Words About Us

Being faced with the task of teaching a child with autism, Diana created "Fabil Teaches" originally designed graphic tools, to help her child learn. Using her passion for the arts, Diana created "Fabil," a child friendly character, to teach her child basic life knowledge that many children with autism are missing. "Posters to decorate her room, pages to color and flashcards to read have helped my child tremendously, as well as sparked a greater interest in her to read, write and draw." The Diana Originals website began with the desire to share these tools with the many other families in the world living similar truths within their own lives. These tools are also helpful for all young children just learning to read, and anyone learning the English language. Diana Originals Poetry, stems from the inspirational experiences encountered within her own life and from the truths, some sad some joyful that she and her family have lived. Diana studied graphic arts at her local community college and has worked as a freelance artist since an early age, creating artwork for her local boys and girls club as well as graphic work for a local fence company.

While I hope that 2011 brought you many moments of happiness, and that your hearts desires were granted, I know that we all have faced moments of pain in 2011. And while we must all continue to face pain and difficulties in this life, we do not have to hold on to them and carry them into the new year, we can choose to

The best way to begin the New Year, is by making peace with our past and letting go of the pain and sadness, leaving them in the past where they belong.

I hope that before the New Year begins, we all realize that it is possible to heal from the pain, worries, fears and hardships that weigh us down and limit us from living in the present. I hope that every person reading this will choose to move forward and be able to resolve those difficult situations, to find closure to the problems of the past. I hope we can all find a way to heal, forgive and

In writing this, I've thought about my own situations, and looked for areas where I had not let go. I also read as much as I could find about why it is so difficult for people to let go of pain and of the past. I discussed with others, what they found to be difficult situations that they had not let go of, or struggled to let go of, and this is what I found.

We are emotional creatures, male and female alike, we act and react according to emotion, to feelings. We say, do and base our thoughts according to what and how we feel about things, situations, other people and ourselves. Although females are, for the most part, more emotional than males, every single individual is unique. Many times we play out "life" in our minds way before it happens in reality. We make things harder than they have to be, we view things worse than they really are. We become afraid to say what we want to say or do what we want to do, because in our minds, we have already concluded what has not even taken place, fear sets in, and we become afraid to resolve and help healing happen. What we fail to understand, is that feelings change, feelings are fleeting. Feelings are not what we should base all of our decisions on, feelings are only part of the bigger picture. When we decide to do the right thing, say what is based on truth, admit what may be difficult to face, our thoughts will be based on reality and truth, and our feelings will be influenced to follow accordingly.

While the mind seems to view according to our levels of ego and pride, the heart weighs according to compassion, forgiveness, love and understanding. Our genetic makeup, learned behaviors and thoughts, upbringing and external matters, just to name a few, have much to do with our own reasons for who and how we individually are, act, react and interact. Ironically, many people view pride as strength and forgiveness as weakness, when in reality, it is very much the other way around. It takes much strength to forgive. Forgiveness heals the person wronged, it allows for friendships and relationships to continue. Forgiveness allows us to move forward, living and enjoying the experience of the present. Pride holds a person captive, it keeps them insecure, it fools them into believing that being right is more rewarding than being happy and at peace. Pride holds on to the wrong and it becomes underlying stress, harming the body and the mind. Pride and unresolved pain keep us in the past.

In every painful situation, there is usually a degree of grief that must be processed. The normal grief cycle consists of:

If we get stuck in any one or more of these stages, we will continue to face difficulty, we continue to hold on to our problem. Until we completely and successfully pass through each stage and complete the cycle are we able to move forward without holding on to any part of the painful situation.

It is possible to heal from pain without involving the person who hurt us, writing a letter is usually suggested for this. We can forgive some ones offenses against us without them being present or a part of our lives. Sometimes it is necessary to keep people at arms length, especially where safety is involved. Keeping people at arms length for the sake of hurting their feelings is not part of the healing process, but would instead fall under pride and ego mentality. Remember that forgiveness is something we do for ourselves, to heal, move forward and embrace happiness.

The most important and impressive part to all of this, in my opinion, is that Choice can change pride to humility. Choice can change hatred to love. Choice can change anger to peace. Every person in this world, has the ability to CHOOSE. It is true that the longer we hold on to our pain, the harder it becomes to let it go, but the willingness and choice to heal, bring with them good health for our minds and bodies and lives.

these last two months have brought so many of life's difficult aspects into my life, I wish I could address them all. Not because I feel the need to share my own personal situations, but because I know that others face, have faced, or will face similar things, and my experiences of how I have dealt with them, could hopefully help someone else.

I can say that I feel I have successfully dealt with them and am now on the other side. I have mourned, cried, faced fear and worry, forgiven and hoped for forgiveness, sincerely tried to deal with everything as honestly as possible and have healed from them all. I still hope for the best, from every situation, but I am not stuck in any one of them. Nothing that I have faced, has stopped me from smiling, laughing, caring, growing, hoping, dreaming, learning or loving.

Regardless of who we are, where we live, what our work is, who our family is, who we know or what we have, We ALL face difficulties of some sort...but the Bigger Picture IS...That Life Must Be Lived Regardless of; Struggles, Sadness, Loss, Pain, Fear, Anger, Illness or Sorrows.

LIVED - In the present and not in what has already happened or what may happen..

If we are honest with ourselves, we can admit that when we come face to face with difficulty, we tend to want to revert to old behavior, or listen to old choices that got us nowhere in our past. We react, sometimes, in the same way we reacted to difficulties before, until we realize that those ways were not productive and only served to waste our time and keep us "stuck" with bad feelings and outlooks. Accepting that we will continue to face disappointments, will give us more time and strength to focus on new ways to deal with unfavorable situations, or difficult people. No, it is not easy to work at Loving others Unconditionally, Giving without Expecting anything in return, or Forgiving what may have hurt our feelings, but.. "anything easy is never really worth our time and anything worth having requires some work."

Complaining about difficulties without Doing Something to help the situation is a waste of Life, time spent Blaming is a waste of Life, staying idle and not working towards what we want and what will add to our Happiness is a waste of Life, Living with Anger, Resentment and Unforgiveness is a waste of Life and taking Life, People or Time for Granted, is a waste of Life.

Our moments are precious, our time will never again return. Each moment of time we are making memories. And they are either empty, bad or sad, or good and happy, but they are being made, and cannot be altered once they are made.

One of the things I have learned is that it is usually Fear or Pain that holds us captive. Once captive, it is hard to see Good Possibilities, Encouragement and Happiness, and we start believing that we can or have no choice but to live without the Good, the Better and what would really help us be happier and enjoy Life more, then we give up or settle. We remain Captive and Unhappy.

Live an Abundant Life. Live not for the things that rust, tear, wear or fade, but for the best things in life that cannot be purchased, priced, marked down or weathered. We must Live because we are meant to lovingly and positively affect and enrich other lives in the world. Live because we all have good work to do for this world around us. Live.. just because we have been given a Life to Live.

I want to add, that I Appreciate, with All my heart, the lives that have touched mine. Whether they have come and gone or are still a part of mine, I value every single life that has crossed my path.

I am grateful to have been or to be able to be a positive influence in the lives of others. I am grateful that I have been given this time...

She was created to be a "supporter", a "companion", an "ally" and "assistant". Her presence would put an end to loneliness, friendlessness, solitariness and emptiness. She was created to be his "friend" and to mark the beginning of togetherness. She was not created from the ground as he was, but she was made from his own body, from his flesh and therefore a part of him. She was formed from his rib, from his side. She is woman.

Since the beginning of time, women have been an important part of history. They have lived by the strength of their gentleness. They have been celebrated because of their beauty. They have influenced the world by their instinctual wisdom and emotional loyalty. They have contributed to life with their unique and Femininely Sentimental ways, that men, can not match. Women have suffered, throughout history, because of their desire to be respected, heard and valued, because they have been viewed as weaker, as objects, not of the same worth. Women have been considered evil, because of their intuition and strive for equality.

Though not much is written about the mother of creation, history books are filled with pages that give voice to the lives of women, their struggles, their wisdom, their contributions. No different from men, are the women in history, who were driven by greed, lust and such, but each life is precious, and an example for those of us who take the time to read and learn, what they have left for us.

Cleopatra, Queen Vashti, Joan of Ark, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Catherine the Great, Florence Nightingale Graham otherwise known as Elizabeth Arden, women of strength, women of courage, women of passion.

Ada Augusta Lovelace- helped invent the first computer in 1843, Marie Curie- discovered radioactive elements in 1903, Mary Anderson patented the first windshield wiper in 1903, Baroness Raymonde de la Roche of France first licensed female pilot in 1910.

became the first female full professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. A leader in the field of anesthesia and pediatrics, she is best known for designing and popularizing the Apgar score, a standardized way of quickly assessing the health of a newborn infant.
Martha Coston- invented the signaling flare, which is widely used in naval communication. In 1859, she found designs for a nonfunctioning flare in her deceased husband’s notebooks and set out to make them work. Using pyrotechnics, she was able to design and patent a system of colored flares that allowed ships to communicate at night. Harriett Russell Strong- was an entrepreneur, farmer, and engineer. Born in 1844 in New York, she moved to a ranch in California with her husband and became interested in ways to irrigate dry land. This led her to invent and patent a dam and water storage system; her irrigation system is credited with helping Southern California become a major food-producing region.

1885 Sarah E. Goode becomes the first African-American woman to receive a patent, for a bed that folded up into a cabinet. Goode, who owned a furniture store in Chicago, intended the bed to be used in apartments.
1809 Mary Kies becomes the first woman to receive a patent, for a method of weaving straw with silk.

1766 Mary Katherine Goddard and her widowed mother become publishers of the Providence Gazette newspaper and the annual West's Almanack, making her the first woman publisher in America. In 1775, Goddard became the first woman postmaster in the country (in Baltimore), and in 1777 she became the first printer to offer copies of the Declaration of Independence that included the signers' names. In 1789 Goddard opened a Baltimore bookstore, probably the first woman in America to do so.

1650 Anne Bradstreet's book of poems, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America, is published in England, making her the first published American woman writer.

We do not need to wait until a designated national month or specific holiday to appreciate women, we simply need to appreciate them today. We do not need to understand everything about them to understand that they are unique, lovely and part of God's Original Design. Women are not made like men, therefore they cannot feel and think the same, but the man who takes the time to appreciate, value, listen to and respect her individuality will be the ruler of her heart and loyalty. The man who will make the time to communicate with her regularly, will be the one on her mind, in her heart and the one she will seek and support. There is so much written about gaining the love of a woman, in music, poetry, novels and more, because inside every man is a deep desire for One Woman, who touches his soul like one hundred women cannot.

Speak out and on behalf of the females that are being sold into sex slavery. Speak up in defense of the ones being abused. Help put an end to pornography by speaking out against it and how it undervalues and disrespects God's daughters. Women; our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, cousins, teachers, neighbors, friends. Women, who Love, Nurture, Inspire, Support, Care and Console. Appreciate them for being who and what they were created to be...

that the attributes which describe "manly" or "feminine" qualities in a person, have nothing to do with stereotypes or gender roles.

I personally applaud any man, famous or not famous, wealthy or not wealthy or professional athlete or not professional athlete, who takes paternity leave from playoffs or any other work related "big day", in order to be present for the birth of his child.

How can we as people frown upon a man for not being there for his children and family, and then frown upon a man for choosing to miss an important day at work, in order to be present for an important day with his family? I believe it takes a very strong, secure and honorable man to make this decision - regardless of what others think or say, and that in no way implies he is not manly, it only amplifies the fact that he is manly. The article also mentioned comments about professional male athletes who choose to do fashion spreads and whether women should be sports commentators or broadcasters. Who else can model men's clothing if not men? If a woman is qualified to be a sports broadcaster or commentator, why would she not be found suitable?

I completely understand that "gender roles" have their pros and cons. Gender roles vary from culture to culture, and have come a long way as far as changing for the better in this country. To say that men should be the "bread winners" can never hold true to a single mother household. To say that women belong in the kitchen, would limit the creativity and brilliance of many gifted male chefs, who are quite manly, I might add. Jamie Oliver is a perfect example. He has a heart for cooking, educating and strives to change the eating habits of children so as to improve their health and lives. I'm sure Jamie's wife thinks he is quite manly.

Roles of any kind should never limit an individual, or hold them bound due to someone else's ignorance. What works in one family may not work in another, but as long as it works for that certain family, who are we to judge. Not all doctors have to be male, and not all nurses have to be female.

I personally have never enjoyed cooking, but I do it daily for those that I love. I would much rather clean, organize or mow the yard. I am truthful with myself and know my strengths and weaknesses as a woman, but most importantly, as a human being. I believe in valuing men and women for who they are, more than what they are. People are individuals for a reason, with individual strengths and gifts. Old, wrong and ignorant is the mentality that only men belong here and all the women belong there. Men and women compliment one another with their strengths and weaknesses, working together to achieve happiness, using their individual rights to choose what is best for them.

So next time you see a man breaking the gender roles for the better of his family, friends or community, pat him on the back and honor his right and choice to be the best individual that he can be, the same goes for women. There is plenty of hate and negativity in this world, without us adding to it through silly mentalities.

Honor Individuality in Yourself and in Others...and help make this world a better place to live..♥

"BEAUTY" by Webster's definition is: "Qualities that please the senses or the mind."

I'd like to note, that Webster's does not include any particular eye, skin or hair color, body part size, height, dress size or "Must live in Hollywood" under the word "Qualities"...

The very fact that we All have different preferences, different tastes and our own and unique senses and minds, proves that "Beauty" is not limited to a chosen few or by a chosen few. I believe that there are Beautiful Qualities in every single human being, some seen by the eyes, according to the observer, but most sensed by the heart. I do not, by any means, suggest a disregard for our appearances, we should all exercise our best effort in looking our best, but to believe that we must fall into a "certain category" in order to be "Beautiful" is completely inaccurate.

To suggest that if we have wrinkles, gray hair or added pounds we are not "Beautiful", or if we do not wear the "current trend", this could very well just be a tool for selling products and or services, nothing more, nothing less. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with choosing makeup, hair color or cosmetic surgery, if that helps the individual feel better about themselves, but I believe Beauty still exists within everyone, even without these elective choices.

We should put our best foot forward, or in this case, most "presentable self" forward, we should take care of ourselves, and help ourselves feel good by looking our best, because

if we do not bathe, dress appropriately or do our best to look presentable, we may lose consideration for employment or by that certain someone that we want to spend more time with. In sociology class I learned that favor and judgment against a person begins at birth. A study revealed that babies considered to be "beautiful" were held more often than babies deemed "unattractive". I find that very sad.

We then move on to our school years and are judged and favored or not favored again, based primarily on our outward appearance. Everyone wishing to fit in and be accepted takes back seat to the "Beautiful People" being found to be "most popular", "best dressed" and "best looking". Sadly, many times those being shunned from the "beautiful" nominations, are the very same people moved to vote according to what "others" tell them is beautiful, never feeling that they too possess beautiful qualities worthy of a vote. Why do we allow society to tell us who is "beautiful" and who is not? (Just in case someone out there wonders if my view comes from "being shunned" in school, I was persuaded into and chosen for cheerleading and did a bit of modeling in Houston Texas...nonetheless, my view has remained the same as it was back in my school days, I didn't like people being left out or viewed as not worthy of "fitting in" or being considered "beautiful" by the "popular" crowd, and I still don't like it or agree with it.)

I can honestly admit that I would be the first person to point out all of my own physical features flaws. I believe that we are typically hard enough on ourselves, without the outside world implying why we are not beautiful.

Throughout our lives, one of the biggest voices that tells us if we are "Beautiful" or "Not Beautiful" is through the media, and that voice is EVERYWHERE via Advertising. From the pictures on baby food, to spokespersons for cars, to clothing and even something as simple as the animation for children's movies. And unfortunately, because of the fact that males are more visual creatures, there is more pressure on females to be "physically beautiful", all the time. If being "Beautiful" by society's terms meant having a happy, wonderful, carefree and complete life, why did and do, the lives of so many "well known" and labeled "Beautiful" people end in sadness? Without a doubt, I would much rather meet a person with a beautiful heart, over a "physically beautiful" person with no heart, and likewise, I would much rather be a person with a beautiful heart, than someone considered to be physically beautiful and not have a heart.

The truth is, "physical beauty" as defined by society, cannot defy time. We are all aging daily, regardless of botox, every single appearance will change with time and age. And although the skin will wrinkle and sag, and the hair will gray, the Beauty Within a person is the ONLY Beauty that can defy time and age.

I know that I will not always physically look the way that I do today, and for that reason, I wish to be remembered not by the way that I look, but by the Good and Compassion and Love that I freely and honestly choose to give. I wish to be appreciated based on what I do for the world around me, on the loyal, trusting and caring friend that I choose to be. I wish to be appreciated based on the good that I try to find within myself, so that can have something worthwhile to share with the world.

That I have found, that the people who are most Forgiving, are small children, I believe it is because a small child's love is pure and their pride is small...

When we are deeply hurt and our trust is betrayed, to a degree, it is out of self protection that we automatically distance ourselves from the person who harmed us. And rightly so, the distance allows us time to process, grieve and recover. However, in the case of a victim of abuse, sometimes forgiveness is given too quickly, without sufficient time to grieve the offense and weigh the situation, and the person remains in an unhealthy and dangerous place. On the other hand, when a victim holds on to the pain and resentment, forgiveness is not expressed, pain is not processed and grieved, and the person holds on to

un-forgivingness, sometimes indefinitely. Prior to the 1980's, most of society categorized Forgiveness as a "Religious Responsibility" and left the healing process in the hands of the church. Since then, society has realized the need to recognize Forgiveness for a better way of life, and integrated it into programs to help the hurting build better lives. For example, court rooms started allowing victims' family members to address criminals, so as to help the family heal.

Although the need to Forgive has been recognized by our country's court system, Forgiveness can only happen when the offended chooses to Forgive, so why do many people have a difficult time forgiving?...the answer lies in the Individual.

Every pain, requires its time of; Acknowledgment, Grief, and Recovery, and if pain is not process accordingly, the individual gets "stuck" in a part of the process. WHEN we can let go of the resentment and desire for retribution that can arise from being harmed, we reach a higher order of emotional and ethical maturity, which in turn helps us find it easier to Forgive. We realize, at this point, that We also need to be forgiven for harm we have caused, be it intentionally or not intentionally, therefore We must Forgive.

The longer that we choose to hold on to the pain, the longer it will take for us to forgive, and the more time we spend Captive, Unhappy and Unable to Grow in a positive direction. Un-forgiveness carries itself into other areas of our lives, into every situation and relationship that we encounter. So to answer the question of "Why is it so hard to Forgive?" This is answered by determining how important it is for a person to Choose Peace and Love, over Pain and Hate. Remember, unresolved pain becomes anger. Forgetting an offense, and reconciling with a person who has harmed us are two issues separate from Forgiveness. You can Forgive without reconciling or forgetting, depending on the situation, this again depends on the safety of the individual who was harmed. We do not need an apology in order to forgive, such as in the case of an offender passing away and not asking for forgiveness.

Forgiveness is more for the person who was harmed, than for the person who committed the harm. Forgiveness frees the one harmed from the prison of anger, hatred, loneliness, pessimism, etc. Forgiveness has been found to improve ones emotional and physical health, we become more optimistic, compassionate, self confident, understanding, loving, peaceful, and happy.

It may seem more difficult or unfair to forgive, but in reality, the opposite is true. Not forgiving harms you, not forgiving causes difficulties in your health, your relationships, your life...

That Life is meant to be lived with PASSION, and sharing Your Passion, encourages Passion in others...

It was Passion and Compassion that encouraged Dick Hoyt to run a 5 mile marathon. Running marathons was never a part of Dick's life, until his brain damaged, disabled son Rick, told him that running made him feel like he was not disabled anymore. Investing in and investigating how to help Rick communicate, helped this father learn of the Passion that his son had for sports. Combining The father's Passion and Compassion for his son, and the son's Passion for sports, two lives set out to share their sadness, joy, struggle, desire, love, work and encouragement with the world. The father and son team continue to participate in marathons and triathlons to this day, because of a father's Passion to help his son live and enjoy life to the fullest, while encouraging the world to do the same. (www.teamhoyt.com)

Dedicated to a life lived for others since childhood, and at the age of 36, it was a Passion to satisfy Jesus' desire for Love and Souls, that drove Mother Teresa to dedicate her life love and strength to the "unwanted, unloved and uncared for". Mother Teresa ventured into communist countries around her, helping people of different faiths and nationalities. Bringing awareness around the world, of the outcasts and their need for help. A great and admired example of what one person, driven by a selfless desire to love the least desired, Mother Teresa accomplished a tremendous amount in one life time. She showed the world how much a Passion for others can inspire and motivate everyone to do good for their fellow man. Despite her own health problems, during her final days, Mother Teresa's work of Love and Compassion continued. (www.motherteresa.org)

A Passion for wildlife, and educating the world about the beauty and wonder of nature's creatures, paved the way for Steve Irwin's life and love. As a child, Steve Irwin gained education and experience in regards to wildlife from his parents, who both worked as experts in the field. Steve's early work was at the family's wildlife park, which was eventually turned over to Steve and named "Australia Zoo". Steve's love for wildlife would become televised education for the world via "The Crocodile Hunter" television series in 1996. Reeling the world wide audience in with his adventurous, dangerous and comedic episodes, Steve Irwin shared his Passion, knowledge and heart while doing what he loved. Steve Irwin's Passion for wildlife continues to this day, through his family and the Australia Zoo, in Queensland Australia. (www.crocodilehunter.com)

It was a Passion for poetry and music that moved me to appreciate the thoughts, feelings, struggles. lives and creativity of other people. And it is a Passion stirred by the Compassion and Passion filled lives of others that encourages and motivates me daily. It is a Passion against injustice, cruelty, inhumane evil and deliberate dishonesty, that keeps my prayer life alive.

Our lives are not meant to be lived for ourselves. Lives and Passion for life are meant to be shared. Very lonely and sad is the life and individual that experiences their passion and life quietly and alone. Share Your Life, Share Your Passion, Encourage Others, and You Yourself will be Encouraged.

that if we strip away the titles, strip away the possessions, strip away the designer clothes, the friends, expectations and class statuses, we get a clearer picture of who we really are. Although we must adapt to our environments, surroundings and situations, we are not defined by these, yet this where we are most likely to lose ourselves. Our situations are not Us, our circumstances are not Us, Our possessions, names or number of friends are not who we really are.

If you search for "finding your true self" on the internet, most of what you will find, will ultimately lead you to a "spiritual" definition or interpretation. I believe that "Who We Really Are"

goes deeper than social statuses or accomplishments, deeper than physical appearances, deeper than degrees held, deeper than our DNA or fingerprints - Who We Really Are is found in the honesty of our hearts and souls. I personally believe that when we realize and accept that we were created Uniquely from Love and for Love, meant to face life truthfully and compassionately, not allowing pain or fear or anger or difficulties to hold us captive, we can live as our true selves and help others to do the same.

Years ago, I lived according to what others wanted me to do, and who others wanted me to be. As my compassion drained, and I overlooked replenishment, combined with sadness and pain, I lost myself. During these difficult years I learned that in order to help my situation become better, I had to acknowledge the truth about it and help it to change for the better. I resolved to live as truthfully as possible. To be true to who I was created to be. To seek that and those who touch the deepest parts of me, and to appreciate all the good that I witness along the way. When I observe good being done by others, I quickly make sure to encourage it, I do not believe that encouraging someone's kindness or compassion is best kept quiet or to myself. I believe that encouraging good produces more good for the world...

The inner child theory holds much truth, in my opinion. Remembering who we were and what we were like before the difficulties of life tainted us, can help us to see who we were truly meant to be, maturing with a child like heart and mind, this to me, is who we really are.

Since I decided to face and live life, to the best of my ability, as truthfully and compassionately as possible, I can honestly say, that truth, compassion and love seem to find their way into my life more often than before. I do believe that what we extend to the world around us, comes back to us.

I encourage You to enjoy life as truthfully and compassionately and lovingly, as Your True Self encourages You to..♥

There has been some concern shown to me about the fact that I once lost myself by not being who I was meant to be...

Thank You, I appreciate your concern and kindness, but please know that I am a happy person these days. I know that my circumstances are not who I am. I know that I am as happy as I allow myself to be. I will continue to live in Truth and Love regardless of the circumstances or situations in my life, which will eventually change from time to time. I shared this personal information about myself to help others who may find themselves living away from Truth and Love.

We do not know how long our lives will continue...Do not waste your precious Time, Life, Happiness or Love..

While some people have a voice through music, some have a voice through print, and some a voice by teaching, our biggest and most powerful voice is through our Life Story...

The Internet has made sharing one's voice unbelievably easier, transmitting it world wide. Communication with people from all over the world, in just a matter of moments, is something that many would never have dreamed possible. Some critics believe that electronic communication takes away from the personal and heartfelt communication of years gone by, making communication impersonal and cold. What one chooses to share with the world will apparently remain in "cyberspace" long after one is gone.

Therefore because the content of what we share can influence unimaginable numbers of people, we must choose what we share wisely...

tBecause of the pain and struggles that we all experience in life, we all have valuable wisdom that could benefit others when we choose to share it compassionately. Use Your Unique Voice to help, encourage, and influence others in a positive way...♥

I am not good at blogging. I get caught up in my "every day" and do not stop to think about writing my adventures down. Writing poetry is where my blogging happens, but telling the world about all of my everyday experiences does not come easy.

I do however, wish to communicate with you all who have written to me, that I have faith, that your lives with your loved ones living with Autism, will improve. Because every person with Autism is different, it is so hard to pin point one certain way of helping. I believe that every person who has Autism learns in their own unique way, just like the rest of us. What I have personally experienced is that my child has grown mentally, emotionally and in many other normal ways. I never would have believed that she would be doing so many normal things. It is barely November, for example, but she knows Christmas is coming and just this week, presented her "Christmas List" to me, and it is 5 times longer than last years. What I can offer you to help or encourage you, is what I have personally done in our lives. I am a strict teacher and mother, discipline is just as necessary for children with Autism, as it is for typical children. Boundaries need to be set and enforced. Chores have to be given and expected daily. Rewards are also a great way to reinforce, I use rewards to encourage my child. What I have learned is that while it is easier for us to do more FOR a child who does not understand as easily, it takes the opportunity AWAY from them to learn, remember and get better at it for themselves. I explain in detail to my child, over and over again, and lately, she has surprised me by doing an extra page in her studies, so that "tomorrow", she will have less work to do, she understands! Persistence, just like with anything else, is one of the most important things you can maintain in teaching your loved ones. I also incorporate as much as possible, the real situation or item, for example, I took my daughter outside to dig a hole in the ground when I was teaching her what a hole, shovel and soil were. Hands on experience is crucial. With persistence, take the time to teach, and in time, you will see the expected outcome, I believe that with all of my heart.

I wish you ALL the Best in Your Lives with Your Loved Ones living with Autism. I pray for each and every one of you. Please feel free to continue to contact me through the form on our contact page, or through facebook if you'd like. I am here to help in any way that I can.

Yo no soy buena en los blogs. Me quedo atrapada en mis "cosas del dia" y no me paro para escribir mis aventuras. Escribir poesía es mi blog, pero contándole al mundo acerca de todas mis experiencias diarias no es fácil.
Me parece sin embargo, deseo comunicar con todos ustedes que me han escrito, que tengo fe, que sus vidas con sus seres queridos que viven con el autismo, va a mejorar. Debido a que cada persona con autismo es diferente, es tan difícil de precisar un punto de cierta manera de ayudar. Creo que cada persona que tiene autismo aprende a su manera propia y única, al igual que el resto de nosotros. Lo que he notado personalmente es que mi hija ha crecido mentalmente, emocionalmente y en muchas otras formas normales. Nunca hubiera creído que iba a estar haciendo tantas cosas normales. Es apenas noviembre, por ejemplo, pero ella sabe que se acerca la Navidad y esta misma semana, presentó su "Lista de Navidad - los regalos que pide", y es cinco veces más larga la lista, que los últimos años. Lo que podemos ofrecer para ayudar o alentar a ustedes, es lo que he hecho personalmente en nuestras vidas. Yo soy una maestra y madre estricta, la disciplina es tan necesario para los niños con autismo, como lo es para los niños típicos. Los límites deben establecerse y hacerse cumplir. Tareas tienen que ser determinado y esperados todos los días. Las recompensas son también una buena manera de reforzar, yo uso premios para alentar a mi hija. Lo que he aprendido es que si bien es más fácil para nosotros hacer más por un niño que no entiende tan fácilmente, necesitamos darles las oportunidades para que ellos hagan y apprendan, recordan, y consiguen mejor en él por sí mismos. Les explico de manera detallada a mi hija, una y otra vez, y últimamente, que me ha sorprendido haciendo una página adicional en sus estudios, para que "mañana", ella tendrá menos trabajo que hacer, si entiende! La persistencia, al igual que con cualquier otra cosa, es una de las cosas más importantes que usted puede mantener en la enseñanza de sus seres queridos. También incorporan la medida de lo posible, la situación real o elemento, por ejemplo, llevé a mi hija afuera a cavar un agujero en el suelo cuando le estaba enseñando a ella lo que un agujero, pala y la tierra fueron. Manos en la experiencia es crucial. Con persistencia, tómese el tiempo para enseñar, y con en el tiempo, podrán ver lo resultado esperado, creo en esto con todo mi corazón.
Le deseo todo lo mejor en su vida con sus seres queridos que viven con el autismo. Rezo por todos y cada uno de ustedes. Por favor, siéntase libre para continuar en contacto conmigo a través del formulario en nuestra página de contacto, oa través de Facebook, si lo desea. Estoy aquí para ayudarle en todo lo que puedo.
Mucho amor a todos ♥

In June, at the end of the school year, my daughter, now 10 years old, surprised me with her growing ability to memorize and learn. During the school year she learned adding by 1's, 2's, 5's and 10's. She impressed me the her ability and preference to add in her mind. Counting with objects was preferred to counting on the number line, but she did learn both. Sentence structure and punctuation were also memorized and implemented daily. Nouns and verbs were touched on as well as consonants. At the age of 9, she excelled in kindergarten curriculum, and did very well in first grade curriculum. She mastered telling time, when it was exact hours. She knows when dinner time comes, and makes sure we know too. She mimicked the faces on the "Emotions and Feelings" Fabil cards that we have at home, which are available to the public, please see our merchandise page. Throughout the summer, she has continued to write; television program names, birthday present lists, as well as all the family members' names, including the pets. On July 16, she came to find me in my room, to tell me that the two puppies fought and affected the cat, she walked away proudly, because she had used the appropriate words to inform me of what was happening in the living room. She has begun to argue more with her siblings, and even told her oldest sister to get out of the house, because of problems sharing the television. She prefers educational programs, and especially enjoys a Spanish program. We have attempted to learn a couple of words so far. She enjoys using the teaching whiteboard for drawing, and has done very well drawing things as they appear. She enjoys the book store, and has read some books that are all text. Her reading level seems to still be in the first grade level. She continues to ask what certain things are called, and why certain things are happening on television programs. PBS has been very informative for her, and she gets computer time to play child appropriate games on the internet, such as; cartoon network, Qubo, PBS and Disney.

Her hair is the only thing she needs help with when she bathes, and she does not have to be reminded to brush her teeth, or clean up her placemat. She has been on a gluten free, dairy free diet for over a year now, with no problems. She continues to learn everyday, ask questions, and even complain. I hope the same for every child out there with autism.

Does teaching ever stop? Does learning ever end? We say no. Life should be teaching us something new everyday, and we should be learning something new everyday, we believe that teaching and learning is what life is all about. In Washington state, in our county, school started on September 9, 2009, and although we just got started, our learning plate, if you will, has in part consisted of; nouns, sentence completion and comprehension, adding, subtracting, graphs, estimating, crossword puzzles, science, geography, telling time and journaling.
In teaching my 10 year old who has autism, using physical examples seem to help tremendously. Taking the time to show and explain using physical items, has made teaching easier for me. We don't just look at the pictures in the workbooks, but whenever possible, we go to the physical source for hands on learning. I have taken my child outside, given her a shovel, had her dig a hole, for example. We will go out to the countryside, watch the horses eat and run. We will go to the pet store and view all the different types of birds. My child began using the word "I" correctly shortly before school started. We have notice a greater effort on her part to use words correctly, thinking before she speaks, and her vocabulary has increased to an amazing degree, that it sometimes leaves me wondering if maybe the pediatrician that told me my daughter would never be able to live on her own, was mistaken.
I am interested in gathering information in regards to how easily or quickly other children with autism learn. If you know someone who has a family member with autism, please refer them to our website. Maybe there are teaching techniques that might help them, or information that we can post that they might care to share with us.
Please pass our site information on to anyone that you believe we might be able to help.
Fabil and Diana

With much

thought and prayer, I decided to share personal information regarding autism within my family. I realized recently that there were others out there in the world, who may appreciate and hopefully be helped by this. Without compromising my daughters' right to privacy, I have chosen to share the accomplishments that she has achieved. My daughter "cooed" and looked me straight in the eyes when she was just months old. She was very normal until around the age of 2, then it seemed she could not hear, because she would not respond to my voice, her name, or situations going on around her. She was tested and followed by her doctor, and finally diagnosed around the age of 5. Autism was her diagnosis. Many were the sleepless nights, feelings of guilt, feelings of blame, feelings of anger along with frustration and desperateness. "Why her? Why me? Why us", ran through my mind many times. My love for her never changed, and my desire to help her increased immensely. When I realized that she was not receiving adequate help at school, in part due to the lack of funding, I decided to work on teaching her myself. The Lord inspired a cartoon character within me, ideas began to flow, and my daughter began to respond. Much time was and is required, although now a days, time is much, much less, that I have to spend to get ideas and new information across to my daughter, her mind has opened up and learning happens within her, at any given moment, and she shares it with us.

Since I began to teach her, my daughter has learned to read with increased understanding than before, she has learned to write sentences, with capitalization, punctuation and sentences comprehension and structure. She has learned to add, subtract, tell time, count coins and dollars. My daughter has learned pattern functions, about vowels and consonants, prepositions, nouns, about feelings and emotions and so much more. She reads signs while out in town, and continues to show much improvement. My daughter says her prayers at night and sometimes even leads our prayers in the morning before we start school. She loves to sing and dance, and loves the attention that performing brings to her. She tells me "not now" when she doesn't want to cooperate, and even corrects me when I regretfully utter the words, "shut up".

There is hope, but commitment and time, understanding and perseverance are mandatory, and above these, prayer, hope and love. I know that the Lord God hears my prayers, and yours as well.

I will continue to share our progress, and will welcome questions anyone might have, Blessings to you.

Diana.