So far 2022 feels like a poorly written science fiction reality show racing toward a season finale with a cliff-hanger that has us scratching our heads and asking what the hell just happened! It's already June and according to the celestial calendars, the sun-kissed days and warm starry nights should be upon us. However in … Continue reading A Fractured Pride
Well, it’s now been almost two months since the Oregon mask mandate has been put to rest…again. In July 2021, we here in Oregon enjoyed a brief two-week stint of mask-free living before we were begrudgingly whiplashed back into Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compliance. This time will it be any different? It really … Continue reading COVID Confidential: #13 – New Endings & Old Beginnings
Parting ways is one of the hardest things for me to do, especially when I am or we are defined by our attachments. Now, before any rumors get started, this story has nothing to do with Eric. Okay, well maybe a little. Photo credit: Wayne Bund I'm at a crossroad. Three years ago, the world … Continue reading Parting Thoughts
When I was in high school, I wasn't the most athletic guy on campus but I did think I could dance (move) pretty well. This idea prompted me to sign up for our school's Pop Vocal Ensemble group (think show Glee, just minus the flash and budget) as a way to release my inner thespian. … Continue reading The Dancer In Me
I am a commodity sold and traded at will I am not seen as human, not seen as an equal I am devoid of feeling and emotion but a force of physical labor I am forced to have less than and work more to survive I have no wealth to build my legacy, no 40 … Continue reading Less Than
I prematurely used the term “post-pandemic” in some of my previous blog posts. In my mind, when folks were getting vaccinated, I really thought we were on the road to recovery. As we drove away down this presumptive road, we’d be giving COVID the single-finger salute. But… Another series of winter holidays have come and … Continue reading COVID Confidential: #12 – Omicron Edition
The summer’s record heat here in Portland, Oregon has now given way to cooler and damper days, articulated by foliage in splendid fall hues of yellows, golds, and crimson red. I find this time of year refreshing and feel like I'm catching my breath for the first time in the past five months. Not known … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #11 – Fun-employment/Unenjoyment
On Friday, August 27th, Oregon Governor Kate Brown implemented a statewide mandate for everyone above the age of two to wear a mask in all public spaces, which also includes outdoor events. Just when you thought that we (in Oregon) could freely roam again untethered from our masks, BOOM, we're back at it again; even … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #10 – About Face
Death is the finality of existence and is void of life. It is, for most western cultures, “The End”, and sooner or later, a metaphorical last journey we all must take. Robert "Bob" Schnell World Champion Auctioneer circa 1968 In April of this year, my father-in-law (Robert - Eric’s father) passed away from complications of … Continue reading Dearly Departed
In counties Stark, Adams, and Perkins, this fruit grows bitter sweet; It’s a place juicy in memory and ripened with the heritage of family; and it calls it’s loved ones home. Heavenly skies of azure blue, with zested clouds of white, dance on an endless horizon; Roads pitted with dust and rose colored gravel, chase … Continue reading Lemmon
Judge Don't Judge...Much 