Hi Everyone!

For my very first post on Odyssey, I thought I'd take a minute to introduce myself to you guys! My name is Katherine, and I have lived the vast majority of my twenty-seven years in or outside of New Orleans, LA. I grew up with two parents who were veterinarians (mom is still practicing), so you will probably see a lot of animal references in my coming posts (mostly of my fur babies!). I am an artist and graphic designer, have written and published a book, and blog regularly.

The truth is that I'm a pretty normal person...other then the fact that I'm only two-foot-seven-inches short, drive an electric wheelchair, and have broken over 800 bones in my lifetime. I have a condition called Osteogensis Imperfecta, better known as Brittle Bone Disease. In a nutshell, it means that my bones break easily and grow abnormally. I'm actually typing this with a broken rib. I've never been able to walk, and have had multiple surgeries to insert metal rods in my bones for strength. My bet is that very few, if any of you, have heard of OI before now, but never fear! I will be sharing more about it in the coming weeks!

My general outlook on life tends to be a positive one. Yes, I've had to deal with a lot of physical challenges, but those same challenges have granted me opportunities that I never would have had otherwise. Thanks to my parents, I'm lucky to have developed my talent for art from a young age, and today it is basically my entire life – at least, when I'm not taking mini-vacations going to concerts! That's the other thing about me...I LOVE nothing more than to be in the front row for one of my favorite performers' shows. That rush of adrenaline when they hit the stage, the heat from the lights, the vibration of the bass...It's my favorite place on earth.

I am constantly "Looking Up," both physically and figuratively. In the coming weeks, look for posts from me about Osteogensis Imperfecta, my art, my concert experiences, and any random crap that I find interesting or annoying. I will talk about my experiences as a wheelchair user as well as those that have absolutely nothing to do with my disability. I have a pretty strong opinion on most issues, and trust me, you will hear it in my posts!

Until next week... (dun, dun, dunnnnnnnn...)