The Golden Hat Foundation-Autism

Hi All!  I haven't written in a while.  I have been compelled to tell you all about "The Golden Hat", a foundation that helps autistics around the world.  My eldest son is autistic.  I will tell you the reason behind it is the MMR vaccine.  I know, I know, fighting words.  I don't care what doctors, media, therapists, ANYONE has to say.  I am able to prove in MY son's case that the MMR was his breaking point.  Not the case for everyone, just speaking for myself.  Whew...ok moving on.  Kate Winslet is their spokesperson...I've always liked her, now even more!  The website is goldenhatfoundation.org 

I encourage everyone who has someone autistic in their family or knows someone who does to check out this site.  I was moved to tears when I read the blog written by 16 year old Michael Weinstein who is finally learning to speak.  My own son doesn't have conversational language ability and I was so happy to read about Michael's personal triumphs!  Keep it up!

You can also purchase a dvd on there called  A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism for less than $20.00!  Here is a quick synopsis:

A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism, a documentary by Fridrik Thor Fridriksson, tells the story of Margret, a mother who has done everything in her power to help her son. Keli Thorsteinsson is eleven years old and has severe autism – his mother doesn‘t even know if he understands what goes on around him. Even if Margret holds no unrealistic expectations on behalf of Keli, she has the quenchless thirst for knowledge about the mysterious and complex condition that autism undeniably is. Along the way, Margret meets other families and hears their unique stories about how they too have been touched by autism.

On a course set to include the United States and Europe, she meets with scientists in the field of autism and autism therapies and the parents of autistic children who share her passion: to break down the wall between the children and the surrounding world. This journey becomes lengthier and more dramatic than she envisioned at the start. During the trip, she catches a glimpse of hope that her son can be helped to a larger degree than previously assumed.
Perhaps it is possible to break down the wall of autism and get to know the individual behind it?

A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism is narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet.

 

Quick Update!

Hey all!  Just trying to squeeze in a quick post here.  The house I told you about in the last post rented in less than a week!  Of course I priced it very low to create interest.  There are a lot of homes for rent in Florida so competition is fierce.  The new tenants are moving in this weekend.  I am thrilled but, what's more amazing is that I wrote "House repairs done and house rented in a week" in my little "wishbook" last week and it happened.  No BS!  I love it!

Now I am devoting all energy towards the other house that has people living there that don't want to move out!  Yes, we live in America but these people don't pay a mortgage, don't pay HOA fees and don't feel that they should pay rent.  I know what would happen if I thought like that...I'd be out on my arse.  I guess these folks don't think the rules apply to them and the kicker is they own other properties...how does that work?  

I'm keeping positive, hired a lawyer and hope to have them out by months end!  Wish me luck.

Hello Again! Much to share!

Hi All,

I obviously took a hiatus.  Got into a bit of a tailspin there with all the changes.  SO, I'll give you the short version.  We'll go back to the last post about real estate.  I took the bull by the horns and jumped in...with not so great results...initially.  I bid on a home in Florida and only after realized that I didn't do my homework as thoroughly as I should have.  Afterall, I should have NOVICE stamped on my forehead.  Turns out there were significant liens on the property including a humungo mortgage.  Yeah, not so cool.  

I refused to lose my money so I asked for it back.  In Florida you have to go to court and I "appeared" via the telephone.  Turns out the lien I purchased was from the HOA.  HOA's are very powerful in Florida and can sell your home in much the same manner as a foreclosure if you don't pay your dues.  Anyway, the judge ruled that the property was mine and wasn't giving my money back.  I spoke with several knowledgeable people and they said just write it off as a loss.  CAN'T.  

I did a bit of digging and found a website called "The Creative Investor".  Awesome site.  Guess what?  I wasn't the only NOVICE and several people had posted similar situations to mine.  The way to get my money back was to follow in the HOA's footsteps and rent the property.  HMMMMM....

Okay.  I finally got someone at the the HOA to help my by checking the house to see if anyone lived there.  No one did.  I took a trip with my husband and we did a thorough cleaning on the property.  I had to replace some appliances...craigslist helped me with that.  We found a realtor willing to manage the property as well for a monthly fee and I'm on my way.  We will be listing at a price lower than everyone else and the home itself is in a very nice development and in a great location.  

I must say that I've tied this up in a neat bundle for you to read.  But, there was really a lot sleepless nights and negativity involved here.  I ramped up on Kevin's cd's and followed Dr. Vitale's advice.  I was also pleasantly surprised when my library got "The Law of Success in Sixteen Lessons" by Napoleon Hill.  Its my new bible and I take it everywhere and read it all the time.  I love this book.  Read it!