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
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!
Judge Don't Judge...Much 