Flipping through the December issue of UK Harpers Bazaar, I thought this Marchesa dress, worn by Marion Cotillard was just breathtakingly beautiful.
Like most people, I imagine, I would have no cause to wear such a garment myself even supposing I had the body – and I do not – to carry it off and/or the finances to afford it. Â However, these realities of my own situation do not, in any way, lessen my appreciation of its’ beauty nor that I find it inspiring to look at.
Despite my illness, being in a wheelchair, my changed physical reality, my physical constraints, I continue to seek all the beauty, glory and wonderful things that life has to offer be it in the visual, aural, tactile, sensual … wherever I am able to find … sense. Â Just like I always did before I became ill and disabled.
One of the most peculiar realities of my life is to find that so many people seem to be surprised by this – those who are able-bodied, well and not. Â I am surprised by their surprise.
Yes, of course, life is different for me now and there are some very grim things about it but why would I want to focus on the ugly and grim to the exclusion of the wonderful and joyous? Â I probably enjoy the good things in life more than I did because I don’t take them for granted and their contrast with my reality is so marked.
It upsets me dreadfully that other people have such low expectations for my life quality when I myself do not: a specialist shoe maker is amazed that I want my shoes to look good not just be functional: a wheelchair dealer is taken aback that I will not buy an ‘ugly’ wheelchair: a car adapter is annoyed to be questioned on aspects of visual design: a carer finds me ‘fussy’ because I insist on my clothes being properly adjusted before I let them go. Â I am even criticised because I go out, am interested in fashion and style, art and theatre, as if such ‘frivolous’ pursuits have no place in the life of the severely ill and disabled.
Isn’t that just odd? Â To my mind, quality of life is of paramount importance for all of us, isn’t it? Â However we take our pleasure, illness and disability do not bar us from it and nor should they. Â Sure, there may be times when some things are prioritised over others through necessity or choice but what is life for if not for living with happiness and joy? Â I have always enjoyed looking at beautiful fashion, style and art. Â Nothing about that has changed because of my illness and disability. Â Would you have expected it to?
Totally with you there! Yes, aspects of my life are tough – but other aspects are marvellous. which, lets face it, is true of practically everyone on the planet. When I know just how precious it is to be able to go out and about (I use wheels) instead of being in a hospital bed, of COURSE I’ll want to make the most of it, to look good, to enjoy each moment to it’s fullest potential! And no way will I buy an ugly set of wheels. NO WAY.
Like minds, honey, like minds … I feel a Kool and the Gang moment approaching:
There’s a party going on right here
a celebration to last troughout the years.
So bring your good times and your laughter
too
we’re gonna celebrate your party with you !
Come on now, come on
celebration
let’s all celebrate and have a good time
Yes, it may be the dance of maniacs but who cares … if it’s a party, I’m there …
Lxx