meina

Conversations are part of everyday life but we’ve perhaps all experienced being at a loss for words. There are many different reasons we might run into that loss for words. Sometimes we aren’t sure how to respond or can’t find the right words, but sometimes it’s not a matter of choice. Selective mutism is perhaps a condition you’ve never heard…

Sometimes just as important as character or plot is designing where it all comes together. That’s why today Creative 5 will explore 5+ tools perfect for designing everything from rooms to full maps.  By Melissa K. Vassar-Belloso So as usual, fair warning that these were my personal picks after researching room and set design. If you don’t like them or…

As we grow from children into adults, there are certain milestones in our lives that signify healthy development. Maybe you remember learning to swim,ride a bike or write your name. Maybe you remember learning to play sports. Maybe you just like being able to walk and eat  at the same time without falling on your face. These are all thanks…

TOAA Reflections What it Means to be Part of a Support Network By Melissa K. Vassar-Belloso In a continuation of considering recent events in my life, I’ve been trying to make an effort to try to understand some of the viewpoints of the people around me. My mother recently told me that my recent tough spots were toxic to her…

TOAA Reflections Is There Really a “Right” and “Wrong”? By Melissa K. Vassar-Belloso I felt like starting today off with a little reflection. I actually have a bit of a headache but my mind feels active today. Maybe that means I’ll accomplish some things today. Recently I’ve been trying to make more efforts to try and learn more about communication…

TOAA Reflections Are Negative Emotions Necessary to Heal? By Melissa K. Vassar-Belloso So I know I’ve been reflecting a lot lately. Part of that is adjusting to a new medication but part of it is really starting to have to deal with the emotional roller coaster of healing from some personal relationships I’ve had to come to terms with. You…

TOAA Reflections How a Photobooth and a Phone Call Saved my Life By Melissa K. Vassar-Belloso Today is an amazing day. It’s Halloween and on this day two years ago I stood in a courthouse and did the one thing I never thought I would do. I got married. Now you may not think getting married is amazing, but far…

TOAA Reflections The Problems With How Our Society Treats Abuse Victims By Melissa K. Vassar-Belloso So a little while ago I did another reflection called “Why is it Always my Fault?” in response to an incident with my parents and it got me thinking about something. One of the reasons it got me thinking is that I realized it was…

In the midst of the popularity of the internet and social media, avatar makers have become a hot commodity. We use avatars all the time to fill in the pictures of profiles of everything from social media to discussion forums. Avatars have become essentially our “face” when we seek to indulge in the virtual world. But there are a lot…

We all deal with stress  and hardship at some point in our lifetime. Whether it’s financial hardship, failed relationships, personal tragedies or stress from a medical issue we will have our own ways of dealing with those events. But while some of us can push through or grieve in a healthy manner, that’s not the case for everyone. Today we’ll…