Sep 29, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Which Different Dream Chapters Does Deb Bailey Like?

Which Different Dream meditations captured the attention of Power Women Magazine host Deb Bailey? Click on Deb Bailey Interview to find out. If you like what you hear, visit the Power Women Magazine website and see what else you can... read more

Sep 28, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Isn’t Splendid Table a Cooking Show?

The other day I was exercising, trying to distract myself by listening to one of my favorite radio shows, Splendid Table with Lynne Rossetto Kasper. It wasn’t working. Enter J. J. Goode But when her guest, food writer J.J. Goode, read his essay about single-handed cooking, I stopped exercising, captivated by his story. He spoke with eloquence and honesty about life with a disability, addressing... read more

Sep 26, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Nine Ways to Live Triumphantly with Special Needs Kids, Part 1

Life as a parent is wearing. Life as the parent of of a special needs child is especially wearing. The specter of life as a perpetual care give and decision-maker can be overwhelming. But the parents I interviewed for A Different Dream for My Child lived joyfully despite their circumstances. Many parents of special needs students I worked during my teaching career. Over the next three days, I’ll share... read more

Sep 23, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Why I Wrote a Different Dream

Since A Different Dream for My Child was released, readers have been asking what motivated me to write it. To answer that question, I’m adhering to a lesson I learned as the parent of a special needs child: do not reinvent the wheel unless it is absolutely necessary. Between doctor’s appointments and feeding tubes, surgeries and special diets, there just wasn’t time. Those days are long... read more

Sep 21, 2009 Posted by Jolene

On 9-11, I Remember Billy

How do you respond when you hear the date September 11? Do horrific images of the Twin Towers falling and people fleeing in terror flash through your mind? Does the destruction and loss of life at Ground Zero overwhelm and sadden you?  Are you angered by the way our country has changed because of the attack? Meet Billy When I think of 9-11, I remember Billy, one of my fourth grade students. He was a... read more