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tsarashelton@yahoo.com
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Tsara Shelton

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As the mother of four wonderful teenage boys Tsara spends a lot of time figuring out who she is so she can teach her sons to do the same. She also hears herself holler, "Stop Eating!" an awful lot! As her boys get older, she gets louder while sharing her beliefs and ideas. Again, as a way to comfortably ask them to do the same. Being the sister, daughter and mom of autism, much of what she has to say comes from what the challenges of living surrounded by so much difference taught her. Though her posts are rarely specifically about autism or parenting, they are always stories grown from the fertile and organic thinking soil that can be found where the two come together. Tsara is the author of the new book Spinning In Circles And Learning From Myself: A Collection of Stories that Slowly Grow Up.

Tsara Shelton is also a volunteer photo editor here on OEN. She had the honor of being interviewed on the Envision This! podcast, hosted by Burl Hall (a contributor to OEN) and his wife, Merry. Follow this link to listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/envision-this/2015/07/08/tsara-shelton--the-trials-and-triumphs-of-a-life-lived-on-the-edge-of-society

www.tsarashelton.com/

OpEd News Member for 669 week(s) and 1 day(s)

47 Articles, 6 Quick Links, 348 Comments, 13 Diaries, 2 Series, 0 Polls

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(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Friday, May 25, 2012
Because My Mom Was Autistic, Our Answer Was Autism We all have recurring themes in our lives. I find that these themes often offer surprising life lessons for those looking to see them. Baseball, cancer, abuse, race, music, etc.... so often families can point to running themes in their lives. For us, one of the loudest was autism. Here, I share some of what I decided to let it teach me.
Series: The Brain Broad: International Mental Health Expert (6 Articles, 10419 views)
(11 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, November 8, 2012
You See, to me, it's all about Value We are all valuable, equally. Regardless of race, religion, sex, ability or orientation, not one of us is more valuable than the other. I believe that once we become comfortable and aware of that fact, once we are fully willing to see it as true of ourselves and others, we will be better equipped to tap into that very value and exceed all expectations!!
(3 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, December 2, 2012
Being Me A few years ago I entered an essay contest with the broad topic,"What's your real life story?" I didn't win. Yet, I did. Writing this piece unraveled so much about my life, changing me for the better. It's been just sitting saved on my computer- along with book outlines and random musings-almost forgotten. Until Rob Kall's recent article, asking us our ideas of success, reminded me. It's a bit long, but I would love to share!
From ImagesAttr
(7 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Wednesday, January 15, 2014
What I Was Thinking When I Raped You This is a letter to the boy I raped when we were teens. My own sons are discovering their sexuality, and I'm reminded of the challenges and confusion of that age. Also, of the mistakes. In this letter, I apologize for one of mine.
Series: Spinning in Circles and Learning from Myself: A Book of Stories that Grow Up (6 Articles, 10829 views)
From flickr.com: Change the culture for the sake of women and men., From Images
(9 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Friday, November 24, 2017
No Means No - And Even More You Need Permission "No means no. Even if you think it's a game, even if nobody is screaming, no means no. Every time. Not only that, you need to get permission. You need to be told yes. Every time." That was the thing a judge said to me and my rapist. It was an important thing. Because, you see, I hadn't known. My rapist hadn't known. We were equally surprised to learn it.
(7 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Safety vs Freedom I love progress, but I think it's important to forge ahead with intention, honesty and a willingness to change course. This habit of making up new rules in an attempt to get rid of every problem, is obviously not keeping us safe, and taking away our personal freedom.
Spinning in Circles and Learning From Myself: A Collection of Stories that Slowly Grow Up, From ImagesAttr
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, March 22, 2015
About a Book and The Power of Stories Storytellers are powerful, and we are all storytellers. This article is both a call to action and an introduction to my new book: Spinning in Circles and Learning From Myself: A Collection of Stories that Slowly Grow-Up. I truly hope you consider both.
Series: Spinning in Circles and Learning from Myself: A Book of Stories that Grow Up (6 Articles, 10829 views)
(54 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, July 12, 2012
Dear Poverty: It's not you, it's me. This is my break-up letter to Poverty. I felt a need to share it, and my reasons, with others so that I wouldn't chicken out and go running back. Poverty is familiar and has given me much, but I feel as though we are holding each other back and it's time to take a different path. I'm a bit scared, but also a bit excited! New paths can do that to you.
(9 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Day I met my Husband: An Unromantic Romance I've always considered Valentine's Day a slightly silly celebration. A romantic I am not! However, in the spirit of the season I got to thinking about the day I met my husband. It's surprising just how many lessons of acceptance and assumptions were offered that very first day! I thought it would be fun to share the learnings. Breaking it down unromantically, while falling for my hubby all over! Happy Valentine's Day!
(3 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Are you Autistic? Maybe, but Probably Not. Crowded holiday malls and routines thrown out frosted windows for out of town guests and spontaneous caroling; a very challenging time for kids and adults on the autism spectrum. But isn't it somewhat stressful for everyone? How is it that these challenges are something that some of us have to buck up and handle, while others are given labels and special Santa's with short lines and tolerant elves? Let's see, shall we?
Miracles are Made, From ImagesAttr
(7 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, June 16, 2011
MIRACLES ARE MADE: A Real Life Guide to Autism by Lynette Louise/A Review My review of the new book MIRACLES ARE MADE: A Real Life Guide to Autism. Unlike a true review, this is also a look at a daughters (mine!) feelings at having her mothers life and ideas shared with strangers. In an attempt to share my feelings regarding my moms new book, I found myself, instead, revealing my feelings in general!
Series: The Brain Broad: International Mental Health Expert (6 Articles, 10419 views)
(5 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Friday, July 3, 2015
Parenting Propaganda - Recognizing Complicity and Celebrating Independence I had no idea when I drove to the grocery store today that I'd be swallowed up by this truth of parenting propaganda; how it can come from a place of absolute love and even encourage beautiful things while also having the power to taint absolutely.
(4 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Saturday, March 24, 2012
My Kid did it: Where's the literature and dialogue when your kid is the bully? I have four teenage boys that I am very proud of. Our home is filled with laughter and comfortable conversations, often about uncomfortable subjects. I'm happy that we have such a balanced home, but it's more than that. I see a danger in the world that wants to point fingers, blame the 'bad guy' and wonder about sending my men out into the world. Will they remember to forgive themselves when they are the 'bad guy'?
Being found requires doing the work of finding., From FlickrPhotos
(2 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Friday, July 20, 2018
The Men Who Found Me I wrote this piece several years ago as a reminder to see the value of men and women as teammates. As equals. It was an issue for me because of a childhood trauma, and a lesson I learned with the help of my husband and our four sons.
My brother, Dar. His words come slow and are worth waiting for., From ImagesAttr
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, April 20, 2015
Slow Down, My Brother is Talking (Book Excerpt) This is an excerpt from my book, Spinning in Circles and Learning from Myself. It's a look at the gifts I've been offered thanks to my autistic brother's slow and hard to understand words. I invite you to slow down and discover gifts with me.
Series: Spinning in Circles and Learning from Myself: A Book of Stories that Grow Up (6 Articles, 10829 views)
Our stories are a continuation of the stories that came before us. Let's take the time to understand and know them., From FlickrPhotos
(3 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, January 15, 2017
When Our Uncles And Our Stories Are Murdered Stories are powerful. The freedom to be who we are, to share our cultures, to tell tales to new generation, is necessary. When my uncle was murdered so were his stories. How many stories will we murder? Either at our own hands or by standing by and allowing it. I hope: No more.
(23 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Living Within My Means, And Loving It A while back someone asked me why I'm happy living within my means. I had a blast answering her questions and thought it would be fun to share here at OpEdNews, a community that encourages actively seeking success with intention.
From ImagesAttr
(7 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, October 14, 2013
My American Dream I'm a Canadian mom living in America and I want to share my American Dream. Not everyone can share their ideas and dreams. Some can't speak, or write, or they just plain and simply don't have time because of work and exhaustion. Reflection is often a privilege. I am privileged.
Series: Spinning in Circles and Learning from Myself: A Book of Stories that Grow Up (6 Articles, 10829 views)
Thinking about the future., From FlickrPhotos
(10 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Tuesday, November 1, 2016
For Our Youth - Not Clinton Or Trump The things that have been said about Clinton and Trump, the memes that have been shared, the jokes that have been abused, are too cruel. At this point if either one of them wins our children will have seen that winner - the next president - abused and represented in unprecedented ways.
Dirty old Town, From Uploaded
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Saturday, April 4, 2020
Short Story: Dirty old Town April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. With that in mind, I'm sharing this short story. Though the story is fiction, people who know me will recognize how true it also is. NOTE: I have included helpful links for people wanting more Sexual Assault information or seeking help.
CARHOPPING screenplay by Tsara Shelton, From ImagesAttr
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, March 5, 2018
Inclusion Rider (and Other Oscar Night Insights) At the Oscars last night there was a bit of diversity. That was nice. But it wasn't until Frances McDormand gave her Oscar-winning acceptance speech that I learned the term "Inclusion Rider" and discovered the power and necessity of this contract clause.
#BlackLivesMatter, From ImagesAttr
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, December 7, 2014
Talk About Issues With Your Children (Not At Them) #BlackLivesMatter When there are big things happening in our communities and in our world we sometimes wonder how to discuss them with our kids. I think the magic lies in following our child's interest and ability to understand, a willingness to play with the edges, and the important skill of talking with, not at.
Kiss me badly..., From ImagesAttr
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, April 23, 2015
They're so Big, These Small Silly Things In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month I share a memory. The time my abuser gave me his apology scribbled on the inside of a drug store greeting card. It seemed like a silly small thing. And yet, it really wasn't.
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, September 2, 2012
'You' 2012!! I don't know anything about politics-- besides what Jon Stewart shares with me on The Daily Show--and I can't vote for the folks who argue with each other about policies on TV. But I am part of America's story, and for my children and their freedom, I insist on playing my part with intention!
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, May 10, 2015
Coffee, Mom, and Me --Mother's Day Tribute and Book Excerpt When I was a little girl I would watch my mom with eyes that wanted to mimic and learn. As she sipped coffee and sang to us I knew that it was wonderful to be a grown up. Mom's have the honor of igniting passions. It is powerful and important honor. Happy Mother's Day!
Series: Spinning in Circles and Learning from Myself: A Book of Stories that Grow Up (6 Articles, 10829 views)
(33 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, January 14, 2013
Spinning in Circles and Learning from Myself We are all living and learning. Some of us start in one place, others in another. Some have challenges with poverty, others with disability and others with prejudice. There is so much we can gain from one another. Yet I find it much easier to learn from others once we've practiced actively learning from ourselves.
I found these fellows outside of my door., From ImagesAttr
(5 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Saturday, May 23, 2015
Thought Seeds and Insights from The Flower Project My youngest son turned in The Flower Project yesterday. After helping three of my four sons discover and name up to sixty different Texas wildflowers, I have also learned a few things thanks to this school assignment. Here I share some wildflower seeds of thought with you.
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, From ImagesAttr
(6 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, August 20, 2015
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee -- A Personal Book Review I spent the last two days reading Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. This article highlights a few of my feelings and thoughts, personal in nature. In a nutshell: I loved the book, it made me angry, like Jean Louise, I want all of us to grow up a notch.
Walk a mile in their shoes and tell a good story., From FlickrPhotos
(5 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, April 7, 2016
Walk A Mile In Their Shoes But Tell A Good Story You can walk a mile in my shoes but you'll get more joy out of the journey if you tell a good story. It's up to you. Either way, you walked a mile. Some thoughts about learning from experience via intentional storytelling.
As we imagine, we create., From FlickrPhotos
(6 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Friday, August 12, 2016
We Create (Story Poem) A short story/poem about the power of stories. Video included.
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Friday, April 19, 2013
FIX IT IN FIVE with LYNETTE LOUISE aka THE BRAIN BROAD is now available for viewing on The Autism Channel FIX IT IN FIVE with LYNETTE LOUISE aka THE BRAIN BROAD is an international reality series that highlights neurofeedback, family dynamics and fun for families struggling with brain disorders. The first episode, wherein Lynette helps a little girl with seizures and autism in Uganda, is now showing on The Autism Channel! The footage is beautiful, the people are beautiful, and the learning's are brilliant... and beautiful!
Different Habits and Beliefs: Learning to Live Together, From ImagesAttr
(8 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Friday, July 17, 2015
Learning To Live Together: Lessons Learned When I Moved In With My Husband My husband and I have been happily married for fifteen years. For thirteen of those years we lived in separate homes. Eventually, the children and I moved in with my husband. We learned a few things about living together. Things that are helpful when living together with the world.
Lynette Louise aka THE BRAIN BROAD, From ImagesAttr
(14 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, April 1, 2013
Autism Awareness and Answers with Music, Comedy, and Brain Science! April is national Autism Awareness month, and Lynette Louise is a global autism expert who adores sharing autism awareness and actionable answers with comedy and brain science! So, every April she preforms her one-woman show CRAZY TO SANE around the world for free! Interesting Aside: April 2nd is both World Autism-Awareness day, and Lynette's birthday! The universe is her sponsor!
Series: The Brain Broad: International Mental Health Expert (6 Articles, 10419 views)
(3 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, November 20, 2014
Bi-Sexual and Dating: My Mom Had a "Type" When all eight of us kids were growing up, my mom dated. Because she was bi-sexual and open minded, her dates were all shapes, sizes, genders, and abilities! But without question, she had a "Type". And we learned important dating and life lessons because of it.
Series: Spinning in Circles and Learning from Myself: A Book of Stories that Grow Up (6 Articles, 10829 views)
Lynette Louise aka THE BRAIN BROAD, From ImagesAttr
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, December 23, 2013
A New Kind Of Resolution: Purposeful Play for Healthy Brain Development It doesn't matter how old you are, purposeful play is good for your brain and can strengthen the body. I submit many families could change the trajectory of their live by making this New Years Resolution: Daily Purposeful Play!
Series: The Brain Broad: International Mental Health Expert (6 Articles, 10419 views)
The Donald Trump burger - Something people crave regardless of the harm., From ImagesAttr
(5 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, September 17, 2015
We Talked About Trump (plus, My Son Votes for Soda) My seventeen year old son bought himself a soda, "voting" with his money. Then he compared the soda to Donald Trump in insightful and hilarious and important ways.
One of my sons, and some of his friends~Loving!, From ImagesAttr
(3 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Thursday, February 13, 2014
Enjoy A Neurodiverse Valentine's Day! Lessons On Love Linger In The Not-So-Typical Valentine's Day is meant to be a celebration of romance and love. Not the love that looks typical, the love that you expect or approve of... but love. So this Feb 14th, let's open our eyes to the love that makes us think! Love that's gotten creative, and that's expressed in new ways for comfort and acceptance. Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!
Series: The Brain Broad: International Mental Health Expert (6 Articles, 10419 views)
My son: Going for a walk and singing to himself, From ImagesAttr
(5 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Wednesday, October 8, 2014
I Forgot Going for a walk. Simple? It should be. Yet I forgot it was okay. I forgot it could be safe. And when I forgot, I created and taught danger and a need for protection. I forgot, but then I remembered!
Me and my youngest son!, From ImagesAttr
(2 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, December 1, 2014
My Softhearted Naivete Battles Prejudice A little naivete can go a long way.
Nature knows the secret of music...., From ImagesAttr
(4 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, December 15, 2013
My Birthday Gift: Seeing Myself In My Sons! It was my birthday the other day and my sons made me the most amazing gift. A song written by one of my boys, edited into a music video by another one. It's an example of everything I love and believe in, and I want to share it with the world!
(6 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, January 28, 2013
Creating a Culture: The Validity of the "Everybody's Doing it' Argument Equality, freedom and creating our culture with intention. Most of us believe in these things. However, most of us have different visions regarding what they mean and how such a world should look. It's important to insist on living our vision, without letting the differences distract us from the sameness.
Me and my youngest son!, From ImagesAttr
(8 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Monday, December 2, 2013
You Miss A Lot When You're Colorblind In the interest of integration we sometimes forget to respect diversity and difference. Expecting equality should never suggest a desire for assimilation. Admittedly, I've known many (including myself now and then!) to forget. It's so important that we not forget!
Joan Rivers 2010 - photo by David Shankbone, From ImagesAttr
(3 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Saturday, September 6, 2014
The Genius of Comedy and a Comedy Genius~Joan Rivers I'll be honest. I have found Joan Rivers to be hilarious, but I'm not her target audience. I don't watch television and care not for red carpets. But I do love to laugh, and grew up in comedy clubs--so I've certainly seen her, and comedians like her. Here I share thoughts about comedy itself and the comedian Joan Rivers.
Family Ends Where Judgement Begins, From ImagesAttr
(4 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, September 2, 2012
It Takes a (Texas) Village: Our Story of Acceptance and Autism My mom is heading to Uganda on Saturday. As an autism expert and hands on play/neurofeedback therapist she travels the globe often. This trip she'll be gone for most of September working with six families daily, filming a reality series and eating grasshoppers. My mom has helped thousands of families over the years, but only one of them has been there since the beginning. The first family she traveled the globe for. Ours!
(1 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Sunday, February 26, 2012
The Importance of Personal Semantics: My Silly Little Example Growing-up I labeled myself as 'the nice one'. It was easy for me and I was proud. But as I grew, the complexities and differing opinions regarding what is and isn't nice made life harder for me. Even dangerous. I began trying on labels and examining the importance of words. I also learned to allow others to discover the words that worked for them. Personal semantics have shaped my life. I've enjoyed choosing with intention!
Lynette Louise aka THE BRAIN BROAD, From ImagesAttr
(3 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Tuesday, July 9, 2013
There is a Woman with a Suitcase Lynette Louise aka THE BRAIN BROAD is kind of like a modern day Mary Poppins. Her umbrella is a plane (or car) and her carpet bag is a big colorful brain. In her suitcase she carries neurofeedback equipment, offering something Mary Poppins never had. A way to compliment and guide the brain. In order to help more than just one family at a time she has created a global internet reality series. She could use a little help!
Series: The Brain Broad: International Mental Health Expert (6 Articles, 10419 views)
(2 comments) SHARE More Sharing        Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Choosing a Leader I have a permanent resident card and love my life here in the United States. I cannot vote, so I tend to engage in the election seasons a little bit differently. I debate concepts, I have conversations with my sons, and I write articles. In this article I share my thoughts on choosing a leader. Highlighting the value of taking the time to define for ourselves what we expect from them.

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