Autism Always Wins
Posted by Troy | Filed under Autism, Kids, Parenting
So I started this post in the morning.
I’m sitting at my desk frustrated and discouraged and self-loathing after an especially difficult weekend and one of those literally-drag-the-kid-to-school mornings.
So I titled the piece “Losing to Autism.”
Because lately that’s what I’ve been feeling like.
Smooth Sailing
Posted by Troy | Filed under Strong Odors
I don’t particularly like to be late.
But now with three young kids I’ve just accepted it as part of my life.
So when I’m rushing to school or church or whatever hoping that five minutes late might still be fashionable, there’s nothing quite like a string of green lights to get me there quick.
I’ll take it as an answer to prayer if the rushing happens to be on a Sunday morning (which it almost always is)
Although previous content will be included, this post is the very first creation specifically for what will eventually be the Strong Odors book.
Tags: kids, original illustration, strong odors
My So-Called (under da sea) Life
Posted by Troy | Filed under Kids
Apparently that whole becoming-human thing wasn’t ultimately satisfying in Ariel’s search for self-discovery.
This new phase involves tattoos, a self-inflicted haircut and extra eyeliner.
Who knows, maybe this is the real Ariel.
Tags: art, kids, movies, original photo
Rivers – I’m Your Daddy
Posted by Troy | Filed under Parenting
When our last baby boy arrived, we really had no idea what to call him.
We hadn’t even been talking about it much because it was such a stressful time in our lives.
I was finishing an internship and about to be unemployed. We had just discovered that our other son Gideon has Autism.
And the day before the baby arrived I found out that I (once again) had cancer.
So yeah, not a lot of spare energy to discuss baby names.
Tags: kids, video, weezer, weezer week
Chimney Rock and the Value of Risk
Posted by Troy | Filed under Parenting, Travel
We recently visited Chimney Rock State Park, just south of Ashville, NC.
It’s a really great destination for families since they’ve added steps, boardwalks and railings to make the hiking accessible to anyone.
We kept calling Exclamation Point “Explanation Point,” which doesn’t sound nearly so awe-inspiring… but it’s worth the extra 1,000 steps or so past Devil’s Head (above)… and the hike back to ground level is really cool, with rock outcroppings and alternate views of the Chimney Rock.
A few of us still had the energy to hike the mile or so out to the 400-ft. Hickory Nut Falls… we weren’t allowed nearly as close as we’d hoped, but maybe next trip there will be fewer park rangers around…
Actually, situations like that are kind of adjusting my parenting.
Those times when I know I would jump the barrier… but don’t want my kids to.
Tags: fear, kids, original photo, Parenting, Travel
Rabbit Eating Bacon
Posted by Troy | Filed under Kids
“It’s a rabbit eating bacon,” he says.
Tags: kids
Six Benefits of LEGO Play for Children with Autism
Posted by Troy | Filed under Autism, Kids, Parenting
When my kids were finally old enough for LEGOs, I was glad.
Pretty much everything about LEGO is awesome.
What was interesting (though not totally surprising) was how beneficial LEGO play seemed to be for my 6-year-old who has autism.
Interestingly enough, some serious studies are now being done to develop LEGO-based therapy for children with autism.
It makes a lot of sense:
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Autism, kids, lego, original photo
Best Christmas Ever!
Posted by Troy | Filed under Kids
Laid off.
Struggling with life’s purpose and direction.
Possibly sick and dying.
But he doesn’t know any of that.
“This is the best Christmas ever!” he announces as we decorate the (overpriced) tree.
and I realize he’s right.
Of course.
It is the best Christmas ever.
Five minutes later, while brandishing a dreidel like a dagger he exclaims,
“Prepare to be dead!”
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Tags: christmas, kids, original photo
Always Inspired by Colored Pencils
Posted by Troy | Filed under Art/Design, Kids
Feeling uninspired lately.
I’m not sure if it is because I’ve been focusing on work-related stuff… or because I’m waiting for cat scan results to see what’s the next step.
But for whatever reason, I haven’t had much to say lately…
and because I’m committed to Strong Odors being quality, not quantity…
I’ve decided to share this illustration rather than ramble on about something no one really needs to read.
Not exactly sure what’s happening here… but one of my favorites from my daughter (who did this one back in the first grade).
I can’t come close to expressing the creativity that she can unleash with a single stroke of a pencil. Take a few minutes to discover all the detail and emotion and story in this one.
She challenges and inspires me as an artist.
Also threw some Passion Pit into the playlist… lots of Passion Pit echoing around our house lately.
Tags: illustration, kids
Guess the Smell
Posted by Troy | Filed under Family, Humor, Strong Odors
One weekend my parents were nice enough to treat the whole family to see Grossology.
It is a travelling experiential science exhibit based on the popular children’s books and is a lot of fun…
I mean, what couldn’t be fun about bodily functions?
One station was called “Guess the Smell”…
4 small openings in a table… bend down, flare nostrils, whiff, select answer…
guess which of the multiple choice answers I was lucky enough to inhale:
- feet
- armpit
- bad breath
- anus
Tags: education, kids, original illustration, science, strong odors
