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
Thank You Daniel Quasar A diverse spectrum of "family", bound by blood and not, representing all shades of color in celebration and unity; 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week; We are here; Forces old and clad in angry habits of righteousness, condemn my life, and who I choose … Continue reading We Are Here
At first I felt naked, exposed with all my flaws visible for all to see. Some people around me sneered in jealousy and others didn’t mind at all seeing all of me. That’s what it felt like when I dared workout without my mask on for the first time at the gym. In Oregon, fully … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #9 – Face Value
As an adult, I'm truly embarrassed by the naivety of my juvenile thoughts as a young child. I was a Black boy raised and taught to respect the authority of the police and that they only took away the “bad” people. In my little head, I didn’t understand the deeper complexity around my misconception of … Continue reading A Cycle of Pain
Happy Anniversary! Well, it’s not really a “happy” one, but it is definitely our anniversary. It’s okay if you didn’t remember a gift, I’m not bitter. I won’t even blame you for forgetting. Traditionally for the first year anniversary the gift is paper, so you can print this edition out for your keepsake! You’re welcome. … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #8 – The Prick!
Well it’s here, the year Two Thousand Twenty One or Twenty-Twenty-One, and many of us (a majority) have waited four years for this date (1-20-21) to arrive. Did you realize that inauguration day was also a palindrome? A new year where we gaze into the unknown and upcoming 365 days with a renewed sense of … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #7 – In Memory
Representation is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, “an artistic likeness or image”. I love television producer Shonda Rhimes. Everything that she pushes to the screens crosses the barriers of race, sexual orientation, and gender. With every project and program I eagerly wait in anticipation of what and who will lead the show. Her characters … Continue reading What About Me?
Judge Don't Judge...Much 