mardrasikora.com

while it’s too dangerous to host the event “in person,” it’s also too important to diminish the spotlight on the work and advocacy of and for the Down syndrome population. The Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, established in honor of Quincy’s life-changing leadership in humanitarian efforts to help the disadvantaged. Global will also share important updates regarding Covid and the Down syndrome community, news about the recently released (much needed) medical care guidelines for adults with Down syndrome, and what’s next on the horizon in their fight to improve medical research, advocacy, and health outcomes for all people with Down syndrome. This year our community will also take time to commemorate the life and work of Global’s first Quincy Jones Award recipient and Global Ambassador, DeOndra Dixon.

Fortunately, other people with Ds are currently getting some good press, particularly models and folks in advertising, thanks in large part to the Change the Face of Beauty awareness and call to action campaign. I can’t speak for the newly famous Madeline Stuart or Gloss Girl, but I’m pretty sure that this new contract is about selling…cosmetics. I think when Chris Burke fronted his folk band he chose to sell his music and good times and when Jamie Brewer worked on the set of American Horror Story, she sold her acting chops. This was originally posted in September of 2015, the year of the release of Black Day: The Monster Rock Band.

ANYway, Marcus and I have been singing along (and karaoke-ing too) to many a Goo Goo Dolls song over the years. I even wrapped up the Goo Goo Dolls song “Iris” into a starter review of a few Broadway shows a few years ago. Yesterday we enjoyed a savory and a little spicy pumpkin hummus (original recipe here) and today we’ll be adding pumpkin to a warm veggie chili to have this week. Just last week however, the estate of, or company of, or manager of, or attorney of, or someone like Dr. Seuss somehow saw this title for the photo and didn’t approve of the use of the name.

Staying alive, keeping other human(s) alive, and the simple act of breathing took a lot more effort than I expected. By theage of, let’s say 43, this quote and “success being a journey” concept pricked at my soul like needles. Over the years I’ve witnessed people who have chosen to stop growing and just meander from day to day, without intention or desire. In these difficult pull-up-your-bootstraps-times, and because today and tomorrow are so overwhelming, it may actually be easier to tackle the goals for five and ten years ahead, the “Me I want to be”  – knowing the changes are incremental, instead of forcing what looks too hard and too much to tackle right now.