Tyler is 12 on the 21st...Autism Is My Word For the Day

Tyler is 12 and absolutely taking his rightful spot as king of the day!

 ...2/21/2014 ..."Today is not a day to feel sadness for him, but to revel in his joy. I will embrace my world more thanks to him being a part of my universe..."

Stephanie Marley McMechan

Autism is a word...

This word truly shakes most people to the core. It was quite an unbelievable word back in 2003 when I first heard it spoken to me. Not a word that I can say I understood all the components of. Especially not when it is connected to your son. Your youngest boy of just 14 months old. Tyler is this young man's name and Autism was the only game in town that I would have the opportunity to play alongside.

Autism Stole His Smile... But It Came Back Later

Once upon a time, my son smiled the most cherubic smile imaginable. No cheeks could flush quite like his. Light brown skin with a flash of light brown hair in the front, sort of the equivalent of the gray Widow's Peak. Yes, he was an original from the word go. And just loved to be exquisitely happy and well fed. He knew that treats were the key to making any road trip worthwhile. But one day...

The smiles became a twisted contortion of stillness. There was a lack of substance behind his dark brown eyes. He began to hit his head against the walls as he stood facing me. I knew that something had taken him over...like a foreign body. Maybe an organism seeped in one night in our slumber. God only knew the plight of my little boy Tyler.

Truthfully, I wondered if Tyler would ever attend school or have any friends. Most of my family was so distraught that they could only see my child as someone to be a caregiver for. There was a lack of enthusiasm for where this little soul would go. Think of a world colored with gray skies only.  But not for me...I could not give up on the child that gave me so many little smiles from chubby cheeked babyhood. And the Leo in me is no quitter. I will give it my best run, despite the enormous incline. So we moved along...

Cries were more the vocalization than laughs. Actually blood curdling shrieks. And he cried. And he frowned. And frowned. But socialization brings forth contentment. And smiles from others are the biggest encouragement to be happy, too. And school helped him smile like his friends did. And learn to play with his toys.

After breaking his silence at age 6, he said "I love you, mom." Boy, those are the only words required to make a grown woman figure out the mysteries of the very Earth we tread. And if I didn't know any more, at least I knew he had a voice of his own.

And Today...

Tyler is One Amazing Owl Adoring Young Man

And he taught me the miracle of believing far past what your own eyes can visualize. There are paths that I never walked that I somehow found under the dirt...And conceived that they do exist. And Tyler never understood that he was anything less than who he is supposed to be.

Autism is not our defining moment. There are way too many moments to live while we are capable.

A Few Moments From 2/21/14... or #12onthe21st

(stepdad Jim was working, unable to have any massive fun)

Our culinary experience:

Majestic Burger in Ridgeland, MS makes some quite awesome burgers. And a great place for sharing a birthday experience! Doesn't his smile say everything?

(If you go, have the sweet sourdough bread. Phenomenal.)

 Big Sister Martika Brianne is our rising star in the family. From her superb trombone skills to acoustic guitar prowess, she has musical abilities that always wow me. Plus, she has been very present as a sibling of a child with Autism. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but she loves her brother, quirks and all.

The Redfish Sandwich was big sister's choice. She absolutely loved it. I had a touch of food envy here... But that is totally okay. Today is a day to revel in the happiness and food reaches us in a very personal way.

A Sweet Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream for a Sweetheart of a Son! The warmth of theberry compote filling met with some strange "Tyler looks" initially, but ice cream makes not just one spoon jump in, but all three! We thought it was the delicious finish to a really nice birthday treat at Majestic Burger of Ridgeland, MS.

 

 

That's Tyler and there is no doubt that he knows what day this is! Proud of himself and the magic in his smile... Being 12 on the 21st only happens once every 100 years. So, he loves both 12 and 21 for all the right reasons. But he loves his happy life each day! What a wise young man...

 

Once more, autism is a word. Not a definition. Be educated and fearless.

 

 

Laura Mercier Shimmers at NYFW Pamella Roland Show

New York Fashion Week

There is no doubt that New York Fashion Week ushers in the new season with an energy like no other event. The lights of Times Square get even brighter when fashion is the star of the town. Models strutting down the catwalk create major energy. But the faces bring the theme of the show to full focus. Poreless clean perfection was what the attendees of the Pamella Roland show saw courtesy of the makeup powerhouse Laura Mercier. Let's go backstage to get a sneak peek at how this sweet and sultry look was born...

The Marley Owl...

Loves This Look!

The look for the Pamella Roland NYFW show was a glamorous yet accessible beauty. The warm, subtle, shimmery lids were created with Caviar Eye Stick in Khaki. This innovative product can be used as a shadow, liner, or smudged where you like, so it is very user friendly. Add a touch of drama with Faux Lash Mascara in Black. The pristine glow of each model's radiant skin can be achieved with Laura Mercier's staple product Tinted Moisturizer. This award winning formulation is a makeup artist's friend for adding coverage and hydration while allowing the skin to shine through. A little rouge on the cheeks lends quiet definition with Creme Cheek Colour in Praline. Any little imperfections that you may want to "chase away" will be obliterated by the very effective Secret Camouflage. This is a little wonder that should be tucked into the clutch for that evening out. This product doesn't creep or wear out . It covers with a lightweight formula that makes for an even, flawless appearance. To finish off the elegant woman about town persona, work those lips with Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Merlot, a wearable burgundy shade.

This look is so pretty and easy to wear. Also, this really allowed the garments shown to shine without being in competition with the model, but showcasing both in a very modern way.

Here are a few more photos from Backstage at the NWFW Pamella Roland Show!

Love the nails in the same color palette! This look is great for any style. Just really chic and sassy, urbane and beautiful.

The eyes have it! This brings out the dimension of the model's blue eyes and a depth that almost echoes a smoky eye without having to put on so many eye shadows to achieve it. One product does double (or triple duty...) here!

Beauty doesn't have to be complicated to look like it was. Leave home with a gorgeous face in moments with these great Laura Mercier products!

More beauty finds to come...

Stephanie (aka, The Marley Owl)

The Marley Owl 

Has been away for too long 

...has been very exhausted for some reason. (Yawn). I think there is an element of night "owl" here. I spent long nights up with Tyler when he was younger and have not quite been on the sensible alarm clock internally. The Autistic exist in space and time where moments count much more than time. I should have known that my little guy was meant for great things in this world of mine. The race is not to the swift, but the mighty of belief...

Beauty for the sleep deprived souls

 I am a night owl struggling with the process of seeing the tired eye look that happens when, well...you don't get those precious Zs. I look back at photos of myself from several years ago and I see what crawling into bed at 3:30 am leaves behind. Ouch! For my fellow
 rockstar divas and stay at home goddesses, not to mention those weekend warriors putting in major wide-eyed lifestyles, there are products that will do you good!

Here are two that are in heavy rotation on my vanity:

Laura Mercier Repair Eye Serum 
If your eye creams typically leave you wanting a refund, give this one your full loyalty.(Been there, trust me;)) It is the first eye serum that I found really delivered its promises. The pearlescent glow along with hydration makes for an eye delight. There is a true beauty behind the eyes and time plus environmental factors play a cruel game in this focal point. Repair Eye Serum makes us winners immediately. Who doesn't like instant gratification?

nyakio hydrating eye cream with kola nut

Simply a perfect combination to the Mercier eye serum. The natural caffeine found in Kola Nut will add a fresher appearance to the eye region. The texture is great, not too thick and sinks in neautifully. No residue makes for easy makeup application. Silky, healthy skin is what eyes need. Nyakio brings luxury eye cream with ingredients direct from nature's bounty. Nyakio is African sourced and made with appreciation for time honored traditions.

The Marley Owl Loves Valentine's Day
Have a wonderful night enjoying great food and the best in what your geographic location provides in restaurant. I hope to stick to the lighter side of the menu with a healthy dose of seafood and white wine. I want to savor the romance.

Being Fab on the Cheap is How Marley Owl Rolls...

 I am in tons of bling with cute Manolo Blahnik ankle wrap gold slingbacks. Metallics are definitely a way to make shoes the star of the night. Mine are used, a find on a resale site. Super cute and affordable. Winning!

My handbag is a Charm and Luck by Jenny Syguia. Major style points come into play with a quilted and studded full leather with golden accents and rhinestones. Yes, I have a fab bag, without paying a pretty penny... (shh) It is direct from my local thrift shop (ty Macklemore for the props on being thrifty and nifty). I know my labels and realize where beauty exists. In strange dark places maybe?

The Marley Owl Must Go Now...

Sniff.

Be excited by life's mystery!

Today is Day One Folks!

Who is The Marley Owl?

Well, I didn't know what I would call this place of mine. Perhaps my maiden name Marley (like Bob and his Jamaican counterparts), the name my very awesome father gave me would be a great way to start off. Then an owl came to mind (I will explain later...) And I just have to admit that I am nothing short of a cosmetics addict. There is no more fulfilling task than slipping on a great lip color, lining my deep brown peepers, and staring back at the diva that is moi and thinking, well done! (Gratifying only to me, and expected by the people I apparently believe are thinking about me each time I leave my home, but so worth it.). So, throwing in a beauty product was apropos.

 With all of this being equal, there is no place quite like the Marley Owl's spot, because I am free to be the expressive soul I have become. Years of insecurities and acts that illicit question marks aside, the Marley Owl creature emerged as a writer. Three years and many Examiner posts later, I decided to take it in my direction, wild, free, pretty, gritty, honest, and organically inspired.  Plus fashion forward...and a little quirky.

 The power of the word can't be hidden anymore. And neither can I!




The Marley Owl loves her Superb Beauty Finds:

I am in love with a new line. The name is Nyakio (pronounced Ney-Kay-Oh) and skin care that is ethically sourced and takes a cue from time tested African ingredients for skin that evokes oohs and ahhs. Nyakio's Kenyan grandmother worked a sustainable farm raising sugar cane and coffee. These ingredients along with the sheer tenacity of the maker of the eponymous line are great reasons why this "good for you" line is on the market now. Nyakio bridges the gap in the market for skincare with Women of Color in mind as well as giving a great option to those looking for a more natural approach to anti- aging products.

A product to try that hints "Spring is here, no matter what the groundhog said!"-

 Nyakio Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut ($49)
A richly hydrating facial oil that contains 12 oils (yes, twelve) along with the Kenyan sourced kola nut oil with naturally derived caffeine, and marula oil. The oils promote even skin tone and lessened appearance of wrinkles. This one has excited me to no end since testing it, and I just had to let you in on this hidden gem. I truly don't think I am my age after using this (but of course, I never do think that...)


The Marley Owl loves her Autistic son

Tyler...

Is my reason for wanting to be an owl. He loves owls. He once had an owl named "MR. Owl." Mr. Owl traveled everywhere he did, school, grocery store, bus rides, back seat car passenger... I am sure that the Owl saw much more of the world than I would have anticipated. Tyler didn't see the owl as a stuffed replica, but a real creature that would befriend him always. When my son went to bed, The Owl had a very special place nearby, tucked in tight and safely. If he was unable to locate Mr. Owl, Tyler would cry until I unearthed him, under the sofa hidden by furry friends or just hanging out at the school alone and miserable (I suppose that owl was unhappy without Tyler...I would have been, too!)

A beautiful mysterious creature is the Owl. Nocturnal and territorial, and sees all from a perch up high. Maybe Tyler knows that the Owl is mystical enough to understand his Autism. And truly just not judge him because the security of being misunderstood is shared by both.


The Marley Owl Shops and Plans For Spring

Shopping belongs in a woman's cosmic universe. There isn't much like a great sale and something to spend precious dollars on. With life being as crazy as it is, having a girl's holiday is simply visiting an online shop or checking out local deals. I get excited by the small stuff. It definitely becomes a distraction from the major impact of de jour et ma vie. (Please don't believe I have traveled to France from this little digression...I plan to plan it before my life flashes before my eyes:) I studied 7 years of French language and only shared it with perhaps 8 French speaking people in my life.)

The Marley Owls Eats Healthy In Mississippi...

The State of Mississippi has been labeled as an obese one. I once was a heavier person. I truly identify with the struggles of those who have fought the scales. But after 10 years of being my current weight after losing over 75 pounds, I think  I found my magic equation for weight management. Now, I have been turning to a more organic lifestyle and widening my nutrition options. The art of organic and green living is no longer a fad, but a real consciousness with its own beat. Plus, it can be done on a limited budget. Plus, with Tyler's Autism, it may be time to visit the Gluten- Free concept.
I recently visited the newest Whole Foods Market store, the very first in Mississippi, and was truly delighted with what I saw. Plus, I encountered awesome people along my journey through the aisles. Here at The Marley Owl, I hope to take a closer look at eating and living healthy through a more focused diet.

Stay connected with me on my page.

(I am veryatypical1 on the Twittersphere.)