Author: arabeljelliott

I am a freelance writer, community activist and volunteer. A former social worker and child and family counselor with over 15 years of experience in mental and behavioral health. I am also a crochet fanatic and love walking and yoga.

Since Sam went on the road solo to visit his prospective college choices I have created a web site, a blog, and a few other works. To be fair I have posted a lot on the blog about Sam’s journey out into the world on his own, but I guess I have to start somewhere. Is this a trend? I’m sure Sophie will not want additional attention, she has already been measuring Sam’s room with a tape measurer and she is working on a studio/library for all her projects. I just hope she doesn’t start moving stuff in before Sam has a chance to leave :-)

February 27, 2018

Big week ahead, Sam goes on another overnight visit. This time to Arcadia University near Philadelphia. Sophia and her friends are organizing to exercise their Constitutional rights. The Regional Competition for NHD is this coming Saturday. And I swear even though it’s still cold outside I feel like if I close my eyes, click my heels together and think hard enough Spring will come.

February 26, 2018
February 25, 2018

This is a poster created by everyone at the Walk On By Event at KU on Friday.  Messages of love, kindness, and inclusion meant to counter hateful and hurtful speech.  Thank you to everyone at KU who participated in and hosted this event.  Sophie and I had some great conversations about it today.

Sophia was no slouch this weekend. While Sam was away she and I attended a workshop at KU as part of the Walk On By Campaign. A program designed to help students and others with positive and empowering ways to respond, and not respond, to hate speech. Many thanks to Vicki Malone, Jen Schlegel and everyone at KU who made the event possible.

February 25, 2018

This is a picture in the Reading Eagle article on the event, Sophie and I are working on a piece of poster art that will be available for students to have and use as part of peaceful, positive and productive campaigns to counter hate speech.  

February 25, 2018

According to Sam’s report the buffet for accepted students was quite nice. The regular dining hall was ok, decent food and plenty of it. Breakfast at a local eatery in Ithaca where we’ve been before was outstanding😉

February 25, 2018

Lots of Swag, including a cool Ithaca backpack. From which Sam produced both a list of interesting programs and sources of additional financial aid. That’s our boy!