Mikelle and I feel compelled to write about life with a disability, not just the challenges but the opportunities, the friendships, the innovations, and the brilliance of our communities in action as we share our everyday life living with a disability. With a little more information, motivation, we hope to share how our life is shining beautiful and maybe help you to shine beautiful, too.
When Stories Open Doors: Families, Resources, and the Lessons of Viki King
The Unexpected Moment It was a late spring day, and the snow was wet and heavy. The kind of storm that makes you want to curl up by the fire with a cup of coffee, listening to the world go quiet under a white blanket—a perfect day to stay home.
Seasons of Change: August Reflections at Shining Beautiful
Transition Time August is a month of transition. The sun still lingers, but the shadows are growing longer. Back-to-school sales pop up in every store, vacations wind down, and we find ourselves asking: What’s next? At the Shining Beautiful household, August is living up to its reputation. Change is in
The Calendar at the Center of Care
At the heart of our home is a calendar. Not the kind that counts the days, but one that holds the rhythm of Mikelle’s life—steady, specific, and essential. It may look ordinary at first glance, but for us, it is the compass by which care is guided, stories are shared,
Pretty in Pink and Perfectly Included: Mikelle’s Night at Red Rock
Girl’s Night Out Some nights just sparkle—and our evening at Film on the Rocks watching Legally Blonde was one of those unforgettable nights. Mikelle and I, along with our friend Maryann, headed up to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a little bit of Elle Woods magic under the stars. From the
Voices Shining Beautiful Mikelle’s Beam+ Mini-Documentary and Its Premiere at The People’s Theater
A Story of Advocacy In a new short documentary from BEAM+STORIES Season 2, Mikelle steps into the spotlight—not just as a storyteller, but as a lived advocate. As an author, speaker, and business owner, she brings deeply personal insight to disability advocacy, offering a voice that challenges stigma while radiating
From the Runway to the Real Fight: June’s Whiplash Reality Check
The June roller coaster continues. Just days ago, we were basking in celebration. Mikelle modeled with flair and confidence at Denver Fashion Week—wearing a red dress, standing in the spotlight, and receiving applause. Last Sunday, her story was one of nine featured at the Beam + documentary screening, a collection
Shining on the Runway: Disability, Fashion, and the Power of Presence
Denver Fashion Week There’s something magical about being seen—not just looked at, but truly seen. This June, Mikelle lit up the runway at Denver Fashion Week, and the glow didn’t stop at the edge of the stage. It extended into the crowd, into the community, into all of us who
Living Life Like Improv: Saying “Yes” to Change in Uncertain Times
It’s one of the foundational rules of improv comedy. You don’t deny the situation; you accept it and then build on it. It feels like the script has been thrown out in times like these. So what do we do? At Shining Beautiful, we lean into life like improv artists:
Summer, Uninterrupted: Finding Joy Amid Uncertainty
New Normal Let’s face it—uncertainty is the new normal, especially for families navigating disability services and supports. Between policy shifts, staffing shortages, and the ongoing tug-of-war over Medicaid and special education funding, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck waiting for the next shoe to drop. You Deserve Joy But
Flexibility, Creativity, and Hope: Our Everyday Power Tools
Change – the pace of change is real! None of us could have planned for COVID, protests, economic challenges, job loss, and alterations in services for our families. I know Mikelle, and I never thought we would be social distancing. Our focus has always been on being active in
From Baby Swings to Business Cards: Raising Resilient, Capable Adults.
Now that Mikelle and I are both older—she is approaching forty-two, and I am well into my next chapter—I often look back on the winding path that brought us here. Time has given me the perspective to reflect on what truly made the difference in helping her shape her future.
March Medicaid Madness: Bracket-Busting Cuts and the Fight for Survival
Basketball fans know the thrill and chaos of March Madness every March — an unpredictable tournament where anything can happen. For those of us relying on Medicaid services, that same sense of unpredictability is playing out in real life, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Colorado and the federal government