I've been called a lot of names, some not so gracious (in fact, I can even mention them on this website.) This is what I'd like to be remembered for:
NEW YORKER
The fact that I live in New York, not only because I think it's a great city, but because it's the most ethnically and religiously diverse. Flushing, a section of Queens is none as the most culturally diverse community in the world. (You would think it would be like living in Iraq, or Virginia Tech in April 2007, but it's not.) This to me is America at its finest!
GAY
And for those of you who think you could have brain surgery to correct it?, or your mother caused it by having her baby when she was 36 (mine did, initially?), or finding God?...I do not subscribe to this mentality. It's not a choice, I just am! It made me stronger knowing that I was a minority, because people are different in a lot of ways. In fact, the world is so diverse, and we're all just humans trying to enjoy life.
DESIGNER
Not only because I have a BFA in product design from Parsons, and I made it my career for the last 12 years, but because I bring it into my life as well. After I had the stroke, for several months I was homebound, and I got this idea to design some pieces for my apartment. I worked with my friend Claire, who is also a designer, as well as a homeopath, and has lots of connections with woodworkers and finishers. In the end, I had a gold-leaf standing screen for my bedroom , and a Japanese tapestry. And, let's not forget about this website!
HIV+
This website is a perfect example of someone trying to give back to the community. I shared my story, and hopefully that will make you laugh! But I've also included a lot of helpful information about what AIDS is, and how to prevent it (on my "favorite links.")