My story is rather simple. Born in New York, educated at U of Delaware and Penn State. In 1987 I married my best friend, who I always refer to in print as “Hubby”. And together we had two amazing kids – one that is known in the public arena (Natasha) and the other who likes to be more discreet with his world, like his father. We will call my now adult child #2 – Bubba. (Although, note he is the subject of one of my most read blogs that you can find here.I also have worked in a lot of places because of various family relocations. I had been a School Psychologist for many years, primarily in early childhood education and with the Deaf and Autistic populations. Then one day a parent asked me a very poignant questions…
“How can I learn sign language in a class, when you just told me that my autistic son needs one to one assistance in school. I will never be able to find for him a babysitter so I can leave and learn to sign to communicate with him.” (Keep in mind this was pre-Youtube days).
Then I had an idea! 
I would develop a short sign language video to give to parent’s of children who attended my school. Let’s just say that this “little idea” was the catalyst for a successful company known as Signing Families ™.
At the time, Twitter and Facebook proved to be invaluable for my marketing strategies and also introduced me to many people who would later join me in the venture- 411 VOICES. Sadly, the doors to our collaboration closed in 2018, but as I am reminded when one door closes – another one opens!
I learned to focus on my passions – family (including the furry members), travel, film, and helping children with unique and special needs and their families. So, in 2020 I returned to a School Psychology practice. It made my heart feel good to be of help to others.
When travel became safer during the pandemic, I drove across the United States. This journey provided valuable insights into the diverse lives of people across the country.
You have a lot of time to think when you are driving along the plains of Kansas – and that is about where I decided to continue traveling but with a sharp awareness of how someone with challenges or who needed to travel with unique differences would be able to have the typical experiences of everyday travelers. “Traveling Differently” was born somewhere on Route 70!
I also learned during this time period to branch out and become “artsy”. It was important for me to stretch my creative juices and to think outside of the box and into the paint can! I have started Created by Louise – a fun DIY side hustle/hobby! Check it out here.
What I hope you will find here on this website is a potpourri of fun, creative, and even important information. I hope you enjoy my recommendations! I will never promise to have the perfect website. You may find some blogs are “old and tired”. But, the content is mine and and chronicles my 15+ years online. It is my gift to my readers and a legacy of information for (perhaps) generations to come.
Lastly, I welcome comments that are respectful and not spam.
Be well. Be safe. Be kind to each other.
~Louise
May 2025
