Video: The Black and White Series

  This gently walks away from two years of well loved work, and onto other paintings. smiles.
  Sometimes a thing is better done, than said.




 
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My Youtube Chanel with all of my videos:  https://www.youtube.com/user/sasto65?feature=mhee
Thanks!

tina jones

Meditation Experiencing Wonder

Some may remember that my son taught me it was o.k. to watch a trail of ants. I'd spent so much energy, like most people, being ever present, ever ready, ever busy, and he was the one that helped me be still. I'd been practicing meditation for a year before his birth, but it wasn't until he was five that I got it.
  We were sitting on lawn chairs next to a tree, and I was hypervigilant as always. He was engrossed in a trail of ants, and I smiled, because I used to watch them daily as a child. There was an ant mound behind the garage, and I go see what they were up to. It was a peaceful time in often very chaotic days.
   In loving, accepting and celebrating my beautiful son, I had to accept much about me, and if he relaxed by watching ants, then it was o.k. for me to relax too. I can't tell you the weight that lifted from my shoulders. He brought me home..to me.
  Of interest to me is I thought I didn't have time for meditation. I had so much to do. What I found was that taking even two minutes to be still, made me more effective in the rest of the day. I got more done, and was happier and more serene doing it. I felt very selfish to take this time for me, yet I found that the more I meditated, the more I was able to care for others, and the more I was able to participate in their wants and needs. Instead of the me against the world feelings I had, I became someone who could add to the lives of others while adding to my own. Negative feelings lessened, and more and more I saw beauty everywhere, even....in me.
  Meditation has been an integral part of my daily practice of self care since the age of 23. There are many forms, some involving breathing techniques, focus on one thing, emptying the mind, reading or visualizations. Sometimes meditation is done in our movements like walking, being fully present and noticing details, sometimes it's letting each thought and moment pass. Sometimes it's mantras, repeating a phrase that soothes, other times it's opening the mind to beauty. I used to teach meditation in a treatment center for alcoholism and drug abuse, and I enjoyed it greatly.
    This meditation is on beauty in the ordinary, stillness and the willingness to experience wonder and awe. Meditation is much more about letting it happen than trying. You can't do it wrong. smiles. In this one, all that is required is listening. It's ok if the mind wanders, simply return gently. If you feel sleepy, it may be your mind telling you, "I need more rest." We fight to be super aware a lot of the time. This time is for you.

My Meditation on Experiencing Wonder: A Trail of Ants
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxQS4RyoWic&feature=youtu.be




tina jones

Asperger's and Cultures 3 Part Video Series

I've heard others with Asperger's mention that we may have our own culture. Many of us find we don't quite fit into the one we were born in. Some things match, and some things don't.
  What I'm finding is that some things about me match other cultures, though I'd never entirely feel I fit in anywhere but with others who are either Autistic or those who have interests common to me. It's not a problem for me, rather I look for common ground with anyone I meet, and build on that to form relationships. For instance, I'm not social at all, but if a potential friend is technical-minded, we can communicate on a technical level with some degree of comfort and understanding. I find I can speak to almost any artist on an artistic level. I can understand most spiritually-minded people on the level of good will, and I can understand most any culture on the level of being mutually helpful in an exchange of information. The list goes on. Though I may have little or nothing in common with some cultures, I can usually find some commonality to build on.
   With others with Asperger's or Autism, however the range of things I can understand, connect on and build on is much wider.
    With a sense of humor about myself and others, I've created three videos covering what to me are some cultural misunderstandings, between those of us with Asperger's or Autism and those of us who don't have it. I simply find it interesting that other cultures have the same issues at times.
   In three shorter segments, here are:

"Asperger's and Culture Part 1: Your Hands, My Hair: Knowing the Difference"
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqlOHZkJqfw

"Asperger's and Culture Part 2: Eye Contact: I Don't Know You That Well"

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGDxc4qgGIY

"Asperger's and Culture Part 3: Personal Space: I Love You...From a Distance"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjNuxWVQxX0

 I hope you get a smile, a giggle or two, and perhaps a few things to think about. Thanks.

tina jones

Cruelty-Free Autism

You know how people use the term, "Cruelty-Free," to mean that nothing was tested on animals? It's always a sign of a gentle, healthy approach, and appeals to a lot of people, harming no one.
  Well, what if we had Cruelty-Free Autism, where nothing was tested on Autistic people?
   Cruelty-Free Autism would mean no chemicals tested on them to see what happens, and no side effects from them. There were be no aversive treatments like electrical shocks, hitting, forced inhalations of ammonia, pinching or anything that inflicts pain. There would be no caged children. There would be no child shamed for being who they are. Not a demeaning word would be said that would undermine the confidence of any child.
   What kinds of treatment might Cruelty-Free Autism entail? Rather than thinking of the word, "Treatment" as a place that uses methods to "cure" or  cause desired effects, what if we simply thought about the root word? How do we "Treat" people?
   "People." I didn't say, "Autistic people." How do we "Treat" people? 
    The answer is, "We treat people like we want to be treated." If you  want physical pain, get help. Most, however will want compassion, patience, understanding, and beyond. Most people want to be encouraged in things they are good at, some help in things they struggle with, and even a little praise now and then. Most want to be able to have dreams, help in setting goals to achieve them and someone to stand behind us along the way. Most people want to feel needed and useful. Most want to share their talents to help others...
   Most people want to love and be loved.
    In the interest of promoting Cruelty-Free Autism, I'd like to make a new beginning, and start promoting sites, blogs, people, writers, and even small organizations that support the hopes of Autistic people, be they children or adults, on the Autism Spectrum or not.
    We have plenty of information about Cruel Treatment, but what I focus on grows. Therefore, I'd like to point the way to some people I feel are making a beautiful difference in the lives of Autistic people, and who practice what I call, "Cruelty-Free Autism."
   The Autism Self Advocacy Network:

http://autisticadvocacy.org/

   Connor's Gift:

http://www.facebook.com/ConnorsGiftEmbracingAutism

   Rock The Autism:

http://www.facebook.com/RockTheAutism

    There are others, and unfortunately they don't get enough coverage and support. It's easier to spot the negative ones, so I'm calling for us to make some joyful noise about the positive ones!
   If you know of other groups or people who are lovingly adding to the lives of Autistic People, and celebrating what Autistic People have to offer in a Cruelty Free Autism environment, please feel free to add them, even if they are your own.  Also feel free to share this blog by sharing the link or clicking any of the sharing options below. In hopes of spreading hope for "Cruelty Free Autism."
tina jones

Memories of Current River (Humor)

I was remembering days long ago. I must have been about 26 at the time.  I'd taken a weekend with my sister and another female friend, when my children were small. I'd not been away from them much, and I was a bit nervous about it, but their father took good care, and I knew they'd all be fine. I'd been too stressed, a short vacation sounded good, and they all said I needed a weekend.
  It was so hot, but they said that the spring water there was fifty-eight degrees, and I liked that idea. Now, I'm not the "outdoorsy" type. It has bugs in it, it's often sweaty and causes a lot of squinting. Nonetheless, I believed for the sake of my cohorts, this would be "good for me."
    Two days with large parts spent traveling, and I managed a total of 8 hours on the water. I tubed myself, butt sagging in the middle and arms and legs draped over inner-tube as it was custom to do, and proceeded to float down Current River with my accomplices scattered on the water.
  Oh, it was beautiful. I got a little warm, but a little dip of the cool clear liquid current took care of that. The water sparkled, and our take off point led us into a lazy float, serenaded by birds, the occasional fish splash, and the green was so lush river side that I'd not have been surprised had Tarzan swung out of the foliage at any moment. It didn't last though.
   Enter, the rapids. The water took a turn for the irritable, and all of us got pushed, shoved, splashed and thrown against rocks, spilling over small falls. I attempted, when we hit the shallows to stand and got knocked back down barely managing to do a controlled fall just enough to wallop myself with my own inner-tube. I'm a Mom, and as such I would NOT be defeated! I held on as if I were wrestling The Creature From The Black Lagoon.
  Thirty minutes and the water would calm eerily allowing a return of the pulse with green overhangs and crystal views to river bottom. White water ahead would signal feet at the ready, and I in short order became adept at aiming them at various logs to propel myself into another current thereby avoiding a good barking. Oh, to be fending off whatever water snakes they were by quick twists to aim the inner tube at white mouthed angry mommas protecting their litter, or whatever it is that snakes have. I'd time it, watch her skimming the water, toward my feet in a frantic S-curve, wait for it as she coiled, and turn sharp to hear the thud of her teeth against the rubber tube, before she'd suddenly retreat. I felt sorry for her and the several others I encountered that day. She thought I was after her babies, and in some way, I think we bonded.
     I only wish we could have done a synchronized version of this and put it in the Olympics. It was quite a dance, and never had I spent 4 hours on a floor, so I decided to go again in case I had missed something.
 My day on the water ended, and I was tired and full of adrenalin. Interesting how that little hormone heightens the senses. I arrived at our motel oddly stiff, and felt my skin warming. I had to get out of my swimwear and never has a nylon gown felt so much like toothed thistle against the skin. I sat on the Cheeze Whiz coated bed spread which was of a faded red that oddly matched the orange goo.  After my ankles warmed, I discovered that I could not bend them to a standing position as they had been burnt to a cherry while in draped position over the side of the inner tube. My skin drank aloe vera, and no sooner would I finish reapplying one end than the other would start steaming again.
   I carefully pulled the Spreadable Cheeze bed covering off of the bed, laid down and proceeded to pull the saltine sheets up over me holding them in the air while I took a minute to brace myself. I prayed! Ever so gingerly I let the lying, air drifting, cloud-like white sheet slam to my skin with a feeling that can only be compared to the sound of an eighteen wheeler sliding sideways on dry August asphalt.
   I tried sleeping by holding that sheet straight in the air with my hands, but no. Eventually, I gave up, tossed it back, apologized to my room mates, and slept in moments, until I'd flinch or breathe... sheet-less.
   It was a long night, and  never was I so glad to get back home.
    For this reason, I don't recommend get-a-way weekends to stressed people. Stay home, relax and don't get burned. If you are very calm, wear skin covering scuba gear, a hat, sunglasses, possibly carry a spear and an umbrella, I'd like to suggest they try white water floating. It might be fun.

tina jones

Wheat Allergy Rant and LInks

It's not a matter of whether or not I want to cheat on my low carb lifestyle. It's not a matter of occasional indulgences that might make me gain a pound. It's much more serious.
"They" say I'm supposed to be smart. I seriously doubt their ability to judge such things. I decided to eat wheat "bran" only. I didn't look it up, and thought surely it wouldn't contain gluten. Wrong. It was just an experiment, as I didn't know if it's gluten or wheat itself that's causing the problem. Dumb. My stomach is just fine, so I'd not think I was having a gluten allergy. (wrenching stuff that is), however my feet and ankles look like elephant's for three days now, I'm dizzy, and I spent the better part of two days treating hives on my arms with Aloe Vera. Ears are ringing at a pitch only I and a few canines can hear. Took otc antihistamine, but I'm avoiding benadryl (I used to eat boxes of that to get a buzz when I was drinking, so it is a "last resort" thing.). Now again, how is this smart? I made myself sick. I know I should have looked it up, and I know I should have been satisfied that if I eat any grain (not just wheat, any grain in any form, except for flax. I don't know why.) bad, bad stuff happens.
    It's as if I found out I was allergic to bee stings, so I decided to only get stung by wasps! Please!
   Mad at myself, and I have the urge to spit at the next food pyramid I see. "Healthy whole grains." (Unless they bring about anaphylactic shock) grrrrrrrrr!
     Anyway, from what I'm reading this isn't a gluten sensitivity (which is not considered an allergy. Sometimes I have that with the attendant bloat, cramping, gas..ick., so it appears I have both.). This is wheat allergy.
   Fortunately, I'm not allergic to tantrums, so I plan on having one as soon as I'm done writing.....it won't be much unfortunately, because stomping my feet is the last thing I want to do right now. I think I'll make up curse words. Sometimes that helps.
    I've heard rice might, might be ok, but I'm not experimenting. I'm so mad I don't care if I ever see another grain in my life. I did look up starchy vegetables, and apparently they might be ok if they are not, not, not breaded, and most sauces contain grains, possible danger if they are pickled too. I can do this, it's just irks me to no end!
   Deep breath! Moving on from my self pity episode, I'd encourage people to do differently than I did, and read some information. If you are in doubt about a food, don't eat it. Never experiment on yourself. This is far more than some discomfort or feeling down (and embarassed) for a while. This allergy can lead to congestive heart failure, and you better believe I'll be downing a Benadryl before that happens. In the worst of cases, it can mean an Emergency Room visit and Epinephrine shots.
  Why risk it when I can eat vegetables and meats?.....because I'm not as "smart" as "they" think I am. grr.
  Ok  here are some links.

  Foods that Contain Wheat:

 http://www.3fatchicks.com/20-common-foods-containing-wheat/

 Wheat and Anaphylactic Shock. 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/447990-wheat-and-anaphylactic-shock/

   Wheat Allergy Symptoms:

http://foodallergies.about.com/od/wheatallergies/a/Wheat-Allergy.htm

   And if it's Gluten, Foods containing gluten:

http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/gluten-free-diets/what-foods-have-gluten.html

   Surprising Foods that Contain Gluten:

http://www.fitsugar.com/Surprising-Foods-Contain-Gluten-15163537
  Gluten in Vitamins: Ask your Pharmacist to show you Gluten Free Supplements if you take them:
  http://www.sharecare.com/question/vitamins-contain-gluten

   Please be smarter than I am.  If you have any concerns, call your doctor. They can do tests for these, but the tests don't always reveal problems. If you get sick when you eat anything, don't eat it. Trust your body's reaction to foods more than any diet, food pyramid, etc.
tina jones

She Too Forgets....

There is a short poem about women that's always left me sad, because it doesn't apply at all to me.
"A woman has amazing strenghts.
She can deal with stress and carry heavy burdens.
She smiles when she feels like screaming.
She sings when she feels like crying,
She cries when she's happy, and laughs when she's afraid.
Her love is unconditional. There is only one thing wrong with her..
She forgets what she's worth. "
                                          Author Unknown
  It bothers me for all of the masks and dishonesty, as if it is ok or to be applauded. No.  I read it an think about how women hide, and how we are so beautiful exactly like we are. That our true feelings have value, and need not be covered. I propose another view, that is more fitting for me, and maybe for others.

  A woman's strength is often in her ability to fall completely apart.
  She copes with stresses brought on by an amazing awareness of all that surrounds her and those she loves.
  She smiles, Only when it is true, and you need never doubt her. She screams in inhaled breaths that often make no sound.
  She sings unashamed from the heart of pure joy, and she cries with equal respect for her emotion.
  When she's afraid, it is thorough and consuming, and when she is happy likewise there is no hiding it.
    She will forget her strength when she crumbles, but let a soul frighten one she loves, and she can shake the foundation of any other.
   Her love is unconditional and sure, but her presence must be earned. There is much right with her, and she knows this in her best moments, but she too forgets.

tina jones