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