We recently had the chance to connect with Linda Bonner and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Linda, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I’ve recently been reading more as a way to relax and step away from work and busyness. I was a big reader when I was a child and love having it as a go-to when I just want to escape.
Mostly I’m reading books by Robyn Carr, Susan Mallory, and Debbie Macomber. I enjoy reading in the evenings with a cup of tea and don’t even realize how long I’ve been sitting. And the best part? It’s a way to restart by brain and my system. I’m refreshed in a way and find I’m ready to focus on the real world again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I consider myself a multi-ipassionate creative and am the owner of Linda Bonner Studios. As an artist I specialize in miniature art and greeting card design. My miniature art is sold through Art-O-Mat (www.artomat.org) with art vending machines around the world!
Designing greeting card really feeds my soul and I use these designs to teach card-making workshops to senior communities to bring creativity and joy to their day. Nonprofits as well as businesses and corporations are also hosting these card-making workshops for service projects. Some recent projects have been cards for Veterans, Breast Cancer Awareness Cards, and cards for children battling pediatric cancer.
As of this writing I have taught 70 card-making workshops so far for 2025, with 25 more scheduled through the end of the year. I simply love sharing and bringing creativity and fun to others!
I am also an author, writer, speaker, and coach with Blessed with Extraordinary, my international bestselling book. It is designed to equip families with resources, education, and encouragement so they can build the very best life for their children or loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). My journey as a disability champion started when my son was born with Down Syndrome in 1989.
Today I’m blessed to use my lived experience, adventures, and found resources to help other parents and caregivers on their journey. I love meeting them where they are and helping them navigate the joys and challenges of parenting a child with IDD.
Utilizing disability resource fairs, webinars, small groups, and 1:1 coaching, I bring hope and encouragement to families and organizations that serve them. I cover topics ranging from the 10 essential elements every parent needs to address, to finding support in unexpected places, transition from school life to adult life, and sharing the legal and government topics they need to know.
I am currently working on revising my book, Blessed with Extraordinary, with current information, topics, and resources. I recently published 3 digital downloads to help families on their parenting journey.
All About Me:
This editable “All About Me” Journal was thoughtfully created for parents and caregivers of children with Down syndrome and other forms of IDD. It’s a powerful tool for tracking essential details—routines, preferences, supports, communication styles, and more—all in one easy-to-share place.
Whether you’re preparing for a new teacher, therapist, doctor, or caregiver, this journal helps you advocate clearly and compassionately for your child.
Doctor Visit Checklist:
This editable digital journal is a powerful tool for parents and caregivers preparing for medical appointments. Designed to help you stay organized and confident, the Doctor Visit Checklist ensures your observations, questions, and concerns are clearly documented and ready to share with your child’s care team. It will help
bring peace of mind and clarity to every visit.
Milestones My Way:
This one-of-a-kind milestone journal was created especially for parents and caregivers of children with Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, learning differences, and other developmental disabilities. It offers a meaningful way to celebrate progress that often goes unnoticed in traditional baby books.
Milestones My Way honors the unique and beautiful path your child is on—no matter how long it takes or how different it looks. Whether it’s a shared smile, a new sound, or a sensory breakthrough, this journal provides a space to record and reflect on every moment that matters.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment my son was born and I received his diagnosis of Down Syndrome my world shifted in a very big way. My initial response was fear. I felt so unprepared to care for this child and I knew nothing about Down Syndrome.
With grace, encouragement, information, and understanding from others, including family, professionals, friends, and other parents, I started this journey of advocacy and compassion.
I learned to let go of small thinking and embrace new ideas and information. I started speaking up for myself and my son, sharing the love of raising a child with Down Syndrome. I used my voice to stand up for those that couldn’t. I stopped accepting the minimum and started reaching for the very best care, schooling, activities, and help I could find.
Having a child with Down Syndrome has expanded my world exponentially! It been an extraordinary journey because of the people we’ve met, the adventures we’ve had, and all that I learned along the way.
I’m passionate about sharing our story, helping other understand the value, worth, contributions, and abilities of individuals with Down Syndrome and other forms of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are worthy. You have so much to share with the world.
Don’t live in fear of what others might think or say. Shine your light and share your gifts and talents.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I see people focusing on success at the cost of truly living. With social media we’re all trying to post that thing that will get the most attention and impressions, make us feel important, bring the big money.
All that is important but many are missing out on authentic friendships, real belonging, and believing that there’s something greater than ourselves. This doesn’t have to be spiritual or religious.
Volunteering, helping those in need, advocating for those that can’t speak up for themselves. These are the types of things that I believe make life rich and rewarding. When we do something for someone else, we step beyond our own wants and needs and focus on a life that’s fulfilling and satisfying.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My passion for living life in a community of friends for the purpose of helping and encouraging others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blessedwithextraordinary.com/ and https://lindabonnerstudios.com/
- Instagram: @blessedwithextraordinary and @lindabonnerstudios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-bonner-4953211a7/
- Facebook: @blessedwithextraordinary and @lindabonnerstudios
