Welcome to The Cherry On Top.
A couple of years ago, I started adding blogs about Autism to The Cherry and then decided to start a new blog, AuSumness. It seemed the numbers of friends and friends of friends that contacted me were not diminishing so I thought it'd be best to separate the two.
At times, Autism and scrapbooking get all mixed and oh boy, isn't that one heck of a splendid combination. I thought I'd share a bit about them both right here and guide those interested in Autism and my cheeky views on it to our AuSumness blog.
I'm in the middle of designing a collection dedicated to mental...issues? I'm not sure what exactly sparked my Acute Anxiety Disorder, but that crap was heavy! I might infer it was my kids and their Autism. Having, let's face it, disabled kids is not easy at all. Being a parent isn't easy. The thought that my child will have to stay at home for the rest of his life is incredibly disheartening and a tough cookie to swallow.
Not all parents of Autistic kids will tell you that they wished their kids didn't have Autism, but I will. When I see other kids playing like I used to play. Doing sport, like I used to or just being involved in things outside of the home, I get sad. I wonder if my kids will ever get married. If they will ever drive a car. Ya know, the things most people eventually get around to doing. My youngest won't even get an elementary degree despite his relatively extraordinary intellect and well, that one really gets my gander.
So in this collection, soon to be released there will be a dominating palette of black, white and grey. I'm thinking that is how a lot of us feel most of the time. Those of us who are dealing with depression, anxiety, Autism and or any other mental issues. There is also a splash of vivid blue, purple, orange, yellow...because there are also colorful moments in between the gloom and uncertainty.
I get frustrated about a lot of things in regards to my kids and their Autism and it comes out a bit cheeky at times and when I post, I always try to put a funny or bright spin to it. There is enough crap going on in the world to bring us down and it's crucial that we don't drown in all of the negativity. We have to keep coming up for air and we certainly do NOT want to bring others down with us.
I've recently been contacted by Michael whose site, LittleDoggiesRule has a particular article about The Top Benefits Of Getting An Emotional Support Dog. If you're already a pet lover, you might already be aware of how awesome dogs can be in regards pepping us up when we're feeling down. I've also blogged about pets and Autism is that interested you, click here.
Let me show you some fun and even cheeky cuttables I recently designed as well as share a free tool that might and will hopefully make your life a little bit easier.
You can use the cuttables for a variety of projects as you've seen. Shirts, bags, notebooks, shoes, sneakers mugs, keychains, tumblers, backpacks...endless possibilities. If you have a design request you can always contact me at: lmtroch@excite.com
These cards are available for free. I know how well they work in some tough situations. Most people are more understanding once they know the situation.
You can check out my opinions on the Ausumness blog. There might be some helpful tips for you to try out as well. Besides being a full time parent to two teens with Autism at opposite ends of the spectrum, I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, many years of teaching experience in various public and private education systems, a minor in psychology and I'm an avid reader in pursuit of making my family and my boy's lives as happy, fulfilling and healthy as possible. I share anything that works or makes our lives easier.
You get all of this for just 5.99 in the bundle:
10 quotes in a whimsical font
10 quotes in the no nonsense font
1 poster on an 8x11 format saved in highest quality (double check your quality if you plan on enlarging it)
1 3x4 journal card in png format
1 8x11 page of cards with 3 different explanations (print as much as you like) in jpg format
Extra Bonus: puzzle heart, puzzle pieces in png format
If you are looking for more free tools, don't forget the AuSumness blog. You can find stuff like this there. Some of my most popular posts are, "What NOT To Tell Parents With Autistic Children", "Tips For Feeding Sensory Disordered and Picky Eaters" and there's a lot more there that might interest you. We've also got a board on Pinterest.
Now, for the scrapbooking part of it. My scrappy sister, Rachelle from Bits N' Pieces has designed some digital scrapbooking templates with Autism in mind. I also have a pack of templates with puzzle pieces that might also appeal to you.
This is just a peek at some of the goodies I have ready so far in the collection releasing at the end of this month.
Thanks so much for stopping by The Cherry. I wish you all of the luck with your Autistic experiences and feel free to join us either scrap wise in our group or in our Autism group, AuSumness on FB. You can share your stories, funny moments, awkward ones or ask question and see if anyone can help. It's always nice to know you are not alone.
A couple of years ago, I started adding blogs about Autism to The Cherry and then decided to start a new blog, AuSumness. It seemed the numbers of friends and friends of friends that contacted me were not diminishing so I thought it'd be best to separate the two.
At times, Autism and scrapbooking get all mixed and oh boy, isn't that one heck of a splendid combination. I thought I'd share a bit about them both right here and guide those interested in Autism and my cheeky views on it to our AuSumness blog.
I'm in the middle of designing a collection dedicated to mental...issues? I'm not sure what exactly sparked my Acute Anxiety Disorder, but that crap was heavy! I might infer it was my kids and their Autism. Having, let's face it, disabled kids is not easy at all. Being a parent isn't easy. The thought that my child will have to stay at home for the rest of his life is incredibly disheartening and a tough cookie to swallow.
Not all parents of Autistic kids will tell you that they wished their kids didn't have Autism, but I will. When I see other kids playing like I used to play. Doing sport, like I used to or just being involved in things outside of the home, I get sad. I wonder if my kids will ever get married. If they will ever drive a car. Ya know, the things most people eventually get around to doing. My youngest won't even get an elementary degree despite his relatively extraordinary intellect and well, that one really gets my gander.
I get frustrated about a lot of things in regards to my kids and their Autism and it comes out a bit cheeky at times and when I post, I always try to put a funny or bright spin to it. There is enough crap going on in the world to bring us down and it's crucial that we don't drown in all of the negativity. We have to keep coming up for air and we certainly do NOT want to bring others down with us.
I've recently been contacted by Michael whose site, LittleDoggiesRule has a particular article about The Top Benefits Of Getting An Emotional Support Dog. If you're already a pet lover, you might already be aware of how awesome dogs can be in regards pepping us up when we're feeling down. I've also blogged about pets and Autism is that interested you, click here.
Let me show you some fun and even cheeky cuttables I recently designed as well as share a free tool that might and will hopefully make your life a little bit easier.
I call the above example, whimsical because it's a bit playful and fun.
This example is a bit more grown up. So often, when it comes to Autism it's done with kids in mind and since my kids are now teenagers, I wanted a more sophisticated version, too.
These are the more colorful cards that you can purchase in my shop, Kreative Design Studio. Print them out in your best quality and on good paper. Then cut them out and keep them in your wallets or purses until you need them.
These cards came in very handy when my boys were small and I can still use them for my youngest, though not as much. I've learned quickly that a dose of humility goes a very long way when it comes to Autism.
I've got a variety of cards for you to use depending on the situation or just how raw you want to get. I always recommend being the example as much as possible. Do not be surprised if someone gives them back to you or even throws them on the ground. Just try to keep on smiling and whenever possible kill them with kindness or wit. I often go over the top with mushy cheer and delight in perhaps what some might call a melodramatic performance and it's always shut them right up.
You can use the cuttables for a variety of projects as you've seen. Shirts, bags, notebooks, shoes, sneakers mugs, keychains, tumblers, backpacks...endless possibilities. If you have a design request you can always contact me at: lmtroch@excite.com
You can check out my opinions on the Ausumness blog. There might be some helpful tips for you to try out as well. Besides being a full time parent to two teens with Autism at opposite ends of the spectrum, I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, many years of teaching experience in various public and private education systems, a minor in psychology and I'm an avid reader in pursuit of making my family and my boy's lives as happy, fulfilling and healthy as possible. I share anything that works or makes our lives easier.
You get all of this for just 5.99 in the bundle:
10 quotes in a whimsical font
10 quotes in the no nonsense font
1 poster on an 8x11 format saved in highest quality (double check your quality if you plan on enlarging it)
1 3x4 journal card in png format
1 8x11 page of cards with 3 different explanations (print as much as you like) in jpg format
Extra Bonus: puzzle heart, puzzle pieces in png format
If you are looking for more free tools, don't forget the AuSumness blog. You can find stuff like this there. Some of my most popular posts are, "What NOT To Tell Parents With Autistic Children", "Tips For Feeding Sensory Disordered and Picky Eaters" and there's a lot more there that might interest you. We've also got a board on Pinterest.
Now, for the scrapbooking part of it. My scrappy sister, Rachelle from Bits N' Pieces has designed some digital scrapbooking templates with Autism in mind. I also have a pack of templates with puzzle pieces that might also appeal to you.
This is just a peek at some of the goodies I have ready so far in the collection releasing at the end of this month.
That's my youngest, JJ when he didn't mind the camera.
Thanks so much for stopping by The Cherry. I wish you all of the luck with your Autistic experiences and feel free to join us either scrap wise in our group or in our Autism group, AuSumness on FB. You can share your stories, funny moments, awkward ones or ask question and see if anyone can help. It's always nice to know you are not alone.