For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with how people present themselves to the world. I suspect it was rooted in a period of time following when I was confined to a wheelchair and home bound for two years. I was assigned to a class for the disabled as I was re-learning how to walk. I, along with children with all sorts of challenges from polio to Down Syndrome were gathered in a single classroom. We were tucked away, out of sight of the normal population. Some were bright, others barely able to function intellectually. However, each one had a unique personality and most seemed to ‘get along.’
This began my fascination with what it is that makes certain people excel and/or be personable when most of society considers them ‘different’ and mostly not in a positive way. I’ve also observed that some people who seem to have it all, good looks, money, a great job – seem to be a mess. This has turned into a lifelong fascination with ‘beauty is only skin deep” and that ‘ugly is only skin deep’ as well.
I am collecting stories, mostly about people who have a positive self image but, by most measures, have overcome severe challenges to be successful and inspirational. I plan to publish this collection in e-book and print formats. Additionally, I am in negotiation with an established Internet channel to host a show to be named SkinnyDeeping™ With Art where I will interview people who have overcome personal demons to lead productive, inspirational lives.