Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Autism, Thunder Shirts, and a French Bakery

Learning, learning, learning

No more blues for me.  The clouds have lifted.  Today I learned about Thunder Shirts.  What are they?  They are weighted vests for dogs who experience anxiety over thunderstorms, but they are used for other anxieties as well.  Check google, and write in "Thunder Shirts."  Apparently they exert enough pressure on nerve endings to calm dogs who get anxious over hearing thunderstorms.  A friend of mine, who volunteers at a hospital here, told me about a therapy dog who was brought into the hospital, but as the storm clouds appeared outside, his owner said, "I'll have to put on his thunder shirt."  I have to admit, I was surprised.  But when I heard this story, I remembered going to a lecture by Temple Grandin, the renowned expert on autism, who has Asperger's, when she discussed using a squeeze box to calm herself down.  Weighted vests are used for kids with autism, especially those who have sensory problems as the pressure calms them.  So here is a connection - - - with animals too.

We all have times when we feel ill, or sad and what we want to do is to cuddle up with a comforter (very good name) or a blanket.  And we do feel comforted.  Think of the little kids who drag their "blankee" around.  And the blankets that are made and sent through Soldiers' Angels for our troops in Afghanistan especially are appreciated.  I did make blankets for the soldiers in Iraq, but lately have not, busy, thinking of other things, but the Thunder Shirt information reminded me to begin that project again.  Making a blanket and sending it through Soldiers' Angels, or other organizations is something we can do, and I can do again.

Reading about a French Bakery in our area peaked my curiosity.  Yes, it was 20 minutes away, but I wanted to see what it was like and to sample their baked goods.  Not only did the  pastries look delicious, my husband and I decided to have lunch there.  And, I had an omelet served in a baguette  and sealed at one end with soft bread.  The omelet is filled from one end.  I learned that it is a specialty of the Alsace-Lorraine  region and in the past was served to sheepherders who, having been sent off by their wives with this lunch-in-a-baguette, would have a hot, tasty lunch at midday, with the steam from the omelet softening the bread inside.  I learned this from the owner's wife.  The French bakery was welcoming, with gracious hosts, cloth tablecloths and napkins, bottled water at the tables, and French pop music playing softly in the background.

My mood lifted.

What do you do when you get "the blues?"

12 comments:

  1. Can't wait to try the French Bakery! Sounds heavenly!

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  2. Depends on where my blues come from. Sometimes a good movie or a book can help. Uplifting encouragement from someone who means a lot to me is often a big help. Good food definitely can help. Love bakery aromas.


    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  3. What a great post!
    My little dog gets upset when it thunders and I find that wrapping her in a blanket helps, but now I will go looking for a Thunder shirt.

    A funny little side bar...when I go to the dentist I always ask if they will put the X-ray shield on me. I think it must do the same thing - I always feel calm and secure. I never have had a real problem with dentist, but this does make it so much easier, to the point where I could fall asleep. Must be something to it.

    Yum to the French Bakery - I'm drooling!

    Cheers, Jenny

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  4. Have a great Labor Day Weekend, CQ, Lee and Jenny! There is something to the pressure and blanket thing, I think. Thanks for the comments.

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  5. When I get the blues, I play a sad tune on my recorder. When you're sad, listening to sad music makes you feel better.

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  6. I think that the fact that you are actually making the music, the physical thing, is what helps. Doing something physically creative, will have to try that next time.

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  7. I curl up in a blanket and read a book. And I listen to Oh Fortuna.

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    1. Laura, I'm with you - I still have a favorite "curl- up-and-read-with blanket." Or, listen to music with, oh and it has to be wool. Thanks for your comment.

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  8. glad your mood lifted--hmmm it can be different things at times--coffee, writing, talking to a friend--shopping, sugar :)

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  9. All those things help. I can always figure out what started "blues ville," Even so, I think it takes a few days to change back to cheerful and content and grateful for what we have. Thanks for your visit.

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  10. I'm glad you're feeling better. When I have the blues (or when I'm angry), I need to go for a long walk with the dog. Even if it's pouring rain, a long walk seems to help a bit.

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    1. Would love a dog to walk with. Miss having a dog. Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie.

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