This summer really was beginning to feel like the summers of the "before times". You know, the time when we didn't have to think about a deadly virus wiping out tens of thousands of people and the political and medical crisis that followed. This was when most of us lived carefree lives and looked forward … Continue reading COVID Confidential: #14 – Homefront
Once upon a time before the internet, there was a magazine called..... The years of dancing at SeaWorld San Diego took its toll on my body. We often had as many as eight shows a day, rain or shine. And with my flat feet, I ended up developing shin splints and plantar fasciitis. It was … Continue reading L.A. & the Porn Star
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. I'm at a crossroad. Three years ago, the world was a far different … 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
Judge Don't Judge...Much 