Saturday, December 28, 2013

Snow Art by Simon Beck

An artist uses snow for creativity. Check out this short video about him and his art which portray some of his work and see the blog entry on NPR for some more photos.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Life with Arthrogryposis

A couple summers ago I came across Arthrogryposis in my studies.  I was eager to learn and loved seeing the progress that people who have this can make.  I discovered a great, short youtube video about living with Arthrogryposis.  Watch this amazing story :)

Thursday, December 12, 2013

fill your life with kindness

Surround yourself with love and kindness and evil will not seem so overpowering.  This is a lovely story about a mother, and family who lost their 6-year-old daughter/sister to evil, but mom is certain "Evil did not win".

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Friday, December 6, 2013

embracing disabilities through fashion

The huffington post covers a story about pro infirmis (a german professional organization for people with disabilities) and the organization's latest news, mannequins who have a disability.  Personally, I think it is brilliant.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

dad and children collaborate to make art

I've seen something similar to this, but this artist is pretty cool and the images are worth looking at.  The artist is a dad and his kids.  The dad colored in his kids' drawings on a plane while away for business.  The art they created is amazing!

photo credit: Imgur via Tatsputin on Reddit

Sunday, December 1, 2013

art therapy in prisons

This is a great blog worth checking out about art therapy and it's effectiveness with violent and aggressive people.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

make time

I love to write hand written notes and mail them snail mail.  I especially love to write thank you notes.  It is therapeutic for me to remember all that I am thankful for.  Sometimes I even write thank you notes for gifts you cannot physically hold, such as friendships, relationships, the act of caring, etc. Recently came across an awesome list of things to make time for in a blog.  It is a nice reminder.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Is it REALLY strange?

Or is it new? exciting? different than you have heard of or experienced before? Open your heart, let yourself be consumed with creativity, and experience life.  People have similarities and people have differences; we are all unique and that is okay.  I love this print by StoryPeople.  It captures this idea wonderfully.



Thursday, November 14, 2013

Creative parents

A friend shared this awesome blog entry with me.  It displays so much creativity!  Some parents created "Dinovember" for their kids, convincing them that the toy dinosaurs came to life when the kids went to sleep.  The parents wrote that they do this to keep the children's imaginations in a world full of technology, and to give them a sense of mystery.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Mom and 4-year-old daughter collaborate to make art

Stumbled upon this great story about a mother who let's her 4-year-old daughter work on her drawings with her.  Check out article and see the video.  It's very cute!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Students with Down syndrome win prom King and Queen

Check out this heartwarming article about two students with Down syndrome who win prom king and queen at their high school!

Friday, October 18, 2013

Help Cambodia with the National Spelling Bee

My friend, Megan, is in Cambodia as a Peace Corps Volunteer.  She has done some great work and continues to do more! She is working with the art olympics and the National Spelling Bee.  They still need funding for the spelling bee.  Even if a few dollars, please consider donating, as every bit adds up!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

An artist who is blind experiences color

Do you have or know anyone who has a disability?  Is something physical stopping the participation in different activities?  What about hand tremors, inability to move hand(s), little to no use of hands, in a wheelchair, visually impaired?  

This cannot stop your creativity. Art is for all, regardless of ability.  A 20-something year old artist writes about her experience of being blind from birth. Check out her story!



Thursday, October 10, 2013

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

fun finger painting outdoors

Stumbled upon this cute finger painting photo series.  They painted outside, which is even more fun!

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

a dad's letter to his daughter who has down syndrome

Make sure you watch the video all the way through.  What this father has to say is beautiful.

Monday, September 30, 2013

"EARTH without ART is just EH"




Sunday, September 15, 2013

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Starry Night Dress

Putting art on clothes....I like this idea!  This link says it is sold out but I bet you could request one.

Starry Night Nelle


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Pennsylvania

Getting to know this new environment and finding some beautiful spots!



Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Birthdays

I was born 4 days after my mom's 39th birthday. Today I spent her birthday with her and Saturday she will spend my birthday with me.  It is interesting how dates occur in our (everyone) lives.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Cups

We did just the cups part of this in the Bahamas (June 2012) with children with disabilities.  It is so much fun and I love how this is used with lyrics.  Check out this great video.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Again...oops!

I thought I was back.  According the my post on May 23, 2013 I hadn't blogged for a month and intended to keep up with it again, but our move from Florida to Pennsylvania took a lot from my time and slacked again.  We are settling in nicely in our new home in Pennsylvania and got our internet connected so, now, I really am back.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Happy 93rd Birthday, Grandma

My grandmother, Elsa, is 93-years-old today.  She is one of the most amazing women I know and I am so lucky to have her in my life.  Growing up with her around over the years I have learned so many wonderful things that I will always carry with me.  She taught me how to make a bed; she showed me way the nurses made them when she was in the army.  She taught me how to wrap presents, so neat and precise and to this day I love to wrap gifts.  She taught me a lot about love, family, and friendship.  Even more I can credit her for what she has taught me about faith.  I've learned from her about family traditions and values.  My middle name was named after her mother.  I love when she shows me pictures of her family and other old photos of when she was younger and throughout her life.  I love her so much.  She means the world to me.  Happy Birthday, grandma.


Saturday, May 25, 2013

Easter Seals Mini Golf Fundraiser

In the area of York, Pennsylvania? Friday May, 31st from 12-10pm check out the 3rd Annual Mini Golf Tournament at Heritage Hills Mini Golf!


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Events of this past month

In the last month, I have attended weddings, graduations, and been part of important events for others and myself.  With that said, please accept my apology for slacking on blogging for this past month!

I am back :)

Monday, May 6, 2013

The Doctors

Austin likes the idea of being "The Doctors".  I think in a few years I'll go back to get a PhD.  One day people might be able to call us "The Doctors", but I think I'll stick to being Dr. Carter and let him be Dr. Boyle for professional purposes.  Hope no one objects.  This article has so many proper titles I did not even realize existed.  For now, congrats to my Dr. Austin Boyle.


Friday, April 26, 2013

Burke High School Rockstars

Jessica Brashear blogged on momoha about the Burke High Rockstars needing to raise money for their trip to Chicago where they will be sight seeing and meeting a professional organization known as Think Beyond the Label.   


They did it and they're going!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Malorie & Bryan ♥

One of my best friends is getting married.  I made her this book on shutterfly.  I've been waiting to post this! Her bridal/lingerie shower was tonight.


Click here to view this photo book larger
Shutterfly offers exclusive layouts and designs so you can make your book just the way you want.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Happy Earth Day

I planted a seedling 5 years ago today.  Last summer I planted a 3.5 foot tree.  It might be the only plant I have touched and not killed, but it counts!  Happy birthday tree, and Happy Earth Day! What will you do today to celebrate this earth?
Be sure to be aware of our planet ♥





Sunday, April 21, 2013

A peaceful response

Came across this nice blog entry about a group of people in Boston who responded in the loveliest way to the bombings.  They wrote "Friends of Syria, we too hope for the safety of your families and for peace. 20/4/2013" in response to "Boston bombings represent a sorrowful scene of what happens everyday in Syria. Do accept our condolences. 19/4/2013"

Thursday, April 18, 2013

High school student stands up to principal

Came across an article about a high school student who voices her opinion but it is not shared by her principal.  Apparently, the principal made threats to contact the University she accepted to attend this coming Fall and tell them that she has bad character.  It made the University want her more....  Check it out.

Girl with Autism learns to communicate

After not speaking for 11 years, this young girl with Autism learns to communicate by typing on a computer.  This video about a book written by her and her father is very inspiring and what she expresses is even more so.  According to the video, in the book she talks about her struggles and what it is like to have Autism.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Music Therapy - Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye)

A music therapist, Andrew, from where I interned last summer in Tallahassee, Florida is now the assistant director for The George Center for Music Therapy Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia.  The following is an awesome advocacy video for music therapy he put together. (Also be sure to click on Andrew's name and see his awesome website which he made through something he told me about on wordpress. One day I might just have to try to create a fancy website like that of my own!)

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Read about ways to make your next IEP awesome

A professor showed me a great blog today.  I'll probably reference it again.  In the meantime, check out this post about some (funny) ways to make your next IEP (individualized education program) awesome!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Elephants can paint. What about dolphins?



Last Spring a group of us from my art therapy counseling graduate program at Emporia State University went to the Topeka Zoo to paint with the elephants.  It was so much fun and the elephants are very smart!  Austin showed me this great video about dolphins who react to a mirror.  I had a thought, think we could teach dolphins to paint?  They are very intelligent :)


Thursday, April 4, 2013

cover of Piano Man

A 6-year-old with Autism plays Piano Man by Billy Joel.  Sit back and enjoy.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Need a gift for Spring?

Want to support a good cause?  Know someone who needs some earrings for Spring?  These earrings all support different causes when you purchase a pair.  Check out this etsy website to see them all!

       
 


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Angela's blog

My friend Angela has really gotten into blogging lately.  She is studying school counseling and about to finish her master's degree.  She started blogging for a school assignment but has gone way above and beyond.  I found this adorable bracelet on her blog that she found on pinterest.


Her blog is amazing.  Click her blog button below to check it out :) 

button

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Relay for Life

Coming up soon I am walking in Relay for Life.  I wrote a short story about why I decided to participate this year.  I have not walked in Relay since undergrad when I was very active in many clubs and events like that.  I am very excited for this upcoming event, April 12.  Though I am not choosing to share my story here, please feel free to ask me if you are interested.


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Support the children at the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled

I made lots of edits to the Etsy shop and it's up and running!  Please check out all the greeting cards with prints of art made by the children at the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled.  All the profits are sent directly to the Association.  Thanks! https://www.etsy.com/shop/BAPDart

Monday, March 18, 2013

Sunflower Creative Arts

Check out this wonderful video from the 20 year anniversary of where I did an internship my sophomore year of college.  This is an amazing and a truly inspiring place for youth!  I wish there were organizations just like this one all over the world, and where I ever I ended up raising (future) children of my own, they and we all could be a part of it!

Successful Discovery Day

Tracy Councill speaking at Discovery Day last weekend was so inspiring! I came up with many ideas when she was speaking and I absolutely loved what she had to share.  She signed a copy of Medical Art Therapy with Children which she wrote a chapter in.


I also saw Avis Garret-Baptist at Discovery Day.  I have seen her many times before, but never had a book with me to ask her to sign it.  I finally had My Indian in Me and she was pleased to sign it.  I am a big fan of Avis and some of her ideas about anniversaries.  




Friday, March 15, 2013

Moving to Pennsylvania

I have a new mascot to learn about.  Austin told me about Penn State's Nittany Lion.  We are moving to Pensylvania in early July and Austin starts his new job as economics professor at Penn State in August.  I am so proud of him!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Master's Mural in the news and media

My master's project made the front page of the Emporia Gazette this past weekend.


I was also made aware today that it was pinned on pinterest to the Art Therapy Alliance board titled Art Therapy, Programs, & Orgs @ Work .  This made me even more delighted!


Thank you to everyone involved who made this all possible! I could not have done this without the support of so many people :)



Monday, March 11, 2013

surprise daisies

Today an unexpected knock on the door startled me.  It was UPS (United Parcel Service).  I signed for a package I did not know I was getting and excitedly opened it! It said fragile and I was unsure what it could be.  As I was cutting the tape, I noticed the box said it was from a cookie company.  I smiled because I was starved and if there were cookies inside, I was about to be very happy!  As I unwrapped the plastic bubbles I saw the name "Austin" on a cookie and thought "Oh no!, they put the wrong name on my cookies!" and as I unwrapped some more, I realized the cookie said "Austin loves Erin" with a bouquet of daisy cookies (my favorite flower) and 3 lady bugs, plus a note that said "nom, nom, nom".  When I thanked Austin, he told me he bought the cookies with a groupon.  Erin loves Austin, too.



Saturday, March 9, 2013

March is Youth Art Month

It is Youth Art Month.  If I rewind a couple years I used to spend a great deal of time with kids, but since starting grad school it has been less.  Last year I interned a little more with children and now I only spend a couple hours each Friday with kids, and sometimes we do get to do art.

I presented at  a local art therapy conference in Emporia, Kansas today called Discovery Day.  Two other students and myself presented on work we did in Nassau, Bahamas with children at the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD).  I finally updated the etsy website I created to benefit the children with disabilities at the BAPD and have it up and running.

What will YOU do this March for Youth Art Month?


Friday, March 8, 2013

"Just art", from the mouth of a babe!

This video clip shows how newer research is trying to prove that art therapy helps to heal patients in a medical setting.  This is harder to prove in with evidence based practice, which means providing scientific proof. HOWEVER, stated firm and clear from a child, nothing else helps him feel better, "Just art".  Tracy Councill who is featured in this video will be the keynote presenter speaking at the Discovery Day Conference, tomorrow! Hope to see you all there.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Master's project mural is finished and hanging!

For the past two weeks I have been working on the process of my master's project, which is the fun part!  I wrote the first two chapters (literature review and design) and proposed to my committee.  The mural process began and now it is complete.  It is hanging at the day services facility and it looks marvelous. Adults with developmental disabilities proudly stood by there completed work today and took pictures with a first year in my graduate program, Kristi (who helped me a ton through this process) and myself.  Check out the photos!  Now I am finishing the last two chapters and next month I defend and in May I graduate. It is all so exciting.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

snowpeople

The snow is melting. Over the past couple weeks I was able to capture some fun photos of snowpeople around town. Enjoy like I did.

in costume

with color

the biggest one I saw (but fallen over, so sad)

same as above but for perspective

a family

Happy snowpeople sighting!






Sunday, March 3, 2013

how do you make friends?

A friend and classmate showed me this great video. 
These people met by hopping in a ball pit! 
Take a look.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

What do you unplug for?


Do you celebrate the National Day of Unplugging?  I was sent an article with some house ideas.  In it, I found out about this National Day.  Do you take the time to enjoy your environment?

Friday, March 1, 2013

3Doodler bicycle?

Check out the newest creation from the 3Doodler that the Chief Doodler designed.  Want to back the project? It looks like it would be fun to draw in the air.


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

About Me

I made a new profile one about.me.  I have never been so into a social networking webstie before but I absoultely love this one.  I am not sure if it's because I am about to graduate and am beginning the search for jobs and advertising myself or if it's simply because this website is so astehitc.  I love how pleasing to the eye each page about every individual is and how easy they are to create! Here is a glimpse of what mine looks like below.  Feel free to check out all of mine.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

purple

I just read a blog about the color "purple" and though normally I associate it with royalty (which is open to interpretation whether it is positive or negative) today I love this blog entry.  I related to "What Purple Says About You" so much! Purple is positive for me, today! Green and purple are my two favorite colors, but lately I have been using purple in many examples when I speak or when I create art.    If you love purple, I hope you love this blog like I did.


a recent image from my journal

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Let's 3Doodle!

Check out this amazing pen that can draw in the air.  I am so excited and hope I get a chance to use it.  This project has a kickstarter page and it will be funded on March 25, 2012.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Have you registered for Discovery Day?

This one day conference will be held on March 9, 2013 at Emporia State University and the Keynote Speaker will be Tracy Councill.  Prices go up after February 26, 2012.  Please feel free to contact me at erincarter810@gmail.com if you want a copy of this form.  


Thursday, February 21, 2013

snowy day

It's a snowy day in Kansas.  I have not been in this much snow in a long time.  This is the view from the back of my house.  The roads are not plowed yet.


 I made a snow slurpie for breakfast with the fresh clean snow....


I also learned that there is someone just a tad bit more excited than me. Check out Berlin, the Polar bear at the Kansas City Zoo


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Tracy Councill is coming to Discovery Day!

Tracy Councill will be coming to Emporia, KS to be the Keynote Speaker for the 39th Annual Emporia State University Art Therapy Discovery Day on March 9, 2012.  She created this video which was created by pediatric cancer patients in Tracy's Kid's Art Therapy Programming at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital's Lombardi Cancer Center.






Monday, February 18, 2013

ten day old pig with a wheelchair

This pig was born without the use of his hind legs.  Even animals with disabilities need love and care ♥

Sunday, February 17, 2013

My amazing field, art therapy

All three of my professors, Gaelynn Wolf Bordonaro, Jessie Stallings, and Libby Schmanke, in the art therapy counseling program at Emporia State University that I graduate from this May are contributing to this book project which features authors from all over the world.  One of the editors, Dave Gussak, I have had the opportunity to get to know fairly well through an assignment my first semester and since after.  Both of the editors work at Florida State University, where I studied for undergraduate and during that time I met another amazing person who is also contributing, whom I am lucky to call a friend and mentor, Dina Ricco.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Why is art beneficial to children?

Ran across this article about 10 skills that children learn through the arts. Thank you to my friend, Megan for sharing it.  I love knowing people who care about art as much as me and who are using their creativity daily to expand the minds of people in our world.  Megan is one of those people!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Help Emporia State University student and her family

Family of Emporia State Student, Yali, who was hit by a car in November 2012, is asking for help from the community. Check out what doctors are calling a miracle and her story.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

never

I usually say "never say never" but while taking a break from editing my first two chapters of my masters project today, I was feeling slightly unmotivated to start working again.  I got on google to look up ideas for motivation and came across a guide to motivation that has some good suggestions, some of which I have already been doing.  At the end of it is a quote which gave me a different perspective on the word "never".  I think I found an exception to using the word never.

"Never, never, never, never give up." -Winston Churchill

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

somedays, especially snowy ones

This blog entry made me think of certain days....days when I remember how important it is to take time for myself.  Hope you remember sometimes, too!


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Create Cambodia Festival: One Month to get the FUNDS!

I have such amazing friends and they do such amazing things! Megan is in Cambodia with the Peace Corps.  See her blog for more info or check out Create Cambodia Arts Festival.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Friday, January 11, 2013

Apple Fest Bag 2


This is called Apple Fest Bag 2 because it is the second of it's kind.  I started one other bag similar to it and called it Apple Fest Bag 1. You see, the story goes like this, a couple of years ago, two of our friends got a present for another friend and gave it to him in a gift bag that had a pretty neat concept.  The bag was intended to be used over and over again for gift giving, and when you received a gift in this bag, before you passed it along to someone else, you would go to the website, which was attached or provided somehow with the gift, and sign your name, when you received the gift, and location (possibly where you received the gift and where you live, if it's different).  This information gives everyone a sense of where the bag travels! :)

Over the course of my masters degree I have interned a lot at Hetlinger Developmental Services, Inc. in Emporia, KS.  I have worked with many clients developing art therapy for their individual needs and this coming semester will be doing my masters project with several people there.  We will be working on a large group mural.  I love Hetlinger.  Every Fall they have an Apple Fest where they sell apples.   The consumers (the adults with developmental disabilities who use their day services) pick and prepare the apples and sell other apple related goods.  This past September 2012, I went to the Apple Fest and purchased two small canvas bags decorated with apples.  I would like for the second one to be treated just like the first one, as the bag that was given to my friend.

If you have received this apple bag, blank on one side and yellow painted background with green and red apple prints on the other side, please comment on this blog.  You can put your name or whatever username you identify with online as there are a few options when you leave a comment.  The option that you can just use your name, it will ask for a URL, but it will allow you to leave your comment with just your name.

When you comment, please include the location you received the gift bag and/or where you live, or if you were traveling while you received the gift.  It is up to you how detailed on location to be. Also, please include the date (month) you get the bag if you do not comment around that time.  The blog will post a date if you comment at the time you receive it.

Please do not forget when passing on the bag with a gift, to pass on the url info of this blog! Thanks everyone :)