I know you can’t really see it, but my super soft babydoll dress is striped in black and white. I wore my favorite fleur-de-lis earrings, my black leather knee boots, and my authentic Parisian beret (a yard sale find! The seller told me about how she’d purchased it in Paris years ago. Score!) My jacket is a fab grey tweed that I got a few years ago – it’s so “me” that when I saw it I had to have it. Thankfully, I was able to purchase it, and it’s been well worth the price paid.

The boot heels helped me sit so comfortably in my little chair, and I felt great once I got out (although the roads were a little rough to navigate – this has been a hard adjustment for me; you don’t realize how many potholes there are until you take an indoor wheelchair out and about.) But, I had lots of help and was able to lift my bottom up off of the seat while someone pushed me through the rough patches.

(I’m still scheming on getting a Whirlwind Roughrider wheelchair one of these days. {more on that here or by clicking the banner on my sidebar}  I know, I know, if you follow me at all, I’ve been quite the broken record regarding this subject for a long time. *blush*  But, with all the doctor bills I’m constantly wracking up, the money just isn’t available.  If you happen to check them out, like what you see, and place an order, could you do me a MAJOR favor? If you could list my name: ‘Tracy Walters’ as your referrer, I was told I’d receive a $50 credit toward one of my own for each time that happens (and my Roughrider fund is empty, so that would be a huge blessing.)   At this point, the only time I really feel mobile and free is when I go to a great big dept. store – I tell ya, my little town needs a mall; I’d go there just to sail around, enjoy the freedom, and get my exercise! But, when I get my Roughrider, I won’t feel so limited and can hit the great outdoors again..I’m waiting as patiently as I can for that.  In the meantime, my current little chair, “Marcy” is doing all she can for me, and I’m so thankful for her, and for the lovely folks who helped me to purchase her.  She’s allowing me to go on Christmas shopping trips which I’d never have been able to participate in otherwise, which is superb.  Marcy rocks!  amd so do all of you!

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Christmas Season!

xx
Tracy

(I saw her basic shape in some tile in my home, (lol) and then my imagination took over – once I was done, my mom helped me to realize how much she actually sort of represents me, and those in similar situations to me.)
xx
Tracy

Anyway, my sweet mom has been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout this season of horrendous physical pain. She cares even when I have to tell her I just can’t visit right then. When I’m going through something like this, I guess I do better when it’s mostly just me and God. I come home after taking kids to school and crash, as sleeping is the easiest way to get through a period of insane pain. When I can do that, it’s a blessing. So, this is a lot of the reason why I haven’t been great about posting. I still enjoy going out, searching out a fun locale, dressing up, and cavorting around in front of my camera, lol..I just don’t feel much like it very often these days. I have high hopes that this period will pass soon though, and if I feel that God is giving me peace about “playing” in this way, I know that I’ll want to go out more often. Today I feel a bit of Fall in the air, FINALLY! This has an immense capacity to lift my mood. When I feel ok, Fall tends to bring out my creative side. So, I’m hoping it will be an aid to my recovery.

Anyway, I went out last week and played wannabe ballerina again – I had a brief time of feeling up to it, and my dear mom had brought me this pretty dress as a pick me up. I’d tried it on before at a friend’s photoshoot, and really wanted to purchase it for my daughter Idelle and myself. My mom, sweet “Marmee” that she is, kept looking for the store where it was kept to be open, and when she finally found it open, she went in and nabbed it. Thank you Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, here I am, in all my poser ballerina glory *wink

I’ve always liked the idea of being the quirky French girl, lol, so here’s a shot at ‘quirky,’ and this effect is called ‘Camille.’ My maiden name is French, so I know there’s some French in there, mixed in with plenty of other nationalities. I guess you could call me a “mutt” lol!

oops, I see that I didn’t get the lovely, wide straps spread out in sync, but I did a hurried change in my van, so I guess that accounts for that, lol (will be more careful next time!)

This elegant little number came from DevineStyle Aurora in Corning. I think it has a touch of the ballerina, as well as a touch of French chic. I can picture Audrey Hepburn in it, and it fits both Idelle and I just perfectly, so she’ll be able to wear to a school dance or two (although she plans to rock it with her Converse =D )  I am wearing it here with my Corso Como ballet flats – they’ve become the staple shoe that I’m always looking for.  I love the cloth lining, (which makes less need for socks or tights) and the flexibility of them.

**I will be doing a post on them soon, but I recently scored the honor of being sponsored by MissesDressy.com ..I have their link on my sidebar under ‘Prom Dresses,’ per their request. They have some beautiful dresses, both day dresses and beautiful formals. Be sure and check them out!

Hugs to all and here’s to looking forward to a healing and happy Fall!
xx
Tracy

I have also been quite sick with the Lyme disease I’ve mentioned to you all. It seems to cause a lot of pain, and, as I’ve shared before, walking for any distance, (even a small one) has shown in the past to really exacerbate that pain. So, as a pain management tool, I’m still using my wheelchair whenever I need (or want) to walk around anywhere. It works great, at least inside and on smooth concrete surfaces, and I’m able to go along on walks and shopping trips. I’m so very thankful for it! I was able to get it through the donations of kind friends and family members, and it has allowed me to have so much freedom that I’d otherwise have missed out on. Thank you again to everyone that helped me!  You all are WONDERFUL!

Okay, on to the outfit! lol
I am wearing a wonderfully cute and comfortable slip on dress that I purchased at a new boutique here in town. It is called the Rooski Boutique, and I just love it!  This town REALLY needed a classy, stylish clothing and accessory boutique, and now it has one; I’m so glad and am already such a fan! It is decorated so creatively inside with many great, handmade pieces – it is SUPER inspiring to me. It makes me want to re-vamp my house and add some creative, handmade touches here, just like the owner at Rooski has done with her store. My recent shopping experience at Rooski was fabulous – I didn’t want to leave; the atmosphere is so inviting.  I loved the music that was being played, the girl working there was so helpful and friendly, and just being allowed to go into the darling dressing room felt like a treat; I almost felt as though I were being pampered. What really got me going was the fact that when I walked in, I was immediately welcomed with the fact that everything in the store was half off! The prices aren’t bad to begin with, so this got me really excited!

I like to wear the dress with capri length leggings, as shown in my pictures. The dress material is so soft and light; it feels like a second skin. You really couldn’t find a more comfortable outfit. In this shot, I’m wearing it with my Corso Como ballet flats, (also wonderfully comfortable) and a wig from my growing wig collection! I have come to really like wigs; they allow me to try so many different looks with ease. I can have shorter hair in seconds without having to commit to it, and I can try out any look that intrigues me. This one is my current fave – it is very comfortable and I like the style so much. It has a hint of curliness along the bottom back that adds a little touch of pizzaz; it makes me feel stylish! I think it goes well with this dress, which strikes me as having a bit of Parisian flair with its black and white stripes.

Now I’m wearing it with my own hair flowing, along with a super cute pair of sunglasses that I also bought at the boutique.  It seems that all my sunglasses have been breaking so quickly on me lately, so I was thrilled to pick these up from Rooski – they are of good quality, and I only spent $4 for them!  (and yes, I did wear this outfit two days in a row, lol; it’s one of those ‘go to’ outfits that you want to wear all the time, as it’s just SO comfortable, yet stylish too!)

I’m wearing my little ankle strapped wedges from Wanted Shoes here.  The shoes are so my style – just a little bit of height, but not so much that I can’t walk in them, and I love the look of an ankle strap.  I ended up selling off most of my high heels, as I found that I never felt strong enough to attempt walking in them, but these I can handle.  I’ve also found that I sit better in my wheelchair when I have heels on.

This is a great outfit to wheel in as well.  I am perfectly well covered, and feel completely free to wheel just as fast as my little arms can carry me!   I’m finally getting some good arm workouts in – my arms never used to get much work before this; I think they’re actually starting to get a little toned.  Cool!

This and the shot after it were taken by my son, Doran, while I was playing at the school after dark.  It was a lot of fun!

tried a couple of photo effects here – they’re fun to play around with

I took this one in an attempt to show off my new earrings from Rooski.  They are so pretty; they’re fleur-de-lis designs with beautiful detailing on them.  They are really striking and are the reason why I went into the boutique that day….I’d seen these there before, but hadn’t had the money right then to buy them.  What a lucky girl I was to walk in on a half price sale, so of course I ended up leaving with much more than just the earrings. *wink* =P  I’ll try to get a better pic of these later, as they really are so cool looking.

This is a necklace I already had, but I decided that I had to wear my little Eiffel Tower with my Parisian dress!

SO, if you’re local, I highly recommend checking out the Rooski Boutique.  It’s right on Solano Street and still has its ‘Grand Opening’ sign up.  It’s a fabulous addition to my hometown – it’s delightful and tasteful, and everyone I’ve met there has been so nice.  This little town has long been in need of places to buy clothing, and now there are a few, but Rooski offers the nicest shopping experience by far.  The prices are great too, esp. if you happen upon a half price sale!  I got some adorable little accessories for my daughter, Amelia’s, upcoming birthday.  I know she’ll love them.

It’s great to be back!  It’s still a bit too hot for my liking during the afternoons, but I know that Fall is really getting close; when the weather does totally change, then I’ll really want to get out there to take pictures!

How is everyone out there in blogland?  I’m feeling hopeful about my situation and feel like God is beginning to answer my prayers.  I’m trying to take it easy, but love being able to get back into the swing of things a bit.   I hope to hear from all my blog buddies, and maybe meet some new bloggy friends! =)  If you leave me a comment, I’ll be sure to visit your page and return the favor.  I love getting comments and finding friendships through this creative little venue.

I will leave you with a very cute little Parisian Chic model, my daughter, Idelle.  (This was taken a few years back, when I was just getting started with taking fun outfit shots and posting them. I could never get her to wear an outfit like this now, wah!)

xo!

Tracy

(my outfit)

dress:  JJ Authentic from Rooski Boutique

sunglasses:  ‘Audrey’ from Rooski!

ballet flats: Corso Como

earrings: Rooski boutique

strapped wedges:  Wanted Shoes

wig: eBay

capri leggings:  Forever 21

Eiffel Tower necklace: Forever 21

^My friend Bekah is the one on the ground, taking the shot. She said she was pulling stickers and grass out of her bum for hours afterward, lol..poor Bek! She’s dedicated and takes her work seriously! She used to model professional, so I can learn a lot about poses, angles, etc., from her (not that I’m ever going to model professionally, lol, but it’s still fun stuff to learn and play around with )

^..and here’s her resulting pic, with her edit.. When I first saw it, I was like, oh, she has a new pic up….wait, is that me? I hardly recognized myself at first, lol.

Anyway, thanks Bekah! It was really fun for this short gal that’s always been a little intrigued with modeling to play model for a day.

Hugs to all,
Tracy

This dress is really wayyyyyyy too short for comfort for me; I’d never wear it out, but I like the color and the brass toned embellishments.

My Idelle rockin’ a dress and Converse   We both want this dress to share!!

Here’s one my friend, Bekah, took and edited of me..I like the Tim Burton-esque feel of it.  I was actually holding a tilted frame in front of me.  and yeah, standing and walking in heels..not so good for me.  But, I made it!

just a sneak peek!  Miss you guys. 

xoxo

Tracy
P.S. I hate to appear naggy, but I’m still open to help for an off road chair, any amt is hugely appreciated (I have $0 in there now, so I really mean that! =) I’m going to try and save for it for myself if I can get to working a little again, but I also need $$ to sponsor someone in a developing country (I believe it’s currently Indonesia) with a chair too..this will bring TOTAL life changing independence, mobility, confidence, and a sense of pride to the person I sponsor..I know. There is so much superstition in these countries, and the disabled are often treated as utterfly inferior and to be shunned..it’s SO sad. They are often stuck in dark back bedrooms, hidden from sight, with hideous bedsores, sketchy care, and little hope. (I’ve seen this on tape by watching tv episodes on Joniandfriends.org about her ‘Wheels for the World Ministry.’) A wheelchair means SO much to these people; I can’t even adequately express it.

and then there’s little ol’ me..living in a privileged country and already owning a very good wheelchair..and I can still walk, just not far or long without extreme pain. I know that my need isn’t as great, but I do so want to be able to participate in family-style outings that may take me off the beaten path. My current chair ROCKS on smooth surfaces, and it’s perfect to use while shopping, as it’s super small and light, but an off roader would truly take down just about any barrier that could leave me sidelined. Yes, I’m a lot lighter now, and my dear hubby carries me some, but 105 lbs. is still quite a bit to pack around. This chair also has push handles, unlike my current one, so if I hit a rough spot, someone can easily push me through I could have sold my first chair to put toward it, but I felt it was right to donate it to United Cerebral Palsy’s Wheels for the World Foundation, especially after all the love I’ve had bestowed upon me. I promise that I always look for ways to pay it forward.

My goal is $800, which would purchase a chair for me, and would let me sponsor someone in need with a life-changing gift. I have a banner to the right with a link to my other blog, as I was allowed to post a paypal donate link there.

Hugs and kisses, T

Dresses and shoes (except the Converse): DevineStyle in Corning, CA
Converse tennies: Famous Footwear

Both of these wonderful medical professionals are doing their best to help me out and get me well – I’m very grateful for them.  It’s a long, slow process though.  It seems  I may be battling this in some shape or form for the rest of my life. (sigh) My new friend, however, has lyme herself, and seeing how well she is doing gives me a lot of hope.  You rock Teresa!

I am using a wheelchair a lot, when I can — it doesn’t work very well around my house because this house is very small, has narrow passageways, and just wasn’t built to be accessible in any way.  If only I could have seen into the future when my husband and I bought it way back then!  I would DEFINITELY have held out for something much more open, and with as much square footage as possible.  It does cause pain for me to walk too much, but I HAVE to walk around my house most of the time, boo. The chair mostly helps if I want to go along on a walk, or go into a store and shop/browse around – it totally rocks for cruising around stores.  It’s really an amazingly great little chair; I’d just be able to use it more if I lived in a more accessible place, like a city. =) It can be a little rough on going for walks, unless we walk in a very smooth area, and those are few and far between around here in this rural, tiny town (jolts hurt me too.)   Since getting it, all through the generosity of dear friends and family (thank you all SO much!) I was able to donate the previous chair I’d gotten to UCP Wheels for Humanity.  They do wonderful work in refurbishing wheelchairs and giving them out in developing countries.  I’m hoping that that chair will be a perfect fit for somebody; it just didn’t work for someone who was trying to use it actively, like I was.  Mobility is SO important – some people in other countries are dragging their bodies along through the dirt, using only their arms, or completely depending on family members to carry them, in order to get anywhere.  This should not be the case for ANYONE!   Everyone deserves to have mobility and human dignity.

I’m hoping to eventually get a Whirlwind RoughRider Wheelchair, so that I can navigate the rough roads around here without hurting myself, and so that I can actually go off road and “hike” when I want to (and I will be wanting to when the weather cools off!) You know me and wandering! *wink*  I like that when I do come up with the money to buy one, I will also be buying one for a person in need of mobility in Indonesia.  This company rocks!  If you feel inclined to donate toward my personal goal of getting one for myself and to sponsor someone with one, (I need to come up with $800, which is pretty difficult to do since I haven’t been able to work and there are so many dr. bills) I’d be most grateful (there’s a link to my other blog, which contains my paypal donate link, to the right on my sidebar.)  You can also donate to the Whirlwind cause in general on their website.  If not, no worries, I’m just glad you stopped in. *smile*

My son, Doran, had his 10th birthday on the 14th, and after a party at the local city pool park, a bunch of us went to the skate park in a nearby town. I was tired out and thought I’d just lay on a blanket and watch the whole time, but once I got there and started rolling around, I realized that it was a really fun place to play in a wheelchair! lol So, I somehow got a second wind and had a blast rolling down the not as steep slopes. (I’m no daredevil, and I didn’t have a helmet, which I totally recommend!) I will get a helmet for next time..we have to go back; it was so much fun for us there!

Anyway, a few pictures from the park – taken by my sweet sister.

taking off – oh, so much fun!

woo HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I even used a pic taken there to make a new banner for my other blog:

Okay, here’s the wiggin’ part, lol.  I’ve gotten into wearing wigs a lot lately, inspired in part by my friend Bekah, who LOVES wigs and wears them almost all the time.  This is a shot with my sweet daughter, Amelia.  I’m wearing my 1oo% human hair wedged bob with bangs – I really like this style.  I’d been toying with cutting my hair this way, but didn’t want to deal with the constant upkeep I knew it would take to keep it sharp.  I’d have to go into a salon every month or so to keep it this way, and I do not want to do that, nor can I afford to.  I finally realized that a wig is the perfect solution!   I can have the look whenever I want, and my wig never grows out!

Here’s another from my growing collection, although I don’t normally wear it quite like this, haha.  My mom, sis, and I were goofing around with the camera the other night and I stuck this short one on, spiked it up as much as I could, and put on a bunch of dark lipstick.  I call this my “deep thinker” pose..lol..do you think I look a little like Robert Smith? (from The Cure?)

The girl on the left here is my friend Bekah, the one who has helped to get me into wigs.  I had brought the one she’s wearing over that night; I wasn’t really into the exaggerated color, but she liked it.  So, she traded me a long, curly blonde wig for it that my daughter Amelia loves.  She wears it to play princess. =)  Oh, and check out my tee – it features one of my hand drawn bandit girl designs!  I’m also wearing a sweet Eiffel tower necklace that Idelle bought for me while we were at a mall recently.  It’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to being in Paris in this lifetime, but I can always hope.  I love it!

..and a self portrait, using the good old fashioned timer….haven’t been doing much of this lately and miss it.  This was taken while at the park for my son’s birthday; I saw an opportunity, set the timer and put the camera on the bench of a picnic table, then lounged in front of it.  I’m wearing yet another wig here, and the purple maxi dress is so comfy!  I got it at Ross for a good deal; I had been wanting a maxi dress, love this one.

I’m chugging along, doing what the doc says and trying my best.   Shenanigans (I may explain later) have been a big part of my entertainment this summer….they generally happen in the wee hours of the morning, ha.  Sound mysterious?  It is, oh, believe me, it is *wink wink*

Shenans may or may not contain things like:

this:

and/or this:

but I know nothing….

(teehee)

I hope it won’t be so long before I post again.  I know that Fall tends to be a more artistically inspiring time for me, so hopefully I’ll be feeling a bit better then too, and may be able to get back into it a bit more.  Miss the blogging community!

URGENT UPDATE 7/5/12  *Oh my!  I read their updated website and they’re only selling 100 chairs in the U.S. currently, as a USA trial type of thing.  I have a limited time to get a Whirlwind Roughrider!  and I really, REALLY want one!  I quickly wrote to the Whirlwind foundation’s head and expressed my need, and he said that he would hold a spot for me, as he appreciated my enthusiasm.  He also said that they may be able to help me with my fundraising efforts in August!  I so hope I’ll be able to get one, and also be able to help someone else to gain better mobility.

xo

Tracy

Throughout my search for a perfect wheelchair, I came across a company that does phenomenal work. After just beginning to use a wheelchair myself, I appreciate the thoughtful and careful design of Whirlwind’s Rough Rider wheelchairs  SO much.

I would like everyone to take a look at the sort of freedom these chairs (I call them works of art) are able to offer to individuals that cannot use their legs to get around, or to get around as well as they’d like to. This video shows the RoughRider carrying individuals over terrain I never thought possible with a manual wheelchair! Also, after encountering ruts and small curbs in concrete myself while in a chair, (with jolting and painful consequences) I appreciate these on a very personal level. Just watch this video!

and this one – it compares the RoughRider to a standard manual:

Isn’t it amazing how such a carefully designed version of an old standby can rejuvenate someone’s life? I am offering a donation link with the intent of transferring it to the Whirlwind organization when I reach the goal of $800. That $800 would not only give me a RoughRider chair, which would allow me to resume activities I usually now have to miss out on, it would also give the gift of one of these amazing chairs to someone in a developing country who is in extreme need. Having one of these would bring a lot more fun back into my life, (which is really important as a mom who is trying to keep up with young ones!) and could offer a complete new lease on life to someone in dire need outside of the U.S. I made a banner, but still cannot figure out how to post the direct link to paypal on it here, so I made a separate post on my blogger blog, The Wardrobe Wanderer’s Musings & Miscellany, where I was able to add a donation link (via paypal).

These can come in the color of your choice as well, and the swooping design and longer wheelbase truly makes the chair very safe and functional, very stylish too..I think it looks artistic! I am so taken with the front casters, which are MUCH wider than standard, and are made of a flexible material. After having my narrow, rock hard casters run into things full bore, I find the Rough Rider casters’ functionality to be just astounding! I am also in love with the fact that they use mountain bike tires – these really can go where no wheelchair has gone before.

Thanks for listening! I’ll be back to sitting pretty and fashion-y posts soon, but I actually think that this chair is fashionable itself, don’t you?

Best to all my readers,
Tracy

Unfortunately, the inexpensive standard wheelchair that I got has not helped nearly as much as I’d hoped.  Since going out and walking around for any distance or being on my feet for any length of time can cause terrible pain, I don’t think I’ll be able to show you any segments on fashion, even Sitting Pretty Fashion, for awhile, at least not until I can get an adequate wheelchair that truly suits my needs.

I was really hoping that getting a wheelchair would allow me to go out with kids, participate in outings, (which have generally included a lot of walking before I got sick) and just be able to regain some mobility and independence.  It looks like I’ll need a higher end wheelchair to really be able to do this.  Cary, (my husband) my daughters Idelle and Amelia, and my son Doran went out yesterday to a local park (for those that know the area, it was Bidwell Park in Chico – where lots of people walk and cycle and it’s just beautiful.)  When we’ve done this before, we like to walk big loops in the park along the trails, and yesterday took the long loop.  I, of course, brought my wheelchair.  I hoped I’d be able to propel myself a lot and finally get some exercise – my upper body above my waist and my arms usually don’t have much trouble with activity, so I hoped that my arms would get a good workout and I’d get the blood flowing since I’ve been in bed so much.  Well, I was disappointed.  It DID still help to be able to sit and go along the trails, but it turned out that I had to be pushed most of the time, as wheeling those rock hard, uneven tires and flimsy front casters along bumpy concrete and dirt trails was SO HARD!  When I’d run into any little curb, (even tiny) the hard, narrow casters just slammed into it and I would stop with a terrible jolt (avoiding jolts and irritation of the pelvic area was my intent in getting a wheelchair!)  I just didn’t know enough, and didn’t have enough money to spend, when I ordered the one I have.  Now that I have some experience using a chair, I know I need something with wheels that offer some sort of shock absorption, (pneumatic tires - preferably mountain bike style) in the back, maybe in a larger size than the 24″ standard, and much better front casters.

I have only used this new standard wheelchair on two outings – one short one around town, (and boy, did it make me realize how truly BAD the roads are here in town) and one in Bidwell Park yesterday.  It WAS wonderful for my mental state to get out in the open and be able to go along, and sitting instead of walking DEFINITELY reduces the stress on my pelvic area and lower back (the last time I tried going on a little shopping trip to get my daughter shoes, I had to lay down in the shoe store after a short time on my feet,  and the whole week afterward I was completely laid up in terrible pain.)  I don’t want to risk that again, so I don’t go out where I’ll have to rely on walking..this means that the only way I can really do anything is by using a chair.  Unfortunately, after just two outings in my current new chair, on of my front casters is already falling apart, and I still had to deal with some pain due to jolts (I have a shock absorbing seat cushion that helps, though, and I’ll lift my bottom up in anticipation of a rough jolt if I see it coming.  I’d really hoped a wheelchair would be more functional, but with wheelchairs it seems that going with what you can afford at the time (unless you have a lot to spend) will just mean frustration, and having to save up to buy a better one very soon.  If I had just saved what I spent on my current one, maybe I could buy something better sooner.  But, since money is VERY tight, (I know it is for most) and since I spent that $185 I had on the faulty chair, plus the fact that I had to quit working last year to due inability, I have a lot of $ to save.

OK, on a more cheerful note, I want to show you a chair that I found yesterday after I got home and began searching the internet for a chair that could meet my needs.  I WANT to (at the very least) be able to keep up on the concrete trails, and I REALLY want to also be able to keep up on off road areas, at least somewhat.  I’ve always loved to be able to go off and explore, to enjoy new places by being out and about, and I loved relying on my own two feet to propel me; I used to feel like I could walk forever.  Now that I can’t walk anywhere near as far as I desire (getting around this tiny house is about all I can manage) like I used to, I want to be able to ride as far as I want, and to have more options opened back up to me – like going off road if I wish.   So, I started looking for “sports wheelchairs” and “off road wheelchairs.”  I came across this incredible site that showed me the wheelchair of my dreams!  It is called the Whirlwind Rough Rider, and it is already helping so many people who, for whatever reason, cannot use their legs (or use them as well as they’d like to.)  It’s helping people in developing countries where sometimes there’s very little to no concrete to roll on, and where the terrain is rough.  It has mountain bike tires and everything, and it’s stylish!  I just love it!  Watch this video, please.!  I had so much trouble yesterday with slopes, (the chair kept veering off to one side) bumpy areas, and even tiny curbs.  Look at what the Whirlwind RoughRider lets a person do while on wheels!  When I am more financially stable, I so want to donate to help people in need to be able to get these.

Isn’t that wonderful?  You might not fully understand if you’ve never tried to be active from a wheelchair, but after my experiences, I sure appreciate this incredible design.

So, since it may take some time before I feel motivated enough to do something with myself and go out again, (I need a functional chair to do that) it will probably be awhile before I can do a “Sitting Pretty” post, or any “fashion-y” post again. *sigh*  Boy, do I miss the fun I used to have with this!  I’m hoping that I’ll get a chair that I feel great in sooner, rather than later.  I go stir crazy in this house, and I get so depressed about being a disappointment to the children God has entrusted to me to raise here on this earth.

If you or someone you know ever needs a wheelchair for some reason, don’t blow money on one that ‘looks’ okay and has a low price.  Most likely, it’ll disappoint you, and I don’t want anyone else to waste their money like I did.  I have been scouring ebay looking for deals, but even though there are some decent ones, I can’t yet afford anything that looks promising yet.

I REALLY want a Whirlwind Rough Rider, and am talking to some people about possibly being involved in a U.S. trial, so if you pray, could you send up some prayers for me regarding that?  I’d sure appreciate it.  Getting into one of these would be incredible and would open up so many doors for me.  I don’t know if they’re only using people who are paralyzed and cannot walk at all, or if they’d consider someone like me, who’s trying to manage incessant pain and still get out there and experience things/make memories.  I’m hoping they’ll seriously consider me, SO much!

God bless,

Tracy

Thank you to my friends (Melanie and Esther) and family (Andrew and Jana) that decided I needed this, and forked out the dough to help me get it! I appreciate you guys SO much. Now, I won’t have to let fatigue and worry about pain kicking in hold me back from going out on walks and excursions. I’ll be in my comfy seat, and if I get too tired out, I’ll make someone push me I want to propel myself as much as possible, though. Maybe I’ll finally get a little upper body strength – that’s something I’ve always been very lacking in.

I know I may get some funny looks, (and I have to admit that makes me a little nervous) if passers-by learn that I am able to walk, that I’m not your traditional wheelchair user. But, the lyme and the chronic pain have been keeping me down, and I hated that I knew I shouldn’t commit to any excursions that require a lot of walking, since I get so fatigued, and the pain gets so bad..when I overdo, I can be knocked out for days. Blah. So, I think that this gives me reason enough to use this as a helpful aid that will keep me from being holed up at home or waiting in the van all the time. It will let me get out for walks, (if I can manage Corning’s terrible roads!) and let me participate in exploring during out of town excursions (my fave thing to do when I visit another city or town is to walk it, take in the feel, see what there is to see, etc.) I won’t have to miss out now!

I purchased these jeans on ebay just recently; they have a longer inseam than I normally need, which keeps me from looking like I’m wearing “high waters” when I’m sitting. I find this capelet to be perfect to wear in and out of the chair (it’s so ‘me’). It allows me to move my arms freely while propelling myself along, and I just love the way it looks and feels. I got it at J.C. Penney awhile back – walked into the store not planning to purchase anything for myself, but when I saw this on the clearance rack, I just couldn’t leave it there! I even put it back and left the store, but I tell ya, the capelet kept calling my name until I went back and got it. lol

The necklace is a Forever 21 find – love their accessories section! Sooooo many creative and cute items at good prices. This piece has a vintage look to it and I just love it.

I went ahead and purchased some fingerless gloves to use while I’m in the chair, and I’m surprised at how much I love these! I wear them a lot, even when I’m not wheeling. They give me better grip when I’m pushing myself, and they’re just so comfortable! The leather palms are super soft, and the mesh outside let’s my skin breathe. One symptom of lyme is having the problem of keeping one’s temperature normal..we tend to be cold a lot, and it’s really hard to warm up (hands and feet seem to be hit the hardest.) So, these have the added feature of helping to keep my hands warm..I’m surprised at how much they help, even though they are fingerless. I love that I can still do things with them on; I even wear them while typing sometimes.

I like my new wheels a lot, but if I were a full time wheelchair user, I’d definitely be working toward getting something like the girls at the bottom of this post are sporting! I love how low profile they are, and how the footrest is placed right on the frame. When I was shopping, I was looking for something like these, but they are really expensive (the lowest I’ve seen is about $1,000.)

*UPDATE:   I continue to work toward getting well (I eat almost all raw and organic and juice a lot, and am on antibiotics to fight lyme.) But, while I’m still in need of some aid, I have a personal goal to try and raise the $500 needed to purchase one of these low profile, light-weight models. They weigh less, and the wheels detach; this would make the chair much easier to pull into my vehicle next to me. (the one I have, though I’m very grateful for it, is much too bulky and heavy to allow me to do this easily.) I just want to do my best to keep this illness from holding me back as best I can, and I want a chair with excellent maneuverability (ie: pneumatic tires and a light weight.) My legs are being affected more and more it seems lately, so I think it would be a good investment. 

I think this one meets my needs well:

It is lightweight, low profile, looks very comfortable, and the wheels detach.  It’s also about $2,000 less than the these chairs (Ti-lite brand) are when purchased elsewhere (this is from a seller on ebay that sells demo models.)  I want to remain as independent as possible, and with one like this, I could probably get it out easily and set it up on my own without too much trouble and without hurting myself (my lower spine is becoming increasingly more irritated.)   It’s faster, (so I can keep up more easily with less effort) and it’s cooler looking (so maybe *some* particular munchkins won’t feel as embarrassed about being seen with me in it :P. )   So, I’m going to have to get creative to raise that money!   (I would donate my current chair to a cause like Wheels for the World or UCP, Wheels for Humanity if I am able to raise the money.)

If anyone wishes to donate toward the cause of getting me this chair, so that I can keep up with Idelle, Doran, and Amelia better, I’d be grateful a kazillion times over!  I hope it doesn’t seem too forward of me to ask, but I figure, it doesn’t hurt to ask – you just never know.  I am also planning to work on projects of my own in an attempt to raise money.   I tried to post a paypal donate button here, but it doesn’t appear to be allowed.  So, my name is Tracy Walters and you can check my ‘About Me’ section for my paypal email.  If anything sent through paypal is marked as a ‘gift,’ then the fees are not taken out, as I understand.  Oh!  I just found that I could post the paypal link on my blogger blog!  So, here’s the link:  http://shopwardrobewanderer.blogspot.com/2012/04/if-youd-like-to-donate-toward-more.html

Don’t these ladies look great?  I came across this while searching for wheelchair stuff, and found out about this new reality show that will be airing on the Sundance channel, starting this summer, I believe. Here’s the link to an article about the show.

http://www.sundancechannel.com/push-girls/

I think it’s wonderful that these women will be able to show the world what it’s really like to have this type of disability. I also think it’s really great to show people with a disability that are really happy with their lives and that are doing cool things.. too often disabled people are portrayed as invalids to be pitied. There are plenty of disabled people that are happy, on the move, and in no need of any sort of pity. They can be super stylin’ too

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Friday!
xo
Tracy