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.
Friday, June 6, 2008
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!
Another day of changing colors. I looked down at my ankles and noticed that a new family of white spots have set up camp! Darn it! That's my first true feeling and then I am thinking if I should call Dr. Grimes and tell her I just want to fast forward; meaning, turn my whole body white so my complexion can be even all over.Well, not quite yet. My face has not gotten splotchy with white spots and as long as I can endure the vitiligo everywhere else, I can hold off from moving expeditiously in turning all-white.
It sounds funny to me sometimes because, when I think of being completely white in pigment color, my mind sometimes plays tricks on me .What I mean by that is, I start to wonder if my world will completely change. Will more doors open due to my white pigment or will my life experiences as an African-American woman typically be the same? Has society matured and racism is melting away or is it getting subtly worse?
Whether one was raised a racist or developed this mentality by association and by their own ignorance; it is not uncommon to notice in certain areas of our society, forms of service in sales, customer service, social circles and other categories that still discriminate based on pigment color.
I wonder if I will ever receive better treatment than a light or dark skinned African-American because my vitiligo has turned my entire face and body white? How will I feel right at that moment and what will I say?No worries here, my granddaddy, Douglass Ryan Turner from Natchez Mississippi who migrated North to Chicago (check out the Who's Who Book 1966 or 1967) taught me to speak out against injustice and never be afraid to question authority after you do your research first. He said to me once " If you don't like what is happening around you then use your education and wisdom to take action and fix it"!!I have some time until I decide either to prolong the pigment change and keep the brown I love so much or to transform to all white.Live wisely and healthy!
Yes it is true! Our first filming of "Pecan Swirl" begins on June 19th 2008.I decided that while I am beating the pavement to find an Agent that will work with me as an Entertainment Host, secure tv/cable contract and while searching for a bullet-proof health insurance plan (the 3 most important things u need in Hollywood :-) , I would begin sharing my life and that of others living with vitiligo to Southern Californians. (there will be more info to come later)I wanted to use one of the most powerful communication tools on earth, TELEVISION to partner with this blog and create some visual movement.
The show is titled , "Pecan Swirl" and it will feature amazing and well, different kind of folk who all live with Vitiligo.From professional make-up artists from MAC to life coaches, dating gurus, medical doctors and even our youth sharing their thoughts, bringing PS to television is a huge break-thru for those living with Vitiligo. Some will be ordinary working folk sharing their personal and intriguing stories of this pigment disorder.
There will be others from behind the scenes in the entertainment industry who will give up some gossip and give us a closer to look at their lives in and out of Hollywood.Some days living with vitiligo feels like a curse and I just want to smoothe over the white spots with permanent bronzer. BUT THEN..other days, I feel so good to look different and to attract curious people. It's a great way to meet some really nice and decent folk who either are encouraged by me or really are interested in understanding vitiligo.
Nana always told me to make lemonade from lemons. All of us know that old school term!To be quite honest, hosting Pecan Swirl is my own therapeutic recipe and a breather from heavy make up on my face and hands. Not to have to wear make-up on my hands to hide the "real" me is refreshing some days. Of course as an Entertainment/Reality show host, I know that America is not ready, at least not right now for a host with Vitiligo on national TV with no cover up. FOr those that know me, I dare them to challenge me to be the first!! :-)I do have hope..don't you?
The show is titled , "Pecan Swirl" and it will feature amazing and well, different kind of folk who all live with Vitiligo.From professional make-up artists from MAC to life coaches, dating gurus, medical doctors and even our youth sharing their thoughts, bringing PS to television is a huge break-thru for those living with Vitiligo. Some will be ordinary working folk sharing their personal and intriguing stories of this pigment disorder.
There will be others from behind the scenes in the entertainment industry who will give up some gossip and give us a closer to look at their lives in and out of Hollywood.Some days living with vitiligo feels like a curse and I just want to smoothe over the white spots with permanent bronzer. BUT THEN..other days, I feel so good to look different and to attract curious people. It's a great way to meet some really nice and decent folk who either are encouraged by me or really are interested in understanding vitiligo.
Nana always told me to make lemonade from lemons. All of us know that old school term!To be quite honest, hosting Pecan Swirl is my own therapeutic recipe and a breather from heavy make up on my face and hands. Not to have to wear make-up on my hands to hide the "real" me is refreshing some days. Of course as an Entertainment/Reality show host, I know that America is not ready, at least not right now for a host with Vitiligo on national TV with no cover up. FOr those that know me, I dare them to challenge me to be the first!! :-)I do have hope..don't you?
Yes it is true! Our first filming of "Pecan Swirl" begins on June 19th 2008.I decided that while I am beating the pavement to find an Agent that will work with me as an Entertainment Host, secure tv/cable contract and while searching for a bullet-proof health insurance plan (the 3 most important things u need in Hollywood :-) , I would begin sharing my life and that of others living with vitiligo to Southern Californians. (there will be more info to come later)I wanted to use one of the most powerful communication tools on earth, TELEVISION to partner with this blog and create some visual movement. The show is titled , "Pecan Swirl" and it will feature amazing and well, different kind of folk who all live with Vitiligo.
From professional make-up artists from MAC to life coaches, dating gurus, medical doctors and even our youth sharing their thoughts, bringing PS to television is a huge break-thru for those living with Vitiligo.Some will be ordinary working folk sharing their personal and intriguing stories of this pigment disorder. There will be others from behind the scenes in the entertainment industry who will give up some gossip and give us a closer to look at their lives in and out of Hollywood.Some days living with vitiligo feels like a curse and I just want to smoothe over the white spots with permanent bronzer.
BUT THEN..other days, I feel so good to look different and to attract curious people. It's a great way to meet some really nice and decent folk who either are encouraged by me or really are interested in understanding vitiligo. Nana always told me to make lemonade from lemons. All of us know that old school term!To be quite honest, hosting Pecan Swirl is my own therapeutic recipe and a breather from heavy make up on my face and hands. Not to have to wear make-up on my hands to hide the "real" me is refreshing some days.
Of course as an Entertainment/Reality show host, I know that America is not ready, at least not right now for a host with Vitiligo on national TV with no cover up. FOr those that know me, I dare them to challenge me to be the first!! :-)I do have hope..don't you?
From professional make-up artists from MAC to life coaches, dating gurus, medical doctors and even our youth sharing their thoughts, bringing PS to television is a huge break-thru for those living with Vitiligo.Some will be ordinary working folk sharing their personal and intriguing stories of this pigment disorder. There will be others from behind the scenes in the entertainment industry who will give up some gossip and give us a closer to look at their lives in and out of Hollywood.Some days living with vitiligo feels like a curse and I just want to smoothe over the white spots with permanent bronzer.
BUT THEN..other days, I feel so good to look different and to attract curious people. It's a great way to meet some really nice and decent folk who either are encouraged by me or really are interested in understanding vitiligo. Nana always told me to make lemonade from lemons. All of us know that old school term!To be quite honest, hosting Pecan Swirl is my own therapeutic recipe and a breather from heavy make up on my face and hands. Not to have to wear make-up on my hands to hide the "real" me is refreshing some days.
Of course as an Entertainment/Reality show host, I know that America is not ready, at least not right now for a host with Vitiligo on national TV with no cover up. FOr those that know me, I dare them to challenge me to be the first!! :-)I do have hope..don't you?
Today was a good day. I had a great meeting with some people. But I noticed that when I lifted my hands out of my lap during my conversation, all eyes moved toward staring at my vitiligo. Of course I am used to this but today it was different.I watched their eyes follow the movement of my hands. They did not notice me watching them watch me.
All I could do was chuckle to myself. My feelings were that of a Behavioral Scientist monitoring the movements of everyday people surprised by the not so normal or uncommon disfigurations of a population affected by imperfections.In that moment, I realized that I can no longer hide my little physical imperfections that vitiligo demands the world to see. But now, I can use this distraction to create value and to educate those that might find it weird, scary or just very interesting to see.Either way, I am okay with it and still love being brown!
I decided to treat myself to a wonderful massage at the Massage Garage on Bagley and Venice in Culver City, CA. I love this place because all massages are $45.00 and hour and the massage therapists are all Excellent!Doctors have suggested that people with vitiligo should excercise and make time for relaxation during a hectic work week.
When we are less stressed and our diet is healthy, our pigment is less affected and may not turn white as quickly. I have noticed when I am stressed out, that when I wake up in the morning, I will check my hands and feet to see if there are any new white spots.And yes, there are new spots more often especially, if I do not sleep well. However, when I am rested and feeling well, it remains the same without a widespread of new white spots.And so life continues.........
Greetings All,
Have been meeting many people and funny thing, they all have been telling me that "turning white" is a hot topic these days. Trust me, I'd love that if they added that I could turn brown again. Nonetheless, it is what it is, Vitiligo and so I am adjusting even though I have had it for over ten years.It's hot as hell in Los Angeles and the combo of heat and sun can hurt or help my pigmentation. It all depends on the time of day.
I am told by previous dermatologists that, the sun can organically help bring back my pigment. However, at peak hours of the day, it can also burn my skin and cause blisters which could lead to cancer. Well, Damn!!So, I have noticed loss of pigment spreading on my ankles and hands. But that did not stop me from shopping at the Charles David warehouse shoe sale this past weekend. Spots or not, my legs still loook goood and my $498.00 stillettos that I purchased for $35.00 were not hotter than the day!So I got 5 pair of coutoure heels and who says you can't look sharp even if you have a physical flaw; if you take care of yourself people appreciate that and so do you!Well, that's all I am feeling for now, gotta eat and get my work out going!
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!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Mai Introduction Again for new Site
OriginalPosting by Maia at 12:46 PM 2 comments
Labels: My feel for today
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Born Brown Turning White: What an interesting life this will be.
This is my personal physical, mental, emotional and romantic journey of my skin pigmentation disorder. I am changing colors daily right before my eyes and yours. Anyhoo, I just felt it was time for me to share with you my viewpoint as an African-American Female over the age of 35, and how I cope with this strange and life changing pigment disorder. It started in the summer of 1995 while I was working out in my house. I stopped and looked at my fingernails to see if I needed a manicure and there was my first white spot.
This condition is known as Michael Jacksons skin disorder, but the medical term is called, Vitiligo, (Vit-a-lye-go). One thing about Michael Jackson, after I was diagnosed with Vitiligo, I realized that the reason Michael was wearing the white glittered glove, was to cover his patched hands, better known to me as the Pecan Swirl.Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of the body? And the darker your pigmentation the less you burn from the sun rays, however you can still burn.
There are hundreds of thousands of people from all races, genders, and ages that were born with or manifested vitiligo in their lives. Many are what my sister calls spotted all over, or completely have turned all the way white. Meaning, they have lost all of their skin color and are very white looking.I must admit people do stare at me but not as soon as they see me. It has not invaded my face but is all over my hands and feet. And some other non obvious places on my Bod. (now this could get real interesting!!)Vitiligo is such a mysterious pigment disorder. There are many medical ideas of what might cause it but there is no cure.
THere are ways to prolong the pigment change by light treatment. It's like getting into a tanning bed and having the "lights on" from seconds to minutes several times a week to generate pigment cells to fill in where the skin has already turned white.My dermatologist charges $90.00 a treatment so it ain't cheap, especially for those who have Vitiligo and have no insurance...OUCH!! There are as always holistic remedies but again they are always slower and are not said to be a 100% cure to Vitiligo.One thing about Michael Jackson, after I was diagnosed with Vitiligo, I realized that the reasonMany people have asked me why do I still want to be in the entertainment television industry? I have one word to answer and that is PASSION!!
I love people and culture so I respond with why should I stop doing what I love just because my skin is changing colors? Lee Thomas the Detroit reporter who went on television shows to discuss vitiligo and his career with "Larry King" and "20/20", is my inspiration.Image is almost everything but these days, truth and change have taken on a new growth. Humans understanding and compassion about different and unusual manifestations of life; be it disease, environment, birth, aging, sickness and death, war,the plight to be happy, accepted and healthy, allow a blog like this to dispel the myths and open our hearts and minds to be inclusive of what we see, hear and do that's different.
The Pecan Swirl Blog will be a platform to discuss not only issues with Vitiligo but anything healthy, constructive (and let's not be too boring GOSSIP, Venting and straight talk) to life changes and to support one another with knowledge, compassion and the fostering of great brain activity and damn good juicy gossip!!
So, I am willing to answer as many questions as I feel comfortable with because I really want you to understand this condition. And also have more knowledge and compassion toward others who you might see out and about or of people you know. Vitiligo is not contagious but I hope my story is.......:-)
And so our journey begins,
Maia
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
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