Piece #23 - "Play that funky Music!"

If there is anything I have a close ties to it would have to be music. As you all have noticed, I always leave a song at the end of each blog that might give an added thought to what I wrote. Strangely, I have a music ear, but I can't play or read any music. I really wanted to play the piano so my mom had hired a tutor to teach me how to play. The session ended very shortly and the gal told my mom that I will never be able to play the piano because my hands were too small. If you ask my mom today the one regret that she has, it would be listening to that tutor because my hands are not small now.

I guess one thing I really like about music is that it has a better way of expressing how I feel better than I can explain it. With my Asperger's, it can be very difficult saying how feel inside. I find it amazing that Jaimee can know how I'm feeling without me saying really, anything. Music has a way of not only saying the right words, but also conveying the exact feeling the words go with it. I can say this is really frustrating for me, especially in moments when something happens and I have to react quickly, but when it's time to talk, it just comes out all wrong or nothing at all.

Since I love to write stories, many times I have to rely on music to help either inspire or guide me through the plot of my story. Sometimes I'll tip my hat to certain songs in my (fictional) writing for the motivation of the story. I say 'fictional' because all the writing I do is that; the blog is the only nonfiction I will write...so far. There have been a few occasions when I title the story after the title of a song. I generally won't do that, maybe a chapter, but rarely a book title.

I will say this about the music I select at the bottom of every blog I write, if you only listen to the regular radio station and you hear groups/people like Linkin Park, Lady Gaga, One Direction, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, etc. then maybe you should try listening to what I've listed. I want to say it's the best kept secret because these songs are not ones you would typically listen to on the radio. Some of it is rock, pop and borderline country, but it's still being missed. Why? I'm not really sure because it really is great music. If you haven't had the chance to listen, you ought to try it. (The best part is no cussing...unless you like that kind of thing).

Songs of Inspiration [Check it out on iTunes!]:

{This is a rap song by my former student Andre Reams, and yes it is on iTunes!}

Song: "Ascension"

Artist: BlackSheep

Album: Ascension

Here's a music video of his! (different song)

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Song: "Can't Shut Up"

Artist: Anthem Lights

Album: Self-Titled

Here's their music video.

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Song: "Outcast"

Artist: Kerrie Roberts

Album: Self-Titled

Here is her video.

Piece #111 - First Impressions

"You already know that making a good first impression can go a long way. But forget all the advice you've received about dressing to impress or putting on a cheesy smile. Turns out, the true secret to building a lasting connection reaches much deeper than what you wear." "According to Amy Cuddy, a Harvard Business School professor who has researched first impressions for more than 15 years, everyone (consciously or subconsciously) asks two questions when they meeting someone new: Can I trust this person? And can I respect this person?" This quote comes from Reader's Digest and I actually found this rather compelling because I never really heard of this before. I've addressed this topic of first impressions in the past but, I have to admit that this idea is interesting. I guess since you hear a lot of things from a smile, the outfit or what you say make the difference; however these two questions have me a little perplexed. I think it depends on the ...

Piece #1 - The Beginning

I guess like embarking on any puzzle, it must always starts with the first piece. So to begin, I have Asperger's Syndrome, in other words I'm Autistic, and so this literature will be about my struggles with this disorder as an adult. I was first diagnosed back in the summer of 2004. If it wasn't for my twin daughters, I might not have ever known all the questions I have ever had in life; to them, I will always be in their debt. Growing up, you are never really aware of any differences until the judgment years...6th thru 12th grade of school. A time when one always tests their own humanity against others; meaning, how will I measure up against other students. In my eyes I seemed to be just like them; two arms and legs, ten fingers and toes, head and body...nothing unusual. Yet, for some reason, I was treated a little different than everyone else. That's one of those things that you can't quite put your finger on, but I observed on many occasions how kids would talk...

Piece #28 - Puzzles

I realize autism is symbolized by a puzzles piece and I've noticed that some people have taken some offense to that, but this doesn't deal directly with that topic. This is a straight observation on puzzles and how they affect me and the twins. With the new age of electronic devices, it has changed to way we do pretty much everything! In this case I want to focus on puzzles because there are lots of computer game companies that are betting on us to buy their own special puzzle game, whether it is on the iPad, iTouch or smart phone. I will say that I do own an iTouch and yes, I do love it! Unfortunately, I can get sucked into several good puzzle games. So far the top ones I love to play are Chuzzle, Bejeweled, Tiki Totems and of course...Angry Birds. To be honest, I also will go 'old school' and play Solitaire, Mahjong, Sudoku and even Tetris because they still have a place in my heart. Sometimes the simpler games I would rather play because they are quick and easier ...

Pressing Puzzles

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