It’s time for my reminder about Mother’s Day. We love our mothers. Of course we love our mothers. But they drive us crazy. They raised us wonderfully/strangely/amazingly/poorly or they didn’t raise us at all. They fill us with love or hate or guilt or horror or remorse. We take care of them or they take care of us. Perhaps we … Read More
Rare Disease Day: Williams Syndrome
Today is #rarediseaseday. My sweet Niko has the double whammy of Williams Syndrome and autism. Williams is a fascinating, intricate syndrome accompanied by physical and cognitive challenges, but also joy, curiosity, and so much love. We are better people and a better family because of Niko. He’s a sweet, loving, curious 20-year-old boy. He still wants to sit on my … Read More
Checking in Safe from the UNLV Shooting
I should have done this a few days ago, but quite frankly, I haven’t been in the best headspace. There was an active shooter at the UNLV campus on Wednesday, December 8. If that campus sounds familiar to you, it might be because I mention it when I’m doing workshops or guest teaching there. I was just there and was … Read More
May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month!
Once upon a time, an angry, tiny baby was born. He was sweet and cried constantly and shredded his tender little face with his fingers. We put socks on his hands and, with doctor’s permission, duct-taped them to the sleeves of his onesie so protect his skin. Apparently it’s fine to do so if the tape never touches their skin, … Read More
Today is Rare Disease Day. Williams Syndrome.
My sweet Niko has Williams Syndrome and autism. Williams Syndrome is an intricate syndrome caused by the deletion of the elastin gene on the seventh chromosome. This spontaneous deletion on one tiny gene has the ability to dramatically change our lives. He’s a sweet, loving, curious 19-year-old boy. He still wants to sit on my lap. He asks me to … Read More
Read “Cursed” Online!
I am so incredibly honored that my short essay, “Cursed”, was shared on the HWA Mental Health Initiative page. Why not stop and read the Mental Health Initiative Charter? Shatter the stigma, my friends. You can find this painfully honest essay here. <3
Issue 129 of Apex Magazine is Out!
I’m delighted about this because it includes my article “The Importance of Presenting Disabilities in Literature.” As you’d expect, this subject is quite close to my heart, and I’m quite proud of this article. Apex is a very cool magazine and you can never go wrong with them. You can pick up your edition here. Strange. Beautiful. Shocking. Surreal. APEX … Read More
A Podcast Interview with PaleoCheese!
Oh my friends! I had the best time doing a podcast interview with my old friend Chad Lutzke and my new friend Jeremiah Bannister! The main topic was the importance of a supportive spouse when you’re a creative, but we also discussed scorpions, strong women, children with special needs, and all sorts of things. Come have a listen!
TMS Therapy Posts in Order!
I am so delighted and humbled by all of the sweet people who have reached out to me asking about Transcranial Magnetic Therapy. Mental health is so important and let’s smash the stigma surrounding it, yes? It’s been a while since I finished TMS, and I’m still feeling great without it. Of course I have good days and bad days, … Read More
I Completed My TMS Therapy!
It went swimmingly. Do you see this smile? This is a genuine, happy smile. It was, indeed, a time commitment, but it really flew by quickly. It felt good to get up, get dressed, and go somewhere every day. It was powerful to take that step especially when all I originally wanted to do was stay home and hide under … Read More