What's Walking Got to Do With It?

"Disabled doesn't mean unable. It just means different abled"

-Unknown-

In my case, this means physically disabled, in case you were scratching your head... for those of you who may not know me and are just reading this, I thank you in advance!

I am often stereotyped and put into the box of "special"... I don't mean the good kind of special. I mean special as in special needs. Even though I am 33 years old, soon to be 34, lord wiling, people still sometimes treat me like "poor little 7 year old girl". Give me a break! I am a grown woman who works a full time job, pays bills, and if it comes down to it, is kicking butt and taking names! No, seriously! We all do this adult life. There are no exceptions for me!

This is a random thought that often passes through my mind as I am going about my day while out or at work. I often get amused at folks approaching me and treating me or talking to me as though I am five. I don't even think they do it on purpose! It's just something that most, not all, people tend to gravitate towards! Particularly the older generation (bless their hearts). As they always tell me "bless your heart." Now, I do appreciate my grandmas and grandpas...don't get me wrong. I genuinely get a sincere smile from them... but I can't help but wonder why people judge my wheelchair before they see me or even bother to say hi. I mean, I know I talk a little awkward at times, perhaps (my friend is shaking her head as I said that), but you know what, to me, as I hear myself talk, I don't hear that weird tone. That was just a random thought. Sorry... back on track! Of course, people that know me are going to say "you don't talk funny. I don't hear it!" Come on, guys! Those of you who know me, know that there is something unique there that I just don't hear myself! Anywho, focus, Kamie, focus!

So, I am just saying, what does walking have to do with it??!? Apparently, quite a bit in today's world! I have to work a ton harder just for people to take me seriously as a grown individual, honestly! Having a disability makes it difficult for people to want to give you chances with jobs, promotions, and once again, to be taken seriously! You are automatically considered less than the average person walking on two feet. Just for once, I would love to go into an interview, meeting, etc.. and ask the question "what does walking have to do with it?" Disabled doesn't mean unable. It's just different abled. Let me say this again. DISABLED DOESN'T MEAN UNABLE. IT'S JUST DIFFERENT ABLED"

I would honestly like to see someone of importance, someone of superiority answer that question to my face and answer it without hesitation or try to dumb it down. It doesn't stop there. I am not just talking about in the workforce or interacting with everyday people. I am talking about good, fair, and honest chances that you would give the person standing right next to me. Chances in life, friendships that perhaps, I have

not allowed to happen because... maybe I feel in my own head that I am just a burden... it's a constant battle that my soul is up against on a daily basis. I need to get over it and figure out a way to make "me" work with people. Does that make sense?

Maybe.... just maybe, I need to change my way of thinking. If I do that, then the right friends will come along into my life. That's what they say, right? I'm not socially awkward, but I do tend to hesitate myself when doing stuff with or around people... certain people that is. So, I guess it's true. Maybe, I am hindering myself, and I need to get out there and stop second guessing myself. I guess that's how you start.. there are people that are going to accept you, and there are people who will most definitely not accept you. Everyone is not for everybody, so why should I expect anything different? Who knows what will be? These are just my thoughts on paper. I just want the universe to know that just because I am different abled, does not mean I am unable, and I am not just some weird alien from outer space. No, it's not always just about being able bodied and walking... it's about finding someone willing to take a chance with you... whatever that means, right? Times like now when I am writing thoughts like these, I really wish I were still fully able... like I was about 12 years ago before my second back surgery. I didn't need any physical help, and for some reason or another, I didn't appear to be as much of a burden on someone as I do now. I really don't try to go there. People say all the time that I am not a burden, but one can easily say that. Living it every day is something completely different that I can't explain 100% I am still able, by all means of the word, but just not maybe in everyone else's senses of the word. Boy, do I miss 12 years ago. I wouldn't even have to ask for physical help for anything... not even travel. I would go by myself with no problem! I am used to that! It doesn't bother me! I just want people to get the message that you should never judge a book by it's cover or assume anything! Not just disability wise, but in any other category of today's world! I know it's hard for us as humans, but now more than ever, the way that today is, you should be more open and accepting and loving and kind. Just be good humans!

I am hoping that maybe this blog will get to someone who needs to hear this message! I want to get into this subject a little more on future blogs. Hope you find it easy to read and get an understanding of where I am coming from... not just for me but for other individuals!

Keep sharing the blog entries! I love the comments! Keep them coming! I will be blogging more, so come on in the room and find a seat! Let's have a conversation!

For now, I am sending all of my love! Please hit that subscribe button! Take care of yourselves and each other! I appreciate you all so very much! Be Well!

~Kamie~

Lovely Purple Madness

Hey Guys!

It's been awhile. Sorry about that! It seems like everything that can get in the way of me writing these blogs has gotten in the way (including not one but TWO floods in my kitchen in one week.... Oh, JOY!) I'm here, and I can be grateful for that....

Tonight, I want to write about PURPLE MADNESS... which means, My Purple Fam!

As many people know, I love me some PRINCE! I have connected with these Purple Social Groups over the last few years, and in doing so, I have met several Prince loving individuals! These folks share the understanding of my love for Prince and what he stood for (now, I don't want to sound psycho here... lol... but here we go! )

No guys, in all seriousness, connecting with the "Purple Nation" has been so uplifting. These people are all over the world, connecting via one or two social media groups, and I have been so blessed to go on a couple of these trips and meet some truly awesome individuals!

Connecting with these people has expanded my horizons! I thought I would give up the idea of travelling because it's so hard to find someone to go with me, let alone paying for two people at times just so I can have someone to travel with and not seem like I am a burden on them. It seems like these people believe in me, and because of them believing in me, I have fought harder to travel and have more opportunities...

In a way, more than most, I feel accepted by the Purple Nation. They don't judge. A lot of them know that I use a wheelchair, and sometimes, it really feels like those are the only friends that I have to go to. I feel a connection to them that is comforting and uplifting with endless possibilities.

I have experienced things that otherwise, I would never experience if it were not for the connection with Purple Nation. All thanks to Prince for bringing everyone together! Prince was always about love for one another, and that's truly the feeling I get 99% of the time I am with my Purple Fam.

I just feel extremely blessed to feel this accepted when in my own world, I don't even come close to it. We are all human beings of different nationalities, different states, and different colors, personalities, build, etc... but we all come together for one purpose... to honor Prince. spread love, light, and positivity. and appreciate his music. We pay it forward whenever possible because we lift each other up, and that's what friendship is all about!

I have been pretty blessed to connect with some of Prince's people, if you will. Let me tell you about some of that!

Steve Parke (his photographer, art director, etc... in the early 1990's). He's a Fairfax Virginia native. Now, he resides in Maryland. I go to his art gallery shows in DC and Maryland to show support whenever possible. Steve is just an all around awesome guy. I really would love to do some photos with him, honestly! Maybe, he wouldn't mind wasting some time on me (even though my friend that is here with me getting me through this is telling me that I am NOT a waste of time). Maybe, I should ask him sometime!

Then, there's the lovely glowing soul, heart big as the universe, Prince's first former wife... who I have met and connected with many times now... Every time I see her, she always uplifts my spirit. She's come to DC several times to teach her always fun, energetic, belly dancing classes. I have been blessed to make it to all of the classes that she has taught in DC, if I remember correctly... She's a lover of all animals and has this amazing rescue that she puts her whole heart into. She has saved countless animals and helped them find "furever" homes. Just a girl of many talents who never stops working! She's a go-getter for real! I love her spirit! If you are interested in taking a look at her rescue, go to www.mayte.com to check all of her information out. You can even adopt if you want, honestly! She is so easy to talk to... you will love her! Contact her if you want. She doesn't mind. She will be excited! Tell her Kamie sent you!!

Lenny Kravitz and Sheila E. Because I have connected with the Purple Nation, I have made it a special interest to connect with Prince's people as much as possible. If anything, they are a part of Prince's universe in a big way! I mean, come on, they have performed with the guy for goodness sake! I have been to Sheila E's concerts twice in DC. Lenny Kravitz twice last year (second husband)-- and believe me, any time he comes anywhere close to me, I will come back every time, lord willing!! Even if I travel somewhere and he is close having a show, I will see him!! No questions. Sorry, had a moment... moving on, shall we?

Morris Day and The Time- He came to Alexandria, Virginia last year. I had bought tickets and everything to go and see the show. Literally, one day before the show, my ride decides to back out. I had even bought a ticket for them! That would have been my second time seeing Morris Day in concert! I have that issue a lot with people backing out last minute as far as rides! This brings me back to thinking that I need a van... seriously in order to have a life! Damn. I even pay people for rides... offer to buy them dinner, purchase a ticket, why does it seem like I am literally buying a buddy to hang out with?!? That's what is seems like it comes down to... pretty sad!

Never the less, good experiences have been had when they have happened. For that, I am thankful! I could probably go on, but then this blog entry would never stop.

As I am singing "purple rain purple rain..."

I am looking forward to more experiences , and I am still looking for a travel buddy/helper for next year. Airfare and hotel paid for... since I couldn't go this year.

For all of you reading this, if you have a friend that loves to travel, can drive, is female, and loves to be active, pass the information along! I think I am pretty cool to hang out with (my friend is nodding her head), not too hard to deal with.... I am just full of life, and it really sucks sometimes to be SO STUCK (which I refuse to believe nor will I accept).

This is kind of a simpler blog, as I feel like I am just kind of rambling. You guys can see where I am coming from, I hope!

With that being said... sending some PURPLE love tonight (yay!) Go ahead, tell Alexa to turn on some Prince... you know you want to!! You are WELCOME (Big Smiles!)

As always, please stay positive! Let's motivate one another to help each other out and help each other up! Please share the information to your friends or their friends who might love the opportunity to travel! THANKS!

Please share, subscribe, and comment! Hope you enjoyed the read!

Next blog coming soon! I appreciate the support from you all!

Virtual Hugs!

~Kamie~

Weekly Mashup-- the good, the bad, and EVERYTHING in between!

WHAT A WEEK!

Hey everyone! I don't know about you but first and foremost, my energy for the last week literally has been so weird that I cannot describe it... it's just been a mashup of every emotion, every feeling... good, bad, and just plain awkward.

Now, I am not here to get political, but I will say... man, what an election, dude!

Anyone else agree? I am glad it's over for the most part, but it ain't really over!

Secondly, the workweek did not go smoothly for me AT ALL.

Literally worked one day, but all is good...except the devil was trying extremely hard, but I prevailed! With work, photo shoot, appointments, and everyone cancelling on me at the last second when I am half way to my destination... it felt like I couldn't win for losing! The whole entire WEEK went like that! There were positives in between all of the foolishness... I rescheduled my photo shoot, I didn't get fired by my boss, randomly ended up having lunch with my dad... a real rarity! He paid for toilet paper and toothpaste (LOL) and lunch, by the way! So that was definitely a positive!

Thirdly, on Friday, I was able to get my mother to give me a ride to my tattoo appointment! Yes, pictures to follow soon! Then, we ran some errands in between, which was awesome because I don't have to rely on the crazy transportation! Which was nice, because literally five minute errand runs don't turn into 2 hour ordeals! BIG PLUS! I did treat my mother to breakfast, which was a surprise, because usually she is not up for stuff like that. I think she enjoyed it! Moving on, shall we? Oh, wait! We went to that dinky little restaurant I told you about before in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Colonial Pharmacy. There's a little diner inside. Good food, nice ladies! I had to visit again!

Okay, so, today, Saturday, you would think I would sleep in, but to me, as much as I want to be lazy and let my body rest, I also want to keep busy at the same time. Does that make any sense? I feel as if I give myself a day and just sit and do nothing else... I am wasting my time, and I am wasting my days. Then, I just end up being disappointed in myself. On the other hand, when I plan my days like today at 6:00 AM, I am mad because I don't want to get up (LOL) us humans...

So today, I was on Virginia Capital Trail at 7:30 this morning! It was COLD and per usual, I am never properly dressed! So, I was freezing... my fingers, my toes, and everything in between right on off! Besides that, I always love going early in the morning because it's so peaceful! Right now, it's a nice crisp and clean fresh feeling in the air.

The morning sun peeking through the trees, the birds singing! You can actually see deer pretty close up! It's something amazing to see! Being with nature and your thoughts where you can just pray and let go of everything that has been aggravating you the whole week... and not allowing the devil to win is a win within itself... or at least I thought until my bright self decided to come right off the trail into the wet and muddy grass and of course, get stuck... literally, digging my wheels into the mud. You would not believe the people who walked right past me... literally like I was enjoying a random spot in the middle of a huge field with nothing else around me (lol). Did they not notice I was looking all around trying not to be obvious and look goofy but at the same time, being obviously stuck-- thinking... hey, can you come help me get outta' this hole.... Finally, a young girl walked past after about five minutes...and she was actually on the phone with her mother. I yelled "hey, can you give me a push out of the mud... I am literally stuck!" It wasn't even that embarrassing. I was just glad to get out of the hole and stop looking stupid. It's amazing at times how certain times people will offer to help you and other times, they just look the other way. Sometimes, they may just be unsure whether or not to help or if you even want their help. After awhile with the look on my face going-- hey can someone get me out of this hole-- you would think that the sixth person would ask if I was okay. I still won the day, so it's all good!

Tomorrow, Sunday, will be more of a laid back day. I plan to get up early again, do laundry, and hopefully make it to my favorite little tea shop in Carytown-- Sugar + Twine.

My favorite tea.. hot or iced is the Earl Gray Lavender with oat milk and no sweetener and a vegan blueberry muffin. That's my usual order! That little shop get's some BUSINESS... Let me tell you! You will wait in line for a few minutes! If you haven't tried it, I recommend you do so.. just once even! You are WELCOME! (Wink)

I am enjoying this gorgeous Fall weather. It's supposed to be gorgeous again Sunday. I encourage everyone to relish in the sun and weather while you can! We have very few of these days left before it gets cold and gray! Go out and be happy, smile at a stranger, enjoy family, and enjoy the Earth. It's beautiful! Take it all in!

Lastly, before I go, I want to thank everyone who has stopped me while I am out and mentioned to me that they know about my blog! All because a friend of a friend of a friend shared it! I think that's pretty awesome! It's a small world after all, and one thing or another, somebody knows somebody who knows somebody! That's pretty wild, and I appreciate all of the views and support! Continue to follow, subscribe, and share! It's all about love for one another! I appreciate you guys! I will see you on the next blog! Until then, sending love to everyone. Take care, and be well!

~Kamie~