My Life In Pictures

Meet Taylor Morris: "I was diagnosed at age two as being on the Autism spectrum. Today, at 17, I'm creating videos to support awareness. This is my story, with the song "Trying To Get Through To You", by Autistic singer/songwriter Michael Moon. See all my videos at http://www.MeetTaylorMorris.com."

Wordless Wednesday - Gifts

"Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children With Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives." For more information on the book, visit http://giftsds.segullah.org.

Florida Keys Art By Cinnamon

Today, June 1st, is Just Show Up's second anniversary, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate it than with a selection of paintings and photographs by Cinnamon Edgar.

I was surfing the Net the other day and came across Cinnamon Edgar's website. I was immediately captivated by her photography and artwork. To be honest, I'm more than a little picky when it comes to art. I've been known to spend weeks scouring the nation for artwork for our home, only to give up in frustration.


But Cinnamon's paintings and photographs spoke to me on a visceral level. Her body of work is impressive, but for me, a painting or a photograph has to make me feel something beyond mere pleasure. To hang on my wall, or grace my desk, it must transport me to another world.

In short, Cinnamon's work has the artistic wow factor that I don't often find.

Florida Monthly Magazine did a feature on Cinnamon, along with 20 other "intriguing Floridians": "Born with Down syndrome, Edgar developed her love of art at the Marian Center in Miami Gardens, a Catholic school for children with developmental disabilities. Teachers encouraged her to pursue her interests and asked Edgar to paint or draw pictures for cards, special invitations or auxiliary fundraisers."

According to the website, "Cinnamon chose to start her business after making greeting cards for everyone she knows and was prompted repeatedly to start a business. She won a scholarship from the University of South Florida several years ago to do just that."



And the result is a thriving business that showcases Cinnamon's immense talent.

Oh, and as if Cinnamon isn't busy enough creating works of art, "she has won several fishing tournaments including the Miami Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament, winning Jr. Master Angler two years in a row. She loves all kinds of music, although classical and oldies are her favorites."

To read an article on Cinnamon in the Miami Herald, "Florida Keys artist doesn't let Down syndrome stand in her way", click here.

I've given you just a taste of her work, but to see more of her scenic note cards, photographs and watercolors, or to order from Florida Keys Art By Cinnamon, click here.