Human nature never ceases to amaze me. Invisibility has an upside from a research perspective. Witnessing some of the things in my past would make millennials cry. I didn’t worry about the dreaded Freeze after my first few months here. Seattle is one of the greatest choices I’ve ever made and I’m pretty sure she feels the same way. By the end of spring I fit in with most of the natives. It’s ironic I didn’t encounter The Freeze until August. Reaching maturity is a tricky thing. We all get there at different times, in different ways. Continue reading Genius
Category Archives: Reasons for Things
Perseids
Being there to watch a phenomenon isn’t that impressive. In the new phone culture, there’s a fascination with being the person that filmed something. I can feel the same compulsion at times, despite not excelling at visual arts. When I take a picture or grab a video there is always a little bit of me wondering if I’m capturing history. Granted, some of my subject matter holds more potential than others. When it comes to being a witness, I’ve found the events worth capturing on film aren’t the ones you can wait around for. Or maybe telling stories is my consolation prize for lacking dedication to photography.
The biggest challenge of being there is having patience to know the right move when you see it. Right place, right time. With good timing and fearlessness you can seize the day by it’s scrawny little throat before thinking messes you up. These days, by the time I realize I’m nervous I’m already elbow deep in whatever project. Too late to turn back and quitting isn’t an option. Just keep turning with the wheel until you get another chance at the center. Enjoy the stillness of that moment and then get ready to start moving again.
Pot Shoppin’
I had an interview with a recreational cannabis company today. I believe it went well. I have no reason to believe I’ll get the job but I don’t think I made a fool of myself. Small victories. Continue reading Pot Shoppin’
Assertion
I once had a girl mad at me because I don’t make eye contact when I talk to her. In her eyes, I was being dismissive and rude. I told her in my world eye contact is considered a challenge. That’s when I realized I am part dog and I learned everything I know about nonverbal communication from canine culture. She took my submission as an offense which still confuses me. When I explained how things work in a pack environment she thought I was being intentionally obtuse. Continue reading Assertion
Cabin Fever
My favorite sound is vehicles trying to accelerate uphill on Queen Anne Ave when the pavement’s wet. Continue reading Cabin Fever
Tourism
I miss my dog. I miss thunderstorms. I miss the P&H. Today, I filled out the Memphis Flyer annual popularity contest. Wrote in some of my personal favorites for a few categories and caught a bit of homesickness. Continue reading Tourism
Wings
I’ve been able to feel my wings since I was 18. That’s when I took yoga and started feeling my body for the first time. When it came time to open the back of my chest I discovered invisible appendages. There are symmetrical spots on my back where I can sense my aura extending beyond my physical body. What could it be, if not wings? At first I could just stretch them. Like a chick fresh from the egg, I simply tensed my muscles for the sensation of knowing they are there. After a while, I developed more dexterity. Nowadays, I can take flight if the circumstances are right. Continue reading Wings
The Rapy
Talking to someone compassionate and intelligent is usually a thing I reserve for the pillow. I don’t open up easily. Most people only care about themselves so I don’t bother anyone with my problems. Up until Dr. Pate, I’m not sure anyone ever asked. When I finally sat down for serious therapy as an adult, self awareness was still a fresh concept. A healthy mixture of loving support and yoga started waking me up. I discovered a deep, personal pain and sought treatment for the first time in years. Accepting help is the first step to getting better, so I chose my doctor on the recommendation of a close friend. Continue reading The Rapy
Practice Makes Progress
I can now sing almost all of the Silent All These Years melody to myself whenever I want to. That doesn’t mean it sounds good. However, I can keep the same-ish key the whole time and not lose track of where I am. That’s definite progress. It’s the funniest thing. For the longest time I couldn’t carry a note with or without music playing. My karaoke performance is on par with Elaine’s dancing. I can’t seem to hear and sing at the same time. Until now. There is one song I can sing in the shower and have since the movie came out – Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid. Formative on so many levels. Continue reading Practice Makes Progress