On a Wing and a Prayer…

A warm welcome to the newbies who are joining us for the first time. And a friendly welcome back to those who’ve joined us before.

As the title indicates, I’m going to wing the topic of this week’s blog. I’m giving the blog to set the pace and go in the direction it wants to go. I call this, ‘the Holy Spirit’ within me.

‘Blog,’ that’s a funny word. My definition is, A friendly chat. A conversation with… An interesting topic to share and learn about. Hmm. That’s the idea behind the ‘No Shoes Required,’ Blog.

The dictionary says, ” A blog  is an updated website or web page.  It’s run by an individual or small group. Its style is informal or conversational. So, we’ll see what I can share with you and what you might learn from me.

No Shoes Required is an interactive site where we share and learn about each other. The blog needs you to be interactive. Otherwise, it’s all about ‘ME,’ and that’s not the point.

Last week, I featured a guest blogger. Louise is from SW Florida. And she shared her story. I hope that many of you read about her. I know there are many ladies who are following this blog. The blogs are still available to read. I encourage you to go to the site and read them.

But now, I need you to come out of the closet, so-to-speak, and tell us your story. It’s easy to do. Just write what you are comfortable sharing about. Read what Louise wrote. Read any of my blogs. They will give you an idea.

We have something in common. We all have a disability. Perhaps, it isn’t visible, and maybe it is. We each face challenges that we share. I choose not to let my affliction hold me back. It’s my style to push through and find my own triumph.

I don’t expect you to be a carbon copy of me. I want you to be you… I’m comfortable living in my skin. I’m an artist. I’m a writer by trade. I’m a ‘girly girl.’ I’m a true Fashionista. And I like myself.

I might be in my sixties, but I love being trendy. I enjoy being the center of attention. When I’m out-and-about, and people look at me. I want them to see ME. And not my wheels. I’m comfortable flashing a big smile. I’m comfortable with the vibes I give to those who surround me.

I’m guessing that you are comfortable in your skin. This is the person we want to hear about. Just be you… the real you. It’s easy, just email me your story. Email it to me at punken1947@live.com. I will post your story and a picture too.

So, you say, this ‘No Shoes Required,’ blog is about fashion. And you don’t think you are a Fashionista. But, you are. Whether you are a feminist who wears satin and lace, or your style is jeans and T-shirts. Fashion comes in many styles. And you march to your own drummer.

This week’s blog wants to move in a different direction now. My guest this week is Mia Perez. She’s a fictional character in my latest book, ‘Broken, Crisis of Faith.’ Mia comes alive on the written page. Her’s is a tragedy to triumph story.

I’ve decided to treat you to the forward to Broken, Crisis of Faith. I’m proud of my daughter for writing about her perception of having a mother with a disability.

Forward written by

Rebecca Krafft-Martinez

For as long as I can remember, our society said that my mom was disabled. I watched as she learned to live with some pretty hard stuff in her life, but she faced it all with pride and dignity.

She has a genetic disease that caused deterioration of her muscles. This, in turn, diminished her mobility.

The disease has affected her since her early childhood and peaked around the age of thirty. I remember how Mother never let this disease or loss of mobility get in her way.

Under the circumstances, she made our lives the best that she could. She cooked dinner. We went shopping, and she used her artistic talents for school or community events.

She always remained positive and approached every task with the best of her ability. Although she was unable to walk, she found a way to compensate for legs that did not work. She moved on in her life to overcome her disability. She faced her challenges head on with faith and determination.

I’m not just referring to her physical disability.  But she also had to face the social challenges of the times. I watched as Mom blossomed. This during the time of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She became even more self-reliant and less dependent on her husband and children.

Through her I discovered that burdens can make a person stronger. And that insecurity can become strengths. She has taught me to be the best that I could be.

I’ve learned to put my heart and soul into everything I did. I am not the best and never will be, but I do put one hundred and ten percent into my endeavors. I learned that work ethic from Mom.

Mom, you are an inspiration to me. You helped me to see that dreams can come true. That sometimes suffering and joy go hand-in-hand. I’ve become a strong and independent person. You taught me to love myself in spite of any limitations.

I thank God for His wisdom. I could not have asked for a better mother or role model. If it wasn’t for my mother’s example, I would have never ‘overcome’ my own fears and insecurities. I don’t think that I would have become the woman I am today.

I am proud to call her my mother.

Mia Perez has a bit to say too.

When I woke up from the coma, my doctor said I was in a head-on collision. A drunk driver hit my car. It was a severe car crash that killed my boyfriend and the driver of the other car.

My journey began the day I survived the accident. But soon, it became clear that I would face life without the use of my legs.

Many men and women, helped shape me into the person I became. I learned to face adversity and challenges with determination and humor.

My name is Mia Perez and this is my story.

You can read about Mia Perez in an Amazon E-book to download, or in paperback format.   Broken, Crisis of Faith,  is available at the Kindle ebook store for $5.99. If you prefer a paperback format, the book is available on Createspace at the cost of $9.59. A discount coupon is available on my webpage http://klorraine.com. And while you are there, please read my other blog. It won’t cost you anything. I write about general topics that differ from the No Shoes Required Blog. Thank you…

Author’s Message:

Disability has no boundaries. Creativity and imagination come from the mind, not of the limbs. Anything is possible.

Creativity, talent, artist+ disability = Handicapable.

Until next time,

So be flirtatious, fabulous, and be the Fashionista you want to be. Be yourself because everyone else is already taken.

K. Lorraine

Blanca, the color white…

“Blanca” is the feminine form of the word for “white.” The color white is color at its most complete and pure, the color of perfection. The psychological meaning of white is purity, innocence, wholeness and completion.

White is an achromatic color that reflects all visible light of the spectrum.

In color psychology white is the color of new beginnings, of wiping the slate clean, so to speak. Yet, it is the blank canvas. So, use it and paint your own picture. White isn’t stimulating to the senses. But it opens the way for the creation of anything the mind can conceive.

The color white is cleanliness personified, the ultimate in purity!! This is why it is a tradition for brides to wear white.  And the reason why doctors wear white jackets.

White means. Reverence, purity, birth, simplicity, and cleanliness. It is a sign of peace, humility, precision, innocence, and youth. And what would winter be without the white snow.

In Christianity, a white lily represents the Madonna. In present time, white also stands for purity and innocence. It depicts the highest sacred power of God. It stands for everything good, positive, clean, fresh and heavenly.

For Christians, Easter is a deeply religious holiday. We celebrate the day Jesus rose from the dead after the Crucifixion. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. Thus, Easter Sunday is a holy day for Christians. Many Christians view Easter Sunday as a day of new birth.

The tradition of wearing new clothes on Easter dates back centuries. People chose to celebrate new birth of Spring with new clothing. They referred to their new clothes as their “Easter best.”

Around the world, we dress up in their finest attire for Easter church services. In many traditions, women wear white gloves and hats. Even today, most of us choose to follow tradition.

Today is Easter Sunday. And here is my Easter fashion pick.

          

The designer, Ananda is one of my favorites. I found this feminine, sweeping white embroidered shift dress on Zulily. This is my second Springtime event to wear this lightweight fabric frock. I love the style, because my body curves can breathe while sitting in the hot desert heat.

I’ve layered my April outfit with an aqua fringed, open cardigan. The easy on, easy off cover up is the perfect addition for warmth in the indoor air conditioning.  

For an added touch of class, I’ve chosen a vintage, gold filigree trimmed pearl earrings. I thought a pearl & gold beaded bracelet would be the perfect finish touch. I bought the bracelet in an arts and crafts fair for two dollars. It’s elastic stretch cording makes it easy to wear. And great if your hands are arthritic or your fingers are feeble.

I chose nude compression stockings instead of white. And my footwear is a simple and comfortable Mary Jane white canvas shoe. I found them on Amazon for under ten dollars. What a bargain!

And a quote by Jonathan Milne says it all. “White covers a multitude of sins.”

Total cost of Easter in the southwest desert. The complete outfit cost, under $25.

Until next time.

I hope your Easter was feminine, flirty and fabulous.

Author’s Message:

Disability has no boundaries. Creativity and imagination come from the mind, not of the limbs. Anything is possible.

Creativity, talent, artist+ disability = Handicapable

Email me your stories, pictures and tid-bits to punken1947@live.com. I’d love to hear from you and I’ll be happy to share your sharing & learning stories with my audience.

K. Lorraine

A Taste of New Mexico…

K. Lorraine’s

No Shoes Required Blog

In New Mexico, we’ve mastered the art of individual expression. Fashion focuses on practicality. After all, we are a desert. In New Mexico, we’ve mastered the art of individual expression. It’s balanced with the demands of professional panache.

There is only one rule. The bolder the better. New Mexico offers plenty of reasons to celebrate, ranging from a Chile Fest to an alien bash to a duck race. No place in the universe has a more beloved, and specific, local cuisine than New Mexico. It’s a land whose state question is “red or green (chile)?”

Some of the most unique events, involve New Mexico’s undeniable culture. This is an adventure that feeds the soul. And it all begins here, in the Land of Enchantment.

I invite you into my world of fashion. I’m a fashion conscious woman with a disability. But, my disability doesn’t stop me from enjoying one of my passions. And that is to be a fashion icon… or better known as a Fashionista. I love design, color and being feminine.

One of my favorite on-line sites to shop is Zulily. But, I have a hang-up on spending more than twenty dollars on any clothing item. I often browse through the website on the invitation. My favorite time to shop is when they offer $9.99 and under sales. Otherwise, the Last Chance section offers designer categories with bargain prices. You just need to narrow the search to find something that you just can’t live without.

Today, I’m ready to go to church. I’m wearing a turquoise and black tie-dye, Bohemian scoop neck dress. The colors are subtle and blended well on this nature-loving printed fabric. I bought the dress in December, 2015, under $9.99. In fact, it cost $8.99.

The morning was a bit cool. So I paired my ensemble with a light blue, light weight, open cardigan sweater with a feminine touch. The open front framed my outfit underneath. To complete my Fashionista look, I wore a vintage pearl safety pin brooch. This kept the sweater front closed. I don’t often wear a lot of bling, but I chose to wear a beautiful pair of vintage earrings. The color was perfect and I thought they were a great addition to my ensemble.

One of my many fashion mottos is… if you need to wear compression stocking then be fashionable about it. I’ve found compression stockings on-line at Amazon. I bought up a variety of colors so I could match my dresses. They aren’t cheap, but mine did come in a package of six, for about $24 plus shipping. And my stockings are lightweight compared to most.

On this particular day, I chose black stockings. I wore black flats with criss-cross elastic straps. The outfit came together nicely.

I’ve added a few more items I thought might interest you. The patchwork Kimono with tassel trims, reminded me of the New Mexico colorful sunsets. I also thought it was festival chic. And it only cost $12.99. Not bad for a year around cooler weather cover-up.

I loved the bubble gum pick socks. Who says you have to wear shoes to be fashionable? These adorable socks could double for a sport shoe. And when you sit all day – comfort and style are a necessity. The deep heel pocket ensured a precise, secure fit. So there wasn’t  any pressure point discomfort or slippage. And on Zulily, the discounted price was only $6.99.

Boho (Bohemian, is a comfortable style for me. I need a style with a breezy flair. This blue Batik midi dress was a dress after my own heart. My pick was blue, but it came in other colors too. But the price… wow, just $9.99.

So, I hope you enjoyed your shopping trip with me today. And I hope you learned a little more about me as a woman with a disability. But, foremost, I’m a writer and a Fashionista.

I know there are some ladies out there just dying to come out and share bits and pieces about your life challenges. We would love to hear your story and see pictures of you too. We are in this journey through together. You might think you don’t have anything valuable to share. But, I assure you that the simplest things are the greatest tricks.

All you need to do is, email me your story & pics to punken1947@lve.com. And I’ll post them on the No Shoes Required website.

You might enjoy reading my general weekly blog ‘Funn Stuff.’ This blog is http://klorraine.com. It’s also posted on WordPress. You’ll find a lot of good stuff there, so be sure to look around.

My book of the month for March was ‘Broken, Crisis of Faith.

A reader wrote. “I believe in love regardless if you are a person with a disability, or not. In the novel, Broken, Crisis of Faith. Mia Perez worked through her adversities with trial and triumph.”

Another reader wrote. “If you are a human being who cares about others and what life throws at them, then this book will open your eyes. You will gain insight to what some people with a disability goes through.”

In the revised story, Broken, Crisis of Faith. The author changed the protagonist’s name to Mia Perez. Along with changing the protagonist’s name, She’s given the book new cover art. She did this to give the novel a facelift.

As the author, “I wouldn’t dissuade you from reading the original book, Overcoming. But, the 2017 version, Broken, Crisis of Faith, has a slight plot twist. All-in-all, whichever version you choose, the book will have you turning pages.”

Broken, Crisis of Faith, is an emotional, inspirational, trial & triumph story. Broken is an emotional, inspirational, trial & triumph story.

All my books are available in the Amazon Kindle E-book store. If you prefer a paperback book, you can find them on CreateSpace, and in Barnes & Noble. Most of her books are also listed in the Book Depot.

I want to thank my husband, Ed, who is becoming quite the fashion photographer.

Until next time, be Flirty, Feminine and Full of life.

 

Author’s Message:

Disability has no boundaries. Creativity and imagination come from the mind, not of the limbs. Anything is possible.

Creativity, talent, artist+ disability = Handicapable.

NEW webpage design. Come see!

I invite you to take a look at my NEW webpage design.

Jeannie out did herself this time. It’s more than awesome. Great job Jeannie. You go girl.

Design by Envisioner – graphic artist with a disability.

http://klorraine.com Lots of great stuff to read.

FYI… And a new feature blog will post on Monday. A special post about the true meaning of Easter. Don’t miss this one.

Have a great weekend.
K. Lorraine

A Circus of Colors

 

In keeping with the theme of my new book, The Traveling Dingleberries, I sorted through my closet.

I pulled together some dresses of vibrant colors.

Seated in a scooter all day, I want something comfortable. But, I also want to look feminine and trendy. I love color. I guess that’s the artist in me. So, when I find a dress style that floats my boat, I buy several in various colors.

The dresses pictured in this blog are from an online website. I bought my dresses in 2015. But, I looked again on the site (Amerimark) and the dress is still available. The price has gone up a bit, but what hasn’t?

I shop online. I find it a convenient way to shop and I don’t need to have my husband take me from store-to-store. He’s not a fun shopping companion. I don’t think most men are. His comment is, “Don’t you have enough clothes?”

My usual answer is, Nope. Girls love to shop and we girls love fashion.

I’m proud to be a Fashionista. Clothes and the bells and whistles that go with fashion, defines me.

So, now I want to explain how these colorful dresses fit into the theme of my new book. ‘The Traveling Dingleberries,’ is a book of humor/satire.

There are several settings in my book. You see, the plot was about time travel. Through an error with Walter Shuster’s elbow, he sends his companions back to the 1800’s. This was the period of cowboys and Indians in the wild west.

Now, you need to open your mind and think about how the folks back then would perceive a metallic clad foursome. I think this might raise a few eyebrows. This is where the ‘No Shoes Required,’ BLOG comes into play.

Ms. Lorraine is the fashion coordinator in the story. Her job is to find clothing that works in their geographic locations. And of course, for the period of time they happen to be in.

Now, my job in writing this blog is to find clever ways to introduce fun, trendy and easy to wear fashions. The idea behind this blog is to share clothing options for women with disabilities.

My disability is a physical one. I use a mobility device and I sit all day. I also work from home. But that doesn’t mean I want to wear my sleepwear all day. I feel better about myself and I’m more productive when I look nice.

My husband comments every time the mailman brings me a package. But, he’s okay with it. Because he likes my style. A happy wife makes for a happy life.

So, now back to my book, ‘The Traveling Dingleberries, Time Travel.’ Walter & Katy Shuster are in the company of Commander, Mr. Ed who is a genius. He’s the glue that holds the eccentric couple, Walter & Katy together.

As I said before, Ms. Lorraine is the brains behind the plot. She is a writer and her creative mind is what the other characters depend on. The Shusters are misfits. They create havoc and misguide the foursome. It’s up to Ms. Lorraine to push the story forward with her ingenuity. She is also the wardrobe coordinator throughout the book.

The primary setting in the story comes about in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The time, period is in the 1960’s. And they are in desperate need of money.

So, Ms. Lorraine changes the time travel pod into a circus tent. Of course, what happens in the story is full of laughs and costume changes. This is when I thought about my dresses. I had always called them… my colorful circus dresses. Perfect!

Now, my lady friends. I’ve started this blog by sharing bits of my life. I want you to come out of the woodwork and share your thoughts, ideas and pictures about you. Tell the readers about the tricks you’ve learned to make your disability a fun adventure.

Send them to me, K. Lorraine at my email punken1947@live.com. I look forward to reading and posting your story on the ‘No Shoes Required,’ webblog. http://www.noshoesrequiredblog.wordpress.com.

Author’s Message:

Disability has no boundaries. Creativity and imagination come from the mind, not of the limbs. Anything is possible.

Creativity, talent, artist+ disability = Handicapable.

Until next time,

Be the Fashionista you want to be.

P.S. My new book is available at the Kindle ebook store for $5.99. If you prefer a paperback format, the book is available on Createspace at the cost of $9.59. Please take a look. Thank you…

K. Lorraine

Getting to know you

The lyrics to the Oscar Hammerstein song express it so nicely…

Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you’ll like me.

Getting to know you,
Putting it my way,
But nicely,
You are precisely,
My cup of tea.

Well, the same goes for me. I’d like you to know about me.

Author Biography

Getting to know me…

The author writes under the pen name of K. Lorraine.

Kathleen Lorraine Whitmer-Wiederhold…

She grew up in the small lake community of Sanford, Michigan. Kathleen is the second born of nine children–six girls and three boys. She was always considered to be artistic by her family, friends and community. She discovered her writing talent early in life.

Kathleen’s school teachers had always considered her to be an especially creative student. She had an artistic flair for words, but she also showed promise as an artist. Kathleen graduated from Meridian High School. During the four years, she was on the honor roll. Kathleen continued her education at the Grand Rapids, Michigan University. Her curriculum choice was art design and Technical Illustration.

After finding that technical art didn’t suit her interest, she moved to Miami, Florida. Kathleen attended the Miami, Florida School of Design to pursue a career as a floral designer. She specialized in wedding design. Later, she owned and operated her own Wedding Floral Design business for several years.

Kathleen expanded her artistic endeavors into the area of fashion design and interior decoration. She designed a children’s clothing line inspired by her young daughter, Rebecca.

A young Kathleen wrote her first book titled ‘Pockets’ for her daughter Rebecca. It was her birthday gift when she started her first year in school. Although her first book never saw the light of day, some of her later works did.

Kathleen became a volunteer artist in her children’s schools. She designed several program covers for her daughter’s ballet school. Rebecca danced from age three years to ten years old.

As a young wife, Kathleen stepped into the role of campaign manager for her first husband. His political career began in Gratiot County, Ithaca, Michigan. This experience opened the door for a local newspaper to offer her the position of a staff writer. The newspaper gave her a bi-line of her own.

After her divorce, she moved to the larger city of Midland, Michigan. She worked as a Community Development Coordinator. The non-profit organization worked with people with disabilities. Kathleen wrote and produced a documentary on Disability for Public television. She wrote a sequel screenplay and used the puppets that she also designed with its production.

Kathleen and her second husband, Ed, blended their love for antiques and artistic design. They use their talents in the decor of their homes.

Kathleen returned to school. She attended Great Lakes College in Midland, Michigan. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

The couple made a lateral move from a Michigan nonprofit to Ft. Myers, Florida. Kathleen resumed work there as a Statistical Specialist at a Fort Myers non-profit organization. The organization used her management skills as a government statistician report writer.

Kathleen and her husband Ed, moved to South Florida. The Wiederholds’ lost their home in the succession of the four 2004 Florida hurricanes. They were fortunate enough to move to their custom-built New Mexico home.

Kathleen founded a non-profit organization in cooperation with her church in Roswell, New Mexico. She worked as the Program Coordinator for over two years until her decision to retire at the age of 62.

This is when the upcoming author began to write her stories under the Pen Name of K. Lorraine. Ms. Lorraine resurrected her interest in writing after a thirty year absence. She has lived with a genetic disability most of her life. But she considers herself blessed.

Ms. Lorraine’s favorite genre is adult drama and romance. She also writes suspense, satire/humor, and children’s stories. She is a recognized author who has written over one hundred ‘five star’ short stories. She has received seven ‘First Place’ wins, and many  second place prize winning awards. She has also achieved many third place and ‘Recognized wins,’ for her work. Ms. Lorraine joined the group of thousands of writers on FanStory. She became a member in 2014.

Ms. Lorraine has spent the past thirty years working on her writing career. She published her first book in June, 2011. It was a (Sci-Fi Romeo & Juliette, love story) A Next Generation: Love in Silence.

Ms. Lorraine continues her passion for storytelling. She recently returned to her favorite adult genre of romantic thriller suspense stories. Ms. Lorraine spends her time between writing adult human drama, romance, and suspense stories.

She has written a series of ‘Read and Color’ children’s stories about an alien called Spog. She also has to her credit… The Misadventures of Walter and Katy Shuster.

This is a series of books about a retired Florida couple. She wrote and illustrated an adult coloring book in 2016 featuring the retired couple, Walter & Katy Shuster. The book cover art and illustrations are original pieces by Ms. Lorraine. Credit for the digital rendering goes to Jeanne Whitmer, founder of Envisioner.

When not writing, Ms. Lorraine still devotes her spare time to painting. She has used several original designs as the cover art for her books. K. Lorraine writes two weekly blogs. The original blog is on her webpage, http://klorraine.come.

‘No Shoes Required,’ is Ms. Lorraine’s newest challenge. The website is on WordPress. www.noshoesrequiredblogs.wordpress.com  It is a learning and sharing website for women with disabilities.

She’s added another new feature in 2017 called the READING ROOM. The idea was to offer her earlier books FREE for the general public to read. These are full length edited books. She revised the stories to give them away FREE. The original books are still available for purchase. The library list of books is available on her K. Lorraine webpage.

Ms. Lorraine and her  husband Ed, of twenty plus years, live in Roswell, New Mexico. The couple has five children from previous marriages. They are also blessed with six grandchildren.

Until my next post… you can follow me on Facebook & Twitter.

Have a great day and please leave your feedback and comments.

Warm hugs,

K. Lorraine,