Everyday Power

Have you guys been following the #EverydayPower campaign?! Each day this month, the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador is sharing video and photo stories in their social media campaign, designed to raise awareness in our communities and challenge disability stereotypes. Along with photographs and collages, they will be releasing a dozen video stories throughout the campaign, each providing a short, poignant snapshot of a positive aspect of everyday life for persons with disabilities. In doing so, they’ll share their experiences, show their personal power and help build more inclusive communities.

This is Brennen's Everyday Power :

"Brennen has cerebral palsy. He is non-verbal, and uses a wheelchair for mobility. Despite his many challenges, he is a happy little boy who loves spending time outdoors. Brennen appreciates the simple things in life - the sound of moving water, the rich scent of pine trees, the changing colours of the leaves - and he teaches us to do the same"

Possible

I've known Abby Quigley for almost a decade. She is a vibrant young woman with a passion for music and a strong desire to make people happy. She is funny, intelligent, and a social butterfly. Abby is 16 years old and has Spina Bifida.

For as long as I've known Abby, I've known that there is music in her soul. For her, it is a source of joy and a form of creative expression. Abby plays guitar and sings and wishes to one day become "a music therapist, or a famous recording artist, whichever comes first."

Her love of music started back when she was a little girl. Here is a clip of Abby at around four years old singing 'Fireman Fred'!

In 2014, Abby recognized a "wish" that was forming in her heart. She wanted to write and record a song with her favourite band, Everglow. She skillfully composed the lyrics to a song she titled "Possible", and sent them off with a note to the Children's Wish Foundation.

She was called in for a meeting with the Foundation, and when she arrived, the boys from Everglow were there to surprise her. They read her lyrics and were inspired. They went straight to work, composing a catchy, upbeat song to highlight her encouraging lyrics.

Since that first meeting, there have been many rehearsals, a studio recording, live performances and interviews, and a whirlwind of activity for Abby and Everglow.

The video below, from videographer Ben Smith, shows just how amazing this girl is and how incredible life can be when we believe in endless possibilities. **MUST WATCH**

And here is the Official Lyric Video for "Possible" by Abby Quigley

Abby has enjoyed every moment of hanging out with the band.

“Even though I’m short and I’m in a wheelchair, they make me feel like I’m no different than anybody else. Jon Pike and Gordon Huxter are so inspirational to me. Music is something that makes me really happy. It's something I want to do for a long time, and that's what I want people to understand. Just because you're different, doesn't mean you can't accomplish things. It might be something that is more difficult for you to do but with a little bit of faith and determination it is possible!!"

Abby's Mom, Lori has been right by her side every step of the way. She says, "The people at the Children's Wish Foundation were amazing. They were so kind and considerate. Even though they had never done anything like this before, they made it all happen and then some. Abby was the focus for them, her happiness was first and foremost."

"This whole experience came at a time when her self-confidence was wavering, unfortunately, due to typical junior high issues. Having her wish granted made all the difference, and we have our positive, confident girl back!" 

 
Abby says, "Thank you for everyone's continued love and support during this amazing journey with Everglow and the Children's Wish Foundation. It means the world to me!"

Thank you, Abby, for showing us that anything really is possible and that dreams really do come true. Here's to you, Abby, and to endless possibilities! You can change the world with your words and your song.

Faces of Newfoundland, Episode 2

Faces of Newfoundland, a photoblog capturing faces and stories from across the province, proudly presents a series of collaborative videos "made with you, for you, to help bring us all together".

A couple of months ago, I talked about how Brennen and I were photographed and interviewed for Faces of Newfoundland (read HERE). 

Now, take a look at these two incredible videos.. and have a look out for my boy! He makes a couple of appearances in the second one!

With the perfect mix of people and nature, these videos provide a wonderful depiction of what our beautiful province consists of. If I didn't already live here, I'd wish I did!

Thank you, David, for including us in this project!

Almost 10

Brennen will be ten years old next week. A week from today, in fact.

As his birthday approaches, I have found myself looking through old photos, recalling past events and just reveling in the memories we have made over the last *gulp* decade.

Just a quick post tonight to acknowledge these feelings, the enormity of the emotions that come to the surface when I think of how much I love this little boy.

Brennen, I love you, and I love being your Mom.

"When I tell you I love you, I don't say it out of habit or to make a conversation. 

I say it to remind you that you're the best thing that ever happened to me."

Día de los Muertos

Halloween is right around the corner (which reminds me that I need to start decorating!). Day of the Dead is coming up as well. This two-day festival takes place every November 1st and 2nd, and though it falls close to Halloween, it is quite a different holiday with different customs and history.

If you are not familiar, Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the memory of those who have died. It is focused on gathering family and friends and honoring their deceased loved ones.

During the "Days of the Dead", some believe that the souls of the departed return to Earth to visit their families. It is not a somber time. In fact, it is just the opposite. It is a time when Mexicans happily and lovingly celebrate the memories of loved ones who are now gone. It is a time to remember not how the person died, but how they lived. Celebrating the Day of the Dead is a true celebration of life!

As part of these celebrations in Mexico, the streets are filled with flowers and candles, candy skeletons and sugar skulls, and altars are prepared with offerings of food and drink to the dearly departed.

I just adore the aesthetic of the Day of the Dead, and the hauntingly beautiful way in which the deceased are portrayed. Those of you who know me, know that I have a bit of an affinity for all things dark and macabre, creative and surreal.

A couple of years ago, I did a "Day of the Dead" photo shoot, with makeup inspired by the paintings of Sylvia Ji. The makeup application process was captured on camera and turned into a stop-motion video. Super cool. Click below to view!

The final images are here:

On the topic of Day of the Dead, I am excited to see The Book of Life - a 3D animated film directed by Jorge Gutierrez and produced by Guillermo del Toro. Having only seen the trailer, I am already in love with the gorgeous visuals and genuine charm of this movie. The Book of Life is to Día de los Muertos what 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' is to, well, Christmas (and Halloween). It is playing in theaters now!

Whether you celebrate the Day of the Dead, or Halloween, or Christmas, or Kwanzaa.. celebrate well. Celebrate LIFE!