Sibshops

Yesterday my blog celebrated its 2 week Anniversary!  I am so delighted that my blog is attracting people from all around the world, and not just where I am - Toronto, Ontario, Canada!!  It pleases me enormously knowing there are people out there who share a common interest with me and are caring to stop by here from time to time...I hope you are finding this place a worthwhile visit and a useful resource!  Please know that I am working hard at updating it regularly, adding useful links etc., and my recent purchase of "Blogging for Dummies" is being put to good use, and not just collecting dust.  Which reminds me...I am waaaaaaaaaaay behind on my dusting!!

"The road to a friend's house is never long"...Danish Proverb

In our area we have a special program specifically designed for the siblings of children with autism, we call it "Sibshops".  My daughter attends as often as she can - and loves it!  Basically it's an informal "get together", where they have an evening to play games, have pizza, and have a chance to meet new friends, friends who share that uniqueness of being the brother or sister to a child with autism.  My daughter has many friends both at school and in the neighbourhood, yet she still is very much drawn to this program, and I think it's because she wants to be with others from time to time who understand "her issues", because they are living with them too.  Maybe it's an opportunity for her to vent a little bit (if she chooses, nothing is ever forced in this setting) if she needs to, or listen to another child of the same age group that may need an understanding and sympathetic ear.  Whatever her reasons are, she loves getting her invitation in the mail!!

I have noticed as my daughter is getting older, she has more and more questions about her future as it relates to having her "special" brother.  For example, just last week she asked me "Mommy, when I have a baby, is there a big chance he will have autism?"  That's a big question for a girl not yet eleven, and I'm sure I did a terrible job answering it!  But it does show that she "thinks" a little bit differently than most girls do, and it's times like this where having a "special" friend who shares similar worries would be really helpful.

If you are in Ontario, Kerry's Place Autism Services is the agency that runs the Sibshops, you can find the link to "Kerry's Place" on the right sidebar of this blog if you are interested.

For my video today, I'll feature two of my favourite tv friends, Laverne and Shirley, this one Shirley sings their special "cheer me up song", High Hopes, (this is the song I would always get a little tear in my eye each time they would start singing it).  How do the lyrics go?  Just what makes that little old ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant, anyone knows an ant..can't..move a rubber tree plant..but he's got: HIGH HOPES, he's got HIGH HOPES, he's got high apple pie in the sky hopes, so anytime you're feeling low, instead of letting go, just remember that ant...whoops there goes another rubber tree plant....enjoy!

Cheers and have a great day!

Linda

Shake it up..with Laverne and Shirley

"Life gives us brief moments with another...but sometimes in those brief moments, we get memories that will last a life time."...author unknown

My daughter has just started watching a new show.  In my opinion, she has an old show with a new title!  Is it just me, but don't they all look the same, the shows for pre-teens that feature musically talented young popstars that we'll soon see in a Disney movie?  I know how I'm starting to sound...old!  Perhaps I am, but in "my day", stars on television were actors first and occasionally we were treated to a little song and dance where they showcased their lack of talent in those areas for comic relief!  It was those endearing qualities that warmed our hearts to them.

My show when I was 10 years old was "Laverne and Shirley", I'm sure everyone from my generation remembers them...shotz brewery, the pizzabowl, Lenny and Squiggy, the Big Ragoo, the big L on Laverne's sweater, milk and pepsi, high hopes, schlamiel schlimazel hasenpfeffer incorporated, and all that fun stuff...ahhhh nostalgia!

Here is a very funny short clip from an episode where Charles Pfister Crane tried to turn Laverne and Shirley into a singing group called "The Rosebuds"  - here it is - enjoy!!

When I found this on "you tube" and watched it, I could not stop laughing!!  Perhaps watching this clip unlocked all my cherished childhood memories of this hilarious show.  My daughter came over to me and very curiously asked "what's so funny mommy?" and I played this for her...she really did like it and I'm happy she did.

So then, I watched "her" show - Shake it Up.  And...I changed my mind, it was quite good too.  Selena Gomez definitely sings better than Laverne and Shirley.

Watching a special show with a special person makes the show..more special!  Thank you for including me!

I would love to hear about the favourite shows you watched with your parents or are currently watching with your children.

Cheers,

Linda