IT"S NOT CHRISTMAS BUT...

 Indulge me. I wondered what my mom was thinking as she knitted my Christmas stocking.  What emotions was she feeling?  She had no way of knowing I would have a disability. On my first Christmas, I was a fat, happy baby. What were her hopes for me that Christmas?

CAN SOMEONE WHO NEEDS CARE PROVIDE CARE?

 

I hope I made my mom's last months on this Earth comfortable and happy. I wanted her free from pain. Rest in Peace, Mom. I would give anything for one more day with you. I love you.

 

A LONG ROAD, BUT I DID IT

The road to achieving my goals of getting an undergrad and a master's degree was bumpy, filled with potholes and naysayers. I was on the verge of quitting, but my career took a different path. I did not become a social worker, graduate school in the 80s is not something I'd wish to repeat. I can say with pride that I got through it. I did not let the naysayers stop me.

 

MELVYN WAS A GREAT MAN

 I learned so much from Melvyn. Your life can still be meaningful despite being in an LTC.  He did not demand respect; his presence commanded it. 

MY WACKY STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS ON A MONDAY

This video has a little bit of everything. From my favorite bands and books to Insta. Check it out.

 

I'M A SQUARE PEG TRYING TO FIT IN

I am a square peg (square being the operative word) trying to fit into a world that was not made for people with disabilities. Trying to adapt. Trying to be seen and heard, If I go out to dinner, I expect to be included in the conversation of those I'm dining with. Not to just eat my food while the others in the group chatter away. I try to break into the conversation, but I am ignored. I am the only person with a disability. I was good for a smiling photo op of the group. I was invited; not included. This was not my first time. It won't be the last. 

I am grateful to friends and family who accept and include me for me. 

 

A BABY BEAR IS BORN

Illustrations by Gerrie Brinker

My book would not have become a reality without my family's unwavering support.

SHE WAS THE BEST

JoAnn took this photo of me with Paulette

 So many memories. JoAnn was like a sister to me. 

GOSSIP GIRL IN A THNUNDERSTORM

 

I loved Rona Barrett, her magazines, and TV specials.  As a teen, she was my idol.

Tornado sirens, hail, and wind. Every storm my mind\ goes back to the storm on Good Friday, April 22, 2011

My favorite magazine

   Thunder and lightning yikes.

I AM NOT MY LABEL

The first time I realized how disabled I really was. It was sobering  

 

Read this post for more on this topic: https://confessionsofadisableddiva.blogspot.com/2020/03/see-me_46.html 

TO ALL THE CHAIRS I'VE LOVED BEFORE

A manual wheelchair was okay, getting a power wheelchair expanded my world by allowing me the freedom to explore it on my own. Freedom.

 

IT'S BACKWARD

 

Billionaires do not have a cap on how much they can earn. Those of us with disabilities do We are the largest minority group in this country. What is wrong with this picture?

THESE DREAMS

 

Thanks to Julie Boyer for the photo

I have many dreams. Most of them you'd laugh at.    Living where there are palm trees and warm weather is one, Oh, and a sparkling blue sky.\

A BARBIE GIRL WHO DIDN'T UNDERSTAND

Barbie was an awesome part of my childhood. She did anything I imagined/ I'm still a Barbie Girl.

When I was young, I wanted to be like everyone else. I didn't understand many things. My body was different from other kids, but my mind was not.

 

GRATITUDE AND EMPATHY 101

 

It can take a village.

I am grateful for mine.

Classes in empathy need to be taught/. 

Denmark's got the right idea.

A PLETHORA OF VLOGS

 

I talk about a little of everything in these 4 vlogs. Let me know what you think.

Don't you; love the word plethora?  

GOT QUESTIONS? I HAVE ANSWERS (PART ONE)

SOME REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS.  AND THIS IS ONLY PART ONE/

STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO/

 

OH NO SHE DIDN'T

How a haircut became a teaching moment for both my stylist and me

And...

ASK ME (ALMOST) ANYTHING

 

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