the author is saying how having more choices does not necessarily translate into more freedom. For me, it goes back to Limits as Freedom

Freecycling - a look inside

Ok, I have been freecycling for over a month now. How does it feel? Great! What do I like best about it?
1- Meeting like-minded people
I love dealing with people I would never have met if we did not share this passion about recycling. They are from all ages and all walks of life. In common, they have a smile that comes from sharing what they have or getting my stuff for free. You can't go wrong.
2- Helping others. I love when people post a "Wanted" ad. I scrounge around the house to see if I don't own something useful that I no longer need. It helps me, it helps them; everybody wins.
3- Discovering the area (picking up or dropping off items here and there). I suddenly have a reason for exploring the communities around my own. I just have a better feel for my surroundings. Now if I can just figure out how to update my profile (it doesn't stick when I do it) to reflect those newly-acquired skills...

Repetition

I have been going for walks in the woods around the house. I have become more adept at finding my way and figuring out where I am.
It is simple repetition really. You do it often enough and you get your markers. You make enough mistakes and eventually you master the task. It is nice to get a concrete illustration. My confidence is such that I now enjoy the excursions on the property. They were almost anxiety-provoking at first. Now, I feel more at home, more adventurous and I appreciate the outing a bit more each day. I can actually walk slowly and finish the loop in very little time because I know what I am doing. Shortly now the leaves will come out and I will have to relearn the woods. The dogs' view is closer to the earth. Visually, I don't know that it changes that much. I sometimes wonder if I would find my way more easily on all fours. Eventually, I will take pictures of the woods from their point of view, try and see it through their eyes. Next, to develop my sense of smell...

Musical Chairs

I had this flash the other day: the layoffs happening in the corporate world are akin to the kid's game of musical chairs. There is a dispassionate orchestrator who plays an innocuous melody while children skip around some chairs. Abruptly, without warning, the operator stops the music. There is a wild scramble, a jostling for position. Laughter, a collective sigh of relief. One person is left out. The person disappears in the background, is no longer in the game. A chair is taken away.
The music starts again, still innocent, though the kids themselves start eyeing each other. Again, the music stops, at random. Perhaps the one without a chair will sit in somebody's lap, hoping for a moment that he can keep going. But there is no mercy. He is unceremoniously thrown out and the same music starts again. The music is the unifying theme. The all-powerful orchestrator makes it linger, and taunts its willing victims.
There is less laughter, more suspicious glances. Round and round they go with more dissatisfied people on the sidelines until the interest wanes. Kids are ready to move on. But the game hasn't yet played itself out. We need a winner.
Finally, there is a winner. It is the person who is now alone. I never realized that was the goal...

Bookcrossing

I haven't read all the info on the site (too tired + these guys love to read so there is TONS on that site) but here is the gist of it. This is an organized movement to release books in the wild. You register on the site, get an ID for the book you want to release, and boom! leave it for others to enjoy. With any luck, the person who picked it up will go to the site and register it so you caan keep track of its progress.
The idea is to get books to circulate in a free un-hampered way as God intended... : )
Go on the site and read for yourself. It sounds like a lot of fun!
http://www.bookcrossing.com/