Can We Talk?

Can we talk about autism? Or better yet the impact of autism on an individual? My son Luke is now an adult. His disability affects him in many ways.

While on a fun trip downtown to Seattle, Luke always enjoys the sights and sounds surrounding him.  As his mom, I can notice when he feels overwhelmed. It is in those times we have to slow him down.
At home he will lay around, but it is not his usual. Luke likes pacing. I am sure this is genetic! His dad and brother do the same!  If we do not put the pause button on Luke, however, his brain will go into overdrive.  This causes him extreme stress. As family we notice this. Others will not recognize the symptoms as easily.

Luke’s care providers know this about him too, but it took a lot of training. Being a provider for Luke can hold special circumstances due to Luke’s strength.

Can we talk about that strength of Luke’s?  I swear you would think he was the Incredible Hulk. He has broken so many things when he is upset. I decided long ago pretty things in my home weren’t important any longer !

Can you talk now and tell me – are you able to let go and not get upset if you lose every material possession you find precious to you ? I learned long ago I could.

New Steps

My son Luke is preparing for his first day of work on his new job.  Last week , I was asked by a new site devoted to stories about how the disability autism impacts a family. Feel free to go to this link and read my work published on another site. Elizabeth also has a disabled son living in the Seattle area:

http://elizabethgriffin.com/category/your-stories/

Thankful to Chuck for the job for Luke! 

Sunday Ride

Sunday ride with my friend brought out some beautiful photogenic moments. 

Bull’s Eye

This hummingbird just keeps dropping by.  She has won the staring contest!! Everyone enjoy your day and do not forget to vote.  Take charge Americans!!!

The Case Of The Missing Fish

There is a story here, but you have to think deep or perhaps very shallow. You choose. 

Life involves much contemplating. Fred the heron from the PNW is listening carefully and will make a decision soon.

Ok. I guess I didn’t get that. What did you say? I am all ears. 

Got it! Yep. Your mine. 

Dumbfounded Fred is sad. There is always next time. Well. Not always. Perhaps Fred there are bigger fish to fry. Your turn will come.  Life brings rewards at times and sometimes we are left empty handed. Fred’s face says it all. No words needed. 

Thanks from Fred for dropping by and attempting to fish with him. Wish him luck!  I think deeper waters brings a prize!

A Garden

  
I am writing this from my home, but believe me in my head I am touring a Hawaiian garden. While recently on vacation, I had the opportunity to do a self guided tour at Wahiawa Botanical Gardens.

 

Wahiawa Botanical Gardens began in the 1920’s prehawaii statehood.  It was first considered an arboretum experiment.  When Hawaii became a state in the 1950’s, the department of parks and recreation  took over its operations.   

The county of Honolulu is home to 650 acres of botanical gardens at five sites. Wahiawa comprises only 26 of those acres with  a large amount of tropical plants. Some of these plants are rare. 

  

Upon entering  the botanical gardens, you are surrounded with quiet reflective walking trails. A visitor center is also on the premises upon going through the main entry.  There was no cost to us as visitors. 

  
Sections of the  botanical trails are divided into Australian and bamboo forests,  different palm gardens , and other flora and Hawaiian gardens.

  

Wahiawa gardens is for plants that love moisture. As much as 80 inches of rain may fall here. This unique gardens is definitely a home for rare flora.  

  
As I finish my thoughts about this Hawaiian garden, spring has really sprung here in my hometown of Seattle. So please enjoy a view from my backyard garden to yours as I bid adieu.

  
  
  

 

Ocean Watching

  
People talk a lot about people watching. I suppose I spend my time more bird watching , but in Hawaii I had extra special views. This egret sums it up nicely. I ocean watched. 

  
I truly admired this woman who never stopped to look at anything else, but the beautiful waves coming from the Pacific Ocean here on the island of Oahu. This is as peaceful as my mind can get. I enjoyed being on the island during the pipeline surfing contest .  Swells got as high as 70 feet. The islands had not seen that in 50 years. Fortunately the surfers were able to compete!  For myself and my traveling companions, we were content watching the surf! Scary seeing those guys and gals riding the waves, yet spectacular too. I promise soon to post some adventures I had on this trip. It was truly a wonderful time had by all. 

Tokyo Meets Seattle

  
Since landing in Honolulu, I have been going nonstop. This is a place where memories are indeed made. For me fortunately, many past childhood thoughts came flooding back as I embarked on visiting my past homes on the island of Oahu. I lived here for over four years from 1969-1974. Come down memory lane with me, but first let’s stop at Pearl Harbor. It was today, I was approached by two young adults traveling from their homeland of Japan.  They  seemed to be working on some school project and handed me a paper with historical questions they politely asked me to answer. 

We quickly became friends and are now following each other on Instagram. I was touched by their genuine desire to know my reactions to Pearl Harbor.  However, today we stood together gladly not allowing the past to identify who we are in the present.  As an American, I welcome my new friends to my country.