Posts

Does Your Disability Define You?

I’ve seen variations on this question come up on several disability-related Facebook groups recently, and I find everyone’s responses interesting. Although it seems like a simple question at first glance, it’s actually fairly complicated once fully analyzed. I think it’s safe to say that most disabled people’s gut reaction when asked this is som[...]

Working with Rod

"Be courageous and be brave, and in my heart, you'll always remain forever young." -Sir Rod Stewart As many of you who follow my blogs and Facebook posts have seen, my friend, Christy, and I have had some pretty amazing experiences at concerts all over the country. We've had a private meet and greet with Reba, a conversation with Harry Connick Jr., and[...]

A Look Inside My Art Room

I’m not one of those typical “I work best in a mess” artists. I have too much of my father’s left brain in me for that. When everything is everywhere, it makes me to anxious to work. I like organization – everything in its place where I can always find it. I like my workspace to look clean and uncluttered, even if it is secretly a disaster behind c[...]

Swimming: My Best Exercise

As you can imagine, finding an effective way to exercise when you have limited mobility is tricky. It's even harder when if you move certain ways or overwork your muscles, your bones break. Welcome to my world. My biggest problem is that my muscles are stronger than most of my bones, and so when they contract too hard or spasm from overuse, they often break[...]

Getting My New Car

The writing had been on the wall for a while that I would need a new van sooner rather than later. The trusty Toyota Sienna that I inherited from my dad when he passed away six years ago had a multitude developing minor issues. The sun roof leaked, so when it rained, water collected in the ceiling of the car and rained down onto the passengers every time we[...]

The Comfort of Lying on Tables

As most of you know, I spend a lot of my time lying down. It’s easier for me to function in that position because my back and neck get tired quickly in my chair, and when I’m lying on my side I feel like I’m not having to fight gravity as much. It can be hard for me to lift my arms to do things sitting up, but lying on my side I can use my body to supp[...]

Finding an Aide

With as many people out there looking for a job as there are, you would think that finding an aide for me would be an easy task. Let me be the first to tell you, it's not.  The ads we place when searching for a new aide for me usually go something like this:  "In search of a woman between the ages of 23 and 45 to be an aide/personal assistant to a young[...]

Dieting with a Disability

Let's just get it out there: dieting sucks. Right ladies? I mean, what is better than a hot donut first thing in the morning, a big, juicy  hamburger with a buttery bun and a soda for lunch, or fresh pecan pie with ice cream after dinner (maybe with a glass of port or sherry)? I'm drooling just thinking about it! Why is it that all the good foods make us ga[...]

Little Big Fans

For those of you following along, you already know that music is a HUGE part of my life, and that I live for my next concert. For those of you just joining us…You will soon know. I promise. There are a few bands my friend and I follow closely, and today I’m going to tell you about one of my all-time favorites – Little Big Town. Christy and I hav[...]

Finding the Right Undies

Alright ladies, time for some real talk. Guys, we are about to delve into the twisty but necessary world of undergarments, so you may just want to stop reading now. You've been warned.  As you may suspect, finding clothes that are age-appropriate can be quite a challenge for me. I prefer not to wear shirts with peace signs or jeans with ponies. I try to st[...]