Beach Bound!
(Blog at ya' next week)

Part of The Journey

Using the analogy of being an artist I often paint our family picture in my own colorful and exciting style. Although I've shared some difficult moments through the blog I would think that for the most part the "attitude" and aura of this site is fairly positive and upbeat.

I think there is a clear reason for that fact. Since I began this blog last fall our Ben has remained very healthy and continues to make very good progress in reaching cognitive and physical goals we have set for him. That has not always been the case.

Now don't get me wrong. We definitely want Ben's story to be a beacon of hope for those exceptional families that are just beginning The Journey or are still facing many uncertainties. But part of The Journey is occasionally reflecting upon where we've been and just how far we've come. The road we walk is very difficult and often sad.

The truer picture was painted a few days ago by my friend Kelly at Jenelle's Journey. I want to thank her for expressing her emotions so well. Indeed all of us parents of special children have felt the same way or may even be feeling it now. There's nothing wrong with being honest. In fact admitting our grief is truly a cleansing experience.

More YouTube Fun

Unfortunately I used to have a three-piece suit the same color as the one Steve Carell is wearing (guy with the glasses). It was corduroy to boot. A little trivia: The Starland Vocal Band won the the Grammy for Best New Performer in 1976, the year "Afternoon Delight" came out.

More trivia: can anyone tell me the name of Dave Koechner's (guy in the cowboy hat) comedy duo without Googling? A hint: it's not Tenacious D but similar.

Top Ten List

(Toys in the Attic)

1. The pool is finally ready for swimming. Unfortunately nobody's in the mood around here to take a dip (except for Ben). Much needed rain has now arrived and it seems the enthusiasm for swimming has waned under darkened skies. Rain is forecast for the next three days so we may not use it until our return from the beach.

2. As much as I'd like to continue my fun with the process of designing a tee shirt for the Kelley Motorsports race team I've had to turn my endeavors toward selling some prints for my next show in Blowing Rock, NC two weeks from today. When we get home I'll have two days to prepare. Along with the swimsuits and towels I'll have to pack a bunch of art supplies to take on vacation so I can keep up with inventory for the summer shows.

Trust me when I say I don't mind the idea. My best work comes from painting on the deck of my Mom's beach house. My brothers and Ben's cousins are already chomping at the bit to participate as well. My niece and God-child Caroline is a budding artist herself. I'm excited to hand her the brushes for a change of pace. I might bring back something wonderful for you all to view. I apologize already that it won't be for sale since my mother will be there to referee the event.

3. Jessie and my mother (yes, you read that correctly) have their dance recital on Monday. While Jessie's young team always gets a huge welcome to the stage my mother AND MY AUNT both get huge receptions from the audience. Too bad my wife doesn't have the time to still participate.

I haven't talked about my mom very much and that's unfortunate. She is one of the coolest people you could ever meet. She was my best friend until Ben came along. She's also responsible for me being an artist and professional painter. In venturing out into the Blogosphere I've come to realize that this situation is rather unusual. What is more unusual is that my wife also considers her as best friend. I would say that is even more unusual. My mother is The Rock of our family. She is the source of my creativity, support, and humor.

She set the standard for me and my brothers and that's not to say that my father was bad. I lost my Dad as he was about to turn 52. That is really too young an to lose a parent and partner. Me and my brothers often talk about how much my Dad would've loved Ben. This post is making me emotional so I'll tell you more about them later.

4. I love summer and I usually love yard work. Unfortunately the yard was neglected last year and our domain looks like crap. My off week was meant to show some affection for our shrubs and flower beds side yard but instead I will need to get the jungle tamed. So far there are no reports of black snakes.

5. Ben is doing well. That is all I will say due to the jinxing I've put him through before. The Little Man is still working on standing, crawling, and walking.

6. I've gotten my creative kick in the butt. There are about 6 paintings going on in the studio and two needing work (Andre and Colleen, you hear that?).

7. This is my first summer blogging and I miss the blog entries or visits from many of you. It's not a contest mind you but I can tell that some of you take the warm weather days off. What's up with that? Is it like you have something better to do outside?

8. I love grilling stuff. I'll be like some of the other blog mommies and share some cool recipes with you over the coming weeks. Most of these can be manipulated enough to make them oven ready. I'll just warn you that meat will mostly be the main focus.

9. As you can guess Aerosmith is my favorite band in the universe. I'm sure You Tube or some such place have videos but you're missing the point. GO SEE THE BAND! They are God's gift to rock and roll. And if you haven't bought them yet buy Rocks and Toys in the Attic.

10. Nothing else to say. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Wedding Thriller

Just in case you you're one of the few that hasn't seen this yet (like me until this morning) this wedding party planned a surprise for their guests. I hope you as big a thrill out of it as I did. By the way, Michael Jackson was bad (as in good) before he turned bad (as in likes little boys).

Ben Practices Drawing

Nurse Vickie got out an older piece of therapy equipment designed specifically for Ben. Scott Ray, the gentleman who has helped us with most of our equipment purchases and fitting Ben into the them came up with this idea after seeing Ben in occupational therapy. Basically he attached some stabilizer bars to one of his chairs. Ben's arms are then suspended by flexible bands. Essentially his arms become "weightless" so that he doesn't have to fight against gravity.