Whole Living

What is my definition of "whole living"? Well the easiest way I can think of to explain it is this: I am a whole person. Every experience I have ever lived, every person I have ever met, each book I have ever read, even each thought I've processed has affected my life in ways that are both infinitesimal and huge at the same time. Will my experiences mean anything to you, the reader? Possibly, possibly not. Therefore, this blog is dedicated to any possible aspect of life.

There may be an emphasis on chronic illness and ways to deal with results of these issues. Why? Because I have more than one chronic illness. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are just two of the chronic and "invisible" illnesses I deal with on a daily basis. I had intended to give information and links on these two illnesses here, but I think I will make a separate post for them. These two disorders do not define me though, they refine me. I am a better person for having dealt with EDS and Fibromyalgia. My struggle isn't a definition of what is wrong with me, but a testament to the strength it fills me with. Living with daily pain and illnesses that do not ever go away is not for wusses, believe me. More on this to come later

There may be an emphasis on "Native American" culture. Why? Because I am Eastern Cherokee and Choctaw and my husband and two grown sons are Ojibwe (Sault Ste Marie Band of Chippewa Indians to be exact). My 4 year old nephew is Pawnee. (He's 4 at the time I write this but the fun thing about kids is they grow!) I have found that many have misconceptions and misperceptions about the people who are Indigenous to North America. Yes I am including Canada here. I live less than an hour from the U.S./Canadian border. My husband also travels back and forth across it almost every day, as a semi driver. When it comes to First Nations/Native American people, we need to support each other and work together. I am hoping that sharing my experiences will either help someone understand a little better where we are coming from and/or validate the feelings of someone who may be feeling a little lost in this strange world we live in.

Books: I adore books and magazines. Reading has always been my escape from the world. You may find a book review here. Most likely because I enjoyed it immensely or because it affected my thought process in an unexpected way. Will I accept books for review? Probably not. If I am offered a book to review though, I reserve the right to accept it with the caveat that I will give my true opinion. I also reserve the right to say no because there are many genres that I do not personally care for. This is not a book review blog. I may also write a story, a poem, a song etc and share that. Writing in a all forms is something to be celebrated and shared!

Beads and crafts: I have not made much of anything lately but I love beads! Making things can be both satisfying and frustrating at times. There is a whole list of projects that I need to work on. I may decide to post about any aspect of the beadweaving process or any other craft that comes up. With a preschooler in the house, we may decide to paint our feet and walk on paper! Who knows, the sky is the limit.

Coupons freebies and deals: This isn't a freebie blog but I absolutely love saving money. With that in mind, you may see ways to save a buck here. I may share a thought about a product I won, a too good to pass up deal, or a high value coupon that is just too good not to mention. What's not to love about saving money?

Guest bloggers: I am just entering the blogging world but I have a few friends who blog already. You may get to "meet" a few of them. If you're good that is, if not then you can sit in my time out chair... just kidding. This also brings up the subject of humor for me. Life is funny! At least I think so. I reserve the right to share the funny with readers. The humor in life is part of what keeps me going.

All of these topics, and many more, are the things that make Susan a whole person. Besides a native woman with chronic illnesses who is a reader, a beadweaver and a frugal person, I am also: a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an auntie, a godmother, a niece, a friend, a former Family Services worker, a suicide survivor, a dog lover,  and many other things that make me, well.. me. 

Why is the word Love in the title of this thing you may ask? Because I believe that a large part of life is love, not romantic love but just... love. I will probably do a whole post on love soon and try to explain that a little more. Now... If you're still reading, well then, you're welcome to come along on my journey of self expression and discovery. Thank you for spending part of your day with me. It is much appreciated.

If you have a question or thought to share, please feel free to leave a comment or PM me. I have no idea how long it may take me to read them but I check email every day.

Trolls: If you troll me. I may delete your comments. I may also leave them so the ignorance is out there for all to see. Will I respond? Probably not but who knows. I am not infallible so pointing out my typos and comma mistakes may count as trolling. (Except for Mrs. Westbrook. As my high school English teacher, who is also my facebook friend, she can point out any errors she wants!)