Crossing bridges when I get there: my life as a legally-blind single mom
Living differently than the norm with a disability was riddled with obstacles even before I became responsible for a wee human being. Back then I’d often make personal sacrifices to accomplish goals I wouldn’t expect of a child. These days it’s a balancing act of happening upon alternative opportunities that are within my abilities, don’t require a car to get there, and because I don’t have childcare, toddler welcoming.
When your 7-year-old announces, ‘I’m gay’
I was on the phone with a relative who had just discovered that I was blogging on The Huffington Post and openly discussing my son’s crush on Blaine. I was in another room alone (I thought), explaining, “We’re not saying he’s straight, and we’re not saying he’s gay. We’re saying we love who he is,” when my son’s voice piped up behind me. “Yes, I am.”
The acronym-free guide to home pervertables
As a practicing sub in my personal life, I can assure you exploring BDSM and other sexual fantasies doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg (or any other interesting body part). You can find common household item that can be repurposed for sex play with your partner!
An intimate representation of a celebration of life: my husband took my maternity photos and I love them
Ever since I was a teenager I always wanted to get professional shots when I was heavily pregnant, because I’ve always found the pregnant form to be absolutely exquisite. However, I was swamped under work for the last several weeks of my pregnancy which meant that I ran out of time and was unable to get a professional shoot. Being the determined (stubborn) person that I am, I still really wanted to get some photos, because I didn’t think I’d ever feel so confident in myself again.
How do you avoid passing down your own phobias to your kids?
I’ve also spent almost my entire life terrified — and I mean TERRIFIED — of bugs. I’m planning to become a mom in the next couple of years, and now I’m worried that this fear will make it hard to be a good mom. How do offbeat mamas balance their paralyzing fear of things with the need to take care of their little ones?
An inexpensive rainy day project: DIY glimmer paint in two steps
I wasn’t sure if my son and I would ever attempt another colorful DIY creation after the Great Rainbow Slime Fail of 2012, but this recipe for DIY glimmer paint seemed too good to pass up. It’s sparkly AND colorful? COME ON NOW.
Born at home: a home birth video
Georgia Brizuela recently filmed the home birth of baby Oliver — and she’s sharing the video with Offbeat Mama readers today.
One year later: Lessons from “Occupy” on communal living
It’s hard to believe that this time last year, I was “living” outside in a park downtown at Occupy Toronto, with several hundred other people. The communal living experience was pretty intense. It’s hard to look back at such a complicated experience, but as we hit the one-year anniversary of Occupy, I think there are some general lessons that can be learned, not only for political occupations but for more mundane but ultimately more lasting kinds of communal life.
Here’s some of what I learned about communal living at Occupy Toronto…