The stars, like dust, Encircle me

A quote from Isaac Asimov...

I am named CarolAnn, but I have had many names and many labels. I am an artist, working in watercolors, acrylics, pen-and-ink, and CRAYONS. I am a musician and I play guitar, piano/keyboard, and recorder. I have cut an album and I suppose stated that way dates me? I used to play coffee houses but now I play in churches. I am published as an essayist, poet, short storyist, and political cartoonist. I am a Wife of 25 years--a significant statistic! I am the mother of 5 birth children and dozens of souls that float into and out of my life. I used to scuba dive and ride a Suzuki 850 bike and I love horses, dogs (my service dog is a miniature dachshund mix named Shakespeare Aristotle Redboots...poor thing but that should tell you all more about me), and cats...and eagles.

I live in a world labelled High Functioning Autism. I love the night sky, the wind, and the ocean.

I was enrolled at Antioch Universtiy in Keene, NH, in their Autism Spectrum Certificate Program. Actually, it is titled Autism Spectrum DISorder, but I am trying to change that idea.

This blog consists of reflections based on the course Introduction to Counselling Interventions, both information from the class proper and the readings supporting the course.

But today it's just me.

And I have no idea where this life will lead me. This time last year I was in hiding and didn't wish anyone to know anything about my diagnosis...I have had quite enough teasing and sarcasm, thank you. Now I am in a graduate level program. I know I want to help people, and I already do that thanks to the gluten-free/casein -free section of the grocery stores. When I am shopping I often stand near a crying, or sighing Mom, who notices my confidence in snatching up packaging and who literally begs..."Do you know about this diet thing?"

And of course I do. And we talk, and I visit them and learn to love their kids and help with emotional support and resourcing.

So I am an adventurer as well, and this program, to paraphrase Peter Pan, will be an awfully big adventure. BTW, MY HOME is the THIRD star to the right--just past Orion, and straight on to the rainbow.

Each person I meet is a star, and we form constellations here on Earth. It is my hope that I will help "polish" a few stars so they can shine as brightly as they choose.