Sunday, January 13, 2008

Fun Monday


Ann is this week's Fun Monday hostess. This week our topic is on websites. Here is what Ann wants to know...


Now, the reason you're here: the topic for Fun Monday on 14 January. I want to hear about a web site and not just about any old web site. I want to hear about a web site that's changed your life. A web site that you can't live without. A web site whose inventor you'd like to see win a McArthur Genius Grant.Maybe you want to sing the praises of a dating web site for helping you meet your spouse. Maybe the only thing getting you through the dark days of winter is an Internet comic. No story is too big, no story is too small - I want to hear it all on Monday.
I have a few websites that I use as daily "therapy." The most helpful to me is actually a comic strip called "Clear Blue Water" by Karen Montague-Reyes. This is a clip that I took from http://www.gocomics.com/ that describes it...

The phrase "clear blue water," explains author Karen Montague-Reyes, comes from the world of politics. It describes the ideological divide between two political parties. In the Torres house, clear blue water is the gulf of personal experience that Eve and Manny cross each day to make their lives work. Male and female, liberal and conservative, biracial and Hispanic, they approach everyday life from opposite shores and find common ground in their devotion to each other and their determination to raise their children well.
My friend, Cynthia, introduced me to this comic. Now some days I don't relate to her well at all. I am not overly in to politics and at some times, such as now with the election coming up, she aims her comic that way. Sometimes I don't get much out of it at all.
The days I do make up for the other days. You see, the author's son is autistic. Many days her comic is geared towards something he did or said or something the family has went through. With both of my sons being autistic, it is very comforting to actually see in black and white that I am not the only mother going through these particular trials. And, believe me, sometimes it really feels like I am!
The author has really made me feel less lonely. I check her comic strip every morning when I get up. I have really connected with this comic. I love reading it and seeing what is in store for the Torres family next. It has helped me up when I was down, helped me to see humor in things I sometimes wouldn't. I am very grateful that I have this little bit of "help" in my life. I am grateful to the author for putting her family and her story out there for people to read about.
If you are looking for a hilarious, side-splitting comic strip, this wouldn't be for you. Although, if you know someone who is autistic or who has a relative that is, it is worth checking out. If you would like to read "Clear Blue Water" click HERE.

24 comments:

Joy T. said...

Note to self: Turn down volume on earphones when visiting My Crazy Life! Checked out the comic site and it's great!

Hootin Anni said...

Our 1st grandson has Down Syndrome so I can relate to you finding a website that will help you accept and be able to find life with humor oftentimes through a website. It really helps to be aware that you're not the "only one" dealing with the 'handicap'...and I use handicap in a liberal sense, 'cause a lot of times there is NO handicap other than peoples' attitudes toward anyone with being different!!!

Great post for Fun Monday.

Anonymous said...

Isn't the internet wonderful for helping you NOT to feel so alone (and sometimes CRAZY)? Looks like you found a great place to connect...to be fed, in a sense (based on what you said, now I'm off to click the link!)

laurie said...

there is nothing like finding a community on the web. that's what blogging has done for me, and it sounds like that's what clear blue water has done for you--a place to go and feel welcome and understood.

that's a greatthing about the web.

Anonymous said...

I can really relate to not wanting to feel like I was and am the only mother out there who had to learn how to take care of a very young son that is a Type 1 Diabetic, and through blogs, I found the support and help I needed to get through the rough road we've been down and the long road ahead, but along the way I've made so many wonderful friends to help support me and let me know that I am doing a great job, and cheer me on!

I haven't had a good laugh this morning, I'm off to check out your comic site.

Great Fun Monday post!

Emma in Canada said...

I'll check out the comic site once I've read some of your blog, but I'll definitely send the link to a bloger friend who's son was recently disgnosed with autism. And if you don't mind I will also her your link.

Alison said...

That is wonderful that you found a site to help jump start your day. I will have to check out the website myself!!

-Ann said...

I open a bunch of web sites in different tabs and it happened that I opened two that played music at the same time. Toby had some grumbles about that. :)

Great post. Thanks for participating.

Sauntering Soul said...

My cousin has an autistic son. I just saw him yesterday as a matter of fact. He is the most precious thing on this earth and seeing him always puts a huge smile on my face. He started teasing me yesterday which is something he's never done before. I thought my heart was going to split wide open it made me so happy.

I'll definitely be checking out the comic strip.

Tiggerlane said...

Cute comic - and sounds like it is rich with interesting subject matter. Thanks for the tip - I'll have to visit for a daily laugh!

Cynthia said...

This is the greatest comic ever and Michelle you are smart and wonderful and the best post writer. evah.

How is that for a comment?

the planet of janet said...

i'm going to have to check out your fave rave comic site!!

thanks for sharing it.

Anonymous said...

Like the music on your site, and I've added you to my blogroll....hope you stop back often. Off to check the site you recommended...

kitten said...

That is great that you have found such a great outlet for yourself.

nannykim said...

Laughter really does help. Glad you found a comic that speaks to you. One of my sons has aspergers which right now they think is in the autism spectrum. We didn't find out until High School---if I had only known and understood all of those years what was going on!! But God has helped him and he has managed to be in college with a scholarship---just being in college was a miracle---being their with scholarships was an utter shock!! He has learned to cope with his weaknesses.

Pamela said...

as per that latest cartoon entry, I've always known I'm not overweight. Just underheight.

My brothers has an autistic son. I don't think they knew how to raise him tho...

Kaytabug said...

I love things that help me feel less alone and things that I can really relate to! I'm glad you found one for you. I read a couple of the strips and those are funny!! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Cute cartoon! Laughing can sure help push the blues away soemtimes. :) XO

Anonymous said...

Awesome that you found a site and comic that you can relate with and brings a smile or two to you.

Linda said...

Cool - comic sites! Thanks for the link!

ChrisB said...

I enjoyed the comic strip~ the one showing fitted my household perfectly!
I also enjoyed seeing your friend Amanda's baby shower pictures.

Karina said...

Cute comic! Something else I could become addicted to. This Fun Monday was dangerous for that.

Anonymous said...

A co-worker friend of mine - her son has autism, but I remember she said he had tests hat suggested a certain "form" of it. I remember visiting their home and playing board games. he was extremely talented and yet very excitable, but I got along great with him. I don't know what therapy is out there, but with Austin (his name) they used a massaging technique.
I have laughed at two comics - the Far Side and Calvin & Hobbs. I will have to check yours out. Thanks for posting and sharing. NLM

Jo Beaufoix said...

What an amazing site. I have worked with some amazing children who have aspergers and autism, and I imagine it must be so hard to care for your two little boys and get the best for them. You seem to have a very positive outlook, and starting the day with that cartoon must be good. :D