I know it seems maybe I’m eavesdropping “eye dropping”.

Recently I went to the 4 Deaf Club Wisconsin picnic. What an amazing event, everything was perfect, smooth and a beautiful day. The organizers and volunteers did a great job!

I’ve been to picnics when I was little, seemed there was one a week. They’ve started to diminish, so good job to the 4 clubs in Wisconsin, keep it up.

I really cherish the picnics and deaf socials. When I’m people watching, I really enjoy grabbing a word or two of a conversation and imagining what they may be talking about or their lives. For example, one woman told another one, “John is suppose to be here, dunno if he is coming”. To me I wonder if John is a friend, boyfriend or brother.  Another older man is telling his friend that he hurt his shoulder and recently saw the doctor. I wonder, what did he to as a worker during his life, was he working in a factory or a printer? The most amazing thing I saw, which really touched my heart was a man, about 40 years old, bending down and telling a young boy “I know your daddy a long time ago, we played football together at Gallaudet”. Wow, to imagine these young men, huddling and playing for this school just really moved me.

We all have stories, so keep sharing yours, share your story and keep signing!

This entire family is so cute!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHTlQXkpQbQ

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pEUXqwLbd4

Last January I was invited to join Keith and I can’t tell you how very excited I am. Finally I can perform in sign language. I’m very honored to be sharing the stage with some talented people.  Not only with my friend Keith, but with Peter Cook, Crom Saunders and Branton Stewart -- I don’t know how I pulled the “golden ticket” for this, but I am hoping to be the best and not let them down.

Codadiva has been a vision for a long time for me. I have a story in the style of humor and presentation. I’ve been working on it for awhile. Ok, well I’ve procrastinated it for awhile. I own a small theatre and also created an improv troupe. I love comedy, have always been interested in it. Now I feel like I’m on top of the world with being able to perform with these talented people.

Take a peek at this video by Keith -- We are the ASL Performers.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BUP_yaWK54

If you are in Minneapolis on April 17, come check us out.

Buy your tickets here Gotta go practice.

It was that meeting, that speech I did in April that launched me into the most surreal weekend while accepting my award. It is truly an honor. I’m more than rocked about it, I’m still in complete shock.

When I arrived to the convention, we were invited to the Presidential Suite. I was a bit intimidated, and for those that know me, I don’t get intimidated often. After finally feeling at ease, it was time for dinner and awards.

After looking at the program, I became quite nervous. The other honored individuals are doing some amazing things. While all of them are wonderful, I was being honored the same night that the Mayor of La Crosse and the NFL player Aaron Kampman, both could not be in attendance. It was really shocking to me. The keynote was both gripping, chilling and poignant. Since it was on September 12th, the keynote recounted the events of 9-11, which made me even more spooked.

Here I will share parts of the program in which they thought I was deserving for this presitgious award.

Lisa Callsen was raised in a unique environment that most young people have not. As a child of two Deaf parents, she had to learn to be confident and careful to explain clearly about their lifestyle. Communicating with professions like doctors, lawyers, accountants, and school personnel, in a way and with content no young person has experience to understand, she was the bridge between two worlds.

Lisa is currently working on her speaking career which stems from a lifelong “explanation” of her world. When learning that her parents were Deaf for more than thirty years, the questions have been the same.  In her speaking engagements she offers a story about the abilities of Deaf people, while communicating some of the “ah ha” moments in a very seldom discussed culture. By incorporating a general overview of the complex Americans with Disabilities Act, she hopes that her audience gains an understanding of the world she lives in. Besides her speaking activities, she is also working to open an intimate theatre to encourage others to share their stories, including her unique one woman show on her life with Deaf parents.

Also included is my acceptance speech. Everything I had planned to say, went out the window.  I led into the speech with thanking them for this award for many reasons, one of which they still think I’m young, that pulled in the first laugh. Fortunately we captured the interpreter for the speech.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBxzRtLdd3A

They were so moved with the stories I had about accessibility. The conversation after the presentation moved to a round table discussion. My hubby was there “the real live Deaf guy”. After brainstorming we might be working together on the next Deaf Pilots Association Fly-In hosted here in our town.

More to come soon! Thanks Jaycees for having me!

Stay tuned…. but in the meantime – feel free to browse and catch up a bit.

New features (as promised way back when) will feature other codas via video. I want to do more in-depth interviews because I find it fascinating the differences between our Deaf parents and how it has shaped who we are today. I’d also like to have a resource for deaf parents. I’m looking for an active Deaf parent that would like to either contribute or assist with resources important to them.

Look for the unveiling in June! It’s going to be fun!