Some 18 years ago, I was diagnosed with Vitilago (the loss of pigment in the skin).  Over the years, the changes went from small, to noticeable to full blown.  But as my skin changed, my attitude didn't; after all I was still me!  I did develop a thicker skin and more positive attitude to deal with the stares and whispers that became part of my everyday life. Here are my thoughts on my conditions.....

Each day I look in the mirror only to see
A different LDarsell looking back at me.
My skin was once a smooth cocoa brown 
With each passing day it's getting much lighter now.
Staring deep into my big brown eyes I also see
The same personality and love for life from both the old and new me.
It's called vitiligo -- V-I-T-I-L-I-G-O
The stares and whispers don't bother me anymore
Because this here is painless except for the sting of sunburn from being outdoors.
I'm strong and confident in who I am and how I look
Making this just another chapter added to my life's book!

A year and a half ago, I went to a friends b-day pole party and had an absolute blast.  I then decided I was going to find a place near my home to pole and guess what ~ I lucked up and found one.  Initially I was just taking classes; then I decided to do a four-week pole camp series where you learn various spins, climbs, etc.  When that time ended, we had a recital for family and friends of all the "pole dolls!"  Man, was it ever a rush!!!  I decided to do several more levels there; visit other pole studios in other cities including Los Angeles, Dallas and Orlando! I'm now doing more than just spinning and climbing; I'm inverting (upside down); hanging by my thighs, doing reverse back grabs and more.  I'm about to enter my second nine-week series at a studio in the city and I love it.  Poling has done great things for me ~ exercising on a daily basis; strenghening; and provided me with ALL my lovely pole sisters (especially Jaguar, Royale & Sunshine).  More adventures to come!