It has been a rollercoaster of a ride since I last wrote. I have formed my own Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble, along side my husband who is an amazing percussionist. Together we form TribElation which has taken off much faster than I anticipated. This is a dream come true for me, as I am surrounded by amazing friends and talent. Read The Rest »

So I've been involved with an on-line Egroup with those born with clefts and parents of cleft children here in America. Interesting, to say the least. Perhaps it's the American way of it, but there is a lot more negativity among those born cleft. There recently was a huge debate on whether or not it is right for those born with clefts to have children. Read The Rest »

So there I was in a crowded night club in celebration of a decision of mine to not leave California for New York. I'd been invited to go to New York to work as a hairstylist for fashion shows....I'd been all packed and ready to go when I started to get "this is not right" feeling in my gut. I felt really good about staying, better than I'd felt in a really long time. Read The Rest »

Part of the cruelest thing about being born with this, or any disfigurement, is that you can very much be treated like the inside is as flawed as the outside. I had to endure teachers talking down to me, wanting to put me in special ed classes ( I was reading college level in the sixth grade), speech therapy ect. Doesn't do much to help an already hurt self esteem. Read The Rest »

I am 39 years old now, looking at the big 4-0 in May. Quite a time for reflecting, looking back at where I've been and where I would like my life to go. I am from a very small town in Arizona, but have lived in many different places, from big cities to the small town I am in now with my husband and 4 year old son. Life is sure is a lot different now than I thought it would be 30 years ago. Read The Rest »