Author Archives: Louise Sattler

About Louise Sattler

Founder and owner of SIGNING FAMILIES™, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Founding member of 411Voices network, national guest speaker, blogger, contributor to Education.com JustAsk Column, Cancer Warrior Goddess, and always ready for a laugh, especially with groovy people. Grateful to all who read this blog.. so thank you!
Feb21

The Art of Moving. Why Winnie the Pooh makes the cut and the furniture doesn’t!

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The Art of Moving. Why Winnie the Pooh makes the cut and the furniture doesn’t!

Goodbye Washington DC area and hello Los Angeles.  After 17 years, my hubby and I are moving. It is a bittersweet experience, and I must say that the hardest part is the packing!

The physical labor is one thing. But, the deciding what stays with us and what gets donated or tossed is another. It is as if we are walking through  a memory vault. Which brings me to the box of Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals and books. There are a lot of Winnie the Pooh items in our house. Also, we have loads of children’s books and Barbies! They got priority packing in nice and neat Rubbermaid boxes. With each toy and book I can hear my kids as preschoolers laughing. I can visualize their make-believe play on rainy days.  I can remember the joy that this house brought to our family.

Photo albums also get “presidential treatment”. Each one wrapped again and again and placed in waterproof bins. Each one first being looked at with large quantities of time. Again, evoking memories of long ago and some more recent.

I also have decided that moving is an art form. Now keep in mind we have a full moving service, but I am OCD enough to pack and
unpack my belongings before the “official movers” arrive.  Each box is color coded and photos taken of the contents.  They are labeled with Sharpie pens and then the photos are adhered to the outside of the boxes. Crazy I know! But, I don’t want Winnie the Pooh and Tigger – too getting lost among the dishes.

As for the tired furniture- it goes! Actually it already has gone or is on its’ way to area shelters to help women and families who are victims of domestic violence.

If you have any moving suggestions, please comment below. I can use all the help I can get. 

Thanks for reading!

Feb16

Peacock Pottery is PERFECT for Empty Nesters!

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Peacock Pottery is PERFECT for Empty Nesters!

Ok- after nearly two years of denial I will admit that hubby and I are officially empty nesters.  I know this to be true as I am busy packing up our DC area house to head west to a new residence and opportunity in California.  When one packs up nearly 20 years of “life” it is hard not to keep everything and anything.  I managed to toss and donate a fair amount, but one thing that was non-negotiable was my pottery collection.

My most recent edition was a great baking dish from the collection of  Peacock Pottery.  They specialize in pottery imported from Poland and it is BEAUTIFUL!  They sent me a great sample of their amazing pottery and asked me to use it in a very practical and day to day manner.  So, I made a lot of “meals for two” using this fun size pottery. I loved that it was small enough for our larger sized toaster oven and didn’t need to have me fire up the big oven for our dinner. But, make no mistake, this is a great piece of pottery and certainly not for “easy bake ovens”!

What did I make? The first night I made a combo of chicken, stuffing, vegetables and CRAISINS. ( I really do love the “craisin”).  It baked up like a charm! I was able to put all the ingredients together in to the single dish and bake for about 30 minutes. (I used precooked chicken- yes I “cheat” when I am busy packing).

Secondly, I used the dish for some homemade brownies with white chocolate chips.  YUMMY!!  (Also, I found that the dish was great for reheating, too!)

Best of all this quality pottery is easy to wash, microwave, put in the fridge and even use as a decorative piece. I have given several other Peacock Pottery pieces as gifts. The serving bowls were a hit with my daughter and the Christmas ornaments made for lovely gifts for friends.

To see for yourself all the great Peacock Pottery offerings click HERE

Read the fun blog by owner Leah HERE

Have a great day or as they say in Polish: Mieć wielki dzień

~Louise

Feb5

LOVE SHOULD NOT HURT.. A Campaign Sponsored by 411 VOICES

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LOVE SHOULD NOT HURT.. A Campaign Sponsored by 411 VOICES
This month the experts of 411 VOICES are dedicating our efforts and shining the spotlight on domestic violence and school bullying. Our hopes are to educate all and support victims.  We have listed numerous resources, including videos in ASL on the 411 VOICES website. Click here for our list
 
Below is a video in ASL created by Gallaudet University students. Please support our efforts by following 411 VOICES on Twitter (@411VOICES) and “retweeting” the information we post so we can help to save lives and show support to victims of domestic violence and bullying.
 
Jan27

DARE to DREAM

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DARE to DREAM

THIS TUESDAY- MY GUEST ON ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT and THE BUSINESS OF IT ALL!  Debbi Dachinger, Author of DARE to Dream

Listen here TUESDAY, January 31st at 11 am EST

 
This week I am super excited to have on my radio show as a guest- Debbi Dachinger. I have known this amazing media personality and now author for several years. She never fails to impress. Always one of those who is on the know and so empowering with her deeds and words.
 
When I first talked to Debbi I was duly impressed with her ability to motivate people. She could lift anyone from a case of self-doubt and send them charging in to the land of  ”I CAN DO IT!”
 
So, if you are one of those people who may feel the need to have a “life – boost” or to get past any mid-life- anything crisis then go ahead and get DARE TO DREAM. Available on her website DeborahDachinger.com or AMAZON.
 
Here is an excerpt…
 

Forgiveness Sets You Free

Once upon a time, I convinced myself that not forgiving others meant they couldn ̳t hurt me again. I believed my holding a grudge would remind them they couldn ̳t do that to me without repercussions. I told myself it was for the better, it was self- protection and I thought it was self–caring. But, the truth is, it was sucking the life out of me. I carried each person and each situation around like an energetic garbage bag, slung heavily over my shoulder through each step in my life.
 
All the reasons I held onto grudges worked against me. Bitterness did not protect me, it burdened me. Grudges did not separate me from anyone harmful; they kept me married to them through my various colors of judgment, condemnation and hate. This behavior didn ̳t allow me to love myself because I was busy destroying others with my thoughts and emotions. Bitterness was a bitter pill I swallowed over and over again and then blamed others for making me gulp. Withholding forgiveness did not end the terrible hurt I felt, it kept the hurt cemented and brought the hurt forward into each day, month and year.
 
Then I learned there was another way. Engaging in the act of forgiveness changed my life. I learned through doing inner healing work to forgive meant to dissipate and end the actual anger and hurt. Forgiving others took me off the bitter hook, and forgiving made me free.
 
Also appearing on ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT and THE BUSINESS OF IT ALL! is ABSOLUTELY ABBY-  she will help bring down the hour with her sage advice about getting a job, including in the entertainment industry.  CALL IN your questions here: (619) 639-4656
 
 
Jan17

Sign Language is FUN!

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Sign Language is FUN!


I remember my first intro to sign language course. It wasn’t even called American Sign Language (ASL) but SIGNED LANGUAGE  in ENGLISH.  WOW.. that set’s me back a few years.  Now ASL is recognized as a foreign language in many colleges and schools, therefore, allowing students to learn credit for their efforts and promoting signing in our communities.

SIGNING FAMILIES, my instructional company focuses on melding developmental psychology with sign language instruction. We are deeply rooted in the bilingual-bicultural worlds and have an affinity to work with children and families within the special needs communities.  Most of our connections are in fact within special education.

There are many great companies that are producing some sensational  ASL learning tools  to help those who are motivated to learn the basics of sign language. I happily will promote and offer reviews and links to those who I feel are really connected to ASL  and not just wanting to “teach sign” in order to line their pockets with your cash.

So without much further ado.. here are a few that really “get” ASL -

VISUALIZE ASL is the brainchild of Cathi Bouton.  I love that she has her heart and soul in the deaf world as well as the hearing.  Cathi told me that she wanted to give her students some interactive way to practice after classroom instruction.  Through research, trial and error and much sweat, Cathi created the VISUALIZE ASL Interactive Activities for learners of American Sign  Language.  I previewed the Basic Vocabulary and Fingerspelling CD along with the Match Games. Both were very good for novice learners and quite enjoyable. Both were soundly developed according to sign language linguistic principles -which I truly appreciated. I would offer this as a good supplement for college students, home educated students and those who wish to take on ASL instruction at the comfort of their home computer.   This can be purchased on their website or via AMAZON and HARRIS COMMUNICATIONS.  Check out Visualize ASL on YouTube too!

EVERYDAY ASL is another wonderful sign language instructional company.  I love how the duo of  Gilda Toby Ganezer & Avery Posner  developed a series of videos to demonstrate ASL IDIOMS. Also, they have APPS and YouTube Videos available.  The apps are my favorite as you can learn to sign “on the go”.

And, I would be really remiss if  I didn’t invite you to check out the many fun, interactive and inexpensive ways to learn ASL via my company SIGNING FAMILIES.  We have ONLINE VIDEOS for beginners, homeschool learners and even those who use sign language adaptively.

We also offer a series of  DVDs, communication charts, folders and bookmarks. ALL of our products are made with input from educators, students and people within the special needs communities. (Our I WANT, I FEEL CHART was made by request from families within the Autism Community)

Happy Signing!

Jan7

January is Check the Neck Month

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January is Check the Neck Month

Happy January everyone!  This week is the anniversary of when my thyroid and I “divorced”.  We parted ways in a surgical room at Johns Hopkins. Although it was a bitter divorce I am glad that I walked away from my experience healthier, wiser and more appreciative of the family and friends who helped play the role of CANCER WARRIOR GODDESS SUPPORTERS.  In my ongoing efforts to stop Thyroid Cancer from being a beast in another’s life, I am reminding all of you to check your dang neck!

If you have a persistent cough, are hoarse, have small lumps or unexplained weight loss or gain- it is time to go to the doctor and be an advocate for your personal health! Ask for an ultrasound, bloodwork, etc.  The facts are that cancers of the thyroid, especially among women, are on the rise. Don’t let a physician tell you that it is because of menopause, allergies, etc. I heard ALL of that and guess what.. it was CANCER!   My cancer was found on a procedure for a dental problem!

Here is some information that I also had posted on the 411 VOICES website.  And, for those who missed the PSA I made for the I AM THE FACE OF THRYOID DISEASE campaign last year, I am reposting the video.

Lastly, I don’t ask for a lot of readers.. but this time I will request one itty bitty favor.  CHECK YOUR NECK and remind someone you love to do the same! Thanks….

 To learn about Thyroid Cancer symptoms, treatment and support   see the info sites below.   

Dear Thyroid  (website)  Dear Thyroid LOVEHATEYOU (Facebook)

THYCA.org  (for information about “all things” thyroid)

Thyroid-Cancer.net

Medicine Net

Jan4

Sometimes a picture can say it so much better!

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Sometimes a picture can say it so much better!

I wish I knew who to give credit to for these photos or posters in my slideshow. They came to me via various sources through emails and Facebook.  In my opinion, all are worth sharing because they are just too wonderful to read or view.  Enjoy your new year and may it be full of beauty and wisdom, as well.

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Dec30

Per request, Another ASL Vocabulary Lesson for the New Year!

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Per request, Another ASL Vocabulary Lesson for the New Year!
Per request, Another ASL Vocabulary Lesson for the New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I have had multiple requests for new vocabulary to be uploaded on to my SIGNING FAMILIES FACEBOOK page.  However, it is cumbersome and you can’t offer a groovy slideshow. So, without further ado, enjoy your ASL VOCABULARY lesson to start the NEW YEAR! For more information about learning ASL online, CLICK HERE.

Other ways to connect:  SIGNING FAMILIES     *       Twitter      *        YouTube Channel

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Dec26

2011 – Learn, Create, Support, Educate and Breathe

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2011 – Learn, Create, Support, Educate and Breathe
2011 – Learn, Create, Support, Educate and Breathe

This has been quite a year! So, as usual I will defer to photos instead of words to capture the year – end synopsis. From many traveling opportunities such as to Mac World with The PaperShow, EMS trainings, Parent- Child workshops, to creating educational videos for abcteach.com, products for SIGNING FAMILIES (hence all the kids in photos), and including tons of time working in media and social media and with Education.com, expanding my professional horizons with the  co- creation of 411 VOICES and my joining The Linicomn Agency – LA Division for Exceptional Talent, to time time with family and friends and battling the beast (cancer) only to turn those lemons in to a Twitter-esque lemonade, and much more!… WHEW..

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Dec21

Kids with Special Needs AND Exceptional Talent… Apply Here

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Kids with Special Needs AND Exceptional Talent… Apply Here
Kids with Special Needs AND Exceptional Talent… Apply Here

It is with great pleasure that I announce my new venture! I have been asked to join The Linicomn Agency to help open their second office in Los Angeles. This company first piqued my attention when it was apparent that they didn’t want to open a traditional talent agency, but a boutique service that would be for individuals with learning or physical challenges. WOW.. this I can do!

My role will be as a lisasion between talent and casting directors. Also, I will be an educational consultant helping children and young adults who have learning challenges such as Down Syndrome, Aspergers, or Learning Disabilities, receive an opportunity to be “submitted and pitched” like their peers.  Actors between the ages of 3-25 years of age who are deaf, blind or have mobility difficulties and use a wheelchair will be able to submit for consideration for representation to The Linicomn Agency, as well.  As a fluent signer, I can easily communicate with people who use sign language as their primary or secondary modes of communication

Actors can read more about The Linicomn Agency on the website: http://www.TheLinicomnAgency.com

The LA office is slated to open this Winter 2012.  Casting directors and organizations wishing to learn more, please connect via this post

For more information, please feel free to comment here and I’ll email you personally.  ( I have learned not to leave an email in a post or you will be super-spammed)