My Writing

Trying to eat more plants as a picky vegetarian was an adventure In February of 2024, I started focusing on eating 30 plants a week, every week. It was a fun challenge I saw that a friend was coincidentally thinking about, so three of us ended up doing it together. I made it just over two years, eating thirty different plants every week for over 104 weeks. I am a vegetarian, and my family owned a produce store when I was growing up, so you would think this would be easy. Y

Stickler Syndrome was a stranger for so long Someone I knew but could not name Lurking in the shadows And floating in my vision It was there all along In my long, graceful fingers And my eyes that don’t work great In my joints that are more bendy than most And my face with features flat and small It was there with me during every surgery Each visit to the eye doctor It was there with me when I wore an eye patch And couldn’t go out for recess It was there when I couldn’t play

"May you heal so hard you do your hobbies again." That was shared by a fellow writer I follow on Substack. It has stuck with me all week. and it seems to have really resonated with other creatives as well. I am lucky. I have been enjoying a number of hobbies over the last few years. That wasn't always the case though. During the early years of motherhood, especially when I was still working, taking care of infants and toddlers, and during each pregnancy, I didn't have much

In part 1 of this essay series, I shared a little bit of my family’s experience with Stickler Syndrome, including how we finally found out we had it. Today, I’d like to tell you what it’s like to live with this disorder. While I’ve lived with Stickler Syndrome my whole life, I didn’t know I had it. I have always been severely nearsighted. At the time of this writing, my prescription is a -18.5. Most eye doctors I see, including some specialists, are astonished by me. I

The morning dew A kiss so soft and tender Encourages one to blossom and grow In glorious splendor The morning frost Whispers “it is time to remember” For alas the time has come To fully surrender A time to bloom A time to rest There is beauty in both Each a welcome guest Encouraging one to grow and thrive Creating a magnificent treasure Sweet dreams precious one You have provided immense pleasure Photo credit to Julie the Garden Fairy

I’m a mutant like the Ninja Turtles or the X-Men. At least, that’s how I explain things to little kids. You see, I have a genetic connective tissue disorder called Stickler Syndrome. Stickler Syndrome is caused by a mutation in certain collagen proteins. There are currently six known variants of Stickler Syndrome associated with the following genes: COL2A1, COL11A1, COL11A2, COL9A1, and COL9A2. It can cause eye issues, hypermobility, flat facial features, cleft palates,

An overview of my love of hula hooping, including tips, performance videos, and a short interview.

I was painfully shy growing up. I’m still shy now, but nowhere near as bad as I used to be. I’m socially awkward. Always have been, always will be. I hate small talk. I’m not good at it. I’d much rather have a deep discussion with someone than participate in polite, surface level chatter.

As the pinks and purples disappear The reds, golds, and oranges emerge The days of longer night draw near Harvest season is on the verge Dance in the crisp Autumn air Do not feel despair As the Earth’s abundance turns bare It is a season of transition and rest Cuddle up in your nest Soon enough it will be time to cheer For all that has yet to appear

Hello. My name is Andi (Andrea) and this is the story of my life in-between. What does that mean? Well, my whole life I’ve felt like I was living in-between different groups and different realities. Let me explain. First, let’s start with my name. My name is Andrea. My family has always called me Andrea. However, I started going by Andi sometime in high school. I really don’t remember why. I played around with the spelling until I settled on Andi. It just felt bet