Filed under paths to recovery

Passing the Luck along

A  friend once asked me, “What would you do if you found a lucky penny on the street? Would you pick it up, brush it off and put it in your corduroy jacket pocket?  Or would you use it as change to help you to buy a twinkie in a store with your nickel, other … Continue reading

My Real Father

In 2007, I needed to take my healing and channel it to another place. I was going to have a knee replacement.  My knees gave out on me as I applied at the malls and several teaching institutions and when crossing the street, I found myself in the middle of it without the strength in … Continue reading

RHS Reunion Luncheon 2013

Putting on a class reunion has added dimension to my life.  A classmate, Diane Rulien and I headed the 45th RHS class reunion luncheon in Portland, Oregon, April 2013. But we couldn’t have done it without the mastermind of Alice Savage, the confidence booster and power house of our 67’ Roseburg High class reunions. Our … Continue reading

Capture Your Memories

When I was having trouble with mom’s suicide in my 40s I dealt with my insecurities by sewing. I began with stitchery kits of flowers, sunsets, and Indian scenes. Mom loved to grow sunflowers in the Green District, a tiny suburb of Roseburg, Oregon. She gazed at the peach colored sunset and rocked back and … Continue reading

Oaks Park

Enjoyed the “Zoom” (roller coaster ride) and Merry-Go-Round with my adopted grandchildren Kayla and Kylie at Oaks Park today. Todd, who is the father of the children and my husband’s and my friend, spun into orbit on the seat of the “Spider” (an octopus ride) while Kylie and Kayla cupped their heads beneath his armpit … Continue reading

ABOUT SHERRY Speaking

Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Disorder Public Speaking   My first “public speaking” experience was in English Class, my junior year in High School. It was one of my finest moments, but I was critical of myself. I gave a presentation on The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams with another classmate. While I delivered it I could … Continue reading

Destruction

As the climate destroys the earth it changes our attitudes towards life. At times like this, seeing communities come together over the devastation made by a tornado makes me appreciate the real value of being here.  We can never be sure what is in store for us. Being able to walk the planet is a gift. Our food, water, shelter, transportation, and special moments are valuable.  We … Continue reading

NAMI Walk

It was overcast for the NAMI Walk, a walk for the mind, today. The clouds concentrated on holding the Spring showers tight in the sky. There were loaves of bread being passed out with bottled water at the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland and what seemed like pop western or reggae music being played on a … Continue reading

A Gay Man’s Life

As I sit a gallery in Portland, Oregon, where my paintings hang with other artists, I’m looking at a photo. That’s me in the denim jeans and white laced blouse with my brother’s arm around my shoulder. He has a dusky Afro and a wide Portuguese smile. A happy picture. I remember stroking his soft … Continue reading