tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27115904304390947582024-03-19T02:28:28.474-07:00A Wheelchair ViewEtha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-86872990114872311812020-10-22T22:30:00.004-07:002020-10-22T22:30:56.404-07:00By Pass - Etha Walters<iframe width="459" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F2zBbhqxvVw" frameborder="0"></iframe>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-28701293738696053722019-01-09T22:03:00.001-08:002019-01-09T22:03:49.049-08:00Back to Blank<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sfRLPcJTRk4" width="459"></iframe>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-54341681570573988602018-12-27T01:59:00.001-08:002018-12-27T02:10:43.803-08:00Leap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." - Alice Walker</span></span></b><br />
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A couple of weeks ago I threw down that I was getting off the system. I made this declaration out of not only frustration from being disregarded by the healthcare system, but also the financial fragility of my life in general. I want to offer up my experience, my dreams, my passion in the hopes that I can help people in similar situations. <br />
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Can I be honest? I have been wrestling with all of this for years. Who am I? Uh, well, uh, I am a disabled photographer who also draws and writes and has education in sociology and psychology. I also have help desk experience and built a database and website out of code. Might I mention I am an expert at being disabled, having 49 years of experience. This has given me many years in health and diet and exercise and over all fitness. Maneuvering my wheelchair has given me spacial relations skills, I also have public relation skills from the interest in my disability. When people come ask me questions while I am shopping, I like to pretend I am at a press conference. (That was a joke.) How do you even begin to brand someone like me?<br />
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I have discovered Millennials have this all figured out. The more I looked at their blogs and You Tube and listen to Podcasts, I realize that they have figured out that we are all multi-dimensional, and having lots of different experiences creates a well rounded person who can go into entrepreneurship with lots of tools in their arsonal. So I have decided to follow my passions and let the branding develop itself. I am going to wing it like <a href="https://kylecease.com/" target="_blank">Kyle Cease</a>! If you don't know him, he is a comedian turned influencer who never rehearses his workshops or shows. He is on the fly and totally heart driven. I do have some projects planned and now that I am free, I am going to develop and just see what happens.<br />
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I am always disabled. But, lets see what else I can be. Come with me.Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-69989051054303860722018-12-10T20:59:00.002-08:002018-12-12T13:24:08.698-08:00Haunted by An Angel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iC70lqFEnTHw04KLt_chajCwI8tA1BwAVrm12rlNRyNe3zvJTxRiFeTpOuYh912QrklIC3780rZfp8iSV3ljLg8KVthweAnWzGhtetvbtZHjjakgfxh0yCSKZilgxT-PAE66uCPByD9x/s1600/36201_798247488548_7826181_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Window Through the Door" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iC70lqFEnTHw04KLt_chajCwI8tA1BwAVrm12rlNRyNe3zvJTxRiFeTpOuYh912QrklIC3780rZfp8iSV3ljLg8KVthweAnWzGhtetvbtZHjjakgfxh0yCSKZilgxT-PAE66uCPByD9x/s1600/36201_798247488548_7826181_n.jpg" title="Window Through the Door" /></a></div>
It was a moment that I will never forget. I spotted her in the back of Saint Stephen's Cemetery in Hamilton,Ohio. A cement angel, standing on a pillar clutching a cross, and her head bowed as if reflecting on the passed life who lay beneath her. The air was crisp and cold and gusts of a breeze seemed to be telling secrets to the trees. I was rolling over shriveled leaves so dry they popped and crackled under the wheels of my wheelchair. I hate the cold with a passion and my body wanted hot chocolate and warm blankets, But like a siren she beckoned me to her. My fingers were so frozen my Nikon D70 felt more like a brick. The scene before me just wouldn't let me escape one more shot. She insisted. So I continued my way several yards to get into range of my 200mm lens. The seasons first flakes floated down around her and a breeze carrying a mixture of leaves and the newly fallen feathers of snow swirled around this beautiful angel. I was consumed with emotions of the moment, choking down tears, or a squeal or... I brought the camera up to my eye and steadied myself for the shot and squeezed the shutter button only to be met with heartbreak, because I knew the recipe for this shot would not come along again anytime soon. Five years later, I am reminded of this moment. The time I forgot to pack an extra battery. This is "Window Through the Door," shot at the same place on a different much warmer day.<br />
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As for you Angel! I will be back.... some day!!<br />
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Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-54894414498720575762018-12-09T23:27:00.001-08:002018-12-09T23:27:30.990-08:00Silent Scream <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was part of a Picasso contest and was taken in window light. My subject Jonah Rogers was a real pro and made the project a lot of fun.Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-56319094462421390362018-12-08T23:58:00.000-08:002018-12-09T17:21:32.649-08:00I'm Getting off the System<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fear is a Liar<br />
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I've had it! I spent 3 years waiting for a wheelchair after mine broke down. I have decided I am not going to live this way anymore. I am going to get off the system and become self sustainable. I realize I am 50 and I should probably just collect my checks and enjoy my medicare/medicaid that pays for just about all my medical expenses. But there are so many conditions and rules and I am not receiving the right things to give me the most optimal ability for my body. I just received the wheelchair that THEY wanted me to have and if I want the chair that best works for my body, I am going to have to get it myself! Ok. Challenge accepted!<br />
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Since turning 50, I have been thinking hard about what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have chased entrepreneurship my whole adult life and have failed many times and got back up and went at it again. It is the only life for me though. I am way too driven and full of inspiration to just sit idle and eat vegan mac and cheese and watch netflix all day. For the first time in my whole adult life, I am not responsible for anyone but myself. Being 50 and physically challenged I probably have 25 to 30 years left. But, since I am an optimist and the women in my family tend to live into their 90's I am counting on 40 years. So, do I want to continue to live on a system where so much of my life is dictated by rules and regulations? Or, do I take one last leap into going after the life I want? It sounds like a no brainer, but I want to break some stuff down for you so you can really appreciate the conundrum.<br />
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I live in section 8 housing. I found this amazing 1 bedroom apartment downtown Middletown, Ohio that rests between Cincinnati and Dayton. This is the town where I grew up. (More on that in another post.) I am close to a bus stop, and in walking distance to restaurants, and shops. My place needs some work but it is home and it has potential. I am a minimalist so, it is fairly easy to keep clean (I will touch on that topic in another post.) and my utilities are included. Which doesn't always happen. The down side to that is I have no control over the central air. Due to my small income I have EBT and also have medicaid and medicare. Here is how this works. If you gain money from somewhere, then you lose it in another place. For example, if your Social Security Disability goes up $20 then you lose $20 in food stamps or they raise your rent or both. Every raise is a redistribution of money. So recipients are stuck. You can lose benefits if you get married, get a job or have a garage sale. Everything has to be reported or you get penalized and they will take it out of your checks or sanction you. It is a false sense of security and a very fragile financial existence.<br />
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So back to the wheelchair. The one I received is usable but getting off and on to it poses a risk and it does not allow me to do all the things I am able to do on my scooter. The biggest challenge and what makes it risky is the foot rest. My choices are stand up on it and step on and off. Or scrape the back of my legs while I raise and lower it with a cane. The large front wheels don't allow me to place my feet off the sides of the rest so those are my only options. When I tried to explain this to the salesperson and the physical therapist their solution was to get an aide and physical therapist while I adjust. (sigh) What beats all is the Scooter is 1 to 2K cheaper than this wheelchair. I will give praise to the adjustable captains chair and the 360 radius drive though. It is perfect for running around town, chilling with Netflix or sitting long hours at the PC. But getting on and off and doing everyday housework like dishes and cooking and sweeping the scooter is my only way. Also this wheelchair will not go in someone's car trunk like a light weight scooter that comes apart. Which is going to make dating harder. What? I'm still cute! :)<br />
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I have tried for years to get people to explain why this is a problem but they all want to blame the scooter store fiasco. Remember that? The Scooter Store was giving scooters away left and right and guaranteeing that Medicare would pay for it. Needless to say, The Scooter Store filed bankruptcy and scooters have been a no go for me ever since.<br />
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This is more than about a scooter. This is about having one life to live and being tired of the struggle. This is about going after the life I want and living an intentional life. I realize I am trading one system for another and the government will always have their rules and regulations (Which by the way could really use an overhaul.) But I want to be all that I can be. I'm not afraid of hard work. I have the drive! (six wheels in fact ;) ) It is all about stepping out in faith and doing the damn thing.<br />
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I hope you will join me on my journey!<br />
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<br />Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-65333209559439631712018-11-02T19:45:00.001-07:002018-11-02T19:45:22.607-07:00"ORIGAMI" By Etha Walters<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZgBmKUR3YYA" width="480"></iframe>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-46328562629205900742016-11-06T12:43:00.000-08:002016-11-06T15:29:19.521-08:00The Frazzled Cashier<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="djem1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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Photo by Getty Images</div>
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<span data-offset-key="djem1-0-0">In line at the checkout I could tell that the cashier was a little frazzled as she wrestled with the register and chatted up the ladies in from of me. The elder one asked if she could help me unload my cart onto the belt. She said she was bored and fidgety and it would save her sanity. I giggled and said sure. When they were rung up the tape on the register messed up and I could see panic on the cashier's face. It was a crowded Saturday afternoon at the first of the month and I was feeling for her.</span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="b5dvu-0-0">The ladies in front of me left and it was my turn to check out. The cashier said "I thought you were with them." I said. "Nope, flying solo these days. How are you?" She said "I been better, I'm not liking 2016 yet. How are you?" I said, "I'm great!" I gave her a smile and she said, "If YOU are doing great then I have no right to complain." I raised an eyebrow and continued to smile as her words caught up with her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like..." Her words trailed off and I said, "You know what? Let me put this in perspective for you. You are here for 8 to 10 hours standing on your feet and feeling the strain in your feet and your back. I am here for two hours and I'm pushing a button on a wheelchair. It's ok for you to have a worse day than me. Even if I could change my situation, I wouldn't. You know why?" She said "Why?" I said, "Because then there would be no reason to have conversations like this one." She smiled as she finished ringing me up looking at me a little confused and I told her I hoped her day got better and left hoping it did.</span><br />
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Every time I go I encounter situations like this one. I can almost hear the inspiration porn haters saying, "Etha! They don't need to be all up in your business, you have the right to go shopping without having anyone point out your disabilities and invade your space!" I have a few days where I don't want the attention, but I do and most of the time I enjoy the interaction unless someone tries to physically handle me without my permission then there is a fight. The way I see it, if me enjoying my life overcoming physical challenges makes me a "Inspiration porn star," then so be it. Let it give somebody courage and hope. The world needs more of that. </div>
Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-72354823028445388342015-11-19T17:44:00.000-08:002018-12-09T01:25:59.400-08:00I Love a Good Challenge!<div>
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Readers of my blog know that I have been through it the last few years. The loss of a marriage and our home and our pets followed by the death of my best friend really took its toll on me and my family. I have to admit as much as I tried to fight it off I lost a bit of myself and gained a good 45 pounds that has put me at 197 pounds. I want to make it clear that there is nothing tragic about putting on a few pounds. It is quite normal when you are middle aged, but for me as a woman with a physical challenge it affects my mobility and independence. </div>
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I am starting a journey of recovery. I will never weight this much again. It is not healthy for my 5'5" frame and quite frankly I want to look good when I hit my 50's lol.</div>
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There will be more to come. :) </div>
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Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-3984753298897339282013-05-26T16:20:00.000-07:002013-05-26T16:20:52.215-07:00Goodbye Jesi, Hello World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After my husband and I separated last year I deemed 2012 as
a year of losses. I found it to be appropriate as I lost my transportation, my
job, my pets, and my home. I sold my camera equipment and many other beloved
possessions to move back to my hometown and literally started over. </div>
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When 2013 came my life was completely different. I had my
own apartment, a new job and I declared it to be a year of taking chances. So I
blew off the metaphorical dust off of my book manuscript and updated it and
through the inspiration of my late best friend Jesi, I published Echoes Through
Corridors Silence in Rooms. Jesi recently passed away due to a heart attack. So
much of her life was unfinished at 40 years old. This only fuels my intensions
for this year and even though she is not physically here to push me as she
always has I still hear her voice saying, “Well? What are you waiting for?!”</div>
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I have received amazing comments on my book and had many
people thank me for helping them realize they were not alone. That was Jesi’s
message for the world. While Jesi and I had our differences in the
contributions we wanted to make to the world we had the same goals. We wanted
to make a difference. While her work is done, her intensions are still alive
and well, for every step I take from here on, I take her with me. I have our
other best friend Sheila to make sure that happens. </div>
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We all went through the healing process together, writing
and sharing poetry and cheering each other on as we created new lives for
ourselves. As I step into the role of writer and motivational speaker I am
aware that this is a natural progression of our stories. </div>
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I am now accepting speaking engagements to share my
experiences as a writer, photographer and a survivor of abuse, all with being
physically challenged. I will share my failures, my successes and the processes
in between. All of this I offer with one special message. “You are never alone.”</div>
Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-2615747808317204312013-01-10T08:39:00.000-08:002013-01-10T08:39:51.093-08:00Sunday Beams<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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I was greeted by sunbeams when I rounded this church in Hamilton. It was almost as if the sun was shining just to spotlight this little church. It made me think of how we worship and how taking this photograph was an act of worship itself. It serves as a testimony to the little things that make this world so beautiful. Sadly these little things are often drowned out by the hustle and bustle of life or out weighed by bills and problems and global catastrophes.<br />
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Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-36712918315320550172012-12-28T20:31:00.001-08:002012-12-28T20:31:25.949-08:00Dream CourageYou can tuck all your dreams away in a box and hide it in a cluttered room. But in the attic, in the corner, under mounds of books, clothes, toys and cobwebs; that crushed, faded, mangled and torn box of dreams will find a way to haunt you. The spirit of that box will sneak up behind you through the years and whisper in your ear. Words like “I wish I could” or “if only” will echo into the void and return with “I should have,” and “why didn't I?”<br />
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In to Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee’s character Atticus Finch says, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” This kind of courage is the act of faith and determination, it is not about winning in the end, it is about not going down without a fight. After all regrets come stronger in the things that we did not do or try, then the things we did and failed.<br />
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I worry about today’s young people and the oppression of so many dreams that are drowned out by sounds of recessions, depressions and just getting by not to mention the affects of drugs and alcohol that lull them into an acceptance of a mediocre life.. I worry about our teachers who try to ignite that spark in our youth but gets flooded with the dampening effects of overworked parents, poor nutrition and not enough sleep. But our dreams are resilient they can stand the test of time and endure a multitude of war.<br />
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Given the right care, our dreams have the ability to live long past ourselves. Steve Jobs who has a permanent place in not only our country’s history, but in the history of the world is a great example. He said, “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition”
By embarking on the journey of perusing our dreams we grow and expand in the respect for ourselves and who we would like to become. The act itself of reaching a little further, learning a little more, practicing more often moves us one step closer to the result that we hope for. The courage to try gives us the opportunity to respect ourselves and love ourselves in a new way; which in tern shapes how we feel about others and how they feel for us.<br />
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So tell me… what do you dream of?
Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-73955277001335194512012-12-01T09:18:00.000-08:002012-12-01T09:18:09.636-08:00Fixing the UnBrokenI started the Dr. Oz's Reparative Or 'Ex-Gay' Episode and couldn't bear to watch anymore of it after 10 minutes. It reminded me so much of a society who believes that my life would be so much better if I was not disabled so they try to "fix me" through therapy, surgery, and the worst one of all, faith healing. This stigma comes from small minds who are clinging to their cookie cutter magazine perfect world and anything beyond the mediocrity just has to be "fixed." After all we don't want to mess with the perfect body fantasy. Never mind that if we have a creator who does not make mistakes created people of all shapes, sizes, colors, abilities and yes, orientation; we are simply telling God how to do "his" job. We are robbing ourselves of the treasures of our diversities and the lessons we can learn from them all because we want to hold on to a idea that is just that, an idea.<br /><br />What if, my disability could be put into the background of who I am as a person and my ABILITIES, and personality were what people remember me by? What if my physical infirmities were accepted and I could have accessibility freely for work, play and dating without stigma, pity and those with a mission to convince me that I lack faith because I didn't get up and walk? What if I could be appreciated for my unique perspective?<div>
<br />What if, gays were accepted and treated with respect within their orientation, instead of shamed and ridiculed into believing they were some kind of an abomination; and tortured and bullied to the point of seeking out a treatment that could cause a psychotic break, or see no other option than to permanently end their pain by taking their own life?</div>
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<br />Most of all, why is it the people who want to fix others the most are the most broken and they don't even see it?</div>
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Here is more on the subject...</div>
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/29/dr-oz-reparative-ex-gay-therapy-backlash-_n_2211621.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=537333,b=facebook" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/29/dr-oz-reparative-ex-gay-therapy-backlash-_n_2211621.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=537333,b=facebook</a><br /></div>
Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-70502226401649437442012-06-19T21:14:00.002-07:002012-06-19T21:27:10.352-07:00Beyond the Silver Lining<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlzNj7Hq1JgRAZuSk_uQJ2_3lwXANaxkDYxpkFXSfxH39VWYXxAXM3zGgP4iSlNqPq97LVlpnHfVIoXwJdxu6aVQLO_9PTvBnDH_lf2am7A0nam3_MqE_oKGqHCiI463pgEOvaxThD5Ky/s1600/clouds+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlzNj7Hq1JgRAZuSk_uQJ2_3lwXANaxkDYxpkFXSfxH39VWYXxAXM3zGgP4iSlNqPq97LVlpnHfVIoXwJdxu6aVQLO_9PTvBnDH_lf2am7A0nam3_MqE_oKGqHCiI463pgEOvaxThD5Ky/s640/clouds+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beyond the Silver Lining by Etha Walters</td></tr>
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I took this photo while sitting on the patio of my new apartment. The blue sky and big fluffy clouds greeted me with such promise for a fresh new start. When my husband told me a year ago that he wanted a divorce, I had no idea how much my life would change. The last six months have been the most devastating. I sold everything that I could to move including much of my photography equipment, and literally felt stripped of everything. This heavenly view, right off my patio gives me great hope in what is to come.<br />
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It is just me and Miss Cleo (My cat) now, and I am adjusting quite well to my new environment, and yes, living alone. Moving furniture and boxes around with my body and my wheelchair reminds me that I am still strong and I can still do this. Other challenges take a little more practice and commitment, but that is just life in a wheelchair.<br />
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Now that I am settled, it is time to rebuild my life. The kids are gone and I am now single and can go anywhere and do anything. So profound. My plans are to throw myself into my art and just absorbing my new environment for a while and enjoying the people in my life.<br />
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I still have my trusty Nikon D70 and so a new chapter is opened...<br />
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<br />Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-6597111987204366952012-01-11T23:07:00.000-08:002012-02-06T11:11:08.125-08:002012, the Year of Starting Over<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qbx1UdjeR-E/Twz05rckqwI/AAAAAAAAA44/8pXfUun_3-o/s1600/01_08_12_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qbx1UdjeR-E/Twz05rckqwI/AAAAAAAAA44/8pXfUun_3-o/s320/01_08_12_3.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Envy Graphix</td></tr>
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Here we are in 2012! Has the excitement worn off yet? For me
this is a new year that compliments a new chapter in my life both personally
and professionally. I have embraced the symbolic nature that a new year holds
and I am rolling with it as far as it takes me! However, I might have to stop
occasionally to recharge my batteries.</div>
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2011 was a year of great loss. My family and I got hit with
some financial difficulties, which caused my already strained marriage to buckle
and implode. I have had to sell most of my photography equipment, to make ends
meet and keep us fed. And my daughter has had her own life changing struggles
she has had to endure. We have deemed 2011 the year of “Murphy’s Law <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(‘If
anything can go wrong, it will"</span>.) I want to educate and enlighten
others by my experiences but, I also want to maintain a level of privacy and
professionalism; please bear with me while I find that balance. Needless to say
I was happy to see the end to 2011 and begin 2012 the “Year of Beginnings,” as
I do hereby deem. </div>
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So, here I am, stripped down with no husband, no home, no
car and no studio. As I begin building again I recognize that my foundation is a
lot stronger with additives that were lacking before: education, experience,
and a new open spirituality that is more honest and authentic than I have ever
known. It is as if I am arriving to a new destination as a new person. I say
this because I am not the same person coming out of the marriage as I was going
in, and I am thankful for the experience. I have learned a lot about love, life
and relationships. <br />
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January 1, 2012 began a new calendar year and it brings new
hope to everyone with a resolution. It is extra special to me as I transition
to a new life on my own. I will be moving into my own place (as soon as I find
one), restocking my photography equipment and focusing on my creative journey.
I don’t mind admitting that I have a ton of obstacles and my struggles from my
marriage are not going anywhere anytime soon. But I am going into this New Year
with rejuvenated hope, and I will be drawing strength from the people I have
come to know, who have deeply enriched my life. </div>
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The creative journey is not an easy travel. I have been criticized
as a dreamer and another drop in the deep ocean of the inspired. I assure you,
as a physically challenged woman who has seen the dawning of the ADA, rocky
roads are my road home. When you know every little bump and groove you become
familiar and even comfortable with the ride. I am not ever giving up.</div>
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A few years ago I hit a brick wall when I lost my breaks in
my wheelchair accessible van. My head hit the steering wheel and left me with
lacerations that stretched across my forehead and exposed my skull. I also had
a broken nose and eventually had to have some teeth pulled. Despite having an
amazing plastic surgeon and dentist I had a real hard time feeling like myself.
Even today, although when you look at pictures of me before the accident and
after, most people don’t know the difference. But for me, getting over a shaved
head, two black eyes and a broken nose left its imprint on the image I see in
the mirror. The picture above is very special to me, not just because it was
taken by my good friend Nic of <a href="http://www.envygraphix.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Envy Graphix</a>, but because it is a reminder that
wounds do heal.</div>
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So raise your glass of metaphorical champaign and lets toast
to a year of new beginnings, stronger foundations and the inspiration to build.</div>
</div>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-44014492909500462622011-09-18T11:41:00.000-07:002011-09-18T11:41:56.180-07:00Jesse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK2yASE4Me5dRYMdjLfI4lPe5B2y7BQOf2pzXEIiC6Gq2S6w7CGxbZWIuwhfWgZ7yvk1ZegS0nQsqjg5s0l9hIfn41HPjEqZ1q4MGpgqcd1rQA0fsY9yZ47_zl17fgvb7TvO4-vkwT2Cb/s1600/Jesse+Sr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK2yASE4Me5dRYMdjLfI4lPe5B2y7BQOf2pzXEIiC6Gq2S6w7CGxbZWIuwhfWgZ7yvk1ZegS0nQsqjg5s0l9hIfn41HPjEqZ1q4MGpgqcd1rQA0fsY9yZ47_zl17fgvb7TvO4-vkwT2Cb/s640/Jesse+Sr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is one of my favorite portraits of my son Jesse, and believe it or not it was taken with a Kodak point and shoot. I used to carry that Kodak Z740 everywhere and made quite a pest of myself on my college campus, before upgrading to a Nikon D50. Then I continued my photographical reign of terror with a zoom lens and a safer distance. = )</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today is my son’s birthday. He turned 24. He lives with his fiancé and his son in my home town where I am going to be moving in the next month or two and I am looking forward to more family time with them. I remember the day he was born so well. My ex husband and his mom went into the labor room with me and I was experiencing more pain than I have in my entire life. Despite that, like they say, you forget all about it when you are holding that little baby in your arms. Childbirth is a great testimony to the power of love and joy that washes over your traumatized worn out body, and fills it full of peace and hope for the little future you hold in your hands.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jesse has grown into a beautiful compassionate man who has artistic aspirations of his own and I am still flooded with the joy and the love I felt on day one.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Birthday Baby!</div>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-64841197886668208442011-09-16T16:54:00.000-07:002011-09-16T16:54:45.893-07:00Two Windows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6ghZ_i8sBh1mmDV1nq1JwzvhySxwbx2s8v3f4ptqifDm_EL3P0FLdlDzFQYxWI7FdctTqmwvugAeZWzWNsonsij9EOSckpu0cY9_rXNtxmqmjd0g6Dl_dnfp7EuvEVQ9pTPsci-JscvN/s1600/Two+Windows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6ghZ_i8sBh1mmDV1nq1JwzvhySxwbx2s8v3f4ptqifDm_EL3P0FLdlDzFQYxWI7FdctTqmwvugAeZWzWNsonsij9EOSckpu0cY9_rXNtxmqmjd0g6Dl_dnfp7EuvEVQ9pTPsci-JscvN/s640/Two+Windows.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Two Windows</div><div class="MsoNormal">Through two windows of this little pink house<br />
shined a light that once only burned for him<br />
But past the pain, past the tears<br />
past regret of wasted years<br />
Her light begins to shine once again<br />
Only this time it’s for herself</div>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-63602386842469539642011-09-11T18:01:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:01:29.160-07:00United We Fall and Then We Get Back Up<div class="MsoNormal"><blockquote><b>"If my glass looks half empty, it is only because I've been blessed with the opportunity to share half of its contents with someone who was thirsty." Maria R. Palacios </b></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was first married to my husband we moved to an apartment complex where I met two women who changed my life completely. We were all three survivors of abuse of various degrees. One of us was molested and controlled; one of us was brutally raped at gunpoint, and the other abused, neglected, and was forced to live with the man, whom she is certain killed her mother. Not only were the three of us survivors but we all used creative writing to cope and to work through the healing process. Our real healing didn’t really begin individually until we joined together and became friends. Together we supported each other; we drank coffee, buried ourselves in self-help and psychology books and shared our poetic journals. I gained strength that I never knew I could have again and while my experiences will always be a part of who I have become; I have reached a place of peace. In healing, the beautiful compassion for other people rose out of the ashes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When 911 happened I was getting ready for work and my husband yelled for me to come to the TV. At first I thought it was a movie, then, as I was trying to wrap my head around the idea of a plane accidently crashing into the towers, the second plane hit. I realized that we were under attack. I wanted to keep my daughter home from school and stay home from work, cuddled, safe and sound in our home. That did not happen. We had to go on and keep functioning and take care of our responsibilities; at least, that is what my supervisor convinced me of when I called in. I know what you are thinking… “Etha, are you seriously going to draw comparisons from personal tragedy to a national one?” The short answer is yes. I hope you bear with me as I tie it all together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Seven Stages of Healing - I want to preface this by saying that going through these stages is a loose journey. You will have revelations that progress you in some areas, and trip on triggers that will cause you to regress in others.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">1. Shock and denial, an attempt to avoid pain by denying the loss – This is your mind trying to wrap its head around what has happened. It is hard to contemplate the evil that one or a group of people can do. I personally do not believe that people are in essence evil but broken or defective, but that is another subject. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">2. Pain and guilt, a period of devastating pain and feelings that life is out of control.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">3. Anger and bargaining – This is a reaction to the events after the reality of them sets in. Anger can be used as motivation if it is channeled as strength and motivation to make changes.The down side is if it is allowed to fester it can be very destructive. Turned inward it can turn to self loathing and become destructive from the inside out; like over eating, sleeping around, drug and alcohol addictions or it can be externalized and breed prejudice and hate to the point of violence toward another human being.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">This was the perfect time to provoke a war and get the country involved with very little question. I do not state this to revive any conspiracy theories around the war. I am simply demonstrating how the psychological state of the country allowed the government to move so quickly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">4. Depression and loneliness, or a period of reflection – This is the point that you realize you have to let go of what is gone and continue. Life goes on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">5. Upward turn, when the person begins to adjust to the loss and begins new routines and starts to envision life after.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">6. Reconstruction – Finding a way to memorialize or pay tribute. John Walsh did this after his son was brutally murdered by creating America’s Most Wanted. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">7. Acceptance – Learning the valuable lessons of the experience and keeping what is useful and discarding what is not. This is the place where inner peace is born. Tragedy and loss is not something that can ever really be forgotten nor should it be but eventually in order to really be healed you have to give yourself permission to be happy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Like the various degrees of trauma my friends and I faced, we as American’s share the trauma of 911. The trauma that people suffered at ground zero is far deeper than the onlookers nationwide. Some of us lost family members while others simply watched on TV in their homes. But we all were affected that day and it is not a day we will ever forget. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I learned by both experiences that Americans are amazing. They are resilient and strong and in the face of darkness they can pull together and embrace one another, support one another and build each other up. Sharing the commonality of 911 as a country strengthens and binds us. It has given us the opportunity to learn the lessons of that day so that we can use that wisdom in our daily lives and pass them down to our children. We have the opportunity to pay homage to all those that were lost that day by living the best way that we can and grow into a new America, a stronger America and a more UNITED America than ever before and we can celebrate our half empty glass by knowing that we can provide for those who thirst.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But this… This is just my Wheelchair View.<o:p></o:p></div>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-12614938638650157692011-09-06T22:01:00.000-07:002011-09-07T04:30:48.935-07:00Jesi’s Ghost<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS15tr31gzCtzbVQa0jAuXgq-4phEp5IP4aZWjblj87uu7tEHAOjsYTy7IPGCrJdhy_RaGT-8iPtA-fmQ8va2PaW6gpmR6CvbjJ9ewyLPJFModok39QhRrxVaSGpscE_Hp7x3RfPkUDp6/s1600/Jesi+Ghost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS15tr31gzCtzbVQa0jAuXgq-4phEp5IP4aZWjblj87uu7tEHAOjsYTy7IPGCrJdhy_RaGT-8iPtA-fmQ8va2PaW6gpmR6CvbjJ9ewyLPJFModok39QhRrxVaSGpscE_Hp7x3RfPkUDp6/s320/Jesi+Ghost.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesi's Ghost - By Etha Walters</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><blockquote><b>Winston Churchill said “When you are going through hell, keep going.”</b></blockquote>He said this with the certainty that if we did keep going, we would come out on the other side. However, that doesn’t mean that we will come out unscathed or not have to shed a few layers, to leave part of ourselves behind. Life is a series of deaths and rebirths. It’s no wonder that religious foundations are built on concepts like reincarnation and being “born again.”<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">No one that I know understands this better than my friend Jesi pictured above. Inspiration for “Jesi’s Ghost” came from her life and the times she has walked through hell. Her mother was murdered when she was young, she was a victim of abuse and neglect, the father of her oldest child committed suicide and still Jesi kept going. If I could alter Webster’s I would put Jesi’s picture beside resilience. Living through one thing would be horrific enough but Jesi has kept going grabbing the wisdom that comes from the experiences along the way. She has gone on to college majoring in Applied Psychology and her only addictions are cigarettes and caffeine. She has also gone on to start the website <a href="http://true-emotions.net/">True Emotions</a> themed on the premise that you are never alone. There is always someone out there who can relate to whatever you are going through.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jesi’s Ghost represents the darkness and it is not to dwell in the dark places or the metaphorical deaths but it is about the life that comes after.</div>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-39844171823299505852011-06-23T10:53:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:53:12.946-07:00Apartment Hunting on Wheels<div class="MsoNormal">It has become a long term goal to move to Cincinnati, Ohio from my small town of Hamilton, Ohio for quite some time. The reasons are countless, more accessibility in housing, transportation and jobs, as well as more opportunity to show and sell my artwork. My husband and I are going through a separation so I thought that this is the moment to make the big move happen. One more leap of faith into the middle of great hope and humble dreams.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here in Hamilton there are few resources for the kind of independence that a big city has to offer, but moving further away from family and into the arms of friends that I haven’t even made yet is both scary and exciting. However, I know if I do not make the effort and take the risk I will regret it. With every goal comes effort and resilience. I must keep a determination to go knock on the next door when the one I have been beating on closes. Sometimes I feel like I am just having a staring contest with a teddy bear and it is inevitable that I will be the one to blink; but that kind of negativity has got to be shaken off and persistence has to take its place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am looking for a two bedroom apartment for me, my daughter, and her boyfriend. It must be accessible and it MUST be on the bus line. This doesn’t sound like it should be an issue right? Lots of places have ground floor apartments or elevators and 2 bedrooms are the most commonly rented. Did you know, that in Cincinnati there are high rises that have all accessibility with elevators, wide doorways for wheelchairs, shower bars in the bathrooms, and call buttons on a string in case there is a fall? There is even a garbage shoot so you don’t have to worry about taking out the trash. How cool is that?! These complexes are also on bus lines and have shuttle service. They are perfect…except, they are one bedroom and do not allow children.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not saying that there is not something out there that has all of that and accepts families too. I am just saying I haven’t found it yet. But I will. Accessibility for me is a flat entrance and a shower bar on the bus line. This simple but complex problem is one of many people with disabilities and when I started this I did not realize what a learning experience it was going to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have learned of many disabled people that stay in relationships that are not working because they feel they have no place to go. While I have no intensions of plastering my marriage drama on the internet, I felt I had to write my experience to encourage and to stress to those that are in unhappy situations that there are resources out there. You just have to find them. I have learned by my past experience that in order to receive a hand you must first reach out your own. We get so caught up in chasing our independence sometimes that we forget that there are times when everyone needs help. “Help us, help ourselves” It should be plastered on every wheelchair in America. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So I am in search of, this might lead me straight to Cincinnati, or it might lead me back to my hometown for a while where my family is to lick my wounds and regain my momentum I don’t know. I hope you’ll stay tuned to find out. </div>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-45263475531402499292011-01-17T09:25:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:17:31.949-08:00Neglected but NOT Abandoned<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtlEtYDs7rG70wXO9U6neYAXpBnvvpfwF82ACH3BO7phddNHdIu3WmHE0jLdfVLdFCWni89tvzdY2JunZ4b196obSg-OMyGhZGGe0iRTp4IAy30d5hSd5dND2M1FJBILs8k3qZB_WKB1s/s1600/Park+Bench+Secrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtlEtYDs7rG70wXO9U6neYAXpBnvvpfwF82ACH3BO7phddNHdIu3WmHE0jLdfVLdFCWni89tvzdY2JunZ4b196obSg-OMyGhZGGe0iRTp4IAy30d5hSd5dND2M1FJBILs8k3qZB_WKB1s/s640/Park+Bench+Secrets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park Bench Secrets by Etha Walters</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">First post of the New Year and I of course have many resolutions to achieve in 2011 which included a new commitment to my blogs. 2010 was a tuff year with financial hardships that resulted in having to sell some of my photography equipment just to get by. There was also an assault on my daughter that changed her life and ours. So we were glad to see the promise of change in a new year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In November, I started working at JC Penny. I am working as a greeter. It is a far cry from my profession and I had to choke down some pride in regards to stereo-types, but I am really glad that I did. The people that I work with are amazing, it is like entering a close nit family and I was a long lost cousin. The customers are awesome too. Every day I talk to someone new and I get something out of every conversation. I get told stories, jokes and people share little pieces of their life with me. I find myself feeling very blessed and inspired, creating photographs in my mind. I can’t wait to get back out on a shoot and put this experience, this inspiration into practice. This job is also flexible allowing me the time to indulge in my photography while I climb out of this financial hole. Soon, I’ll have my bills paid up and I will be able to start buying back what I have lost (a good excuse to upgrade = ) )</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t really think about how much easier my life would be without a disability. I have received too many gifts that I would not have without it. I see able-bodied folks struggle every bit as much. Life is a roller-coaster ride regardless. You just have to take the downs with the ups and hang on for the loop-de-loops.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pictured above is “Park Bench Secrets.” This was taken at Cox Arboretum in Dayton Ohio. I shot it with my trusty Nikon D70 at 160mm, F/5.3, 1/500 sec. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Well that does it for my Neglected but NOT Forgotten post. I will be writing again soon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hope all is well in your world!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Love</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">~E~</div>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-57913809486181335352010-07-19T12:41:00.000-07:002010-07-19T12:41:09.491-07:00Trails and Trials of a Wheelchair Photographer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb__qMK69_G5marXrFq5DvOE02xXXtJ03dqH0U3hCArlxzN_Lej48lnOQgvJ2agsmY1SOfsB-oZkDvhcJVkYA9rQFZlZdt_S3KOd7MFUnmQHGU8kbwU5F_CnAW8N2O6g3mLoL7glrcer8/s1600/Trails+of+the+Wheelchair+Photographer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb__qMK69_G5marXrFq5DvOE02xXXtJ03dqH0U3hCArlxzN_Lej48lnOQgvJ2agsmY1SOfsB-oZkDvhcJVkYA9rQFZlZdt_S3KOd7MFUnmQHGU8kbwU5F_CnAW8N2O6g3mLoL7glrcer8/s640/Trails+of+the+Wheelchair+Photographer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Of all the terrains I have been on this one looks fairly simple. I rarely challenge my scooter's mobility when I am on a solo shoot. I am comfortable with pavement and shallow gravel and trails through low cut grass. I did recently get into a situation that was a steep incline and of all of my concerns I never thought that a stall on a steep hill would happen. Especially with well charged batteries. That is exactly what happened. I almost topped a steep incline, not much higher than the one pictured here and right before reaching the top my scooter stalled and stopped.<br />
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Having a fear of heights I was determined not to look back the very long slowly rising incline. I pulled my key out and pushed it back in to try to restart it but nothing. The circuit had been thrown and the button I needed to reset it was out of reach from my position. This is typically when anger and fear ultimately kick in. I got my cellphone and called my husband. While I was waiting I cursed under my breath. I not only cursed my scooter but the manufacturers of scooters as well and recalled all the arguments that I have had with the healthcare system that having a physical challenge does not mean that life and adventure has to stop. If engineers who design these mobility scooters would consult the physically challenged to arrange little safety buttons where they can be reached from a sitting position, my life that day and the days ahead would be much easier.<br />
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Logically I knew I was safe, the anti lock breaking system would ensure that the scooter wouldn't roll backwards and even if it did there was a long steady stretch that would give me plenty of time to stop. I was in a straight position so as long as I didn't twist around too much it wasn't going to tip over, it was just the idea of having my back to a hill.<br />
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When my husband got there he released the break and turned me around and I coasted down the hill. At which point we removed my battery, hit the reset button and restarted the scooter, I by that time had a smile back on my face.<br />
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In a world of flourishing technology you would think that options for people with a few physical challenges would have better tools to utilize (within affordable reach) but my husband would tell you that I would just push my limitations more and find new ways to get myself in trouble. = )Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-33133399167517649132010-07-12T10:04:00.000-07:002010-07-12T10:04:18.214-07:00Independence Day Parade 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5c3paekKLcRMs2boiRrf08pL7A9nir8OLvX1tiKPYnEt4QNrllb9AOhXxPVy12qI93YXib7vG4BOyPIns88f_d-5UGgug_aMRujDMY13YYQxC1dpG4nZaVzvsmD32HGlZXeNnUvRUVTS/s1600/Independence+Day+Parade+227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5c3paekKLcRMs2boiRrf08pL7A9nir8OLvX1tiKPYnEt4QNrllb9AOhXxPVy12qI93YXib7vG4BOyPIns88f_d-5UGgug_aMRujDMY13YYQxC1dpG4nZaVzvsmD32HGlZXeNnUvRUVTS/s640/Independence+Day+Parade+227.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">In my Sophomore year of college I went through a very metamorphic and painful change. It was my year of enlightenment, the year I realized that the more I learned the more I knew very little about this world, the universe and how things work. I went head to head with an English professor whose heart and soul was into that years presidential election. That year I stood on everything that I was taught to believe and voted for a President that if I had known what it meant, the things that would transpire after and the regret I would feel afterward I would have never voted that way.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">It is very difficult to give up what you know sometimes when you have held on to it for so long, even for the truth. However, there comes a time when you have to ask yourself do you really want your fundamental beliefs centered around something you know is a lie?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">In this picture are some kids riding on a float in the 4<sup>th</sup> of July parade. Independence Day! The day that marks freedom and liberty. The kids are all holding signs that represent what freedom in America means to them. I was able to catch a single moment and while I am certain that it was not the intent of the children, I was left with an image that struck a chord deep in my heart.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">The girls holding the signs that read Betsy Ross and Sarah Palin are both looking away from the very sad looking kid holding the Martin Luther King sign. I am sure that he was wishing to be somewhere else but the symbolism of the moment reminded me made me think of the division that this country is moving toward. Maybe it is only because that, thanks to that English professor, I am more aware of that growing line. Or maybe that division has become more visible with the election of our first black president and it is rippling through other minority groups. Fundamentalists desperately trying to hold on to the way things were and reaching back in history to grab onto something thats gone, blow the dust off of it and repackage it to work for today.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">I know that is a lot to get from one photograph, and perhaps I am reaching a bit. But the 4th of July and it's reminder of freedom, liberty and everyones right to the pursuit of happiness left its impression on me that day, and for my little part of what I can offer America in the way that I vote will never again be left to blind confidence but will be researched and challenges and thought out. </div>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-8784425492796637622010-06-29T22:21:00.000-07:002010-06-29T22:21:20.118-07:00A Wheelchair View: Life Beyond Death<a href="http://wheelchair-view.blogspot.com/2010/06/life-beyond-death.html">A Wheelchair View: Life Beyond Death</a>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711590430439094758.post-48024661749142157602010-06-29T22:20:00.000-07:002010-06-29T22:20:36.727-07:00Life Beyond Death<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSQvl3Ltw1Af0vjOvpD8yZRV8sus8e6VEmFlaaSKXVZYUug4HgFiw_CaymkJOawiSfC12_Ue5fVAEslCO3_12hF52dnpTKrjcsBc1iOGN01nKCQ-EIVHY4Gc0a0nDSdEMs6B06d21Vc6h/s1600/Twisted+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSQvl3Ltw1Af0vjOvpD8yZRV8sus8e6VEmFlaaSKXVZYUug4HgFiw_CaymkJOawiSfC12_Ue5fVAEslCO3_12hF52dnpTKrjcsBc1iOGN01nKCQ-EIVHY4Gc0a0nDSdEMs6B06d21Vc6h/s400/Twisted+Tree.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>One of my favorite things as a kid was to get on my bike (I had a big three wheeler) and ride with my younger brother down the long driveway of our farm in a little town called Miltonville, and go to the Miltonville Cemetery across the street.<br />
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We enjoyed reading all the stones as if they were part of a giant history book and made it a point to stop by the old well that rested in the center of the place. Despite knowing where we were, we grew up believing that there was something that came after death. We were fascinated with the thoughts of ghosts like most children are, but our faith was in an afterlife and for me I enjoyed going because of the spirits that still lingered like the birds, squirrels, rabbits, the trees and the wind. Even the statues and the stonework seem to have spirits of their own.<br />
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The photo of the "Twisted Tree," was taken at Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio and serves as an example of some of the wondrous things you can find within the gates. I find myself still carrying those feelings I had as a kid. Losing loved ones is never easy and cemeteries are often viewed as places of sorrow but even though I have grieved over loss, I still feel a great deal of peace as I look at the history captured with each stone, each flower and each tree.<br />
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I am planning to go back and visit Miltonville Cemetery soon, I am almost afraid of what I will find there because it was so old but we will see. I have decided to make a tour of it, visiting different cemeteries. Soon I will put up my series on cemeteries on my <a href="http://www.ethae.com/">website</a> so be looking for that.<br />
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Do you know of some places I should visit?<br />
<a href="javascript:void(0)">Publish Post</a>Etha Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148196836389716974noreply@blogger.com1