I believe in using the transformational power of creativity to achieve social justice. Joseph Beuys once famously claimed that, “Each person is an artist.” In the words of the Spanish poet Antonio Machado, “Wanderer, your footprints are/ the path, and nothing else;/ wanderer, there is no path,/ the path is made by walking.” My work consists of public interactions that create new conditions in the community.
I have multiple sclerosis and that affects my life and work in many ways. I am the host of What’s The Matter With Me?, a podcast where I share my experiences, challenges and triumphs as a patient with MS. The podcast develops my Disability Consciousness and bridges me with my caregivers, doctors, the disabled community, and community-at-large.
If each person is an artist, and we create the road by walking, then it is up to us to create the world we want to see.
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It’s an accessible vacation- all the attractions have paved paths. We’re staying at a place with a pool and AC. I’m cauitiously optimistic.
What if this was a religious or cult podcast? Check out this episode to see how it would be.
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In this episode,
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Talking about putting myself out there. I realized I always put myself out there. I mean, you’re listening to it… Goes along with one of my biggest fears… losing the ability to express myself.
I was on the radio yesterday morning and it got me thinkin’. I’ve always put myself out there- ever since I was a teenager and probably before that. Just to have something to belong to. We go over a timeline of examples.
I’m getting more disabled and things are getting harder for me. My biggest fear is becoming voiceless and invisible.
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In thise episode, “On The Zon,” we discuss:
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My first workouts since coronavirus are a mixed bag.
Just got to put my head down- probably everybody feels the same way.
Shout outs to Nami
Rocky came over and we had veal ossobuco and saffron risotto
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Koko’s finally at Summer Camp. The frustration of being a disabled father during Covid-19 was intense. I have two hands but one isn’t very useful, leg is the same, so doing projects with either kid has been difficult. It feels like we’re about to turn a corner.
I have been trying to get back the ability to drive again. I’ve been driving little drives every day. But yesterday, I drove 4 and half miles. I’m getting my confidence back.
I went to a cobbler, Mel’s Shoe Clinic in Castro Valley, to work on my AFO brace. He did a great job and it was a big revelation. It was fast, cheap, and easy, and I’ll definitely do it again.
June 1st, Koko’s birthday, is also national Flip A Coin Day. Go ahead and celebrate her belatedly.
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In this episode of the What’s The Matter With Me? Podcast, “Crossing Boundaries,” I’m going outside my comfort zone.
I printed the Amazon shipping label- I’m going to try selling some Hoppin Hot Sauce on Amazon, to tie my product to a strand of hair on the giant beast that is Amazon.
I submitted my poetry to a poetry journal for the first time since high school.
Some friends came over and I cooked the right amount, it wasn’t too stressful, it was a good example of the goals I discussed in Cooking While Disabled. It was good food and made for a good time.
After receiving my certification from East Bay Paratransit, I got approved for the San Leandro Flex Ride program, and took my first journey to Galvan’s Market and bought a lot of meat.
For my second journey, I went to Crimson Horticultural Rarities to get some indoor plants. Overall the Flex Ride experience was a mixed bag but I will try it again.
Listen in to get the whole story,.
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Cooking Yotam Ottolenghi’s Confit Leeks With Lentils, Lemon and Cream, something I would’ve enjoyed causes me to re-evaluate the way I cook.
In this episode, I read two consecutive entries in the “What I had for dinner last night,” journal. The first is from the night I made the leeks, and the next comes from the following day, after having cooked a more successful meal and having a discussion with my therapist.
“Cooking While Disabled” means that I need to adapt my techniques in the kitchen so they work for my particular needs.
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In this episode, responding to 2021 Academy Awards best documentary nominee, “Crip Camp.”
PLUS: Obscenity, Ancient Dramaturgy, Jottings & more..
Poet Michael McClure makes an appearance.
In the Jotting notebook, the power of autosuggestion.
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In this episode, I get certified for East Bay Paratransit. I’m fully vaccinated, and I’m ready to go back to the gym and the radio station after more than a year off due to Covid-19. Paratransit will help me get there. Shout outs to my art teacher, who steps in and gives me a little validation. I read some things I wrote down.