Phoenix Rising

Back On My Feet Again... I Think!

I can't believe that it's been so long since I last posted. Life has taken over. I'm
just trying to keep up. Sometimes I feel like I'm just treading water and can't get up on my feet without being overtaken.

but then...

everything seems alright, and there isn't much that matters. Except...

their smiling faces!

Artistically, I've been somewhat busy. Fenix(see previous posts on this daughter) needs a service dog. She has narcolepsy with cataplexy. It is really presenting some challenges for her daily life, and consequently mine. I don't think there is anything worse then to have your child challenged in ways that you cannot help. Although we have found an organization that might be able to provide a dog for her, it will be some time before we know. It's remarkable what these animals are capable of doing. Here's a link to give you some idea. This dogs name is Adele. Adele was trained by Canine Partners for Life, and believe me, these dogs and the people that train them make a difference in peoples lives. Take a look at their site.

So, what does this have to do with my art? Well, it costs about 15k to train a companion dog, and although most of the organizations provide dogs at no cost, Fenix and I are doing this fund raisers. I need to do something!



I've started making these small pins. Someone suggested that I also make them into necklaces. They are polymer and hand made. I begin each one with the basic heart shape and then build on it.



I have actually grown fond of working on them, and adding the detail to each one. Each one becomes special. This is how I have learned to let my hands do the work of my heart. This way I can contain it.



Something else that I want to bring to your attention is how difficult life has become for those in this country for citizens that suffer any type of disability. The conservative courts have obliterated ADA. Congress has recently held hearings on the ADA Restoration Act of 2007. This new legislation is an attempt by Congress to more clearly define ADA so that the courts cannot as easily use their on "judgement" in determining if they should hear a case. I have included a video of opening remarks of Rob Andrews (D.NJ) made during those hearings.





I really didn't think that I had enough energy left for another cause in this lifetime, but I guess I was wrong. I have begun to circulate a petition and am urging folks to contact there congressmen and urge them to sign on as co-sponsors of this important legislation. I'll be posting more about this later.





That's all for now. And I really think, I'm back up on my feet again,