Friday, April 3, 2015

Light it Up Blue PLUS Friends with Flair 4-3

I don't have any blue-eyed cats right now, but I do love Siamese eyes!!!

“The cat is the animal to whom the Creator gave the biggest eye, the softest fur, the most supremely delicate nostrils, a mobile ear, an unrivaled paw and a curved claw borrowed from the rose-tree.”

                                                                                ---------------Sidonie Gabrielle
Hi, Friends......

I am here with my first ever art journal page....YAY!!  I made it for the Light it Up Blue Autism Awareness Blog Hop...and also for this week's Unity Friends with Flair link up.

This Autism Awareness blog hop is important to me because my beautiful daughter has Asperger's Syndrome, which is often considered to be on the Autism spectrum.  Although she is 28 years old, we have only understood this about her for a very few years.  Who knows how much difference awareness of the unique gifts and challenges she faces as an Aspy would have made if we'd known this while she was young!

I made this art journal page as a positive statement of love and to shower support for my dear daughter.  So often, her problems and difficulties are the things that get noticed and she doesn't get much positive feedback for the many gifts she has......or that she has tremendous value for just being herself.


YOU........

LOVED.

BEAUTIFUL.




  


Since this is my first attempt at an art journal page, you will have to bear with my bumpy page and other first-timer problems.  :)  I know you will be gracious!!  

My art journal project is inspired by this fabulous tutorial by Daniella Hayes.  I know I am not doing it exactly "right" but this is all experimental on my part.  I am not brave enough to do the actual work in a book that is put together, so I will put the finished pages into a book later.  :) 


I started this page by spraying some Dylusions blue ink all over the page.  While it was still damp, I stenciled the words by sprinkling Perfect Pearls (original color) over the scripty words.  Then I lightly misted with water.  The stencils are Tamara Laporte's "Tam's Inspiration Set" from Artistcellar.  LOVE!!!! 


My butterfly is from the Unity Itty Bitty - Antique Butterfly that Rachel Kleinman sent me.  (THANKS, Rachel!!)   I embellished the main image, but you can see bits of the unadorned image around the edges.


I was super-excited to dress up this butterfly using some pastel glitter glue (I got the opal/blue/pink pkg on clearance for 50 cents!) and some tiny glass beads I found at a thrift store.  They are called Beads-2-Fuse Refills like this ebay page shows and I have no idea how they are "supposed" to be used, but I knew what I wanted them for!  I've had my eye on the glass bead gel medium products used in mixed media projects.  When I saw these loose beads at the thrift store, I thought it was worth buying and mixing with glitter glue to see what would happen.  I TOTALLY LOVE IT!!!  Now I will be on the lookout for some true gel medium to use with these little beads for my projects. 


I also played around with my teal Stampendous Frantage Encrusted Jewel elements,.....since I was in a highly experimental mood!  :)  Here you can see some of the tinseled embossing powder and the teal mica flakes.  I put some of the mica on the butterfly, too.  Pretty!!!  I outlined mostly everything with my brand-new black Faber-Castell Pitt Big Brush Pen, that I bought especially to use with my art journal attempts.  :) 

In April, I noticed that a whole bunch of challenges are themed around "April Showers".  I decided to use that theme and add my own little twist of "April Showers of Love and Encouragement" for many of my cards this month.  This is the first in my series.  Be watching for more.  :)

Thanks for all the love and encouragement that each of YOU bring into my life!!!  My prayers and love to all those families dealing with autism and related challenges.  I've got your back.

<3
Janis

Thank you for the honor of entering this project in the following challenges:
1. Light it Up Blue - Autism Awareness Blog Hop
2. Unity Friends with Flair Link Up
3. Dreamweavers Stencil April Challenge - Showers (I chose showers of love and encouragement!)
4. Tombow USA April Challenge - April Showers (I was inspired by the light lettering against the darker background and the "showers" theme.)
5. Add a Little Dazzle Dazzling Diva Challenge #69 - Photo Inspiration or Anything Goes

118 comments:

  1. Janis, thank you for sharing your daughter's story with us and for joining the LIUB blog hop! You already know how much I admire your creations and how you always inspire me. :) Love this art journal page (cannot believe it is your first), and everyone loves showers of love and encouragement. Yes, this girl is looking forward to seeing more...so I will be watching. :) Hope your weekend is filled with beauty, love, and joy!! ♥ Hugs to you! ~Carolyn

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    1. Thank you so much, Carolyn!! Your comments are always so encouraging.to me. Have a lovely weekend!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  2. Lovely! Love that butterfly!! Thank your for sharing a bit about your daughter with us. ♥

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    1. Thank you, Brandi. Your kind words mean a lot to me!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  3. Janis - thank you for sharing and for shedding a light on the need for more understanding and awareness of the Autism Spectrum!! I think you are amazing and awesome for making this for her!! It is incredible and has such amazing details and it really is truly "BLUE"tiful!!!

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    1. Thank you, Taunya!!! I appreciate your visit and your encouraging comments!!

      <3
      Janis

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  4. I love all the bling and texture - a lovely page for your daughter!
    I read "The Spark" recently and it enjoyed it thoroughly. I work with children who have special needs including vision loss, so I learned a great deal from the perspective it offered.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Shanna :)

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    1. I haven't read "The Spark" but it sounds like an awesome, awesome book!!! Thank you so much for the work you are doing and thanks for your lovely comment!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  5. p.s. congrats on your first art journal page!

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  6. Hi Janis! Thanks for sharing your story with a beautiful art journal page - it's lovely! I am looking forward to your series of art. :-)

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    1. Not sure what happened to my reply....will try again!:
      Thank you so much, Becca. I appreciate your sweet words and your visit!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  7. Enjoyed your contribution to the hop, Janis =)

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  8. What a beautiful tribute to your amazing daughter!! Your art journal page is so very special!

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    1. Thank you, Lori. I can't tell you how much your comment means to me.

      <3
      Janis

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  9. Saw this at FWF...your journal page is beautiful and so special. Carol x

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    1. Thank you so much, Carol. I appreciate your encouraging words!!

      <3
      Janis

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  10. This is a wonderful page to your daughter!

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your nice comment!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  11. Well I think you did a fabulous job with your first journal page! It's gorgeous! I especially love the tiny beads - they really sparkle! Thank you for sharing about your daughter - I think this page is a lovely tribute to her!

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    1. Thank you, KT!!! I appreciate you mentioning the beads. They were so much fun to use. I am thinking they will be showing up again in my work soon!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  12. LOVE your kitty . . and your art journal page! Both are so very well made!

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    1. Thanks, Michele!!! Your kind words are very much appreciated!!

      <3
      Janis

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  13. What a beautiful sentiment for this. Awesome art.

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    1. Thank you, Gaylynn, for your sweet words!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  14. Yeah for you! Your first journal page and for such an important and personal cause in your life. Plus I love your new kitty picture.

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    1. Thanks for your words of encouragment and support!!! They are appreciated!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  15. I love your journal page and all the shimmer and shine!

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  16. pretty journal page! perfect for the Light It Up Blue hop! love the sparkle!

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    1. Thank you, Denise!!!! I appreciate your visit!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  17. I'm sure she loved it, all the simmer...

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  18. Thanks for sharing! You go...you did a great job on your first journal page! I have yet to do my first! Hopefully I will create it sooner than later! (LOL)

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    1. Thank you, Dawn. I appreciate your encouraging comments! I look at this bumpy page and wonder how I was brave enough to even post it...lol!!! But your sweet words make me feel better about it!

      <3
      Janis

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  19. Beautiful journal page and wonderful sentiment!! Love that you tried all those new techniques and dug into your crafty supplies to experiment. I can always count on you to push the envelope and just "see what happens"! What happens is usually magic!!!! Loads of glittery, bead and color-filled goodness for an awesome blog hop and a reminder that different doesn't mean less-than.

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    1. Thank you so much, Karen!! I am surprised I dared to even post this bumpy thing, but I am glad I did....I think! Ha. Yep...lots of new techniques on this piece for me....which equals lots of fun. :)
      Thank you, also, for your very true words that different doesn't mean less-than. That's something we all need to remember...in many areas of life!!! Thank you, friend!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  20. Seems you know first hand what this is all about! Your journal page turned out wonderful...love all the fun sequins you added! ♥ Sue Kment

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    1. Thank you so much, Sue!!! I appreciate your visit and your kind words!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  21. This is so beautiful and your story has touched me. Thank you for sharing. LIUB!

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    1. Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment!

      <3
      Janis

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  22. Great journal page I love it.
    I saw this on Unity FWF. Have a blessed day
    DIANA L.
    http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Diana!!! I appreciate your sweet comment!!

      <3
      Janis

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  23. Janis, this is wonderful!!!!

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  24. WISHING YOU A VERY BLESSED EASTER.............Lis

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    1. Thank you, Lis!! And a blessed Resurrection Day to you, too!

      <3
      Janis

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  25. Janis you made a wonderful ART
    I love that tiny beads on the butterfly
    adorable made

    hugs,
    Monika
    (I love and proud to join this hop and hope you like to hop back to my card it is #155)

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    1. Thanks so much for your nice words about the beads. They were so much fun!!!
      I hope to make it all the way to your card today, Monika!!

      <3
      Janis

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    1. Thank you so much for liking my fun butterfly!!

      <3
      Janis

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  27. I was delighted to find this blog hop in aid of Autism as our 8yo son has low spectrum autism. He is a wonderful boy, much loved by many. Your AJ page is beautiful! Thank you to all the sponsors for supporting this cause.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by. Hugs and prayers for you as you guide your wonderful son through to the future. We are in this together, friend!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  28. Wow--fabulous page. Love the butterfly. I have yet to try journal pages.
    Happy Easter.

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    1. Thank you, Sue. I appreciate your sweet comments about my first try at this type of project!!
      Happy Easter!!!

      <3
      Janis

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    1. Thank you so much for your nice comment!!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  30. Awesome journal page! Thanks for joining in at Dazzling Diva Challenge!
    Martha Lucia, DT

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    1. Thank you for your visit and sweet words!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  31. isn't art journaling FUN?! I totally love it - welcome to your new addiction

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    1. Well, it can only get better from here, right? I need to put this page under some books to flatten it out!!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  32. I spotted your card at Unity FWF and came over for a closer look.
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful journal page.
    I'm trying to catch up on the Light It Up hop, too. lol.
    Crafty hugs,
    Dawn
    DesignsByDragonfly {blogspot}

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  33. Lovely creation. Thanks for sharing your story. xx

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    1. Thank you for listening to my story......and for your nice comment.

      <3
      Janis

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  34. This is such a gorgeous page and I can totally tell that you put so much thought and consideration into the overall design. It's lovely!

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    1. Thank you for your sweet and thoughtful words!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  35. Beautiful journal!!I love glitter butterfly! Thanks for sharing your story.
    kisses;)

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    1. Thank you, Eva, for listening to my story and for your wonderful comments.

      <3
      Janis

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  36. Great first journal page ! I never tried it so far.
    Thank you for sharing your and your daughters's story. I wish you both a Happy Easter weekend, and all the best for the future !

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and listening to my story. Your wonderful comments are very much appreciated!!

      <3
      Janis

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  37. I love all the sparkly goodness. It is good to get out of your comfort zone and try new things

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    1. Thank you, Jerrie!!! The art journal page was really an adventure...lol.. But it was fun, too. :) I appreciate you stopping by!

      <3
      Janis

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  38. Janis, this is a BEAUTIFUL tribute to your daughter! I LOVE all the gorgeous texture and beautiful colors. Just fabulous! HUGS! :) Mynn xx

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    1. Mynn, thank you so much for your lovely comment!!! You are a gem!

      <3
      Janis

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  39. BEAUTIFUL page Janis - a wonderful testament to a very special mother & daughter!!!
    LOVE your design, your shimmer & shine and texture too!!! You have done a WONDERFUL job creating it and I confess that I'm still too nervous to actually do pages in a journal, I add mine later too :)
    THANK YOU for sharing your CREATIVE INSPIRATION and being part of this AMAZING event for a great cause :)

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    1. Thank you, Tracy, for your awesome comment!! I appreciate your kind words so very much!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  40. Thank you for sharing the info about your daughter. Your journal page is fantastic--;ove all the shimmery shiny elements.

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    1. Thanks, Mary!!! Your sweet words mean a lot to me!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  41. This is such a beautiful art page... and such a lovely tribute to your daughter!

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    1. Thank you so much, Lindsey, for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  42. What a beautiful way to honor your daughter! Love how you stenciled the words by sprinkling on the powder. Very nice! Love this creative and free art form; yeah to you for jumping in! Thank you for participating in the hop and thanks for sharing at Add a Little Dazzle!

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    1. Thank you, Lee Ann, for commenting on my technique of doing the words. I loved how it turned out so shimmery and pretty. I appreciate your visit!!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  43. This is a beautiful page, I cannot believe it is your first! What a truly wonderful way to honor your daughter and show your support.

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    1. Thank you so much, Crystal!!! I take your sweet words as a very high compliment from someone whose art I admire greatly!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  44. Oh Janis, this is stunning work!!! I don't think I could do anything half as good!!! Thank you for participating ♥

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    1. You are too kind, Ruby!! Thank you so much for your visit!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  45. What a beautiful project. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Joyce!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  46. Beautiful card, love how you added the Frantage.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ann, for mentioning the Frantage. This was one of the first times I had played with any of the elements......just been hoarding them and sneaking a peek every so often! They were a lot of fun to experiment with!!!

      <3
      Janis

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  47. I'm so impressed--this is wonderful!

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    1. Awww....(blush)....thank you. Your words made my day!!

      <3
      Janis

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    1. Thanks so much, Suchi!!!! I appreciate you stopping in!!

      <3
      Janis

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  49. Gorgeous page in tribute to your daughter...you are so right how easy it is for people to focus on our children's problems and not their qualities :) well done on your first journal page too :)
    Jenny x

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  50. Kudos to you for giving it a go! I think it's amazingly textured and just beautiful! I know it made a world of difference helping my kids cope when I was able to understand why certain things would be difficult for them - and I can only imagine how much of a difference it's made for your daughter too even though she's older. *fist bump* fellow mom :)

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  51. Great art Journal page! I tried some art journaling pages last year. It may be just me...but I didn't think they were as easy as they make them look in the tutorials!
    But I think you did a great job especially with your beautiful butterfly. I'm going to do mine they way you are doing yours...make the page and them put them in my journal!

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  52. Lovely page and thanks for sharing the story behind it. Hugz

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  53. Beautiful journal page Janis. Love the sweet butterfly and the words. Nice tribute to your daughter.

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  54. Very cool! Thanks for participating in the Dazzling Diva Challenge. Look forward to seeing more of your amazing creations in the next challenge.

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  55. A-MAZE-ING!! I am so inspired by your work! It's hard to believe it's your first time! You taught me something today, the glue and beads? GENIUS! See? You are already a mixed media artist!! and I love that you did it for your daughter. It brought tears to my eyes! My oldest son has Asperger's so I know and understand. You are awesome and so is she!!
    I am sorry I haven't written back yet. Crazy week here, what else is new LOL! But I promise I will soon!
    xxDaniella

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  56. Your page is beautiful. Showers of love and support is what people with Asperger's Syndrome need more than anything. Thank you for joining our challenge at Dream it Up!

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  57. I just saw this link on the Dream it Up challenge and had to stop by and see what it was all about. I also have a child on the Autism scale and we didn't find out until about 3 years ago. He is now 30 years old, so I know what you mean about how unfortunate it is to not know about it earlier. These beautiful people need understanding and positive reassurance of all of their gifts. So give your daughter a big hug for me. Let her know that my son is on the scale too and I know how wonderful these people are! I loved your journal page and I really should start trying to do something like that. Perhaps as I travel around blogs more, I will get inspired!

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  58. such a beautiful project. I just love it. What a great way to showcase for Autism.

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THANK YOU so much for taking the time to leave a comment. Your kind words encourage me so very much!!!

Have a lovely day!
<3
Janis