Julie Peoples-Clark
Julie, originally from Baltimore, MD, has been a go-go dancer in a cage in a night club, a showgirl in Atlantic City, a backup dancer for Richard Marx, a magician’s assistant, a teenybopper in 3 John Waters’s films, a tap-dancing book on television, and a professional modern dancer. She moved to Vermont 12 years ago with her husband Dave and daughter Ella. She is on the dance faculty at the University of Vermont and part of Dance Tramp a collective of Vermont-based experimental dance artists. Currently, she maintains a blog about her unique parenting experience https://juliepeoplesclark.wordpress.com. Most importantly, she is mother to Ella the Great and Emanuel Blessing.
Handle with Care! What Do You Wish Everyone Already Knew about You?
Have you ever wished that you had a sign on your forehead that read, “Handle with Care,” or that there was part of your personal history that everyone was automatically aware of so they...
Death Talks with My Four-Year-Old
This summer, my four-year-old son, Manny became obsessed with the number 11. He counts out blocks, toy cars, and candy pieces to 11. He asks what number is bigger 11 or 46, 11 or...
A Day that Left Me Shaken, Defeated, and Questioning My Parenting
Today was a day that left me shaken, defeated, and questioning my parenting.
I had two experiences that made me feel that not only was I failing as a parent, but that I was ruining...
A Love Letter to Families of Kids with Special Needs
Phew, this summer was fast, furious, and fun! It came up quickly and was over in a flash, and it’s taken me the entire month of September to recover. My thinking, creative brain is...
Confessions of a Skincare Junkie and Closeted Gwyneth Paltrow Fan
Last year when I turned 45, my skin changed. I began noticing dryness, breakouts, dullness, and of course, more lines. The lines don’t bother me so much, and every time a new one appears...
Honoring my Daughter’s Memory; from the Sacred to the Simple.
The 5th anniversary of my daughter, Ella’s passing was on May 11. Each year since she’s been gone, I’ve tried to plan something special for Ella’s birthday and her death anniversary. Honoring my daughter's...
Reaching the Labyrinth, Letting Go of Insecurities, and Living Life Fearlessly
Last fall, as part of my commitment to a year of self-care, I spent a weekend at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Western Massachusetts. I attended a women’s retreat on transformational movement,...
Vermont’s First Universally Accessible Playground: Oakledge For All
Oakledge for All—Vermont’s First Universally Accessible Playground
As I reflect on my journey as a parent of a child with special needs, one major theme emerges—it’s hard. Crazy hard, on so many levels—from day to...
Hospice Care and the Incessant Peeping of the Freaking Frogs
Ahh… spring. The sights, sounds, smells and anxiety attacks of spring.
Yep, anxiety attacks. I experience extreme anxiety due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) this time of the year brought on by the many...
Recovery After Child Loss: A Year of Self-Care and Healing
I can hear your groans from here. “UGH… Self-care, such a buzzword, who has time for that?”
I spent many years groaning the same way when asked the question, “What are you doing for yourself,”...
Talking About Child Loss: Your Comfort Is Not My Primary Concern
Recently, I’ve made an effort to accept invitations to social outings, parties, and other ways to engage more in my community. I’ve also been very happy to stay at home so I don’t have...
Sex with My Husband Saved My Marriage
Sex with my husband saved my marriage.
Making love connected us not just physically, but also mentally and spiritually. Our lovemaking was a beautiful reminder of why we were together, and why we’d chosen each...
My Name Is Julie, and I’m a Recovering Special Needs Mom
My name is Julie, and I’m a recovering special needs mom.
As a recovering special needs mom, I overreact to all medical events, no matter how minor. I try to solve unsolvable medical mysteries. I’ve...