Author Archives: paleololigo

Scientist (Paleontology, Geochemistry, Geology); Writer (Speculative and Science Fiction, plus technical and non-technical Science); Mom to great boy on the Autism spectrum; possessor of too many hobbies.

Autism and Fun with Literalism

It’s hard to know what to do when someone you love is given a diagnosis of a ‘problem’ that you don’t understand well. There’s always some relief in having a diagnosis, because it’s simply easier to deal with something you can name.

Autism is one such diagnosis. Oh, the horror of finding you that your child or someone that you love is autistic. You’ve seen Rain Man. You’ve heard what they’re saying over there at Autism Speaks. It’s a death sentence. It’s institutionalization. It’s the end of the world.Continue reading “Autism and Fun with Literalism”

Stink Bug – Chapter 34

It was like a blast of gale-force wind hit. I winced. V’x cried out.

Voices cried out over the wind. The grey. It was speaking. I heard V’x. She was in my head. She was crying in terror.

The grey continued. I couldn’t understand. V’x cried louder. She was trying to withdraw. The grey wouldn’t let go. I slapped my free hand over both of their’s. They had to keep talking.Continue reading “Stink Bug – Chapter 34”

Unexpected Exhaustion

Today’s been one of those days. All told, it was a good day. But I’m completely whipped.

About every-other Saturday (probably a little less frequent than that), I drive to Ithaca, NY for a fencing lesson (or two or three). It’s about a two hour drive one way, and uses up at least six hours of my Saturday, so I don’t do it every week, but whenever time, energy, and weather permits.

Today was one of those Saturdays when I decided that I’d make the trip.Continue reading “Unexpected Exhaustion”