Selling without trying is fun!

I just got notification that I sold something on CafePress.

I had completely forgotten that I set up a “shop,” per se, a few years ago.

But someone chose my design out of many options, and I find that so fun! 

Partially because I forgot it was on there, but mostly because I actually created the design myself. It’s not a stock image or something.  It was one of the first attempts at image work that I’d ever tried…  and still one of my faves, I must say.

So there ya go.  Good times. Thank you R.L. in Ohio for choosing a tshirt with my DS awareness design!

In case anyone else wants one….  it’s out there!

This is also kind of funny to me, because now I make shirts like crazy. Another thing I need to update any of you who still come around here about…  I made one for me for Kinlee’s school, and it caught on like wildfire.  I’ve sold 20+ since August, I’ve got over 12 shirts on my hobby table that are waiting to be done, with several more orders pending. And they’re all hand done, lots of bling!  Who knew?!?  (I’m drooling over a new super-gadget that would make it easier, but M hasn’t ok’d the $6000 expenditure at this stage. Men….)

Not to mention the cheer squads I’m doing bows for, the salon who is selling my “everyday bows” for little girls, and the gymnastics teams who want bows AND bling shirts for their Olympic trials travel wear.  Oh and then there’s the photography that I just began doing for fun and practice and for which I now have lots of requests for bookings… 

Nope, I’m not at all busy.

In the news… Common Core. IEP. Oxymoron.

Thanks to Cate for “in the news” being the first thing I thought of when I figured I’d post a link to an article.  (Don’t ever think you don’t make an impression!)

Came across this article today in a very roundabout way I won’t bother to explain. But I thought it was interesting. 

Common Core State Standards Don’t Rhyme with Individual Education Plans

I’d like to have time to write the 20 posts or so it would take to catch you all up on Braska’s school situation. In a word—Frustrating.

Here’s the summary…

Positive: She goes to school. She likes to go. She likes the bus. Her teachers are nice.

Needs improvement: Behaviors are becoming an issue at school, not at home. (dropping in the hall, not following directions, being goofy in the bathroom, etc) She’s the class clown, it seems. I am getting very little info or communication unless I prod, though they seem willing to share once I do prod. I’m not convinced our placement arrangement is the best, but I can’t figure out the alternative at this point.  And our beloved private school where Kinlee goes isn’t ready to have B back yet, though they’re working on it.

But she likes it. And she’s doing alright on most days. So I’m trying to be patient.

All that leads back to the article… does seem interesting that kids who, by definition of the generally accepted terms, need “special” consideration of some kind, are lumped in with the “common” goals. 

I’m not a pro, but at least on what it looks like to me, there needs to be a big NEEDS IMPROVEMENT on that report card.

Just sayin’…

Another blurb. Nomination for the DSAGSL

This time it’s for local charity awards, why I think the DSA is a worthwhile cause.
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The Down syndrome community is most valuable when it provides just that. Community. Knowing others who are traveling a similar journey, learning from experts who really care about the individuals for whom they are sharing and teaching makes all the difference. The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis is an organization that takes community seriously, and their members benefit from their commitment to that end. I have benefitted from that commitment. My daughter’s future is brighter because the DSAGSL is walking the path along with us.

Some of the best friends I have are those I’ve come to know through our local DSAGSL community group. The most amazing and inspirational moments have been when I’ve been able to share with new parents, through the New Parent Support of the DSAGSL, that a diagnosis that many say is not worth life at all is a precious child first and foremost. New Parent Support is a vital tool and true blessing to parents who find themselves on a path they did not anticipate. The beauty of humans coming together to care for, invest in, and share with one another is so very encouraging. Whether it be playing together with a group of toddlers, learning valuable information at a conference led by research pioneers, or walking with a few thousand close friends to show support, bring awareness, and celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome, the DSAGSL provides true opportunities for fostering genuine community.

A little blurb. For 3/21

Lately I’ve been asked to write a thing here or there for various purposes.  And I figure if I write them, might as well let them serve double duty as a blog post, right? Glad you agree.

This one was for the DSAGSL.org blog on the upcoming WDSD celebrations.
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It’s always nice to have a reason to celebrate, and in the Down syndrome community, March 21 is a great day to do some big celebrating!

Chosen because of the numerical similarity to the medical name for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21, 3 copies of the 21^st chromosome), 3/21 each year is a day to celebrate those we love who have Down syndrome and to make others aware of the intrinsic value of individuals with Down syndrome. Only recently has it taken on a larger audience, but World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is becoming a full-blown holiday in many areas. The blue and yellow that are held to be Down syndrome awareness colors are often seen in creative ways on March 21.

Locally, many families and groups celebrate WDSD in a variety of ways. Last year, my friend and I made iron –on transfers and created shirts that we and our kids proudly wore that day, telling those around us that we were “celebrating EXTRA blessings.” Some of our teachers and therapists also requested shirts when they heard we were making them, so there were many matching shirts bringing awareness at the school that our kids attended. It was an encouraging show of support and exemplified the love that these team members have for our children. We also took in blue and yellow frosted cupcakes to share with the classes of our kids, and we read books about Down syndrome and talked about how we all are different in some ways, but in the most important ways, we are the same.

There are many ways to celebrate WDSD and use it as a chance to bring up conversations with friends, family, and coworkers about why we are so proud of our loved ones with Down syndrome. Here are a few ideas and examples of what others have done.

· Take cookies or cupcakes to school/ work decorated with blue and yellow (the DS awareness colors). Make a little note with a picture of your child to leave next to the goodies in the break room inviting coworkers to celebrate with you.

· Pass out tootsie pops with different colored wrappers with a note that says we all look different on the outside, but it is what is on the inside that counts

· Read a book to your child’s class

Age Appropriate Books:

· My Friend Isabelle (ages 2-6)

· Hi, I’m Ben and I’ve Got a Secret (ages 2-6)

· Taking Down Syndrome to School (ages 5-10)

· Pass out World Down Syndrome Day posters

· Wear a Tshirt http://dsagsl.org/awareness-advocacy/world-down-syndrome-day/

· Post facts about DS or celebrate your child on Facebook, Twitter, or send an email to family and friends

· Mail a postcard to family and friends celebrating your child. One last year showed a friend playing the guitar with a note that said “Rocking his extra chromosome”

· Have a “Genes” day or Dress down for Down syndrome day at work. Have people donate the $ to the DSAGSL.

· Share a you tube video

· Just Like You Down Syndrome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M--xOyGUX4

· National Down Syndrome Society, Everyone Counts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejPeIU7VWac

So choose one of these or get creative with your own celebration ideas! Just make sure that you take this chance to tell someone about how proud you are of your loved one, how valuable and precious they are.
If you’d like to join a group for a celebration, come out to St. Charles for the 1^st Annual StC WDSD Party! We would love to have you celebrate with us!