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Dani from I’m Just That Way and That’s Just Me describes herself as “A sassy mother warrior from Los Angeles raising a very sweet little girl with Autism in the Midwest”.
How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to start?
It’s been a little more than 2 1/2 years now. I grew up in Los Angeles and now I’m living in the Midwest. So, at first, it was a way to show my friends and family back home what life was like here (look, it snows here! tornado sirens! cider mills!). Then it took on a life of it’s own!
You write a bit about your little girl who happens to be Autistic, what can you share with us about that?
My daughter, whom I call Little Bird has Autism. I talk a lot about life with my gorgeous, sweet, fabulous little girl who just happens to have a disability. Giving people a little glimpse into this life promotes awareness and (hopefully) compassion. People with Autism are just like everyone else- sometimes just a little flappier!
What advice do you have to offer mothers who are just now receiving the same diagnosis?
Don’t hide it! Reach out, find others in the same boat. You are not alone. It’s not always pretty, but together, it gets so much better!!
Does your family read your blog? How supportive are they?
My family is awesome. They do read my blog and I’m pretty sure they fight over who gets to be my #1 fan!
In what way have you benefited most from blogging?
I’ve made so many friends through blogging. I’ve had the chance to meet a few in real life, too. It’s quite cathartic putting all your “stuff” out there for the world to see. After months of not talking about it, I recently shared that I’m going through a divorce. The support I’ve received from people everywhere is so great and even overwhelming (and yes, sometimes even a little creepy!).
Other popular posts from I’m Just That Way:
Shedding Some Light: “That’s when she kinda mumbled “Seems like a lot of kids have Autism these days. I’m glad I don’t have that. I’ve got enough problems…”
Me Too: “Last week, I readย about people who keep their child’s autism diagnosis a secret, or choose not to tell people.”
Where I’m From: “Iโm from Los Angeles and Russia and Ireland and Brooklyn, avocados, Nathan’s hotdogs, and matzoh ball soup.”
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I recently wrote a post about Mama Bears who fight for their kids, no matter what. I had mothers of autistic children in mind – and I definitely know that you are one! I love your blog and Happy SITS Day!!
Dani, I love your courage, spirit and sassiness! Blogs that raise awareness and compassion around differences are so needed in the blogosphere – skate on with your mother warrior self. Going to check out the goods now…
Thank you so much for your kind words, Molly!! xx
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Happy SITS day
Happy SITS Day! ๐
Roller skating AND the splits? I’m in awe. And somewhat sympathetically sore.
Your daughter is beautiful. Happy SITS Day!
What a sweet little girl … and a beautiful mama. ๐
You are a mother warrior!!!
WOW! The splits on roller skates!! Wonder woman =)
Oh yes you did include a roller boogie picture! Priceless. Happy SITS Day & I’m excited to check out your site!
What lovely photos on this blog…definitely paying her a visit!
Can’t wait to read the blog.
I’ve visited this blog before and it’s great! And I look forward to looking again ๐
I wish my family wanted to be my fans, but lately they haven’t even been reading *sniff*
Ahhh – they are both beautiful! And I love the full splits in skates – all sorts of awesome!
Oh, that roller skating pic! Cracked me up! Off to check her out!
Thanks for sharing a new blog…I have a friend whose son has recently been diagnosed with Autism and I’ll be sure to pass on the link! Amber ๐
What an amazing momma! On my way to read her blog!
LOVE IT!!! Congrats to you on your SITS day!
Looking forward to reading more…. ๐
very enoightening, thank you for sharing!
I wish I could do the splits like that!
That photo of you is just great, off to read more on your blog! Happy SITS day ๐
Inspiring story! Heading over to check out her site now!
I love the header. It’s fun making friends through blogging. I’m hoping to meet some soon in person. I’m heading over to check out your site now.
as a mother of a special needs kid also- good job being open about it- if more people are open more of us will realize that we are not in this alone, no matter how much it seems like it at the time!
My son also has Autism so I know how that goes.
I’m impressed she can do the splits! If I tried to do that, I’d break something.
My son has a little boy in his class who has autism. This is our first personal experience with the disability, and I have to say, it’s been wonderful teaching my 6-year-old that children are different and that’s okay. That little boy has been an amazingly positive influence in shaping the character of my son.
Love to hear this. Thanks for sharing it!!
I love your blog wish you all the very best…
Love those pictures – what a pretty lady inside and out! Today I posted some new monograms designed for the holidays. It’s never too early! Check them out!
wow, love it mother warrior! Congrats on your sits day!
Little Bird is beautiful. The two of you look to be very close. I’m sorry to read about your divorce, but love that you have a supportive family. -Family, friends, blogging…sounds like you have a strong support system to help you get through it all. God bless you and Happy SITS Day! I look forward to visiting you site.
Happy SITS dayI Thank you for sharing your life and enlightening people.
Count me along with Cheryl D as one of the bloggers that have met Dani in person. She is an awesome and smoking hot mother warrior MWILF! So glad to see her getting her SITS…on her birthday yet. Don’t forget to with her Happy Birthday along with Happy SITS Day!
Yay! My bloggy BFF!!
Looking forward to exploring your blog.
Your daughter is just precious!! ๐ Loved reading your blog!!
I’m looking forward to exploring your blog. Looks like a great read…with depth and emotion…plus a smidge or two of a great sense of humor. Happy SITS Day!
Congrats on being the ‘featured blogger’ for today. Just checked out your blog, Luv the “Where I’m From” post.
I know so many people who forget or want to forget where they came from, as well as their heritage and ancestry. But it’s so so crucial to who you will become later on in llife. Great post. I would luv to share this on my blog as well.
You hear about boys with autism all the time, but never much about girls. Thanks for bringing awareness to this.
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I love her. Great writer, great girl, wonderful mom. Happy sits day xxoo
What a gorgeous, amazing Mom! x
Pick me! Pick me! I want to be in the Mother Warrior club!
Hey Mother Warrior, congrats on your SITS day! Coming over to check you out!
Of the limited experience I have with families with autistic children, they are the most loving, kind and charitable people. Thank you for opening up, and I look forward to learning more about your family!
I love the two little birds!
My heart goes out to you! Happy SITS Day! You have a beautiful daughter.
I love Dani G!! ๐ yay!
I love your “Me, too” post. I’m a “talker” too that way. Two of the closest friends I made when I moved out to the Northwest were those in whom I confided that I was having trouble conceiving, and so were they. We formed a bond that has lasted for years because I was willing to share what was happening. I think we’re all glad you are, too!
I love Dani’s blog! She writes from the heart. I was also lucky enough to meet her once and had a great time! Happy SITS Day, Dani!
Love you, Cheryl!
Such a cute blog, your daughter is very lucky to have you. Shes gorgeous!!
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
Wow, I love your blog!
And I love that you call yourself a “mother warrior!” I remember when Jenny McCarthy came out with the same title on her book. I thought, “That is genius! Why didn’t I think of that!?” Because the mother-child bond is the most powerful human bond in the world.
You are so blessed to have such a precious little girl. And your daughter is lucky to have a warrior mom like you.
Thank you so much!