Sometimes I run into bits and pieces that are not enough for a whole blog post but that I really want to talk about! Sometimes they are purchases, sometimes they are fun stories, and sometimes they are worthy causes. That being said, here is what I loved this week and wanted to share!
One: I first learned about this contest from Marmelade Gypsy, and it brought tears to my eyes. Well, more than tears, I sat here and cried in my coffee over the lovely soul of Judy Winter. Judy had a son nineteen years ago who was born with Cerebral Palsy, like my little guy has. What Judy did though, is amazing. What a fierce advocate and mom for her boy. She and her charity, The Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp, have been nominated for an amazing prize by L’Oreal and reading her story, she definitely gets my vote. I will be voting everyday! Please read this post by her dear friend to learn more about the Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp and Judy herself.
Two: Since we are talking about special needs, I see this meme every year in different forms and love sharing it to remind us all to be patient and kind with each other. It has particular meaning for me, as my son has a speech delay and while he is working on his words, will not be able to say Trick or Treat this Halloween. I love Halloween and it’s magic of bringing people together, out and about in a community, and I love the energy and happiness it can bring. I like to keep that going by making all children feel comfortable and also, by not turning away teenagers. Trick or Treating is such an innocent activity for them to be doing, and I love to see them still enjoying it.
Three: Can we talk about this adorable new collection from Boden! All Harry Potter inspired, and I want to buy all of it up for all the kiddos in my life! Wyatt and I just watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone the other day and while he was not really all that into it, I am sure he will be one day…. lol. He did really love the Sorting Hat though.
Four: I am always looking around for fun nature crafts to do with Wyatt, to encourage his love of nature, and because play is learning! I loved this post that had so many fun ideas! There are a few here that I think we are definitely going to try!
Five: This article about revillaging. I know I miss the village and community I never had. I don’t believe we were all supposed to be out here without our village and tight community, and it makes me sad that society has moved away from this, and frankly left people on their own a lot. I feel lucky I have close family and my friends are small in numbers but they are my family too. I would step in and take care of their kids if needed, make a meal, just be there for them. My neighborhood is becoming closer too, that kind where you call on your neighbor for sugar or milk and hang out with on nice nights outside. I think America needs to find this quality again, the one where we embrace our community and our neighbors..
And that is it for this week! I hope you enjoyed these little bits and pieces, and don’t forget to vote for Judy Winter, please, if you think her charity should win. All the candidates are worthy as are their charities, but Judy Winter’s is near and dear to my own heart.
Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs.. 
Thanks for the lovely post and I enjoyed all your “bits and pieces.” I especially love the idea of a village surrounding us, and miss that I don’t have that in the city where I live. But, in a sense, I have a village in this residence where I’m living now.
Have a great weekend.
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Thanks Laurel! I love the idea of a village supporting each other, a tight community. I think it’s why I love shows like the Gilmore Girls – Stars Hollow! Lol. And yes, you are do have a village where you are! 🙂
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Like you, my good friends are my family — there for each other. (And speaking of which, I will pass along to Judy your blog post! Thank you!) And I loved the Trick or Treat reminder. I’m glad that pops up regularly.
The crafts for kids are really cute. I need to brush up on crafts for little ones soon. I’m not quite sure how long I can engage a two and a half and one and a half year-old but I’ll need to figure it out soon enough. Any ideas of fun things in the Livonia area that first weekend in November? We’ll be kid-sitting and if the weather isn’t too horrible may way to get out!
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Sure thing!! I have my fingers crossed for Judy and her charity!!
It is so hard with little kids! Lol. Music is always a winner in our house, when all else fails. We make music, listen to music, and dance. Sensory bins are always really fun too. There are different ones, like dinosaur, etc. You can get play dough and a plastic tray or container they can reach into, and put stuff in there like toy animals, twigs, whatever and let them play within the bin, around a theme. I know it is $5 day at the Henry Ford Museum that day! Everyone gets in for $5 and the kids would be free. There is a Lego exhibit there right now too. 🙂
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Thanks for the head’s up. We’ll check it out and hopefully it’ll work!
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I’m proud to be part of a cul-de-sac where we know most of the houses in our court and have a block party every August. I can personally depend upon five of my neighbors for anything.
Good reminders about Halloween. Been learning about the meaning of blue and teal pumpkins form 101.3 in the mornings. Me and the teen will probably pass out candy this year.
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I love that personal connection to community! My neighborhood is just starting to get together and I love it. 🙂 I think mom and my SIL’s mom will team up and hand out candy at my brother’s house while we all take the kiddos out. 🙂 It will be fun, if it doesn’t snow! That is in the weather predictions!
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Judy sounds like an amazing woman. I will check out the post about her. Thank you for the link to nature crafts. I like doing things like that with my great-niece. Have a nice weekend.
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I never thought I would be a mom who likes to do that with her child but I totally am! Lol. I am always on the lookout for different fun things. 🙂 And thanks for checking her out!
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