TS Awareness Month – Connor’s Story
Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month is May 15 – June 15, 2011
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. The disorder is named for Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, the pioneering French neurologist who in 1885 first described the condition in an 86-year-old French noblewoman.
The early symptoms of TS are almost always noticed first in childhood, with the average onset between the ages of 7 and 10 years.
My nephew, Connor, is just one example of children across the country who, right now, are suffering the affects of this illness.
Watch the video here to learn more about Connor’s Story:
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-610497
TS occurs in people from all ethnic groups; males are affected about three to four times more often than females.
It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have the most severe form of TS, and as many as one in 100 exhibit milder and less complex symptoms such as chronic motor or vocal tics or transient tics of childhood.
Although TS can be a chronic condition with symptoms lasting a lifetime, most people with the condition experience their worst symptoms in their early teens, with improvement occurring in the late teens and continuing into adulthood.
A Gift from the Sea
A Gift from the Sea, a photo by Acts of Creativity on Flickr.
Sometimes I picture Posiden deep under the ocean, resting on a throne of faded red and white Coleman ice chests.
Shiny lures are placed throughout the room, their bright colors preserved as they sit on pedastals like relics from a museum.
Strings of cowrie shell necklaces and silver watches loop and dangle, cascading down the walls.
A chandiler of silverware spins over his head.
In this setting, the King of the Sea isn’t quite as intimidating as others might presume.
Can you picture him there, too?
His eyes shaded as he scans the room, his white hair captured beneath a Calcutta hat.
His scaled fins curled into a lone Panama Jack flip-flop.
His fingers adorned with the tarnished metal rings from keychains lost overboard so long ago.
I wonder if his coral castle smells like Banana Boat?
Love at First Sight
I’m absolutely smitten by the cover for the March issue of Saponifier. The current issue focuses on high-end spa products, and the cover couldn’t be more appropriate. But I’ll let you see for yourself:
In other news, I’m the proud new owner of my very own fresh-off-the-presses copy of The Wise Man’s Fear. I’m afraid you probably won’t be hearing from me much until I’ve finished it; after waiting so long for its release, I plan on taking my time to savor it!
A Trip to the Fair
This year, we finally broke down and entered some of our arts and crafts into the county fair competition. I’m pleased to announce that I was awarded three first place ribbons (two for my drop pull eggs and one for a photograph), one second place ribbon for a photograph and one blue rosette (best in category) for a photo of a sunset.
My Blue Rosette Winner by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Samantha was awarded two second place ribbons and one first place ribbon for her photographs.
Sam’s First Place Winner by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Dad garnered two second place ribbons for his drop pull eggs.
Dad’s Second Place Winners by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
We had a blast checking out all the arts and crafts (the best of show was a beautiful quilt made by a man!) and the school exhibits, then watched a bit of the cattle auction. As we checked out the swine barn, Zach commented that the pigs were much bigger than he’d expected and, “That’s a LOT of bacon!”. We watched a circus perform for a bit, took in the pig races and even got to see the sea lions.
2011-02-25 021 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Then it was time for the midway. We got the kids the unlimited ride bracelets and they all took advantage of them.
2011-02-25 039 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
2011-02-25 043 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
2011-02-25 050 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Jim and I only went on one ride- as ‘ghost hunters’ we couldn’t pass up the haunted mansion.
2011-02-25 054 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Jim’s final report on the location? “I am excited to report frequent activity of screaming banshees, animated skeletons and moaning zombies.”
After all the excitement, it was time to get some food. This is my husband’s favorite part…lol.
2011-02-25 030 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
2011-02-25 031 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
I’ll admit to indulging myself a bit as well. Who can pass up fried dough with cinnamon and sugar? Certainly not me!
All in all, it was one fantastic night at the local fair. It was even more enjoyable because it reminded me of when I was a kid; every year, my parents would take me to the fair for my birthday. which falls within the same week. As we headed out to the parking lot, I paused to take one last look.
2011-02-25 057 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
I don’t know if they placed that retention pond there with the intent of reflections or not, but it certainly made for a beautiful sight!