Back in town.

I got back from Cleveland, late Sunday night. I was absolutely exhausted. Cleveland is East Coast time, so most of our conferences started at 5:00 am our time. I got to know my colleages a little better. As most times, some things I liked and some things I felt like the odd ball out. I am not much of a partier or a drinker, so there were a couple of times where I just didn't fit in. This has been the case most of my life, so no harm done.

I learned so much about the beautiful children I work with. It made me wonder, are they different, or am I. Does it really matter? I would like to think that the conference inspired me to think on a higher plain and gave me a desire to explore more about the world of Autism. I was really inspired by Elaine Hall. She is a Hollywood acting coach (first acting coach for Zach and Cody). She has a movie out that was turned into an HBO special. It has won several awards. She and I had the common factor of loving the arts. For her, it is acting, for me the violin. I spoke with her about how I teach violin to children with Autism. She later recognized me in the airport. I felt drawn to her and I want to chat more with her via e-mail. Her philosophy is that you have to enter the child's world and get on their level, before they learn to trust and become a part of ours. Things to ponder.

I want to send a shout out to Jake and John. The two Cutie Patooties that I dearly love. They turned three, yesterday. I wish I could have been with them to celebrate. I know they are excited about the arrival of their new sister in February.

I am off to have coffee with Elaine. She and I have a lot of catching up to do.

TTFN