Posts

Gladly Give, Joyfully Receive

Image
  Artist: Gordon Bonnet The work of a man's hands tells us so much about him.  It speaks of his creativity, his energy, his endless curiosity about how the universe works: the chemistry, the physics, the MAGICK!  Respect for experience and traditions, ancient and ever-new.  Taking what our goddess and mother, Earth, gift to us and transforming it through a sort of holy ritual connecting all of these elements.  The work speaks of his deliberation, practicality, patience and persistence.  His vulnerability.  And, of course, when he makes a gift of his creation, his love is apparent.   Would it matter to you if the artist were a woman, Black or White, Muslim or Druze, Laotian or Guatemalan, Communist or Republican, Lesbian, Trans?  What matter the source if the gift symbolizes love, peace-offering, brother/sisterhood, empathy, understanding, unity?  If it demonstrates respect, settles differences, offers an apology, opens a door? Recei...

Steppin' Out

Image
  Image compliments of Michelle Arena, Kaleidoscope Studio The following is a statement that has been a long time coming.  For the curious, an introduction to a me you maybe didn't know.  I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my best bud, Gordon, and to my family, for the love and support that have made this possible.  Not everybody has a squad behind them, so I know how fortunate I am.  First a bit of poetry. BI-cause I'm steppin' out at last Bi-cause the shadows do not suit me Will not dwell there anymore I've shown the pink, blue, purple door To my confusion, to my shame 'Cause B I is me, one and the same And I need you to see I'm R E A L In every way that I define it Love or hate me  That's your choice But have no doubt 'bout what you're getting When I speak, when I do My words, my deeds never regretting Bi-cause from this day ever on I live to see my tribe arise With leveled eyes on our future Our truth prevailing over lies And myths that fuel our ...

Out of the Shadows

Image
La Meridiana, Villa Borghese, Rome - Courtesy of Ágatha Depiné        Greetings!  Yesterday, October 11, was National Coming Out Day.  It's an opportunity for those who identify privately as members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum to consider broadening the circle of awareness of their sexuality from one (themselves) or a few confidants, to as many family members and acquaintances as they feel compelled to notify.  Those who are consistently in the public view, or who wish to take an activist stance, may even choose to make their revelation widely public.  It is a moment of supreme importance for those who make the leap of faith, and a great leap it is.       The questions are often asked "What's the big deal?" and "Why make such a fuss and get in everybody's face about this?".  Well, what could be more vital than one's identity and one's truth?  Every human being needs to belong somewhere, to some tribe, to a history, a faith/phil...

We're All Essential Right Now

Image
 Serenity lives in the moments before dawn.  I know this, despite never having been an enthusiastic early riser.   Perhaps I spent too many years haunting the late-night world, but my body typically pleads for "just one more hour" or so whenever I respond to the demands of a typical busy day.  Yet I recognize the value of getting up early and dwelling for a few moments in the stillness of morning.   I drove my wife to work in the darkness today and returned home for coffee and a bit of her marvelous Christmas biscotti.  Now I sit beside the window which overlooks our back yard patio, gazing at a forest newly draped in winter white.  The sun isn't up yet, but the approaching light has washed the horizon in pastel pink, purple and warm taupe.  As I note this a mourning dove lands a few feet from me.  She's extraordinary, dressed in the same hues, such a gentle and unassuming presence as she bobs across the cement looking for seed....