Love, Laugh, and Living with Vitiligo

Managing life and Staying Focused

2011-04-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

......and how do you do that again please?? LOL For all the single woman out there who manage motherhood, work, personal hobbies, and still keep order without falling apart and having moments of "just Forget it" !! I thank you for sharing your stories all over the NET cause there are days that I just want to sit down under a waterfall on a hot island hmmm maybe under the Maya waterfall in Bali, Thailand and do absolutely NOTHING!!

After that moment passes, I look at my to do list and realize I forgot 5 more things to add to it! It's crazy when you have to make an appt with your phone to alarm you of the things u need to add to it to remind you again to get it done!! LOL

OMG! life is so funny sometimes and yet so stressful. AND I am always reminded when I need to slow down...when I see more of my honey brown pigment lost to Vitiligo and more white patches prevailing wherever they want to on my body.

There are days I want to totally de-pigment expeditiously with the help of modern meds like Michael Jackson did and go all white, BUT then I think of organically de-pigmenting like a slow death. (the "death" part is the loss of my brown and I want to wake up every morning to see parts of the original me still there! -lol Let it happen naturally and don't sweat the small stuff!! LOL yeah right.

I will continue to manage my daily life with a smile and passion to finish my book and to complete the 2 pilot projects that are my "babies" and my heart!! lol

the weather in Chicago is breaking and I can't wait to kiss summer and take a nap on the sand by the waterfront! (of course I have to wear sunblock 50 so I will not burn to a crisp)! :0

Rainy and Cold but My heart is still warm!

2011-04-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

I have to admit it was a very strange, weird, rainy and cold day in Chicago. The pressure is so on and my body is responding by losing more pigment on my hands, legs and face. Although my face must know that it is a very sensitive area and if any white patches start really spreading I WILL BE LIVID! I AM NOT ready to turn completely white in my face while the rest of my body is taking it's moderate time! LOL

While I continue to manage multiple independent projects of my own creation, the weather today did not deter me from appointments and making it to the gym to release some endorphins!!

No matter the day the weather or my location, I always run into people I haven't seen in a while and miss or new people that add to my village of creativity and hope for a better humanity!

I saw an older man today with vitiligo on his hands and he looked at me and quickly turned his head away. So, I didn't do like I usually do and tap him to say hello and talk about vitiligo, rather, I left him alone in the rainy cold to cross the street in hopes to see him again to learn about his feelings on living with Vit!

Overwhelmed and Underpaid!!

2011-03-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

do i have to xplain???? one thing is for sure, my vitiligo is spreading on the corner of my mouth and little kids are so cute when they think i have a milk patch on my mouth. most of the time i laugh but today i pouted!! lol there are days i am ok with this turning white thing and then as it spreads on my body, i think perhaps i am in some sort of quarterly denial about the fact that i am really losing my beautiful honey brown!!! LOL HOwever, my personality will always remain in tact and wonderful regardless of this physical transformation of pigment.

working so hard on my multiple projects and my freelancing could be a hellava lot better but i know the seeds i plant are going to blossom in such a rich and abundant garden that i am patient (well kind of!!).

season change brings some anxiety

2010-11-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

Nothing new. but i will admit that my vitiligo is on a rampage on my hands and arms--meaning that it is spreading fast because i have been consumed and anxiety ridden with my life overall but pushing forward with this amazing book. think it is the season change and like everybody else that lives with the 4 seasons, the idea of a slushy, brutally cold and long winter is NOT sitting well with me. maybe the good thing about global warming is that there will be days , maybe, just maybe that will go up to the high 50's in the winter when its supposed to be 0degrees!!!

anybody out there noticed any new white patches that are distressing you with this vitiligo? just asking, its nice to know i am not alone in turning white! lol

nuthin much

2010-11-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

in a self imposed lockdown this month in writing my book. its cold outside and i just am on a real disciplined and positive mode. sleepy now but am glad to be back on my blog and writing my book at same time!!

i got two more books after this one and i am done.

Hey I am back!

2010-10-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

WOW it has been a minute and I am writing a book, free-lancing and paving my way to fulfill my purpose and mission in life...........

It's BEEN A WHILE!!

2008-12-11T01:02:00.000-08:00

YUP, I KNOW!Boy have I been a busy bee, no wonder they named her Maia the Bee--LOL :-)

Life has been turned upside down and I have rolled with it and because of that, I am (u guessed it).....TURNING WHITER and not liking it at all.

Will post some pics from my last taping of a Pilot for television about my living with Vitiligo.

Hope this Pilot peeks Oprah's interest.......

A VICTORY!

2008-10-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is so great! Today I interview for my television pilot/show, Dr. Pearl Grimes!!
Finally, this "Rock-Star" Dermatologist's schedule opened up. We will use this footage to educate and inform all of you living with Vitiligo and those that still don't understand what the heck it is!

So we will be looking forward to using that footage and am excited of what other great possibilities are in store with Dr. Grimes and our Pilot.

Be well,

Maia

MAXWELL Is Coming to Los Angeles

2008-09-18T23:02:00.000-07:00

Well my girlfriends and gay guy friends have spent a whole lot of time texting, emailing and blabbing away at who is going to have front row seats and all access to Maxwell's long long long awaited concert tour!

Finally, I had to break it down to all my friends who still are very youthful and tell them, "The only person who has the "access" you want to Maxwell is his model GIRLFRIEND!!!" -LOL So, of course my reality check to them has limited my popularity (temporarily). :-) Everyone in LA practically is scrambling for outfits, good tickets and the info on the after after after party!!

OMG!! Why do I feel like I am 21 again? It is so funny to listen to al lthis hoopla , Maxwell is the soulful crooner that makes any woman want to dip in that bathtub with him from THAT video!! go to www.youtube.com and see what i am talking about if you haven't seen it in a while.

He truly is a talented brotha and I hope that he will be so calming and smooth to listen to that maybe some of my white patches might transform back to brown. It does happen when I am less stressed, eating right, exercising and listening to Maxwell!!--LOL

HOpe to get an interview with him to mention in my blog......................

It's Official!! Dr. Grimes Will Be Interviewed for a Segment of the show, "Turning White In Hollywood", (TWH)

2008-09-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Confucius said: "Nine thoughts to one word".

.....And my one word was "PLEASE??!!" my 9 thoughts were repetitive on how I would somehow lock in the renown Dr. Pearl E. Grimes to answer many medical questions concerning Vitiligo on the show. Now it's one thought "relief" and two words "Thank YOU"!!- LOL :-)

Well today it finally happened! Her efficient and very polite office Manager, delivered the news that Dr. Grimes agreed to be interviewed at her offices in Los Angeles, (Mid-Wilshire area).

A HUGE thank you to Mark and to Dr. Grimes! I know that many people living with Vitiligo (and those who never heard of it) will be educated. And many of her patients will appreciate hearing more of her knowledge on this complex condition.

Please log on to www.pearlgrimesmd.com to learn more about Dr. Pearl E. Grimes and of her contributions in research on Vitilgo and other skin disorders.

Invasion of the White Patches

2008-09-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

"Humbleness, forgiveness, clarity and love are the dynamics of freedom. They are the foundations power."
-Gary Zukav

I woke up this morning with my head resting on the back of my hand. As I opened my eyes I noticed this large milky way white patch on my hand. It had pink tones on this very white patch.

On days like this, this disorder attempts to break down my psyche or ego about feeling and staying attractive. It humbles me and at the same time causes me to begin the mourning process of losing this beautiful brown golden skin tone my Daddy's gene gave me.

Funny, when my skin color ultimately transforms all white, I will actually look more related to my very light skinned blue-eyed mother! (she is African-American with I am sure a sprinkle of English and Native American) How ironic is that?
....and NO her light pigment has nothing to do with my Vitiligo. -lol

I am nervous about it spreading to my face and creating uneven white patches. By that time,I probably will seek the treatment to expedite the loss of my brown pigment so that the white patches will become even all over.

And you think you have life decisions to make?!!-lol

Maia

TWH Guests bringing hope to the idea....

2008-09-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

"Turning white changes my color but doesn't change my personality. Living with Vitiligo allows me to educate and empower others as I manifest my highest potential, regardless of what I look like."

-Maia La Ville

This is the 7th anniversary of 911 and I hope all of us will take a silent moment today/tonight in honor of those that lost their lives and to their families.

Today was such a great day for the TWH project (Turning White in Hollywood). I finally reached J.D. Runnels, or rather he reached out to me and we had a great conversation about the project. I really hope J.D. and his wife will fly up to LA so JD can really give us his one on one perspective of living with Vitiligo. He sounds like a very interesting man with a diverse background.

To top that off my 1st guest on the show will be flying from Atlanta, Georgia to share her life experiences on the subject as well. Robin is writing a book and is the former spokesperson for Dermablend Cosmetics featured on the Guthy-Renker Infomercials. So, many of us are excited to hear her story of challenges and triumphs in living with Vitiligo.

I am still crossing my fingers for Dr. Grimes in hopes her schedule will free up for this next taping of TWH. We will see.

My other guest who is a superb celebrity make-up artist, Pam Farmer has been swamped with 15 hour days lately. Today she was providing make up for Jennifer Lewis -Disney and text me to say she wants to be a guest on the show. The project is getting it's buzz on and I really hope that the children truly benefit from all of these amazing people who either have vitiligo or are acquainted with those that do.

One step at a time but looks like they are becoming fast steps!!

Ciao,

Maia

Learning Curve

2008-09-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my wonderful loving sister told me I need to make some changes to my blog. She said she loves my idea but that it needed some work. This is all so new to me and of course my feelings were hurt but she's good at what she does and so I listened, processed and digested. (Taking the action is coming though-lol)

It will take me a bit to transform the blog but I have alot a work to do and really am trying to get the gist of it. My sole intention is to share with you who I am, what I am about, my likes and dislikes, my honest feelings about turning white and all the going ons in my life, the things I find fascinating and things that just plain irritate me!-this is my intention.

I will continue to navigate the blog waters and hopefully as I grow, so will my blog and readers, all 200 of you. :-) I am not doing this to be popular, like I said it is therapy and the joy of sharing whether one of you reads it or just me! --LOL

It will definitely change and as I evolve with the TV show I am taping to pitch, everything else will evolve too.

Thanks for your interest and feel free to leave your constructive comments or compliments, either way it is all very helpful and fun!

happy day!

What Is Vitiligo? (lesson 1) :-)

2008-09-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

Vitiligo
Signs and symptoms

Content provided by MayoClinic.com
The main sign of vitiligo is pigment loss that produces milky-white patches (depigmentation) on your skin. Other less common signs may include:

Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard
Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of your mouth (mucous membranes)
Loss or change in color of the inner layer of your eye (retina)
Although any part of your body may be affected by vitiligo, depigmentation usually develops first on sun-exposed areas of your skin, such as your hands, feet, arms, face and lips. Although it can start at any age, vitiligo often first appears between the ages of 20 and 30. Vitiligo generally appears in one of three patterns:

Focal. Depigmentation is limited to one or a few areas of your body.
Segmental. Loss of skin color occurs on only one side of your body.
Generalized. Pigment loss is widespread across many parts your body.
The natural course of vitiligo is difficult to predict. Sometimes the patches stop forming without treatment. In other cases, pigment loss can involve most of the surface of your skin.

Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses its pigment cells (melanocytes). This results in white patches appearing on the skin in different areas of the body. Vitiligo can affect any part of the body.

......And so when you see people on the street with those white patches on their faces, hands, legs, feet, arms-you now know what it is. One thing important to know that Vitiligo is NOT contagious.

Maia

2008-09-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Little streams

Too Hot In LA

2008-09-07T22:08:00.000-07:00

Quote today: "Little streams come together to form the great ocean."
-Nichiren Daishonin
13th Century Buddhist Monk

TIRed today cause the heat is a tad annoying and wish at times I could get on a jet and fly to my home town Chicago to run barefoot in the winter wonderland snow (that only happens a few times in the cold winters).

It gets so hot in Los Angeles it just makes me think of a cold chicago winter--Mind you this is not all the time!! -LOL

THE RNC is DOA

2008-09-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

I am a Republican, a black, dyed in the wool Republican, and I never intend to belong to any other party than the party of freedom and progress.
-Frederick Douglass

Now, all I want to know is if back in his day the Republicans were like the Democrats are today? or Did my B in history just happen to appear angelically on my report card?

Cause if Mr. Frederick Douglass were alive right now he might have done a real fast and powerful switch to the Demo side right about now. And if not he would have been the brightest and the best darn Republican speaker in this day and age.--LOL

I can see him asking Sara Palin, "What in God's name did you not say to your child and how did that get pass you, Mrs. supposed to be VP??"

When I turn to the news and see the RNC folks, they just look dry, boring and are most white men in suits. THere seems to be no pulse just stiff cheers and energy that could never match the Americans filled with diversity who are soon to be the driving force behind making change and history in this place we call home.

On another note, I have noticed white patches spreading on my left hand the more I see the news about this RNC Puppet theater broadcast. I make myself stay abreast of both sides because that is the only way one knows how to counter the adversary is by learning about their tactics and sometimes lack thereof-lol

Anyhow, my vitiligo is affected whether I am totally excited i.e Barack Obama or if I am just irritated with John McCain and his cronies that I get worried and stressed out because......Heck you know why!!

I have been trying to get the manager of a popular grocery store who lives with Vitiligo to be a guest on my show "Turning White in Hollywood". I know she is shy and seems private, but I am determined to transform that as soon as possible. She is the sweetest and most sincere person have met in the professional world who has vitiligo at a moderate stage.

So, if you are reading this, you know who you are and I really want you to PLEASE, PLEASE STRONGLY CONSIDER BEING ON MY SHOW!! I am going to tell you like the politicians say when they are looking for donations. "Your contribution will make the world a better place!" Except your "Contribution will be your heartfelt experiences and feeling that others can benefit from and gain hope by you sharing it with us.

Be well,
Maia

Labor Day to Remember

2008-08-31T23:19:00.001-07:00

Sir Winston Churchill - “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

This Labor Day weekend I am reflecting on my African ancestors and the Chinese, Mexican, Polish, Italian, Irish, Russian, Japanese and a host of other hardworking people from other countries that labored morning , noon and night to build this great nation we call America. To all of them, "I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I promise to do my part to re-build where some of your generations have torn apart!"

So, today was an interesting day for me from a spiritual stand point, had a meeting with some very powerful and team oriented women in my world peace organization. It was a real eye opener and reality check for me.

The one thing that would sum it up is what I found in the amazing quote made by Sir Winston Churchill, who was an Icon of the 20th century. (read at top of page)
As I develop my character and polish my internal mirror, I am learning that the powerful presence of a person can either inspire others or bring out their weaknesses (and yours) which ultimately creates no value.

So glad I blog!! It is not only therapy for my dealing with vitiligo but for also embracing change. Yes, I got some real healthy guidance and some hit my ego but most nurtured my soul about some things happening that I was oblivious to and things I knew about. At the end of the day, I reflected, refreshed and redetermined that in order to be a 1st class citizen we will always have trials, errors and victories to make us stronger and wiser. So without tellin' ya'll all my business -LOL My Labor Day Sunday lit up a dark spot in my life and transformed it into ray of sun. :-)

Now if only the sun rays could replenish the brown pigment in to replace the white spots on parts of my body to be all even.!! I won't hold my breath but I like the Obama and most of America still have HOPE!!

Have a safe Labor Day weekend and if you have to work, "work smarter not harder!"

Maia

ITS A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD...

2008-08-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

Whitney M. Young, Jr. said-

“Support the strong, give courage to the timid, remind the indifferent, and warn the opposed.”

OH HAPPY DAY!!

...BARACK KICKED BUTT!" "oH ITS A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD ....U BETTA VOTE" AND "hE WILL BE OUR PRESIDENT, DON'T U THINK SO, DON'T U THINK SO, DON'T U THINK BARACK WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT?" IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE USA WON'T U VOTE FOR BARACK?!!!" -lol

I KNOW MANY OF YOU HEARD AND OR SAW "THE SPEECH" ON TV OR RADIO AND SO YOU CAN OVERSTAND MY ENTHUSIASM, YET ONE MO' TIME!!!!! :-)

Now I just thought how wonderful it would be to have that many people learn about Vitiligo and visit this site! :-) If he can do it so can I. So tell your friends who have always been curious about this unusual disease and who probably don't know of many people who openly discuss it as I do.

Believe you me, there are some days I look at these spots and really want to paint over them. However, I am constantly reminded by my inner voice and very good friends that I have a great personality and luckily don't have to paint over that!-LOl THANK GOODNESS. (bUT we all can use a little work!)

I really want the end of this year and all of 2009 to bring major advancement to our Nation and the world relating to diversity and growth. Racism, sexism, age discrimination, materialism gluttony, obsessive image visuals and gang atrocities -is WAY OLD AND SO LOST IN A TIME WARP- I really want to challenge misguided and lost citizens who are stuck, angry and ignorant of how they can contribute to harmony and a stronger America to quite simply-Get Help, Get a Legal Job and put yourselves into situations or programs opposite of how you have been living, thinking and spreading "toxicity". Just try something good and different in thought and behavior and see what it feels like.

I am just tired of the mess some of us get ourselves into and we don't see the long term affects of our emotional and non well thought out actions. Change will manifest based on each individual person in our society taking responsibility for their lives and for them to live an altruistic life.

Lately, I must admit I have been feeling like going on a really nice romantic date. I would like to spend time to discuss with the gentleman about Obama, Mc Cain, television programming, my world travel, the best places to dine and the next spa that I want to visit!-lol Sometimes us single women just want a break and enjoy the world changes with someone who is in the know and not bad on the eye!

Okay, just having a man moment! Somebody asked me if I would date a man that had Vitiligo and I said, "Of course I would, but my basic requirements still stand:

1. He has to have a career and a vehicle -lol
1. Totally love and respect his MOM
1. Be community minded and politically involved ---VOTE!!
1. Have a college education or damn good in his trade/vocation
1. Love Culture and open to people, places and things (and if not doesn't mind that I am-LOL )
1. Dress trendy or at least open to my picks for him (not tryin to change just upgrade-LOL )
1. Keeps that beard and goatee or mustache trimmed
1. Likes to stay fit by exercising or playing a sport and if you are too old to do that then you betta like backgammon and bingo LOL, LOL, LOL- :-)
1. Own your home or condo
1. There is always more; come on I am a Chicagoan/West Indian Female!!!

Barack Obama's Nomination and Me- 2 kinds of History in the Making (well he's one up on me :-)

2008-08-27T12:59:00.004-07:00

“There is only one way in which one can endure man's inhumanity to man and that is to try, in one's own life, to exemplify man's humanity to man.”- Alan Paton (1903-1988)

Well Damn! Did ya think in this lifetime that, literally, an African-American would be nominated and is on his way to making double history???? This means I can pass away in this lifetime knowing that things can get better with a monumental victory like this...First Round-LOL

So, I blogged yesterday and today and was really flowing when I went to edit my blog and lost it twice. OOOOHHHHHH that just irritated me to no end and yes I got frustrated and left to treat myself to my favorite spot in Culver City, California, Emerald Thai Restaurant.

Ordered some red curry with eggplant, broccoli and shrimp and garlic rice!!! Then I was good to go but now without stopping at Baskin Robbins to satisfy my sweet tooth with a scoop of Jamoca Almond Fudge.

My friend called me to let me know it was official about Barack's nomination and I pray I won't be so excited that I wake up with more white spots in the morning! -LOL Vitiligo doesn't just spread under stress, it can manifest from all kinds of things. That would include me being so enthusiastic and blowing my Sprint minutes out the roof talking to all ya'll, that I have a night of insomnia and that's the part that would invite the white spots to come to the party-LOL

So,I am also excited about this blog and the direction I am going to take it in! Barack and I are going to make history!! He's going to be President and I am going to be (well, that I know of) the first African/other-American Woman to be on national/international television that has Vitiligo.

I will not hide it on my hands. HOwever!!, Girlfriend, will always wear make-up on my face. It's just pretty! A woman shouldn't leave home without it or at least keep the lip gloss on, but not too much-lol :-)

See I am going to have to talk to Barack about appointing me as a member of his cabinet for Americans with Disability who are proactive and making lemonade from lemons!!

Ciao,
Mai

accidentally erased my blog for the day-C u tomorrow :-(

2008-08-27T12:59:00.001-07:00

I just wrote an amazing blog today and I accidentally erased it.

sorry i have no energy to do it again today. willtry tomorrow. but you did get new pics!

"Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them."-David Hume (1711-1776)

New White Spots and a Changing Attitude

2008-08-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

The white spots on my left lower leg have aggressively taken their place and show no signs of going away!! DAMNIT!! I look at these spots and just say to myself , "I just need more time, slow your roll!... I just need more time I am not ready for this to take over so quickly!!!"

Then I just breathe and look at another part of my body that is smooth, brown and all one complete color. A sigh of relief takes over and I begin to deeply place the thought of my new invasion of white spots into my " I don't want to accept this now or denial section."

Although this does not last for long, I go through this drama moment every time I see new white spots. It seems that the appearance of new spots becomes so consistent that I do lessen my complaints. THen I just move on for the day and think about this blog, the television tapings and my guests who inspire me and my vision for the future. Complaints over! My attitude changes and my energy is redisbursed.

Again, I have to say that the taping of " Turning WHite in Hollywood" taken from this blog, (August 18, 2008) is just getting better and better. My guest Jerome Malry an incredible classical pianist was candid and kind.

Jerome, is the most lovable and pleasant person to have a conversation with and his sense of humor truly added to this complicated topic. He was honest about being a world class performer who doesn't like being in crowds. However, on stage he is so focused in playing the piano and on stage that crowds don't affect him while playing but only when immersed in an actual crowd down from the stage. Very interesting.

Oh boy! can I relate. Jerome's vitiligo is very advanced and if and when mine becomes the same, I must admit my radiant personality may have a hard time keeping up with the reality of stares and whispers that will come my way.

Already, I am not comfortable with people staring at my mouth and hands but have adjusted to it; unless I notice the stare is too hard and too long, then I get agitated. BUt Jerome, admits to hating the disease and loving himself all in the same breath.

It really does make a person with vitiligo feel like they have multiple personalities because of the multiple skin pigment variations. Our moods can really change because of the environment and people whom can say or do things to affect our reactions.

BUt now that I think about it, isn't that true for anyone in any given situation? Whether you have lettuce in your teeth, a booger in your nose, bad breath, an acne breakout, a period spot on your skirt, a bunion sticking out of your shoe, yellow teeth......okay ya get my point right?

So anyway, Jerome is also a former patient of Dr. Grimes and although he now lives in Chicago (my home town) he really respects her medical opinion on this very complex disorder.

AND speaking of Dr. Grimes, we are still patiently praying for her appearance and attachment to this project because we know she dedicates her life to Vitiligo research and has a great relationship with her patients, some of which are children.

MPS is looking forward to Dr. Grimes and Robyn, former spokesperson and model, for the cosmetic brand Dermablend to be guests on the next show taping of "Turning White in Hollywood". Dr. Grimes is certainly the "Library of Congress" on vitiligo and Robyn can show many of us with white spots and skin blemishes on how to cover them up.

So, I will keep you informed. Have a great day and if you meet anyone who looks like they have vitiligo, please pass this blog on to them.

Ciao!
Maia

"If prejudice could reason it would dispel itself"- William Pickens

This Vitiligo thing

2008-08-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

So, we taped the 2nd taping of "Turning White in Hollywood", at the Time Warner studios in Santa Monica, California. My guest was Jerome Malry a world renown classical pianist who lives with Vitiligo. He was so amazing and candid about his vitiligo, as he says, "freakish" image.

At the same time he also said, "I really love myself" and admits that having Vitiligo has been a a bittersweet battle. But, I must say Jerome Malry is truly winning and is a source of inspiration to me!! I know I am slow with adding the pics to go with the blog; charge it to my head not my heart! -LOL ( I will have the pics from the taping up by this Friday)

This blog started as a form of therapy for me allow it mentally to settle in to my reality that I am going to turn completely white. The funny thing about this is that, I absolutely love writing (when I am in the mood) because I speak just like I write (well for the most part-lol) and I don't have a problem writing about it. The issue for me is is when I wake up each day and see another damn white spot advancing on my body i.e, face, neck, legs breasts, feet)

The television idea for this blog was mine and now I have found that launching myself and my guests on to this platform of awareness about Vitiligo, has stirred many people to empowerment about learning more. It is moving friends, friends of friends, family, strangers and associates and so many others to be a guest or pursuade someone else to be a guest. WOW!!!

I did not realize that there are hundreds of thousands of people living with vitiligo of all races and ages who are very unhappy with this disorder. Many do NOT like talking about their feelings. BUt I am telling you all, that is about to change!!

It is my 100% determination to encourage and inspire many Americans and people from around the world with Vitiligo to LOVE, HONOR AND TRANSFORM THEIR PAIN AND ANGUISH INTO PRO ACTIVITY AND TO CULTIVATE THEIR LIFE PASSIONS!!

Let me be the one of a few who can stand up and say "I AM STILL HAPPY WITH WHO I AM AND LOVE ME UNCONDITIONALLY, I AM JUST GOING TO HAVE TO ADJUST TO BEING A DIFFERENT COLOR."

Look everyone, life flashes by in the blink of an eye. Whether you are wealthy, poor, healthy, terminally ill, confused or confident, all of us want to have a comfortable, happy life without too much suffering, overwhelming drama and want to be loved by someone for a long time (still prayng about that one-LOL).

Wouldn't you agree?

So, if you don't have vitiligo, chances are you got something else that's bothering you or that you are worrying about and "ya gonna have to get through it"!!

“One Day My Soul Just Opened Up”
-----Iyanla Vanzant

"So open up and let the pain out and the happiness in cause there ain't room for both unless you make room!!"--Maia

MPS is Boycotting the Movie "Tropic Thunder"

2008-08-14T12:14:00.001-07:00

Let's get right to the point. If the casting agents wanted a black man for the film THERE ARE PLENTY OF BROTHAS THAT COULD HAVE PLAYED THE ROLE AND YOU WOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO PAINT THEM BROWN- THEY HAVE NATURALLY!!! i.e. the Rock, the Rock, the Rock -LOL ( ok I couldn't help myself!! :-)

So, while the media was allowing the developmentally challenged citizens to express their disappointed in "Tropic Thunder", nobody mentioned diddly squat about a white man being colored/painted brown to play a black man!!! Am I missing something here? If I am please assist me on this one.

I mean damn, if anything I could have used those make-up materials to paint in the missing brown pigment in my skin and still remain true to my ethnicity. :-) Come on Robert, I think you are an exceptional actor but u went totally down hill with very bad judgement on your part for this role. Hell, U could play a white man turning whiter by portraying a white man with vitiligo, now that I can see . -LOL (hey we need to talk about that!!)

Well I was wrong people of this Nation (some of us) are upset!

Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Tropic Thunder.’
Related Articles
‘Tropic’ topic draws thunder
By Jennifer SanchezHumor is subjective, but when it comes to the controversial comedy “Tropic...
‘Thunder’ struck! Stiller, Downey and company hit the mark with outrageous satire
By James VerniereIn “Tropic Thunder,” Ben Stiller’s raucous, R-rated satire...
Ohio advocates blast ‘Tropic Thunder’ movie
By Associated PressBROOKLYN, Ohio (AP) _ Some Ohioans are joining the nationwide outcry over the movie...
More on: + Ben Stiller + Tropic Thunder + Robert Downey Jr.
Top articles in Entertainment
The precocious ones: Meet Massachusetts’ musical prodigies
By Jed Gottlieb
Woody Allen’s ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ seduces audience
By James Verniere
Even Yoda can’t save ‘Clone Wars’
By James Verniere
Downey faces little flak
By Stephen Schaefer
‘Thunder’ struck! Stiller, Downey and company hit the mark with outrageous satire
By James Verniere
Advertisment

Here's an excerpt from an article:

Tropic Thunder movie is insulting, local reviewers say
by NANCY ESHELMAN, Of The Patriot-News
Thursday August 14, 2008, 9:04 PM

"The 'R' word is an insulting slur to people with intellectual disabilities," said Stephen H. Suroviec, executive director of The Arc of Pennsylvania. "People with intellectual disabilities have been the brunt of tasteless jokes and stereotypes and marginalized in society for too long."

The movie also insults gays, blacks, women, actors and fat people and features repeated slang references to body parts and body functions. "It was vulgar on many levels," said Carla Briggs, marketing and public relations director for the Arc of Pennsylvania, who accompanied our group to the theater. "I can see where all the hoopla's been coming from."

Read more in Friday's Patriot-News.
http://www.pennlive.com/

and see his pic at www.news.bostonherald.com

Anyhow, I might come back to this, gotta run to traffic court and YES I CAN DRIVE !! :-)

Rippin' and Runnin'

2008-08-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Greetings MPS Readers,

Well I have to tell you I have been really putting my energy into my MPS show taping coming up next Monday , August 18th. Sad to say that Dr. Grimes schedule will not permit her appearing on this segment. Good news is she supports the concept and will agree to fit us in as soon as our schedules can open up.

Gotta keep moving and I am meeting so many women with Vitiligo. I am now considering writing this blog in Spanish but not now. :-) What I have come to find out is that not many folks living with Vitiligo are that open and confident enough to share their personal stories of living with Vitiligo. And I am determined to affect that mindset by being the bridge between feeling like a victim to being empowered to affect change right where we are in our daily lives!

Look people, we cannot harp, complain and worry about what others think (well we can and live in despair and misery if we do so), We must surmount the negative and focus on what our inner beauty resonates to the Public when we are seen by so many eyes. Yes it is uncomfortable to be stared at and I say stare back and invite a conversation. "Hello, I noticed you were looking at me, have you ever seen this skin disorder before? Let me tell you about it, it is called Vitiligo..." Yup that is what I do, if it is so obvious and I can't take it anymore.

I simply turn lemons to lemonade and they walk away armored with more information than they had before they saw me. Then I turn them on to this blog!
Now that's part of my therapy and it has worked for me. I know not everybody is that engaging but hey that is what I do in the career of Entertainment Television and I end up meeting some really nice and interesting people.

Gotta run meeting my Dad for lunch.

Maia

Anxiety

2008-08-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Having anxiety today and the past few days. Seems like when it rains it tornadoes in my life, and somehow I am like the Energizer batteries "just keep going and going and going..." -lol

My producer is still in talks with Dr. Grimes and she's smiling our way so that is a great thing. Trying to catch up with her is like trying to see the Wiz of Oz and if you DON'T have an APPOINTMENT you might get stuck back at the bottom of the hill working on a Plan B map. Did I say Plan B? Must be thinking of Brad Pitt in my subconscious!!! -lol Congrats to him and babies mother Queen Angelina! Understand it was Vitro fertilization--AW!!! who the hell cares, if I could comeback right now as their baby I would. To hell with beating ;this pavement, but somebody's gotta to do it. LOL

Anyhow, I am bumping into a lot of people with Vitiligo and happened to be at my neighborhood VONS grocery store and met a manager who had it. Of course I get all happy to meet, yet another person that I can exchange stories of living with Vitiligo with. It's kind of like guys talking about sports; their worst and best teams or ladies discussing the best and worse places to shop or eat.

Instead, we discuss the stares, the astute to the ignorant questions and comments we get about our white spots. I do more laughing than crying. It gets down that old adage "make lemons into lemonade"!

Make it a beautiful day everyone!

"If prejudice could reason it would dispel itself"
- by a famous educator

Missing Maia?

2008-08-02T20:14:00.001-07:00

My apologies!! I have been beating the pavement with my day gig and preparing for the taping of my pilot of this blog. What doesn't kill you will damn well make you stronger-Belive that! -lol

Lately, I know I have been stressed out, as my body sends me signals to slow the ==heck= down and sip on some green tea more often! Meaning, I have more and more white spot sprouting or rather taken over my hands and legs. Yes I am now looking like connect the darn dots.

The back of my left leg, has sprinkles of new white spots that look like little stars shining in the galaxy of Maia!-LOL It's Trippe to see and I will post a pic in a few days to show ya what I mean.

.....On to the taping of my blog to television pilot on August 18th. Praying hard that Dr. Grimes will be my very special guest to share medical info about Vitiligo! She's a busy lady and if that happens then I know I am doing something right...and if not, I AM STILL DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!!! -LOL :-)

Will blog later and remember to wear sunblock, absolutely no one is immune from sunburn!

"Be the change you wish to see"
- Mahatma Gandhi

A Day

2008-07-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have been running around preparing for the August 18th taping of this blog to television. Truly hope that one of the greatest Dermatologists (in my opinion) Dr. Grimes will be a special guest on the show. Many of you would certainly find her views of this skin disorder very interesting. She's done alot of research on skin disorders.

In the meantime, I have been talking to folks in the industry who are encouraging me to wholeheartedly take my show to network..And so I am!
The more women, children and men who live with Vitiligo and our self-conscious about it, will begin to feel empowered, motivated and hopeful after becoming a viewer and reader of Maipecanswirl (the blog and the television show). This is my hope and heartfelt determination.

....And it's just darn good therapy for me to discuss honestly about this condition and how people look at me, others and to reveal the most interesting conversations that come up when I am in the Public eyes.

If you know of anyone that is interested in sharing their story with me on living with Vitiligo, please email me: Maipecanswirl1@yahoo.com

"Smile today and let the sunshine within come out."--Maia

Changing a Skin Disorder into a Discussion

2008-07-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been on a mission to find people who are affected by and living with Vitiligo. I don't know why it is that when I am looking for a variety of folks with Vitiligo to share their stories, I always run into African-American, female women ages 30 to 50. It's a wonderful experience, but "we" are not the only ones living with this skin issue.

Vitiligo is NOT just an African-American skin disorder. Now, I can't speak for the brother and sisters who CHOOSE to bleach themselves white, that my dear readers is another blog...but not the one for today. :-)

It is so funny because when I am out and about, I see many races with this skin disorder. However, I am in a car most of the time, sitting in LA Traffic and LA Drivers could go ballistic if I paused for a second to ask someone standing at the GREEN light, "Hi there, would you like to be a guest on my show?"

( I can't lie, I have tried it-was successful but they got cold feet). And got honked at like never before and NO I did NOT put up the finger (too classy for that) just waved and smiled in the rearview mirror "sorry baby, thanks for waiting" LOL LOL!

Anyway, I did meet a Mexican-American family and the Mother of 3 children who had Vitiligo in its advance stages. So of course, Ms. Maia attempted to speak broken Spanish (if that) and to no avail, I was getting no where fast. (Mom, I still don't understand why you did not teach, force, bribe, demand Spanish, of me? Since you have been teaching, speaking, reading and writing it for over 40 years!) Ok that's a family issue, but I am still salty 'bout that :-) Mom, u know I l luv you but just WHY????

.....But nevertheless, I am sure this middle aged mom would have had an interesting story to tell. I now have to purchase "Spanish-Quick and in a Hurry". I made that up but I am sure someone out there has that title.

If readers of this blog or anyone you know has Vitiligo and wants to share invigorating, organically funny and witty conversation (this is not a depressing situation, or at least I am not going to allow it to be in my life) about their life with Vitiligo tell them to email me at: Maipecanswirl1@yahoo.com
Let's chat.

In these ridiculous times, there is always some place that we can change ugly to pretty or bad to good. I really hope that when America and the World learns more about Vitiligo, they will become more familiar with it and understanding of people who live with it EVERYDAY. Let's become more humble, happy and knowledgeable. It is so interesting how just one topic can open up a treasure chest of stories from past to present....

Better days for everybody!
Maia

Mai Hosting Reel on You Tube

2008-07-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, I put my talent reel up for those agents that are seeking me and don't know it yet! I just recently taped a show that I will be editing soon and adding some footage to this reel and the tlevision segment to this blog......soon come.

I still have uncut fun things to look at and you will get it right here as I tape Maipecanswirl for television. Have to admit, it was so nice not to have to hide the pigment loss on my hands and arms as we filmed this pilot. Irony of it is that, when we played the footage back, I noticed at times I would use my hands to speak. It caught me off guard to see myself with spots on my hands flashing across the TV screen.

I said to myself, "What happened to her hands?, but she's still cute !!"-LOL So, I can imagine what people are saying that have never seen this unusual skin disorder on local or National TELEVISION before. All the more reason why I am doing it!,

After you get through the shell shock of it, you can't help but pay attention to the conversations, my interviewing style (not Oprah, Not Barbara , Tyra or Ellen) but TOTALLY Maia. I am inspired and love them all!.......and if I meet my goal they will all be on my show at one time or another. Betta hurry cause Ms. B just wrote her book "Audition" and she's not getting any younger. I know there is more to tell and I'll get those secrets out! (Got Confidence!)

Just feelin good about myself even though image is everything, Hollywood will pull out the WHite Carpet and the backdrop will say in "Personality is Everything and it's brought to you by Maia La Ville"!--LOL Ok,just having a brainstorming moment and am not about to type all that !-lol

So ready to breakout and showcase something new, happy, REAL not fake or robotic and heart to heart with some flava and not (Flava Flav) either! "I gotta be me....." what musical was that lyric from? ALright, phones ringing and could be an agent so keep me in your prayers.

"Life is good if you are!"
- Maia La Ville

MPS

Feelin Fat and Happy to eat this July 4th -LOL

2008-07-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

I know it's the July 4t holiday and I have not worked out in 2 darn weeks!! In Cali that is ridiculous and now all my friends will be cooking up some lavish dishes and gettin' down with the real BBQ meat and some awesome fish. AND what will I do, eat like a pig.

Lately, I have been an emotional eater because I am stressen from doing so much behind the scenes in preparing my television pilot of this blog. Two tapings are scheduled in July and August. The first one went really well and my dear friend, Lucy Blanco was a wonderful guest on the first show.

Soon or later I will create a link so that you can view some excerpts from the show. In the meantime, I am going to attempt to do 100 crunches to prepare for the food frenzy I will be on this weekend! Everybody has got to pig out once in a while-lol

I was in my sista Djuna's convertible yesterday and the sun was burning the hell out of my arms even after I had layered up with 38 sun block! She was like "sweetie are you uncomfortable I can put the top up", that was so sweet because not too many people are aware that the sun rays between 11am to 3p are so dangerous especially for is Vitiligoans! ( I just made up that word) I seem to forget that sometimes, but believe u me, when I start to burn on my skin, I am quickly reminded of my imperfections--Damn!

This holiday I will hang out with my friends the Holland family (they are having a dinosaur named after them at the Natural History Museum of California) www.nihm.org and swim in the pool with major sunblock and do about 10 laps and then come up for air and sip on my pink-tini! I am sure I will post some pics of me swimming, I am curious to see how my white spots shine in the blue water. It's the creative side in me! :-) sometimes I want to see how other people see me with Vitiligo.

Have a safe Fourth and eat up darn it!!-LOL

Reflection on this turning white process

2008-07-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

I know you are viewing some of my old pics saying, "damn is that really her?" Yes it is! I have been told that I am a chameleon in looks and sometimes personality-lol I wanted to share these pics to one: Remind me of how I would like to look and two: how I would like to look and three, A reminder that a PERSONAL TRAINER AND ORGANIC CHEF is not far from being obtained!-LOL

As, I mentioned in the captions by the pics on the left column, when I moved to LA, because of the geography and climate of Atlanta and Chicago, my skin color was much lighter. So, when Landis applied makeup for my photo session it enhanced my light skin and now the Cali. sun has made me much darker as you can tell by the picture at the top.

It really is trippe to me, because the more the sun tans the pigment that is not yet affected by the Vitiligo, the more it makes the white spots more noticeable. And so I go through the day admiring my darker skin tone andTHEN reminding myself that it is totally temporary! Must admit I do go back and forth in my head of how I am going to look once this crazy process is complete and I am not loooking forward to it. BUt I love me as I am anyway cause I am not a boring person by anymeans!

My goal is to land a television contract as an Entertaiment/Reality Show Host now and by the time I turn completely white, I will be retired and fulfilled with my life. (at least that is the plan) As I have stated before, I will miss the bronzing of the sun on my skin and the radiant glow that my brown pigment exudes from my body! I am conditioning my mind and emotions to prepare to settle in to the new white skin that will take over one day.

Honestly, I won't like it but it is an opportunity to prepare myself and to truly appreciate and concentrate more on the person within! She is a Goddess and a love child who will always be the product of her roots, African, Dominican, French and Carob Indian.

www.visit-dominica.com that's my Dad's birthplace in the West Indies where they speak a French dialect called, Pature (pat-twa).

Going to the Hollywood Bowl tonight for the Independence Day fireworks! Very patriotic but love the stars shining in the midnight spacious sky! Especially when you are sipping on a nice bottle of wine. www.thewine-spies.com

Later,
Maia

A Whisper and a Smile

2008-06-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-06-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

(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

2008-06-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-06-06T23:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

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/

2008-06-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-06-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-06T23:33:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-06-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-06-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-06-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-06-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

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.........

2008-06-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

I am switching blogsites so bear with me.