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
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!
It’s hard to believe that after almost nine months of being in a pandemic, hope appears to be on the horizon with the Federal Drug Administration’s approval of two vaccines to battle the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is the best present ever! It’s a one-size fits all gift idea that everyone can use, but not everybody … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #6 – The Gift
Clad in my Golden Girls mask, I make my way to the security checkpoint at Portland International Airport (PDX) awaiting my Alaska Airlines flight to Las Vegas, NV. This was a surprise trip to celebrate my mother’s birthday. She and my older sister Sonya were flying to Vegas from Washington state and Jean (Auntie Jean), … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol #5
Photo credit: Stan Lim I have a strong dislike for politics. Honestly, I always feel uneasy when I have to navigate the unpredictable waters of seemingly “qualified” candidates in an election year. With the name-calling and trash-talking that happens between the leading candidates, I grow quickly fatigued. This year is different and all I can … Continue reading The Hood of Leadership
This is the fourth installment of my COVID-19 confinement: A Summer of Change During the 20 years that I’ve lived in Portland, Oregon, the summer months are what I look forward to the most. This is usually when Eric (the hubster) and I take a short break from the sometimes crazy work-hustle and head up … Continue reading COVID Confidential: Vol 4
This post is snapshot of the BLM movement in Portland. The city isn't a battleground as the media portrays.
The third installation of my Covid confinement. To date, it has been more than 18 weeks since I’ve stepped foot into my (our) Northwest Portland, China Town office. It’s been a bit surreal. Let’s face it, 2020 is becoming the year that should be reset back to 12/31/19. Any celebrations planned after March 13, 2020, … Continue reading Covid Confidential: Vol 3
This piece is dedicated to members of the board (past and present) for your tireless efforts, and to the volunteers , sponsors, photographers, DJs, and thousands of attendees for supporting the wonderful beneficiaries along the way. All nonprofits are not created equal. In 2000, shortly after I moved to Portland, Oregon from the Netherlands (Amsterdam), … Continue reading Seeing Red
