Fledgling Autism Respite Program Needs Your Help

Not currently, but during the past three years, in some way, shape, or form, I had been teaching visual arts to children and teens with autism. During that time I have met and know a lot of dedicated and talented people. One of these individuals is working deligently to raise money for a respite program dedicated to children with autism. I would like to take a moment and help spread the word to anyone who can help them reach their goal. Watch a video below and go to http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/199901 to make a donation, any amount will help and is greatly appreciated!


From PlayTime Respite

My name is Nicholas Bonney and I work with kids on the Autism Spectrum. I currently work for an Art/Respite Program in the Albuquerque Metro Area and I absolutely love what I do. I have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and I am pursuing a masters in Music Therapy. 

Everyone knows or is acquainted with someone on the autism spectrum and whether or not it is on the rise or just becoming more recognized in society, can be debated. However, that is not the point here.

The point is to provide these children with a safe space, which meets their sensory needs and gives their parents or care takers a break from a life which can be highly demanding.

I own a building separate from my house which is about 600 sq ft. Instead of using the building for personal space I have decided to give back to my community and have found that they need respite care for children with Autism ages 4-6 years old. I have exhausted many fundraising efforts in my community and have raised a enough money to demolish the inside of the building, put on a new roof and pour a new floor. People have donated supplies and I have also raised money for some art supplies, shelving units and some furniture for when we open. 

However, this building needs a bathroom, a kitchen, drywall, electricity and plumbing for starters. I believe that the community at large is interested in seeing children with ASD thrive in society. This can happen if they are given a place where they can truly express themselves . This respite program will provide, Art, Gardening, Music, Free Play, Floor Time Activities, and a natural playscape outside of the building. We also plan to equip it with a full kitchen to prepare food, make messes and conduct science experiments. 

THANK YOU for your help as we make a difference in the lives of children with ASD and provide free time to their parents and guardians. 

Go to, http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/199901 to make a donation.

Pronghorn in New Mexico

I recently went up to Santa Fe from ABQ with the chance to see some pronghorn. Being from Indiana originally, and seeing them for the first time, and wild, I was really excited to say the least. It also got me to thinking, I need to start posting again, even if my time is limited with trying to find work. Anyway, I thought this was a good way to get back at it, and maybe touch on something that has been bugging me with photography. 

What's bugging me? I will tell you. I can't afford thirty grand for a camera setup even though I know I have the skill to make good use of..., no, great use, great use of such equipment. Almost anyone can go buy that equipment if they have the money, press a button, and whahlah, get a great image. But there is still artistry in photography, even if it has become kinda automatic, that you can't press a button for. I own a lot of cameras, most good old fashion 35mm manual cameras, like the Nikon F2, or Olympus OM1, but film is expensive, thus digital comes in. I don't own a DSLR, and it was only recent that I had a point and shoot. But finally I stepped up and bought this half point and shoot, half DSLR, and I have been pretty happy with the results. Not to make this a review about cameras, my point being is, you do not need a DSLR to get great pictures, they are over-rated in some respect. You actually might get some good experience by having to work at getting a picture. 

Back to the pronghorn, I could have used a telephoto lens if I had one, only, all I had was the built in optical zoom. All that didn't matter though, my pictures aren't as great as if I would have had professional setup, but what I got was much better. Over a hundred yards away and with a tripod I worked twice as hard to get what I got than anyone would have with a big fancy camera. You will be much more satisfied with your work when you have to work for it. 

Pronghorn are pretty awesome, they were well worth the effort. 

Thanks for Reading,

Jonathan