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.
Rituals Matter Even When They Change.
I thought this summer, Mikelle’s long-standing birthday tradition of a large gathering of friends at the local park might insist on a return to normal
Am I Eating Right?
I am intrigued. For all the health and fitness information on the internet, stacked in the aisle at book stores, there is very little
Adding Voice to Advocacy
Advocacy is a Latin term made up of two words “Ad” and “Voca” which means “amplify” and “Voice” thus advocacy is the process of amplifying the voices
March Madness
“Never let the things you cannot do prevent you from doing the things you can.” -Coach John Wooden Oh my goodness, the light at
Sunshine in Winter
In the heart of winter lies February, the month of love. For us, it has been about romantic love for the pandemic that has
Once Upon Tomorrow
Once upon tomorrow, will there be rainbows? What colors will we see? Where will the yellow brick road lead? And, what will life be like
The Fruits of Frustration
These days the fruit on the vine bears a copious crop
Could this be the End of Dental Drama?
After two years and 3 decades, Mikelle and I might be at the end of our dental drama. One by one, tooth by tooth, Mikelle’s
Label Jars Not People…a Caregiver’s Perspective.
Gratitude exists in many forms here at the Shining Beautiful community. Health, safety, good friends and community, and wonderful women who cross our path for
The Gathering of Women During COVID
Five beautiful women gathered at the old mansion in the middle of town. The sky was not gray with clouds, or blue in color, but
Rethinking, Reimagining, and Resolved to be Resilient.
We at the Shining Beautiful Series are rethinking our entire way of providing support for Mikelle to define a new and vibrant rhythm to life
Drive-Thru Inclusion in the Time of COVID.
Our community is in transition. Inclusion looks different than it did just months ago. It is mid-July, and it has been hot and dry here