The Old Lady in my Bones
When I was in my thirties, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I started this blog to share my experiences living with RA, and how I live my best life in the face of chronic disease.
It’s been a while since I’ve been here. The winter has morphed into a warm, lush spring, with deep pink cherry blossoms dancing alongside the white petals of the Dogwood. We are speeding towards summer at an alarming rate, as if the world is spinning a little faster. The birds sing to me every morning as I sit on my deck and breathe in a new day. Beyond the sounds of birdsong, the low hum of traffic is lost behind…
#Ad: The Place Dauphine is illuminated with bright pink blossoms. People stroll along the cobblestones, sit on benches beneath the trees and listen to the dulcet sounds of a piano…
The summer flew by in a beautiful collage of shows, travel, festivals, and morning swims beneath a big summer sky. For most of the summer, RA did not take centre…
The transition between seasons is usually the most active time for my disease. The rain forest climate where I live is subject to sudden shifts in pressure and changes in the weather. Yet despite the constant swing in the weather, my RA seems to have descended into some sort of semi-hibernation. It hasn’t made its presence known as much. Have I found the magic blend of medication and lifestyle? Has something changed in my body?
Corkboards and Coffee Houses
Welcome to my coffee house. This blog is about my writing life - the challenges, the success, the creative process and pushing through the blocks. This is my catapult to inspiration, a space where I can strengthen my writing muscles and share some insights on my process. So get comfortable, grab a hot cuppa, and let's talk about writing.
Autumn is my favorite season. Cool, misty mornings followed by deep crimson sunsets laying low on the horizon. The fog rolls up from the ocean and haunts the coast, its clammy hand brushing along the exposed skin of our cheeks. The wind kicks up, spinning the leaves in a colorful kaleidoscope of red, gold and orange. All Hallows Eve looms before us, the soft whispering of our ancestors in our ear. Fall is also the pinnacle of literary season. Writers…
When the call came out for yet another writing contest, I reluctantly looked at the details. First I sighed, wrestling with that inner dilemma I always have when I see…
If You Like What You See
Some people have inquired if there’s a place to donate on my blog. This is for those who would like to offer extra support for my work and I thank you for this.
A bigger thank you to all my readers who offer ongoing support simply by stopping by for a visit. I enjoy writing and interacting with you.
About me
J.G. Chayko is a writer, actress, and international arthritis advocate who’s been involved in theatre for more than 30 years and has published poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.