A Boy Made Of Blocks by Keith Stuart (Review)

Hey readers,

Today I am sharing a review of A Boy Made Of Blocks by Keith Stuart. It is losing based on the author's relationship with his autistic son.

This book has a main theme of Alex who is the dad of his son, called Sam. Sam is a child who is diagnosed with high functioning autism so, he can communicate but to what extend no one is really sure.

Alex has been the main breadwinner, whilst his wife had to leave her job to cater to Sam's needs 24/7. 

Naturally, this seems to have caused a rift between Alex and Jody due to pressure, stress, confusion etc when raising an autistic child.

As we have found out further along in the book that communication between Alex and Jody was broken down, therefore, causing Jody to call time on their marriage, for now, it was deemed a trial separation.

On that Sunday Alex left the family home feeling devastated, so he moved into a friend's apartment which was a typical bachelor pad with all the mod cons including an Xbox.

Alex gets into a more depressing situation when the mangers at his job have changed and decided that they no longer need Alex as a mortgage adviser. Therefore Alex decided to take three-month redundancy deal that the company offered as an incentive.

This causes Alex to spirals into depression.

A new arrangement between Jody and Alex where on a Saturday Alex would look after Sam.

 Normally Alex and Sam would go to the park but this worried Alex particularly as Sam was hostile to other children and very scared of dogs. 

Their relationship is very basic and it is all new for both Sam and Alex where they are at the beginning of a journey if you will in finding out about one another.

Jody buys Sam an Xbox and then gets into the game Minecraft. Sam desperately wants his dad to join in. At first, Alex sees this of pain especially as Sam is constantly calling Alex to check every small development in the game.

There were issues that were concerning Alex around technology and whether it was good for Sam to spend such a long time on the Xbox. 

However, this game was a great distraction for Sam as he could totally escape all his worries, especially as he was getting bullied at school for being different. 

We find out later on in the book that it is quite clear that when dad does get involved playing Minecraft with Sam it sort of strengths communication and building a stronger relationship between father and son.

When Sam is not the centre of attention he is more open and thinks clearer without having to worry about talking and what to have to say. Rather, the communication flow is more natural between Sam and Alex. 

This has helped Alex understand his son better through the game and can be less jumping to ideas bur more empathetic to why Sam does the things he does. 

I find this such a  brilliant insight into knowing about Autism. Sometimes, you need to have some sort of physical activity that is about order and structure to help ease the anxiety for a person with autism and help the communication between two people.

There are obviously other branches of 'drama' if you will regarding Alex's brother who died due to a car incident when Alex was young. The theme around guilt, running away and facing up to things is a big topic at the end. 

His sister, mum and Alex all learn to face up to doubts and thoughts. With the main notion of communicating their worries can break down the tension and built back relationships instead of hiding for fear of the outcome. 

This can help the process of grief and move forward in all the individual's lives.

There are little nuggets of wisdom from Sam and we can learn a lot from Sam with making things simple outlook of the human race. Seeing them as objects and colours that need to fit together.

Overall, it is a heartwarming story and tells the tale of strangers almost rebuilding and strengthening the relationship between families. I love the fact that it is a personal account and feels real rather than just listening again and again to the rubbish of the professionals.

There is a new book after this one which I will definitely be reading in the future be as it would be lovely to hear the new developments of what has bee happening in Sam's life.

 Especially, as at the end of this book, Sam has moved to a new school that specialises in autism.

This book is definitely a must if your interested in autism or wants to hear about an autistic parent's point of view.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 21/06/2020

5 life lessons I have learnt

Hey readers,

I thought today I would share with you the five top lessons that I have learnt so far in my life.

  1. Good people.

My first lesson is that there are more good people in the world than bad. I know shock horror I am sure the media would love to differ but then again it wouldn’t sell papers.

 Sometimes we can all get sucked into the doom and the gloom of bad news that we can forget that there are so many good people in this world. I think the below quote is spot on and something that we should all try and remember.

“At times the world may seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe that there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough. and what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events may in fact be the first steps of a journey.”

― Lemony Snicket

2. Sod’s Law.

The second lesson I have learnt is that Sod's Law will always kick your ass every single time. When you think you know what will happen in life then you can guarantee that something will pull that your feet at that moment in time.

 I suppose a classic example would be where is that bus when I am running late when normally it is bang on time!

3. Not all thoughts are true.

As a person who suffers from anxiety, you believe every thought and feel though that may not always be the case. Sometimes, our mind tricks us into thinking stuff even though it is not true.  

But remember that it is important to not always believe these thoughts, yes they seem real but always remember they are just thoughts and it is your choice to choose to believe in them or not.

4. Feelings.

Feelings can be good or they can bad. As I have mentioned before I am a person who suffers from anxiety and depression which can at times take me to dark places. 

It can be scary and feel like you are going to be stuck feeling this way forever. But rest assured as someone who has battled for a long time with mental health conditions feelings pass with time. 

Hold on to that thought when you are in a dark and scary place, you can and will get through this even if it takes time. Life is constantly moving and so will you.

5. A cup of tea.

The final lesson that I have learnt in my life is and one of the best cures for stressful situations is to have a cup of tea and toast like it is the best way to solves problems.  So, if I need time to think this is the one-stop solution to give me a chance to think clearer.

What lessons have you learnt in life? What do you think of mine? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

Benefits of practising silence

Hey readers,

There is so much noise around us nowadays especially as we are at home more. The noise is everywhere from the TV, phone, tablet whatever there is a constant stream of information that wants to grab our attention.

Sometimes it can really get to me because of how easy it is to access and can get overwhelming. That is why it is important to learn the skill of taking ten minutes a day along in the quiet to just be without any distractions.

I have started doing this a few months ago and I will be honest at first I did find it really hard with having so many racing thoughts, it just didn’t feel comfortable, however, over time it gets easier with practice and you will be amazed at the benefits it can have on you.

I find taking time out each day to slow down is important as it really helps me appreciate the moment instead of constantly wanting to do the next thing. It gives me that time to just stop and breathe. I simply do nothing and it is really relaxing to just let go and take in the moment.

The way I like to incorporate my 10 minutes of silence a day is to lie on my bed as that is my favourite place to be. I turn everything off and close my eyes and let whatever comes into my head slip away. I forget about it if it is important it will come back to me. Just allowing the flow to come and go really helps give me a little bit fo calmness for that day.

I think it is a real skill to learn to be present and in the moment, even if it is just for a small percentage of the day. The world moves fast and it is too easy to get hooked into the chaos of it all. I really enjoy moments where I can just sit and be mindful, to feel whatever it is and just breathe. I am not massively into mindfulness but just sitting and breathing has helped greatly with learning to relax, which funny enough is something I am not very good at.

I have found it to help my anxiety and thoughts by training myself to not feed into them but focus on the sensory of the here and now. I am learning to let go of the anxiety and knowing that ten minutes of the day is mine to just be, relax and appreciate what is happening right here and right now. 

 I think just allowing myself permission of sorts to do this because I constantly feel that I have to be doing something or have not achieved anything. Sometimes, you can learn a lot more just being and reflecting rather than constantly on the go where you don’t appreciate things because your constantly wanting to move on to the next thing.

What are your thoughts on practising silence? Do you incorporate silence in your day? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X

20 non-screen activities to do indoors.

Hey readers,

Bored at home with the kids and looking for something to d that will distract them enough to stop watching the screen. Look no further as I have 20 fun activities to do indoors when at home. 

  

1. Make a fort.

2. Do some potato art  - simply cut out shapes from the potato such as a star and then paint the potato shape and cover the sheet of paper.

3. Can't go wrong with reading a book.

4. Have a bath any old time, doesn't have to be in the evening but sure is a time killer and most kids enjoy the bath right?!

5. Do a jigsaw puzzle.

6. Make your own playdoh, really easy to do and the kids will love it.

7. Paint some stones and leave them out when you go out on a walk for someone else to enjoy.

8. Play a board game – my favourite is UNO.

9. Turn the radio on and do some dancing in your living room.

10. Make an indoor obstacle course indoors using objects in your home. You could use pillows, toys and cushions to help create a fun way to make an obstacle course.

11. Let your kid’s vacuum (oblivious depending on their age, don’t recommend giving a one-year-old) but kids absolutely love playing the adult role and teaching them to look after the place they live in.

12. Play some bubbles.

13. Make a card for family or friend. You don’t need much simply use paper and colour pens. People will love to receive something handmade as it is that personal touch.

14. Learn the Japanese origami which is the art of paper folding.

15. Make paper aeroplanes.

16. Try some coin rubbing art.

17. Plant some seeds – a couple of simple seeds to plant is mustard or crescent and you can just place them in an empty yoghurt pot and watch them grow.

18. Make some homemade ice lollies.

19. Make tape roads – all you will need is masking tape and put on the floor to create roads and roundabout. Then after kids then can use their cars on it.

20. Make some gratitude paper chains – done a post here on how to do it.

What things do to you do when indoors with your kids? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 14/06/2020

Reasons to love Youtube

Hey readers,

We are now in the internet age and where better place to explore than good old YouTube especially as we are spending more time at home due to the Coronavirus.

 I love YouTube I will be honest and it has saved many a boring day or dealing with the awkward questions my eldest asks me. 

Not to mention the vast amount of variety of video available on Youtube from tutorials and reviews on products to name a couple (though there are many more).

 I would otherwise be clueless with things that I know thanks tog good old Youtube so let's celebrate all things YouTube!

1. Cost.

Most of the videos that you can watch on Youtube are free apart from the premium level but let's face it most people don't opt for that service.

2.  24/7.

Youtube is accessible to anyone in the world 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

3. Variety.

On Youtube the variety of information is amazing. There is so much out there from tutorials to free films. You can even get 30-minute type shows so there is definitely something on Youtube for everyone to enjoy.

4. Knowledge. 

YouTube is a platform where you can get a lot of information to help with learning. For me personally, an obvious example where I have learnt something off Youtube is navigating around Blogger.

It has helped me tremendously as a blogger to help me feel more confident in working around the Blogger website. 

Also, you can take your time,  stop and pause. You can even come back and do little bits making it more manageable to fit around you and your needs.

5. Accessible for all. 

Anyone regardless of background or experience cam upload a video and there are little restrictions on what can post (apart from the obvious). Giving people the free rains over the material.

6. Unedited.

It can be unedited and what you see is what you get.  I will be honest I love really dodgy amateur videos just for the comedy purposes alone.

7.  Individual. 

You can learn about someone's life and get to know the vloggers better on a social level. Because the individual is doing the recording and you get a sense of authenticity. 

Vlogging world is very popular with people because it is not like traditional TV shows because it is about someone's life and they are recording it for you to view.

8. Playlists.

You can create your own playlist on Youtube tailored to your taste.  Remember in the 90s making mixtapes and the effort with stop and starting again with the tape recorder. 

Well, using personalised YouTube playlists is the modern way to tailor your needs. You can also pick the videos without the ads so playing right through without skipping even so often, win!

Do you relate to any of these positive aspects of liking Youtube? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X