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Tag: Self-portrait

Finding your G-Spot: On Gratitude – Jackie Shea

I was sitting  in a circle of spiritual strangers on a meditation pillow,  my knees resting heavily on the pillow’s surface, my sit bones heavy on my heels, and my head heavily hung— crying. The air was humid—the air was always humid  in Bali. We had just been led through a magical service conducted by […]

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Lyme Disease Stripped me Down to Human. – Jackie Shea

I felt like I was hitting my stride toward the end of 2013—25 years old, single, sexy, and with a whole world of options in front of me. It seemed like I had absolutely everything I needed to succeed in life. Most importantly, I was young, healthy and pretty. Yes, I had those bonus things […]

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When War Makes Art – Jackie Shea

ON THE BENEFITS OF STAYING CREATIVE THROUGH CHRONIC ILLNESS Robert Mapplethorpe, a photographer from the 1970’s well-known for his erotic imagery, nude portraits, and self-portraits, battled AIDS for three years before he died in 1989. He was a fearless photographer, crossing boundaries to create breathtaking prints. I’ve always admired his work, but when I went […]

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The Phlebotomist and My Body: Who’s in Charge Here? – Jackie Shea

I was anxiously waiting for my name to be called in yet another poorly-lit waiting room. Doctor’s offices were once just an occasional means to an end: I went feeling shitty and I’d leave with a script from the omniscient doc to feel better. Now, they’re as common as my trips to the grocery store, […]

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East Coasting: A Photo Essay – Jackie Shea

Following up with last week’s post, this is an update of how it’s been going on the East Coast. In summary: better than expected! I’ve been almost myself. It’s been exciting to watch myself do a lot of the things that I couldn’t do even six months ago. Getting off of the plane last week, […]

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Just Keep Swimming – Jackie Shea

I said, “I am down, lonely and afraid.” To better help you understand how I’ve felt over the last couple years, I used the analogy of a person laid out on the concrete, getting their face bashed in. I asked all of you to meet me down there, hold me, ask me where it hurts, […]

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The Story I Never Tell: There’s No Silver Lining – Jackie Shea

My body was breaking out in mysterious rashes. I’d discreetly lift a pant leg to reveal the repellant red rash and ask people what they thought. They’d say, “ Huh, that’s weird, but I promise you it’s no big deal.” Or, “Don’t worry so much.” Or, “Be positive. Have positive thoughts.” I was positive when […]

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Read This – Jackie Shea

Since the beginning of time, unclothed people of all races and all places were preaching what the Beatles put into pop music centuries later: “All you need is love, love, love is all you need.” Today the message is everywhere. It’s in the cliché, framed decors from Target, hanging in the hallway of many suburban homes, […]

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