So I guess you’ve noticed that the title of this blog post says “Volume 1,” right? Often, I think of things I want to tell you, dear reader, that don’t merit a full blog post. 7 Quick Takes is the answer! I hope. 🙂 I’m committing to 7 Quick Takes each Friday in October – let me know what you think so I’ll know whether to continue.
Congratulations, Anna Theurer, winner of a copy of Amy Julia Becker’s new book, A Good and Perfect Gift. Anna publishes a blog, The Chronicles of Ellie Bellie Bear, about her daughter, Ellie, who has Down syndrome. Thank you to everyone who entered and welcome to my new followers! I received SO many great book recommendations that I’ve decided to post those at a later date.
NOTE: I used Random.org to generate a random number to select the winner of the book giveaway.
Several of you commented on whether I should rethink my participation in the 31 for 21 blog challenge. Brandi left a comment on Facebook, rather than the blog, and I want to share it with you here:
“I lost my Dad ten years ago and I would give up just about anything to have a blog/journal/diary etc that I could read to “hear” his thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I carry his voice in my heart always but as I was 24 when he passed we didn’t get to have as many adult relationship years for me to draw memories from. If he had written a blog I would have the chance now with adult eyes to understand what he thought and pondered about, and what issues and battles he invested his heart into. “
Needless to say, I’m gonna keep going. 🙂
And on that same topic, I talked to Sarah Kate about the chalk drawings and whether my computer time bothered her at all. She responded that she wrote it because she’s really proud of me, that she thinks I’m making a difference for she and her brother, and she thinks it’s great that I blog.
Of course, she doesn’t actually read what I write…
I have two speaking engagements coming up next week! On Monday morning, I’ll be speaking to a MOPS group in north metro Atlanta, then that afternoon I’ll be participating in one of a series of “Courageous Conversations” at Georgia Highlands College. The subject will be “End the R-Word.”
If you’ve been following me for more than a few days, you’ve probably noticed that virtually all of the images here are my own photographs. I’m no Annie Leibovitz, to be sure, but I love capturing moments in my family’s life – which is the whole point, right? If you want to improve your kid photography, check out Digital Photography School’s new e-book, Click! How to take gorgeous photos of your kids. The images alone are worth the price, but it’s also a practical teaching tool (and yes, that’s an affiliate link, but I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t love it).
I’ve discovered a previously unknown bonus of having a baby when you are of “advanced maternal age” – everybody gives you their super-awesome kid stuff that they don’t need anymore. Within the past few weeks, we’ve inherited a sand and water table, Kangaroo Climber, Cozy Coupe, and Push Around Buggy (not to mention that Nathan has more clothes than he can ever wear). Score!
I’ve been considering publishing an e-book for new parents of children with special needs. With both of my children, I felt there was very little available that wasn’t either written in clinical-speak or a memoir (and even memoirs were few and far between). My aim would be to provide a resource for parents in the early years – a real-mom presentation of the emotions and concerns without all of the “this could happen” medical stuff (essentially an expansion of posts like this one). Thoughts?
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
Sarabell says
I would love to see that e-book! I talk to clients/parents all the time I would love to share that resource with!
Andi says
I appreciate the feedback, Sarabell. I really believe this project is something that I can do that has the potential to help people deal with the adjustments that they have to make when their lives take a hard left turn.
Anna Theurer says
Ooh yes, you definitely should publish and e-book. I like this 7-Quick Takes post 🙂
Andi says
Thanks, Anna, for the feedback. I had already mentioned the idea to Mr. Andi and he was very encouraging, but I wanted to know if other parents (especially moms, since we are most often the ones who are neck-deep in the therapy and doctor appointments and playdates). Stay tuned!