A Whisper and a Smile

I had dinner last nite at , The Whisper Lounge inside the Grove AND damn! that Ribye Steak and fluffy mash potatoes would make Martha Stewart and all the great Chefs do a double taste!

While dining, a friend and I couldn't help but notice the attractive waitress who seemed way different from the usual LA waiters types. You know, the starving artist and valley girl with blond extensions and fake or about to be fake boobs who are being over polite cause your tip could definitely affect how much gas goes in their car for the next audition, or if DWP will keep the lights on to study their next script. (Now I know not every waitress is blonde and fake just flow with me-LOL)

Whisper Lounge is definitely the place to go when u have had a long arduous day of shopping and your belly starts raging in acidic flow. If you don't stop and eat, U might not be the best person to say hello to! The ambiance is calm, secluded, Morroccan type lighting is so dimmed that U think the lights might just go off and then they will supply you with bed linens! Egyptian Cotton Sheets, 800 thread count, please) www.whisperloungela.com (they don't do that but it's not a bad idea)

The indoor patio allows you to experience the dining areas with larger than life windows that open wide and tall to let that summer breeze glide on in and kiss your cheek while you sip on your Chocolate Martini or Pelligrino with Lime. Keep sipping and you might happen to see Sara Jessica Parker shopping across the way or Kobe Bryant walking toward the upscale jeweler for another chunk size diamond ring for his wife, -LOL

So back to the waitress that was just a joy to be served by. We started chatting about hair, the ent. industry, D.C. where she's from and Chicago, my hometown. I told her that when I decided to straighten my hair I wanted a style similar to hers. The refreshing part about our talk, was when I asked her if her stylist does weaves, she replied "girl, what do you think I am wearing?"

Now that was not a common remark I would get from an aspiring beautiful actress her in LA. Plus she gave me the stylist info! Now that is how this world should be ........not hoarders of info. People generally don't like to share info, contacts or anything that would make them allow another to advance. Unless of course, you have a previous relationship or are having intimate relations ( You rub their back they massage yours). U know I am not lying this is Tinsel Town!

The waitress and I got into the conversation of entertainment and I told her about my blog and living with Vitiligo. Interestingly and very surprising to me, she said "when you were reading the wine list and then put your hands on your face, I looked at your hands and thought to myself..she has such beautiful hands!"

Now you know, I was totally surprised that she would even give my hands that much thought. So, I am starting to realize that my Vitiligo is taking on a new meaning to me. I am now becoming a walking art form and she is the 3rd person that has said that my hands are nice.
I asked the waitress why did she think they were nice, and I think she said because of the pigment discoloration and the design. not in those exact words.

Mind you, that a 15 year old girl just last week was talking to me and softly picked up my right hand. As she rubbed her hand across the back of mine, she told me the white spots on my hands were a work of art and that they were beautiful.

All I can think of is, that it is a clear sign of improvement and fusion of how being different can create value and become a conversation piece in a positive light in our society! Of course, I cannot be modest and must say that my personality played a very big role in making people feel comfortable in opening up to me. :-)

Now all I need is an Agent, a network studio to bring to life my blog and let my personality shine like LA has never seen before... ...Chicago style!

Thanks for taking time out to read today!

Maia

It's Been a "Minute"

Getting ready for a major yard sale on Saturday and dreading the fact that I will have to be in the sun ALL DAY! Don't get me wrong, I love the sun but since I am losing my pigment, it can be very dangerous if I don't replenish my sun block every 2 hours.

My beautiful brown skin tans so well and it looks fabulous, until I glance at the white areas on my hands, arms and legs and have to make sure the white spots are not irritated and red. Pain in my azz!! But I grease up so I won't cook-lol Quick reality check and sometimes I will spiral downward in emotions when I look at the different areas of white on me. Then it takes that one person to walk by me and smile or a kind man alerting me to my beauty..once again! --LOL

So, I pull it together and summon up the inner beauty to radiate and keep it moving! Which reminds me of my visit to Baskin Robbins today. I saw this beautiful, tall (6 feet 2 inches,) male with dark bronze skin, fabulous bod, nice not too tight not too loose jeans and yes flip-flops for all those East Coast/Mid-westerners that just don't get it.!! He was SEXAYY!! and a presence that would make King Tut come back for a challenge!-LOL

Not knowing if he was gay, straight or both, I brushed all those off and decided to hand him a piece of paper with my blog info on it, and a contact # ; that was in case he had any questions :-), about my vitiligo, Of Course!!-lol When I introduced myself, he said hello Maia but did not say his name and that! was my Que to smile and politely exit, cause he never said his name (and that was my wisdom to know women were obviously not his taste or maybe he had SOMEBODY!) Either way, a sister has to know how long to be subtle make her point without saying anything and if no response exit like a Queen! (can't give the Ego time to trip me up-LOL!!)

Either way, I was excited thinking that he might have thought I was cute but not his type because I was losing my color. I had a zillion things going through my head but was glad he acknowledged my greeting . Hell! he was just a damn good sight to look at, so as I enjoyed my brief encounter with Mr. No Name but Handsome! I felt an exhilaration about myself and looked forward to his commenting on my site and had no regrets about him and or any embarrassment about my vitiligo.

U should know I go up (and am mostly up) than down about my discoloration. There are days where I simply don't give a S#$^+)(& and then there are days that a person staring too long will either make me acknowledge their staring and chat with them or ignore it and go on with whatever I am doing at the time.

One thing that does get under way under my skin is when people stare as if I am contagious or a circus animal, I get real bitchy then and have to chant to myself not to approach them to clarify their looks! That has happened a few times and believe it or not , I made some really nice friends! (but that is me anyway)

Well, gotta shower, chant and sleep to get ready for the sun, sale and fun of DE-cluttering my life!

Til next time,
Be good to yourself and to others (I sound like Jerry Springer!!) -LOL

Maia

Mai Guest- Lucy B. on a moment without make-up

(Lucy is my guest who now and then will share her moments of living with Vitiligo. She is courageous and talented. Thanks Lucy for taking part on the Maipecanswirl Blog! )


Hey Maia

I had one of those I don't care moments and I actually went out to the market without makeup. I was baking bread and discovered I forgot a couple of time sensitive ingredients and I knew this was the only time I would be able to bake the bread and so off I went "all natural"and feeling empowered.

When I got to the market, I found myself trying to hide from the children as I rushed to get what I needed. I started thinking about the story Lee Thomas shared about the kids he came across who were so afraid of him they started crying. The thought of a child being so traumatized, by looking at my face was not pleasant in the least. Needless to say I rushed back home and put my make up on after I finished the bread because I was going back out to a gig with my boyfriend. I have not found the courage to be okay with myself enough to go out and not worry about or deal with kids and people who stare.

So I continue to put the makeup on, so I can feel good enough to be out in public.I imagine it is strange when you think of how socially debilitating this skin disorder is yet I choose to get on a stage and sing in front of an audience. There is something in me, that keeps pushing to do anything I think I can accomplish, just like anyone else. I am learning to achieve my goals and feel good about my choices. I expect that the more I get involved in Jazz music and this business, the more I will be tested. The superficial standard of having a look that is marketable to the masses before looking at the art is ever present and I am learning how to stand behind my principles and not be manipulated by those who does not understand what it is like for people like us and have a different idea of what success is.


This means I may have to really understand the power and understanding that comes from having to say no to a lucrative contract if I feel I or my art is being compromised and most importantly be okay with it.I didn't mean to go on and on, but this is such a great outlet to discuss things that I have not really examined with others that share our circumstances.

I look forward to the dialogue and the union of a diverse group of people that can help to make the quality of life so much better through your blog and the television show. Thanks again and I am so looking forward to it.

A new spot

Today, I noticed a large white spot on my foot. Of course my first thought was damn it I am going to have to start sticking with close toe shoes and then I decided NOT!! I love shoes and I now consider myself a walking piece of artwork and certainly a conversation icebreaker.

I go back and forth with my emotions about turning white on the outside but I am glad to meet people of all ethnic groups including White people who can relate. Yes they do get whiter with this pigmentation disorder.

Preparing for the TV taping of this blog this week and will upload it once it is edited.

Mai

Guest photo of Lucy B. Jazz Vocalist living with Vitiligo

I have posted a pic of new friend Lucy B. who was a guest blogger and shared about her living with Vitiligo. As you can see, Lucy's is more prominent on her arms and neck and chest. I am just now seeing small spots surfacing on my neck and chest, but eventually my pigment loss will look like Lucy's.

Quite interesting and we both love our brown pigment and the sun but hey it is what it is and life has to go on. We're just going to enjoy it without being brown on the outside but always brown within! Lucy performs around the Los Angeles area and I hope you will visit her site, www.nylaee.info to hear a sample of this songstress!!! Girlfriend has got amazing chords.

You may leave a question or comment for Lucy as well on this site. I look forward to having her on my first taping of "MaiPecanswirl"for local television at Time Warner Studios next week. I will attempt to make it available for your viewing once it is edited.

Til next time
Mai

Medical Info on Vitiligo

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Medical info on what Vitiligo really is by the National Institute of Health
Vitiligo Skin Disorder

In a study appearing in the March 22 New England Journal of Medicine, scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) have discovered a connection between a specific gene and the inflammatory skin condition vitiligo, as well as a possible host of autoimmune diseases.Vitiligo is a chronic condition in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body.

Similar patches also appear on both the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose), and perhaps in the retina (inner layer of the eyeball). The hair that grows on areas affected by vitiligo sometimes turns white. The researchers began a search for genes involved in vitiligo almost a decade ago with the help of the Vitiligo Society in the United Kingdom. “In the beginning we were looking for multiple family members with vitiligo,” says Richard Spritz, M.D., director of the Human Medical Genetics Program at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center and lead investigator for the study.

The researchers sent a questionnaire to members of the society, asking them about their own vitiligo and whether other family members were affected. As part of the questionnaire, they also asked about other autoimmune diseases. What they learned was that vitiligo was “very highly associated” with a number of other autoimmune diseases, mostly thyroid disease, but also pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, Addison’s disease, and adult-onset autoimmune diabetes.That finding prompted the researchers to study families with multiple affected members and to look for similarities in genes among those who were affected.


By searching the genome, they discovered a gene, NALP1, that was key to predisposing people to vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease, says Dr. Spritz. “We know that about 20 percent of people with vitiligo also get autoimmune thyroid disease, and this gene may be involved in mediating both of those,” he says.Dr. Spritz says the implications of this finding are exciting. The identified gene controls part of what is called the innate immune system, which is our body’s first defense against infection, he says. “When we are attacked by viruses or bacteria, the innate immune system stimulates the inflammatory pathways and calls the rest of the immune system to action. NALP1 is probably a receptor for bacterial or viral signals.

We don’t know what these signals are, but now that we know what the gene is, we can use that knowledge to search for the signals that trigger autoimmune disease.”“All autoimmune diseases involve the interaction of multiple genes and environmental triggers,” he continues. “You are born with your genes, but you are not born with these diseases. Something happens. We don’t know what the triggers are that start these diseases, but if we did, maybe we could avoid them or even block the process. In fact, it may even be possible to actually stop the autoimmune disease,” he says.The most immediate application of this research might be for the disease that began the research: vitiligo. Doctors usually treat vitiligo with ultraviolet (UV) light to stimulate skin repigmentation.

Scientists also know that there is one medication available (approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis) that blocks an inflammatory pathway thought to be controlled by NALP1. The possibility of combining a drug with UV light to improve vitiligo treatment is intriguing, and Dr. Spritz is now interested in finding out more about how the medication might affect people with vitiligo.NIAMS Director Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., calls the discovery of the NALP1-autoimmunity connection an important advance in the understanding of autoimmune diseases that collectively affect an estimated 15 million to 25 million Americans.

“The more we understand about these diseases, including the genes that predispose to them and the environmental factors that trigger them, the closer we come to better treatments and even preventive measures,” he says.Additional support for this research was provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the U.K. Vitiligo Society and the National Vitiligo Foundation.

The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health, is to support research into the causes, treatment and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.


For more information about NIAMS, call the information clearinghouse at (301) 495-4484 or (877) 22-NIAMS (free call) or visit the NIAMS Web site at http://www.niams.nih.gov.The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

From U.S. NIH

Another Disclaimer so no one is confused

This Blog is about sharing with you my feelings, opinions and thoughts of living with the pigmentation disorder- Vitiligo. There will be days I talk about it and other days you will get to get a feel for my live and in person personality- (always real and at times organic humor comes out)

IT is not always a Discovery channel vibe of my life turning white there is more to me than white spots and alot of it for those that have never met me. :-) Since I am in the entertainment industry this is a great platform to laugh, cry, bitch, moan, share joy, happiness, knowledge and just darn great therapy for a free-lancer with no agent yet and a whole lot of damn amazing talent inside of me ready to unleash! Yes, should have done it a long time ago but I wasn't in that space or place.

Now I am and I thank you for stopping by and hope you will check in to continue this never boring journey of life and vitiligo -confessions of an African-American female, over 35, size 10, brown eyes, white spotted skin, curly,nappy and indifferent hair and a size 8.5 to 9 shoe. Body measurement are obvious.....:-)

so lay back or get close and personal to enjoy and engage my blog: Brown Butterfly Turning White Maia's Metamorphosis, 24/7.

The SKY IS TURNING WHITE THANKS TO TORI SPELLING AND HUBBY DEAN POLLUTING THE AIR


FYI- My buddy Lucy B alerted me that there was a typo for her website it has been corrected on yesterday's blog and today. To learn more about Lucy's Jazz band and this amazing vocalist go to the corrected website: http://www.nylaee.info/

DISCLAIMER:

DO REALIZE THAT I TRULY CANNOT HOLD BACK MY CREATIVE AND VIVACIOUS PERSONALITY ON MY BLOG, SO THERE WILL BE DAYS WHEN YOU WILL GET A FEEL FOR IT WHERE VITILIGO MIGHT BE RUNNER UP TO WHATEVER ELSE I AM FEELIN FOR THE MOMENT. :-)


Okay here is the deal on the title of my page, "Tori Spelling..." This morning about 10:00am,I was driving down Fairfax by Venice Ave. and looked up to see a small plane flying circles and weaving in and out of the clouds as if it were in an air show. HOWEVER, when I glued my eyes to the sky, what I was seeing was the name Tori & Dean being engraved in the beautiful blue sky. My question to my friend Audra, was WHY, WHY, and WHY?????

Yeah, that showcasing of love is romantic and nice, but it's a waste of gasoline and the chemtrails are cool to look at but certainly not nice to breathe or good for our skin once they land here on the streets of LA. Now, I am not a Scientist but the toxins go somewhere and it ain't rocket science to figure out who also helps celebrate Tori & Dean's love. All of us unsuspecting people who can think of better ways to spend thousands of dollars in this recession. Did I say spend? I meant save in this recession.Hey, I thought Tori and Dean could have sponsored a ticket to a less fortunate couple who need to travel for a medical reason or to see family members and cannot afford to do so. Sounds like a nice thing to do.

If they want to advertise their love (like the tabloids don't do it enough) buy a billboard or by some television time for a commercial. This is all about green these days, and no one is perfect but damn can we try and think it out first?Just had to vent, and this time I was turning red not white. :-) I need to contact http://www.nicolebitchy.com and perez hilton and get their thoughts on celebrity contamination of our precious skies for love!

Today, I'm featuring my new friend, Lucy B's personal testimony of living with vitiligo. Check out more about her, see her picture and learn more about this amazing jazz vocalist on her website. (girlfriend can "sang" ) :-) http://www.nylaee.info/


Hola Maia,

Thank you for such a nice blog about our lunch. I had a great time as well. This is the first time I have had a chance to talk to someone who can relate on a real level what it is like to live with Vitiligo. I don't think I have had it as bad psychologically, because I was afflicted with it when I was a child and my parents never made me feel different because I had it.

They were concerned and we tried many things to treat it, but I always felt loved and secure. I think it gave me the time to get used to it and by the time I reached adulthood, I had accepted it, embraced it and do my best to live as full a life as possible despite the stares, whispers and discomfort people may feel when they deal with me. As discussed, attached is my head shot that shows my vitiligo in performance. I only cover my face when I perform or go out in public, and 'what you see is what you get' is my attitude about everything else. I feel the person that I am and the blessing of my music is far more engaging than the colors of my skin.


I could not find the article I mentioned to you about the treatment being different for black people as opposed to white people, but below is close to what I found. You have to purchase the article or perhaps it can be found in the library. take a look see and let me know what you think. My website is www.nylaee.info. I am the lead vocalist and Mychal Andrews is my musical director and the supportive boyfriend I mentioned to you. When I met him about 10 years ago, he never made me feel different or weird about it. He accepted the vitiligo in me and even encourages me to go out without make-up( I have done it a few times for a quick trip to the market, but I am not ready to go and socialize without make-up) He always complements me on my color and I appreciate him for that.

That's it for now. ARTICLE:From the San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy,a and the University of California Medical School, San Francisco, California.Available online 24 June 2003.

Racial variability in skin function is an area in which data oftenconflict. Understanding and quantifying racial differences in skinfunction are important for skin care and the prevention and treatment of skin diseases. A key feature that characterizes race is skin color: Is deeply pigmented skin different from fair skin in terms of responsest o chemical and environmental insults? Is skin care the same? Are there different risks among racial groups of developing a skin disease afterexposure to the same insults? The interpretation of pathophysiologicphenomena should consider not only anatomic and functional characteristics of ethnic groups but also socioeconomic, hygienic, and nutritional factors. This article reviews and discusses recent findings. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:S139-42.)Lucy Blanco http://www.nylaee.info/

stay tuned for my friend Lucy

I had a terrific lunch with a new friend of mine, Lucy B. yesterday. She is one of millions of Americans that has vitiligo. Lucy is an amazing jazz singer and I asked her to share her experience on this blog. So we will look forward to it soon.We had lunch to discuss her being my first official guest on my tv show being taped on June 19th, 2008. Although, Lucy's vitiligo is advanced, we share so many things incommon living with vitiligo.

When we walked into the cafe on Wilshire, she asked me if I wanted to sit in the sun and my eyebrow raised; I thought "how could she want to sit in the sun and expose the less pigmented skin to the dangers of the sun rays?"So, I asked her and go figure, like the rest of the planet, she said "girl I love the sun, I could sit in the sun all the time". However, we agreed that if we don't add sunscreen every two hours, we can blister and that is so NOT cute or healthy!Great thing to find out is that life doesn't stop for people with vitiligo.

We are human and function like everyone else except that we can easily distract people with the blotchiness of white spots, particularly if the skin is brown to very dark.Lucy told me she has a supportive boyfriend. For women who have to live with Vitiligo, there are times that we might wonder if a man could genuinely be attracted to us physically and handle the affects of the pigment change. Some will and some won't, we just have to discern the truth from their behavior. Isn't that what's generally done anyway with or without vitiligo?Well, I just wanted to share a little about Lucy B. and will read from her soon.

Rainy Nite In Cali.

For all those that are not familiar with Southern California--IT'S RAINING !!!!! It rarely rains in southern California , like the lyrics of Toni, Tony , Tone song "It never rains in sunny Southern California.." Of course along with the rain comes mudslides, ruined homes and a wet, slimy mess! But AH! it is such a relief from the pollution, the sun (some days it is my best friend and other days my worse enemy) and at times, yes the People of Tinsel Town. U know what I really mean! :-)


Today, noticed a teeny weeny white spot on the right cheek of my face (need to make that one clear cause there are no spots on the "lower back cheeks" but it can happen). :-) Many of my close friends know I moved out to LA to pursue my career in TV, with all odds against me, pigment, age and little demand for ethnicity, my family and friends know I am on a serious mission to realize my dreams while educating those that aren't familiar with Vitiligo.Lately, I have been asked if I know about Lee Thomas, the African-American reporter from Detroit who was on 20/20 and Larry King discussing his pigment disorder. YES, YES I do and if you run into him tell him I want to interview him. :-)

He has told his story to Larry, now I am ready to tell mine. The only difference between Lee and I, is that I really don't want to have to apply make up on my face (only lightly) nor hands,. Am not feeling that caked on and heavy make-up application on face or hands. Lee doesn't apply it on his hands and neither would I. You know that Tammy Faye Baker look? Just not cute.However, anybody working in front of the camera always must wear make-up unless you are a Seventh Day Adventist like a popular Anchor in Atlanta. She truly has natural beauty so she lucked up. (at least that is what I heard).

I am a City girl and I love make-up, and all the material things that Hollywood has to offer but U must know I am a City (Chicago) girl that has a heart of Platinum and looks forward to engaging Hollywood and the world in conversations and dispelling the myths of Vitiligo and Michael Jackson's Glove. LOL
Posted by Maia at 5:17 PM 0 comments

Refreshed and Re-Determined

Just returned from a great visit to Ft. Lauderdale and it was hot, humid and beautiful! One thing about having vitiligo is, I have to be careful about being exposed to the sun during peak hours. The pigment that has turned white, if exposed to high rays can burn, blister and can result in Cancer.Our skin is the largest organ on our bodies and is there to serve as some protection from the sun.

SO, if pigment is no longer there, then we are "naked" to the sun and it can be a dangerous road to go down. And of course, I am one of millions of people that love to soak the sun all up. NOT ANYMORE, there are times that I am on pins and needles tip-toeing around trying not to burn and making sure on an average day out running errands that I carry Sol-bar, a leading sun block for people with vitiligo.


Most women carry hand lotion, I carry sun-block 38 and it has lot's of zinc which is a good nutrient for the skin. While adoring my beautiful brown, there our times when I am prepping myself for a eulogy for my brown skin that will one day turn all white (if I decide to expedite it). Part of me looks in the mirror everyday and says to myself, "self you are beautiful brown and you will be a beautiful white cause the core of you is radiant from within" and then my evil twin says "yeah girl no more tropical tans for you, just going to have to be exotic on the inside".

That is a battle for me, anyone can be exotic but for me when I see men and women of color with beautiful skin tones and radiant glows of red, copper and bronze skin, I think...DAMN! I got to get rid of all my bronzers and brown makeup and purchase all new colors and shades of white. Now that is not going to be an easy transition for me, since I have known brown all my life and love the color tones of my pigment. However, this experience is a test to my inner character and opens the doors to new life dimensions.I am refreshing and redetermining that I will make this transition work for me in all good ways and still continue to love my brown.

Did I mention that I chant Nam-Myo-ho-Renge-Kyo? www.sgi-usa.org It has been an awesome tool to use to face myself and perform altruistic deeds in society. It is Nichiren Buddhism and I have lived this practice for 20 years. It's not magical, just all about cause and effect and transforming our inner negative functions to provide a springboard for absolute happiness just as we are. That includes chanting to have the strong life condition to be aggresive in our personal actions coupled with prayer to be unafraid of what life throws at us.

We are the writers, producers and directors of this screenplay called, our life and we have the inner power to surmount anything and everything. I have been chanting for the wisdom and will continue to do so from now on.It is a process.

Gotta run but want to do a quick hello to Carl and Mia Clinger two of the best photographers I know. www.clingerandmia.com Soon, they will be helping me bring some very personal pictures/portraits of theier amazing work.. Basically, they're talented ways of capturing my vitiligo and my personality in picture form will be amazing and I can't wait to show you how hot these pictures.

Another day another post

Another day of changing colors. I looked down at my ankles and noticed that a new family of white spots have set up camp! Darn it! That's my first true feeling and then I am thinking if I should call Dr. Grimes and tell her I just want to fast forward; meaning, turn my whole body white so my complexion can be even all over.Well, not quite yet. My face has not gotten splotchy with white spots and as long as I can endure the vitiligo everywhere else, I can hold off from moving expeditiously in turning all-white.

It sounds funny to me sometimes because, when I think of being completely white in pigment color, my mind sometimes plays tricks on me .What I mean by that is, I start to wonder if my world will completely change. Will more doors open due to my white pigment or will my life experiences as an African-American woman typically be the same? Has society matured and racism is melting away or is it getting subtly worse?
Whether one was raised a racist or developed this mentality by association and by their own ignorance; it is not uncommon to notice in certain areas of our society, forms of service in sales, customer service, social circles and other categories that still discriminate based on pigment color.

I wonder if I will ever receive better treatment than a light or dark skinned African-American because my vitiligo has turned my entire face and body white? How will I feel right at that moment and what will I say?No worries here, my granddaddy, Douglass Ryan Turner from Natchez Mississippi who migrated North to Chicago (check out the Who's Who Book 1966 or 1967) taught me to speak out against injustice and never be afraid to question authority after you do your research first. He said to me once " If you don't like what is happening around you then use your education and wisdom to take action and fix it"!!I have some time until I decide either to prolong the pigment change and keep the brown I love so much or to transform to all white.Live wisely and healthy!

Yes it is true! Our first filming of "Pecan Swirl" begins on June 19th 2008.I decided that while I am beating the pavement to find an Agent that will work with me as an Entertainment Host, secure tv/cable contract and while searching for a bullet-proof health insurance plan (the 3 most important things u need in Hollywood :-) , I would begin sharing my life and that of others living with vitiligo to Southern Californians. (there will be more info to come later)I wanted to use one of the most powerful communication tools on earth, TELEVISION to partner with this blog and create some visual movement.

The show is titled , "Pecan Swirl" and it will feature amazing and well, different kind of folk who all live with Vitiligo.From professional make-up artists from MAC to life coaches, dating gurus, medical doctors and even our youth sharing their thoughts, bringing PS to television is a huge break-thru for those living with Vitiligo. Some will be ordinary working folk sharing their personal and intriguing stories of this pigment disorder.


There will be others from behind the scenes in the entertainment industry who will give up some gossip and give us a closer to look at their lives in and out of Hollywood.Some days living with vitiligo feels like a curse and I just want to smoothe over the white spots with permanent bronzer. BUT THEN..other days, I feel so good to look different and to attract curious people. It's a great way to meet some really nice and decent folk who either are encouraged by me or really are interested in understanding vitiligo.

Nana always told me to make lemonade from lemons. All of us know that old school term!To be quite honest, hosting Pecan Swirl is my own therapeutic recipe and a breather from heavy make up on my face and hands. Not to have to wear make-up on my hands to hide the "real" me is refreshing some days. Of course as an Entertainment/Reality show host, I know that America is not ready, at least not right now for a host with Vitiligo on national TV with no cover up. FOr those that know me, I dare them to challenge me to be the first!! :-)I do have hope..don't you?

Yes it is true! Our first filming of "Pecan Swirl" begins on June 19th 2008.I decided that while I am beating the pavement to find an Agent that will work with me as an Entertainment Host, secure tv/cable contract and while searching for a bullet-proof health insurance plan (the 3 most important things u need in Hollywood :-) , I would begin sharing my life and that of others living with vitiligo to Southern Californians. (there will be more info to come later)I wanted to use one of the most powerful communication tools on earth, TELEVISION to partner with this blog and create some visual movement. The show is titled , "Pecan Swirl" and it will feature amazing and well, different kind of folk who all live with Vitiligo.

From professional make-up artists from MAC to life coaches, dating gurus, medical doctors and even our youth sharing their thoughts, bringing PS to television is a huge break-thru for those living with Vitiligo.Some will be ordinary working folk sharing their personal and intriguing stories of this pigment disorder. There will be others from behind the scenes in the entertainment industry who will give up some gossip and give us a closer to look at their lives in and out of Hollywood.Some days living with vitiligo feels like a curse and I just want to smoothe over the white spots with permanent bronzer.

BUT THEN..other days, I feel so good to look different and to attract curious people. It's a great way to meet some really nice and decent folk who either are encouraged by me or really are interested in understanding vitiligo. Nana always told me to make lemonade from lemons. All of us know that old school term!To be quite honest, hosting Pecan Swirl is my own therapeutic recipe and a breather from heavy make up on my face and hands. Not to have to wear make-up on my hands to hide the "real" me is refreshing some days.

Of course as an Entertainment/Reality show host, I know that America is not ready, at least not right now for a host with Vitiligo on national TV with no cover up. FOr those that know me, I dare them to challenge me to be the first!! :-)I do have hope..don't you?

Today was a good day. I had a great meeting with some people. But I noticed that when I lifted my hands out of my lap during my conversation, all eyes moved toward staring at my vitiligo. Of course I am used to this but today it was different.I watched their eyes follow the movement of my hands. They did not notice me watching them watch me.

All I could do was chuckle to myself. My feelings were that of a Behavioral Scientist monitoring the movements of everyday people surprised by the not so normal or uncommon disfigurations of a population affected by imperfections.In that moment, I realized that I can no longer hide my little physical imperfections that vitiligo demands the world to see. But now, I can use this distraction to create value and to educate those that might find it weird, scary or just very interesting to see.Either way, I am okay with it and still love being brown!

I decided to treat myself to a wonderful massage at the Massage Garage on Bagley and Venice in Culver City, CA. I love this place because all massages are $45.00 and hour and the massage therapists are all Excellent!Doctors have suggested that people with vitiligo should excercise and make time for relaxation during a hectic work week.

When we are less stressed and our diet is healthy, our pigment is less affected and may not turn white as quickly. I have noticed when I am stressed out, that when I wake up in the morning, I will check my hands and feet to see if there are any new white spots.And yes, there are new spots more often especially, if I do not sleep well. However, when I am rested and feeling well, it remains the same without a widespread of new white spots.And so life continues.........

Greetings All,

Have been meeting many people and funny thing, they all have been telling me that "turning white" is a hot topic these days. Trust me, I'd love that if they added that I could turn brown again. Nonetheless, it is what it is, Vitiligo and so I am adjusting even though I have had it for over ten years.It's hot as hell in Los Angeles and the combo of heat and sun can hurt or help my pigmentation. It all depends on the time of day.

I am told by previous dermatologists that, the sun can organically help bring back my pigment. However, at peak hours of the day, it can also burn my skin and cause blisters which could lead to cancer. Well, Damn!!So, I have noticed loss of pigment spreading on my ankles and hands. But that did not stop me from shopping at the Charles David warehouse shoe sale this past weekend. Spots or not, my legs still loook goood and my $498.00 stillettos that I purchased for $35.00 were not hotter than the day!So I got 5 pair of coutoure heels and who says you can't look sharp even if you have a physical flaw; if you take care of yourself people appreciate that and so do you!Well, that's all I am feeling for now, gotta eat and get my work out going!

Mai Introduction Again for new Site

OriginalPosting by Maia at 12:46 PM 2 comments
Labels: My feel for today
Thursday, March 27, 2008

Born Brown Turning White: What an interesting life this will be.

This is my personal physical, mental, emotional and romantic journey of my skin pigmentation disorder. I am changing colors daily right before my eyes and yours. Anyhoo, I just felt it was time for me to share with you my viewpoint as an African-American Female over the age of 35, and how I cope with this strange and life changing pigment disorder. It started in the summer of 1995 while I was working out in my house. I stopped and looked at my fingernails to see if I needed a manicure and there was my first white spot.

This condition is known as Michael Jacksons skin disorder, but the medical term is called, Vitiligo, (Vit-a-lye-go). One thing about Michael Jackson, after I was diagnosed with Vitiligo, I realized that the reason Michael was wearing the white glittered glove, was to cover his patched hands, better known to me as the Pecan Swirl.Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of the body? And the darker your pigmentation the less you burn from the sun rays, however you can still burn.

There are hundreds of thousands of people from all races, genders, and ages that were born with or manifested vitiligo in their lives. Many are what my sister calls spotted all over, or completely have turned all the way white. Meaning, they have lost all of their skin color and are very white looking.I must admit people do stare at me but not as soon as they see me. It has not invaded my face but is all over my hands and feet. And some other non obvious places on my Bod. (now this could get real interesting!!)Vitiligo is such a mysterious pigment disorder. There are many medical ideas of what might cause it but there is no cure.

THere are ways to prolong the pigment change by light treatment. It's like getting into a tanning bed and having the "lights on" from seconds to minutes several times a week to generate pigment cells to fill in where the skin has already turned white.My dermatologist charges $90.00 a treatment so it ain't cheap, especially for those who have Vitiligo and have no insurance...OUCH!! There are as always holistic remedies but again they are always slower and are not said to be a 100% cure to Vitiligo.One thing about Michael Jackson, after I was diagnosed with Vitiligo, I realized that the reasonMany people have asked me why do I still want to be in the entertainment television industry? I have one word to answer and that is PASSION!!

I love people and culture so I respond with why should I stop doing what I love just because my skin is changing colors? Lee Thomas the Detroit reporter who went on television shows to discuss vitiligo and his career with "Larry King" and "20/20", is my inspiration.Image is almost everything but these days, truth and change have taken on a new growth. Humans understanding and compassion about different and unusual manifestations of life; be it disease, environment, birth, aging, sickness and death, war,the plight to be happy, accepted and healthy, allow a blog like this to dispel the myths and open our hearts and minds to be inclusive of what we see, hear and do that's different.

The Pecan Swirl Blog will be a platform to discuss not only issues with Vitiligo but anything healthy, constructive (and let's not be too boring GOSSIP, Venting and straight talk) to life changes and to support one another with knowledge, compassion and the fostering of great brain activity and damn good juicy gossip!!


So, I am willing to answer as many questions as I feel comfortable with because I really want you to understand this condition. And also have more knowledge and compassion toward others who you might see out and about or of people you know. Vitiligo is not contagious but I hope my story is.......:-)

And so our journey begins,

Maia