Friday, April 30, 2010

How I Got My Agent



Hot off the online blog press!

If you're interested in learning how I got my book agent, check out my story and that of other authors here. Wish I'd had such examples when I first started down the I-wanna-be-an-author road. It can be a challenging process, but oh so rewarding....

Photo: My book, and me, in the Barnes & Noble on 5th Ave. in NYC., a dream come true.

I Applaud Oprah's National No Phone Day Effort


Today is Oprah's National No Phone Zone Day effort. I'm with O on this one. No text, and few calls, are worth your life or that of another, or the preventable challenges of life-long disability. Please, hang up and drive-and teach your children to do the same.

Per Oprah.com: Do your part for National No Phone Zone Day by supporting the cause and taking the No Phone Zone Pledge. Find out more here.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Minute Vacations -May 2010



At this time of year, in gardens everywhere, nature's simple and magnificent beauty is all around us.

Observe the daily miracles.

Photo Judy Winter 2010

Words of Wisdom from Jenna Winter- May 2010





"I believe Eric was placed into my world to teach me lessons about patience, love, and selflessness." -Jenna Winter, special needs sibling extraordinaire.

Sprout Film Festival at the MET NYC


If you're going to be in/near New York City this weekend, check out the 8th Annual Sprout Film Festival (showcasing films/videos about developmental disabilities) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET).

Find out more here.

Love the tag line: making the invisible visible.

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Rythmic Arts Project & Eddie Tuduri


While speaking in Santa Barbara last November, I was fortunate to meet musician Eddie Tuduri, who took time from his busy schedule to come hear what I had to say about kids with special needs and focusing on ability.

Eddie is the founder of The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP), an educational and rehabilitation non profit that helps children and adults with disabilities learn and enhance life skills through drumming.

It's an instrument he knows well.

Eddie is a professional musician who has performed with many of the world's most famous artists, including The Beach Boys and Ricky Nelson. Among his many accomplishments, the talented drummer is the founder of Musicians for UNICEF.

In 1997, his world changed forever when a body surfing accident in left him paralyzed and unsure he'd ever play music again. Determined to do what he could to heal, Eddie started using a simple drumstick to produce sound against the side of his bed while in rehab. It was the beginning of regaining use of his injured body, a reality that dramatically changed the course of his life.

Today, Eddie travels the world to bring music through drumming and other percussion instruments to individuals with disabilities, helping them lead fuller lives. He's one of the nicest people I've ever met. I'm thrilled that we had the chance to talk about our mutual commitment to doing work that helps improve the lives of those with special needs, including through music.

Eddie's remarkable story is another example of the power of music to heal.

Find out more about The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) here.

Photo of me with Eddie Tuduri in Santa Barbara, Nov. 09.

Judy Winter

TV Alert! -Actors with Down Syndrome to Appear on GLEE




Happy to hear from my friend Gail Williamson that two of the casting members of the Heart & Halo Talent Division of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA) will appear on the hit phenom 'Glee.'

Here's a link to the story about one of the actors chosen.

Congratulations to all, and kudos to
Glee for selecting actors with real disabilities to play these roles!

One more big reason to watch.



Photo 2009 DSALA Buddy Walk /Santa Anita Racetrack by Judy Winter. Used with permission.