Author Archives: Alan Ilagan
September
2025
September
2025
Dad’s 95th In Absentia
Tomorrow would have marked my Dad’s 95th birthday, had he lived that long, but 92 was a good run, and we remember and celebrate him a little bit each day since he left. As tomorrow is 9/11, and this site has always gone dark on that day, I’m writing this little tribute a day early, and posting it just before the midnight hour.
An impromptu and unplanned visit to the cemetery revealed the beauty of a September afternoon. Dad was born on what has typically been a beautiful day – a day when summer’s warmth still lingers, but the comforting coolness of fall has seeped into the night to take the edge off. Like me, Dad was a true-blue Virgo – organized, punctual, perfectionist, exacting, critical, and grounded. It served him well, and I learned a great deal from such order, because I saw how easier things could be when executed properly and done well.
At the top of the hill where he rests, a cool breeze blows beneath the afternoon sun. Clouds roll dramatically across the sky and stalks of goldenrod nod in the distance. A patch of wilderness on the edge of the cemetery is littered with wildflowers still in bloom. While the roses have gone, leaving their hips and thorny warnings, purple and pink blooms have taken their place, gorgeously placed against foliage about to fade from chartreuse to yellow – a reverse return to spring’s original color scheme. Nature loves a full circle.
The wind has grown colder, and I don’t mind it. It feels fitting, like a gentle initiation into the fall to come. When I reach down to place my hand on Dad’s name, the dark stone is still quite warm from the sun. It surprises me – I expected it to be cool to the touch. The unlikely heat reminds me that there is still life here, and that Dad is still with me.
September
2025
Sliding Out of Summer
While it came out eight years ago, this song is the song that Noah has proclaimed the song of the summer, and since Emi chose the theme to begin the season, it seems fitting that Noah should choose the song as we near the end. The visuals from the video perfectly correspond to our Island Summer, even if it’s been somewhat of a dud. Lyrically, I don’t know about this one… scary what the kids are hearing these days, but maybe every fifty-year-old uncle says that when they’ve rounded the mid-section of life and there is more behind them than ahead.
All this jewelry ain’t no use when it’s this dark
It’s my favorite part, we see the lights, they got so far
It went too fast, we couldn’t reach it with our arms
Wrist on a wrist, a link of charms, yeah
Laying, we’re still a link apart
It’s like we could die here all young
Like we could dye hair all blonde
If we could see in twenty twin
Twice we could see it ’til the end
This summer definitely had a melancholy vibe to it – transitions, transformations, realizations, reconciliations, resignations – and there’s still a few more weeks of it. For one of the few times, I’m not sorry to see it go, and I’ve already been focused on fall because what’s ahead always has the possibility of being better.
Another possibility exists too, I’m aware. We shall see what we shall see.
September
2025
#TinyThreads: An Insignificant Series
What does it say when one’s phone changes ‘tears’ into ‘twats’?
I thought my phone was gayer than that – Lord knows I raised it to be.
September
2025
The Willpower to Exist Outside of Opulence
Suzie recently remarked that I would be good at living a rich life (such as illustrated by this recent Raffles Boston experience) as I’d appreciate all the beauty and opulence of such an existence. I was like, well DUH. Until such time that Andy’s big lottery win comes in, however, I’ll have to find the willpower to live far outside the realm of that opulence. I’ve done it for fifty years, and I can do it for another fifty. Still, let’s manifest that windfall in the likely event that I simply tire out. Happens to the best of us. In the meantime, a fun Sabrina Carpenter bop to ponder:
I like a few of the cuts from Ms. Carpenter’s latest album, and this one reads on so many levels it approaches the brilliance of Madonna’s double-entendre-laced early days.
My man on his willpower is something I don’t understand
He fell in love with self-restraint, and now it’s getting out of hand
He used to be literally obsessed with me
I’m suddenly the least sought-after girl in the land
Oh, my man on his willpower is something I don’t under-, something I don’t understand
He’s busy, he’s working, he doesn’t have time for me
My slutty pajamas not tempting him in the least
What in the fucked-up romantic, dark comedy is this nightmare lately?
Yeah, okay, okay, he’s on his big journey to find
A little zest of life, a new sense of purpose, but why?
I’m right here (right here), I’m waving (hello)
The joke can be over now, you’re so silly, baby
My man on his willpower is something I don’t understand
He fell in love with self-restraint, and now it’s getting out of hand
He used to be literally obsessed with me
I’m suddenly the least sought-after girl in the land
Oh, my man on his willpower is something I don’t under-, something I don’t understand
September
2025
Dazzler of the Day: Corey O’Brien
Currently on ‘The Red Tour’ (with an upcoming ‘Blue Stop’ at Boston’s City Winery in September 19, 2025) Corey O’Brien adds comedic fuel to the fire we so badly need right now. Today he earns his first crowning as Dazzler of the Day. Designed to bring people together over laughter and the absurdity of life going on at the moment, O’Brien’s Red Tour brings comedy, dance, and a thrilling amalgamation of entertainment to stages and places that need such light. Check out his website here for upcoming show information.
September
2025
#TinyThreads: An Insignificant Series
You don’t need to tell me once.
{This sign was in front of the East Coast Ivy Boutique in Boston’s charming Beacon Hill.}
September
2025
When the Pots Get Going & the Going Gets Good
Just when the potted plantings come into their own, sumptuously overflowing from their confines, obscuring their containers with foliage and flowers, it seems it’s time for the season to wind down. Summer is always elusive that way – it hints, it whispers, it arrives, and too swiftly it is gone. It’s why we cherish it so.
These blooms were captured in Boston or Albany – I genuinely forget which now – part of some potted display that was still bursting forth with color and fresh foliage. Helpful hint – unlike the garden, where I stopped fertilizing in mid-August, planted containers should be watered and fertilized up until the hard frost takes them out for the season. Let them go out with a bang and a flourish.
Like summer.
September
2025
Dazzler of the Day: Zarna Garg
It feels like the world craves some hilarity right now, and filling that need is Zarna Garg, who earns her first Dazzler of the Day honor. A gifted comedian, screenwriter, actress, podcaster, producer and social media sensation, Garg has conquered more worlds than most, bringing her comedic flair and sharp social insights into an entertainment scene badly in need of it. Check out her robust website here for more info on her career, upcoming live shows, and links to all her endeavors, including the following quick encapsulation of a life and career trajectory that is heroically inspirational:
Comedian Zarna Garg is a force of nature with a microphone. Her inspiring new memoir ‘This American Woman,’ about her treacherous climb from a homeless teen in Mumbai to an unhinged stay-at-home mom in New York and then to an internationally beloved stand-up comedian, is a New York Times Bestseller! This Indian immigrant mom brought her sharp, relatable family humor to her first streaming special, ‘One in a Billion.’ Her follow-up special ‘Practical People Win’ is coming from Hulu in July. When Zarna’s not slaying at the Comedy Cellar or opening for icons like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, she’s selling out headlining shows worldwide. Zarna’s Tonight Show and Late Night interviews are among the most watched online. She made her acting debut in ‘A Nice Indian Boy,’ currently out in theaters now and a New York Times Critic’s Pick (calling Zarna “a standout”). Her hugely popular ‘Zarna Garg Family Podcast’ explores modern family life with her husband and kids. With millions of social media followers and billions of views, Zarna just can’t stop laughing her way to the top. – from ZarnaGarg.com
September
2025
A Recap of the Start of September
A transitional week that somehow managed to be free of tumult, the past septet of days held a rollercoaster of blog posts, and if you happened to have missed any of it, here’s your weekly recap:
It began with this mindful start to September.
My nephew Noah is still fundraising for his soccer team.
My 50th birthday began in Boston.
Raffles Boston: A Hotel Review.
The author of this blog at 50.
The Dazzler of the Day was Erin Harkes.
September
2025
Noah’s Wisdom
Uncle Al: Gurl, help me write a blog post for tomorrow. We will call it ‘Noah’s Wisdom’. Go.
Noah: What do you mean?
Uncle Al: Give my readers some of the wisdom you have accrued from fifteen years of life on this planet.
Noah: Like, wisdom? What do you mean?
Uncle Al: Words of advice.
Noah: You want me to give advice to your readers that are much older than me?
Uncle Al: Exactly. Hit it.
Noah: Stay consistent in what you do, you know? I don’t really know what it’s like to be an adult. Find something you like doing and stick with it. Umm, be humble.
Uncle Al: This is very general, very vague. What specifically have you learned in your own life?
Noah: You know what I think? Don’t be jealous of other people cause I feel like people my age are jealous. I look up to myself, I don’t look up to other people.
Uncle Al: That is very wise. Anything else to add before I close out this post?
Noah: Umm… what do you mean?
Uncle Al: I mean, what would you like to say to someone who’s been reading my blog for years?
Noah: Thank you for all the support. Glad they enjoy the writing. Have a good day.
Uncle Al: Perfect.
September
2025
Merry Gold
After being chewed down to their very roots, these marigolds are a portrait in resilience and courage, coming back from their rodent-inflicted wounds to begin blooming this late in the season. Any new color is appreciated at this point in the garden’s year. Marigolds signify the height of summer – all happiness and bright bonhomie.
I thought I was ready to welcome fall, but if summer wants to linger, who am I to rush her out the door?
September
2025
A Diva Welcomes Madness
“Be silent and listen: have you recognized your madness and do you admit it? Have you noticed that all your foundations are completely mired in madness? Do you not want to recognize your madness and welcome it in a friendly manner? You wanted to accept everything. So accept madness too. Let the light of your madness shine, and it will suddenly dawn on you. Madness is not to be despised and not to be feared, but instead you should give it life…If you want to find paths, you should also not spurn madness, since it makes up such a great part of your nature…Be glad that you can recognize it, for you will thus avoid becoming its victim. Madness is a special form of the spirit and clings to all teachings and philosophies, but even more to daily life, since life itself is full of craziness and at bottom utterly illogical. Man strives toward reason only so that he can make rules for himself. Life itself has no rules. That is its mystery and its unknown law. What you call knowledge is an attempt to impose something comprehensible on life.” ~ Carl Jung
“The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it.” ~ Carl Jung
“It is often tragic to see how blatantly a man bungles his own life and the lives of others yet remains totally incapable of seeing how much the whole tragedy originates in himself, and how he continually feeds it and keeps it going.” ~ Carl Jung
“We meet ourselves time and again in a thousand disguises on the path of life.” ~ Carl Jung
~ The Divine Diva Tour: A Fairy’s Tale ~
- Pink Frilly Fairy: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three
- Homage to Herb: Part One, Part Two and Part Three
- A Purple-Hued Interlude
- Style & Panache: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Purple Puff Confection: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- A Blue-Hued Interlude
- Fuchsia Fabulousness: Part One. Part Two and Part Three.
- Bad Boy Bangs: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Vanity Under Where: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Sugar Plum Ballerina: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Pool Frolic: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Cemetery Interlude: Part One and Part Two.
- Powder Blue Fur Doll: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Milky Interlude
- Rock Out, Cock Out/ Hang Out, Wang Out: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- Cocktail Cocktale: Part One and Part Two.
- A Fairy’s Interlude: Part One and Part Two.
- Willy Wonkers: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Peacock In Everything But Beauty: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- Swan Lake Fantasia: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Black & White in Briefs: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Weave of Basket, Weave of Rope: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, and Part Five.
- Chains of Gray to Color: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Black Jockstrap: Back Entry: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- Super Fairy Interlude: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- American Psychology: Part One and Part Two.
- Jocks & Frocks: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- Wigging Out Interlude
- Shedding Selves & Beating Oneself Up: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Pretty, Oh So Pretty: Part One and Part Two.
- Amber Vanity: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Bowler Hat Masked Mayhem: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Candy Everybody Wants: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, and Part Five.
- Razzling, Dazzling, Running Mascara: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
September
2025
Running With Mascara
“In the artist, the strongest force in his make-up, that is, his creativeness, will seize and all but monopolize this energy, leaving so little over that thing of value can come of it. The creative impulse can drain him of his humanity to such a degree that the personal ego can exist only on a primitive or inferior level and is driven to develop all sorts of defects: ruthlessness, selfishness, (“autoeroticism”), vanity, and other infantile traits.” ~ Carl Jung
“Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.” ~ Carl Jung
“Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol, morphine or idealism.” ~ Carl Jung
“As a child I felt myself to be alone, and I am still, because I know things and must hint at things which others apparently know nothing of, and for the most part do not want to know.” ~ Carl Jung
“People will do anything, no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their own souls. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” ~ Carl Jung
“The reason for evil in the world is that people are not able to tell their stories.” ~ Carl Jung
~ The Divine Diva Tour: A Fairy’s Tale ~
- Pink Frilly Fairy: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three
- Homage to Herb: Part One, Part Two and Part Three
- A Purple-Hued Interlude
- Style & Panache: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Purple Puff Confection: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- A Blue-Hued Interlude
- Fuchsia Fabulousness: Part One. Part Two and Part Three.
- Bad Boy Bangs: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Vanity Under Where: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Sugar Plum Ballerina: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Pool Frolic: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Cemetery Interlude: Part One and Part Two.
- Powder Blue Fur Doll: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Milky Interlude
- Rock Out, Cock Out/ Hang Out, Wang Out: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- Cocktail Cocktale: Part One and Part Two.
- A Fairy’s Interlude: Part One and Part Two.
- Willy Wonkers: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Peacock In Everything But Beauty: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- Swan Lake Fantasia: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Black & White in Briefs: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Weave of Basket, Weave of Rope: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, and Part Five.
- Chains of Gray to Color: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Black Jockstrap: Back Entry: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- Super Fairy Interlude: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- American Psychology: Part One and Part Two.
- Jocks & Frocks: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- Wigging Out Interlude
- Shedding Selves & Beating Oneself Up: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Pretty, Oh So Pretty: Part One and Part Two.
- Amber Vanity: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Bowler Hat Masked Mayhem: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Candy Everybody Wants: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, and Part Five.
- Razzling, Dazzling, Running Mascara: Part One and Part Two.
September
2025
A Dose of Dazzle…
A time capsule within a time capsule: this entry is from 2005’s Divine Diva Tour, but this song jumps back another decade to 1996, when Suzie and I (and our Moms) found ourselves at the celebrated Broadway revival of ‘Chicago’ featuring Ann Reinking and Bebe Neuwirth. I wore a shirt of silver thread in a leopard pattern, with a long-tailed black tuxedo jacket; Suzie was probably in cargo pants. We took in the phenomenon of classic theatrical showbiz pizzazz, and escaped our college-age concerns with a bit of the old razzle dazzle…
About a decade later, this song formed the backdrop to the photos seen here from The Divine Diva Tour Book: A Fairy’s Tale. A bad wig can work wonders when placed atrociously and artfully enough – in disarray it tells even more sordid tales of debauchery and treachery…
Give ’em the old razzle dazzle
Razzle dazzle ’em
Give ’em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate
Give ’em the old hocus pocus
Bead and feather ’em
How can they see with sequins in their eyes?
What if your hinges all are rusting?
What if, in fact, you’re just disgusting?
Razzle dazzle ’em
And they’ll never catch wise!
Give ’em the old razzle dazzle
Razzle dazzle ’em
Give ’em a show that’s so splendiferous
Row after row will crow vociferous
Give ’em the old flim flam flummox
Fool and fracture ’em
How can they hear the truth above the roar?
Throw ’em a fake and a finagle
They’ll never know you’re just a bagel
Razzle dazzle ’em
And they’ll beg you for more!
Give ’em the old double whammy
Daze and dizzy ’em
Back since the days of old Methuselah
Everyone loves the big bambooz-a-ler
Give ’em the old three ring circus
Stun and stagger ’em
When you’re in trouble, go into your dance
Though you are stiffer than a girder
They’ll let you get away with murder
Razzle dazzle ’em
And you’ve got a romance
Give ’em the old razzle dazzle
Razzle dazzle ’em
Show ’em the first rate sorcerer you are
Long as you keep ’em way off balance
How can they spot you got no talents?
Razzle dazzle ’em
Razzle dazzle ’em
Razzle dazzle ’em
And they’ll make you a star!
Sometimes when you take off one wig, a new one grows in its place.
Like cutting off the heads of certain creatures that can’t be killed so easily…
~ The Divine Diva Tour: A Fairy’s Tale ~
- Pink Frilly Fairy: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three
- Homage to Herb: Part One, Part Two and Part Three
- A Purple-Hued Interlude
- Style & Panache: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Purple Puff Confection: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- A Blue-Hued Interlude
- Fuchsia Fabulousness: Part One. Part Two and Part Three.
- Bad Boy Bangs: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Vanity Under Where: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Sugar Plum Ballerina: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Pool Frolic: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Cemetery Interlude: Part One and Part Two.
- Powder Blue Fur Doll: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Milky Interlude
- Rock Out, Cock Out/ Hang Out, Wang Out: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- Cocktail Cocktale: Part One and Part Two.
- A Fairy’s Interlude: Part One and Part Two.
- Willy Wonkers: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- A Peacock In Everything But Beauty: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
- Swan Lake Fantasia: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Black & White in Briefs: Part One, Part Two. and Part Three.
- Weave of Basket, Weave of Rope: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, and Part Five.
- Chains of Gray to Color: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Black Jockstrap: Back Entry: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- Super Fairy Interlude: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- American Psychology: Part One and Part Two.
- Jocks & Frocks: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
- Wigging Out Interlude
- Shedding Selves & Beating Oneself Up: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Pretty, Oh So Pretty: Part One and Part Two.
- Amber Vanity: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
- Bowler Hat Masked Mayhem: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four.
- Candy Everybody Wants: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, and Part Five.
- Razzling, Dazzling, Running Mascara: Part One.
