Author Archives: jmdteach

Quilting Makes You Happy

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Like many of you, I learned to sew as a child making clothes for my dolls. As an adult, I love to quilt. It makes me happy.

Dane Tramp says that “One of the main advantages of taking quilting classes is that they reduce stress by removing your mind from negative emotions and thoughts. The majority of quilters claim that it is one of the best pastimes for relieving stress and enabling them to maintain focus.

Is this true for you? How does quilting help you? Please contact me at wyseworks365@gmail.net and I will share as many comments as I can in future articles.

How to be a Special Needs Advocate

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I met my sister when I was forty-eight years old. Originally, I thought I would go to Probate court, become her medical guardian, and my obligation to her would be finished.

I had no idea at the time, I would make a significant impact on her emotional and physical well-being. But, I had no clue that she would have the same impact on my life. I didn’t dream of progressing from not knowing her to developing an unconditional love for her. How did this happen?

I am writing a book about my sister. I would welcome your questions. Please feel free to contact me at wyseworks365@gmail.com. I will answer your questions in future columns and possible add them to my book.

Back to the original question: how to be a special needs advocate? Initially, the most important action you can take is visit. Visit often. Visit unannounced. Visit at different times Visit. Get a feeling for the environment. Get to know the staff. Be friendly. Learn the routine of the group home. You might even take notes. Keep a journal. I did not. I wish I did. Like the time I arrived at 10:30 am and the lunch dishes were being washed. When did they eat breakfast? When would they eat dinner? I asked the staff on duty why so early, and his reply was something like, just getting it done. Yes, getting it done, but was this good policy? Was this good for the residents? That day, I was supposed to be taking my sister out for a little shopping and then lunch. I wasn’t go to feed her again. We just got coffee. What else was happening at the group home that I did not know about

I have a Keynote Presentation, “Lost and Found: How I Met My Sister.” will help you discover the triumphs and pitfalls of the Department of Developmental Services in CT and group homes. If you are interested in bringing me to your organization for a Keynote Presentation, please contact me at 203-314-3095.

Please share this article with your family, friends and others you think might be interested.

Smart Phone Photography

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I received my first camera, a Pentax 500, for Christmas about forty years ago from my husband. My marriage ended, but my love of photography continues to grow. I really enjoy taking photos and feel I “see” a place better with a camera in my hand.

From my research on photography, I have learned:

  • Number 1: “Daily photography improves wellbeing,” states Science Daily.
  • Number 2: Karolis Kiniulis writes that “Photography is a form of self-care.”
  • Number 3: “A study by Dr Liz Brewster of Lancaster University and Dr Andrew Cox of the University of Sheffield showed that shooting daily and sharing your photos with others improves a person’s self-care.”

In future blogs and newsletters, I will develop this idea of “Photo Moments” for you.

If you would like to step up your images to the next level, consider taking my one-on -one mentoring program. Instead of a one and done workshop, we will have the luxury of time. Time to learn smart phone techniques in small bites that will improve your photos for your business or bragging rights. Time to practice. Then come back for the next bite of information – all on your schedule. Contact me at 203-314-3095 and we will set up a schedule on zoom.

The cost of four weeks for 30 minutes on zoom is $250. Call by January 29, 2024 to reserve your spot and get one week free. That is five weeks for $250. Call today to save money and have fun in the new year.