These are my thoughts about the current state of diagnostics testing and special education for the neurodiverse… “Speak softly and carry a big pencil; you will go far.”- Theodore Roosevelt (Misquoted by Bella’s Mama.) Diagnostic testing can be helpful for some insight and information, but it is not administered without cost. It is challenging andContinueContinue reading “Invest in Abilities”
Author Archives: cai@rainbow-girls.com
Owning Her Diagnoses
Bella has many facets to her personality and a long list of diagnoses. I have noticed that most parents in our circle prefer not to discuss or label their children with diagnostic terms – but in our home it has been a peace restorer to have language for some of the unusual things that goContinueContinue reading “Owning Her Diagnoses”
The Biggest Little Farm
We watched The Biggest Little Farm documentary on the plane home from London. A super compelling real life fairy tale about a couple from our hometown of Santa Monica who decide to start a biodynamic farm. Wonderful inspiring film. They have been selling their eggs and produce at the Santa Monica Farmers Market. We rarelyContinueContinue reading “The Biggest Little Farm”
Juno and the Peacock
The Peacock’s Complaint When Bella was attending the second grade for the second time… she had a wonderful teacher named Miss Kitty Groom. She seemed to intuit things about our daughter that we had not yet discovered. She gently guided us toward a deeper understanding. One remarkable thing she did was give Bella the leadContinueContinue reading “Juno and the Peacock”
A Rainy Day Book
Simply, the world needs Charlie’s work right now.- Miranda Hart Yesterday was a bright and sunny SoCal day and yet a storm was brewing. If you have a child with a neurodivergent brain – you know dark clouds can gather suddenly. On the surface it was a dreamy day. A successful visit with a UCLAContinueContinue reading “A Rainy Day Book”
There is a way through the maze…
I just haven’t found it yet. I feel sad on the days (and nights) when I cannot handle my own child. When my own overwhelming emotions spill over and join in her rebellion and chaos. Sleep tends to heal us. But the lows take their toll. If you are raising a child with an extraordinaryContinueContinue reading “There is a way through the maze…”
Vincent Lugo Park
A rainy day at an iconic playground. Vincent Lugo Park is located at 300 West Wells St., San Gabriel, CA 91776. This whimsical park was built in 1965 and has been designated as a historic landmark. It’s delightfully old-school with structures that would definitely not pass code today. Tall, concrete creatures reminiscent of wilder childhoodContinueContinue reading “Vincent Lugo Park”
Growing an Avocado Tree
Bella grew an avocado tree from a pit. After a few months it was well time to transplant it into a pot. We had purchased an adorable little painted pot from an Etsy shop with the intention of using it when the seed was ready to transplant. We radically miscalculated how large the seed wouldContinueContinue reading “Growing an Avocado Tree”
Seed Exchange
Our Community Seed Exchange is Up and Running!! “Oh, Mama, our community is hurting and praying isn’t enough, we have to DO something.” That was the message my sweet daughter delivered to me at the approach of the new year… the pandemic and the homeless crisis dragging on. So we made a list of thingsContinueContinue reading “Seed Exchange”