Welcome to my world...it's a twisted little place, more often than not lonely, though packed with more people than I care to share it with much of the time. I am primarily a mother, and a teacher...a sometimes reluctant wife...less often than I need to be, an artist, a writer, a dreamer, a human...
I dance between two extremes: the need to be alone, entirely, and the need to surround myself with people, to connect, to prove my existence to myself.
If not for the six little people who keep me anchored here, I would likely be drifting somewhere, high (not an unpleasant thought, truthfully), waiting for the right moment to make my exit, quietly. They keep me safe. They make sure I have something to do besides destroy myself. They are often the only light, and I am am forever grateful for the blessings that are mine in these wild, needy, beautiful creatures who chose me as their mama.
Before you get the idea that I am only a depressive, morose little person who sits in the dark listening to songs about being trapped in a laundry room for hours on end, let me reassure you that is far from true.
I also listen to songs about suicide and the vast hopelessness of it all.
Ha. See, I do have a sense of humor.
Seriously, kids. The upside of being (unofficially) manic-depressive is, well, the upside. The days spent surrounded by noisy, happy kids, knowing most mamas wouldn't let their children loose on the patio with the instruction to paint everything they see. The simple joy of a good book and that sunny spot on the front steps. The moment when I realize winter is really, truly over, and I can crouch in my garden, inspecting every inch of soil for the little green spot that is something growing.
Life is good, and from here you can check out my blog (a word that I hate with a passion but alas has been forcibly added to my vocabulary by my irrational need to write about things nobody gives a shit about) and assorted other things I'll link to at some point, things you'll undoubtedly find fascinating.
I'm a freelance writer and have written about autism, parenting, the legalization of marijuana, and music, among other things. I also write a monthly column and am a "roving reporter" (I feel like Lois Lane) for a new publication called Who's DANN. Who's DANN is put out by the non-profit Differently Abled News Network and is dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments of people with disabilities rather than focusing on the differences. It's also a great source of information for people with disabilities and their families. Click here to read what I've been writing.
If you read this far, congratulations. You're as screwed up as I am, if not more.
Peace-
