Non-functional decorative buttons are often the sign of a hobbled mind.
05
May
2026
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May
2026
Dazzler of the Day: Ben Cosgrove
When an artist combines music, beauty, and the natural world, it’s an alchemy that often results in the crowning of a Dazzler of the Day – which is why Ben Cosgrove is today’s Dazzler. A composer, pianist, and performance artist, Cosgrove creates and makes music that speaks to the landscape, geography, and the environment – weaving these worlds into an artistic creation that brings tender expression to how humans relate to the environment around them. Check out his website here for additional genius.
05
May
2026
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May
2026
The Red Candle
Soothsayers and magically-inclined thinkers had indicated that the burning of a red candle on the day of the full Flower Moon may result in abundance and clarity and all sorts of good stuff. Hedging my bets, I burned one during my meditation on that precious day. No word yet on abundance or clarity, but maybe these things take time. I suppose that’s a pretty safe bet in general – the older we get, the more we tend to gain both of those things, and I doubt very much that the burning of a candle, red or otherwise, plays much of a direct role. At best, it might give some sort of placebo encouragement to compel me to get off my ass and make them happen for myself. Chicken or egg, sometimes it doesn’t matter what came first, just what’s for dinner or breakfast.
04
May
2026
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May
2026
A Glorious First Recap of May
My favorite month is in glorious swing, so rather than spend my time writing out a tedious introduction to the weekly recap, I’m going to get right into it…
Wrestling with demons that refuse to remain dormant is always fun.
A spring star set to florals and music.
A confessional in more ways than one.
What even is real anymore? Am I real? I’m the OG AI.
I can see the heaven in your eyes. Wrong song, wrong artist, wrong story…
At April’s end, lilacs in the rain.
A midnight morning meditation. You do the math.
Rosemary: protection at the entryway.
Cherry popping season is at hand. Stop the bleeding.
Dipping the dick into a lady’s pond.
Dazzlers of the Day included John Lam, Ilana Glazer, LJ Benet, and Rochelle Jordan.
03
May
2026
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May
2026
Dazzler of the Day: Rochelle Jordan
Rumor has it that Rochelle Jordan has provided inspiration and possible samples for Madonna’s upcoming ‘Confessions 2’ dance album, and for that alone she would earn this Dazzler of the Day – more impressive is her mesmerizing aural mix of R&B, house, and dance-pop music. Check out her website here for further info, including upcoming tour dates, and then listen to her latest release, ‘Through the Wall’.
03
May
2026
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May
2026
#TinyThreads: An Insignificant Series
Some may be surprised to find out that I’m not a gold-star gay. I’ve dipped my dick into more than one lady’s pond over the years – though the statute of limitations has long since run out.
03
May
2026
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May
2026
Tulipa
This area (Albany, NY) has a strong influence from its primarily Dutch settlement origins, resulting in several large tulip plantings that have finally been coming into their own after a slightly late start. Nature tends to catch up in just a few short days of warmth and sun, righting whatever winter obstinance derailed the typical timing of blooms. These visions of tulips were seen on a lunchtime stroll I took this last week – a happy visage to break up the day and remind me that there is more to an afternoon than office meetings and paperwork. It’s also a helpful prompt to slow down and smell the flowers when given the opportunity – and if you’re not given the opportunity then it’s important to make one. To that end, I’m going to allow these pretty pics to speak for the rest of this post – get out and enjoy this Sunday, rain or shine.
02
May
2026
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May
2026
Dazzler of the Day: LJ Benet
Joining his current ‘Lost Boys’ co-star Ali Louis-Bourzgui on Broadway, LJ Benet earns his first Dazzler of the Day crowning thanks to his moving portrayal of Michael Emerson and a stunning rendition of ‘Belong to Someone’. We are set to see a performance of this on our annual Mother’s Day weekend on Broadway (more on that later). For now, check out LJ Benet’s Instagram page which is a living testament to all that is ‘The Lost Boys’ on Broadway right now. (I cannot wait to see this show!)
02
May
2026
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May
2026
Shimmering Cherry Blossoms
A different way of looking at the cherry blossoms in the backyard, these moving images roughly capture the shimmering way the pool water reflects on the branches and blooms. Adding movement and highlights in a way no amount of AI could ever match or muster, it is an exhibition of wonder – wonder at the world, at the way nature accentuates its charms, at how a sunny spring day can instantly transform the mood.
02
May
2026
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May
2026
Cherry Popping Season
The Kwanzan cherry was in bloom this week – just as the pool was being heated to a glorious 80+ degrees for a few lovely days that justify the pool heater every year. Pink against a sky of blue is always a sight to behold, and in the strong sunlight the colors revived all that had dimmed during the recent long and cruel winter. It already feels far away, and for that I’m grateful. It’s never too soon to start thinking about summer heat, summer sun, and summer fun.
If you have sun where you might be, go out now and enjoy it for a minute – or an hour – or the whole day. Never take a sunny day for granted.
01
May
2026
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May
2026
Dazzler of the Day: Ilana Glazer
I love a succinct and clever bio profile: ‘a broad, a babe, a mom, a writer, an actor, a comedian, and podcaster’ is how Ilana Glazer describes herself, and that just about covers it. This hilarious comedian and creator is bringing her shows to North America and Europe in the next few months, as seen in this ambitious scheduled of tour dates. Check out her website here for further evidence of her brilliance, where she can now add Dazzler of the Day to her impressive repertoire.
01
May
2026
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May
2026
Rosemary Protection at the Entryway
After filling our front pots with everything from arborvitae, papyrus, and elephant ears to palm trees, ivy, and ferns, this marks the first year we are indulging in the ‘timeless tradition‘ of planting rosemary at our entryway. Bestowed with protective enchantments against ill-intending spirits, as well as a more practical magic to ward off pests, rosemary has myriad advantages when planted near the home. Its pleasant aroma rises like lavender when brushed by visitors, and it’s also said to be lucky. A wonderful notion for the month of May – and the summer to follow.
The cultivation of rosemary is simple when you know how to control yourself; these plants actually do better under neglect and duress than with a well-watered and overly-pampered high-maintenance routine. A sharp, well-draining soil on the alkaline side is preferred, and you should let the top two inches of soil dry out before doing a deep watering. A full day of sunshine is desired so branches don’t grow leggy, but you can also prune heavily to retain a bushier shape.
See this summer mocktail for another rosemary idea, or this holiday drink, or this Christmas cocktail for the stronger palette.
01
May
2026
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May
2026
A May Zing!
Tra la, it’s May, the lusty month of May
That lovely month when everyone goes blissfully astray!
Tra la, it’s here, that shocking time of year
When tons of wicked little thoughts merrily appear!
It’s May, it’s May, that gorgeous holiday
When every maiden prays that her lad will be a cad
It’s mad, it’s gay, a libelous display
Those dreary vows that everyone takes, everyone breaks
Everyone makes divine mistakes, the lusty month of May
Ahh, May – my most favorite month in almost all the ways, but rather than set up expectations (there is a full moon happening after all, and that always derails the most pristine of plans) I’m going with a laid-back bit of appreciation for the day, and I’ll take what joys and delights as they come.
May musical memories are rife with romantic foibles and paths strewn with broken heart wreckage. Happily, there are also lovely memories for this magical month, and sometimes the hand of destiny is kind enough to grant us that which will bring happiness and sustenance through the years.
It’s May, it’s May, the month of yes you may
The time for every frivolous whim, proper or im
It’s wild, it’s gay, a blot in every way
The birds and bees with all of their vast amorous past
Gaze at the human race aghast
Tra la, it’s May, the lusty month of May
That lovely month when everyone goes blissfully astray
Tra la, it’s here, that shocking time of year
When tons of wicked little thoughts merrily appear
Yes, May has a wicked sort of spell to cast sometimes, and it is at such times that I need to remind myself of who I am, lest I lose myself to May’s madness as well. Andy and I will be celebrating an early anniversary weekend in Boston, and I’m looking forward to harnessing full moon magic and letting the stars wreak their havoc. Seeing oneself through the storms is sometimes best accomplished with a partner. We have rings to wash, gardens to revisit, and dinners to enjoy… It’s May! The word says it.
30
April
2026
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April
2026
A Midnight Morning Meditation
Morning meditations sit differently with me. I should do them more often, as they set the intention and the tone for how things will unfurl, and first thing in the morning is usually the quietest bit of the day. (Today’s may be a bit of an exception, as a neighbor is already mowing the lawn at 7:30 – questionable neighbor behavior at best, something else at worst.) With the windows closed, it’s only a slight drone of noise, so it’s not the end of the world.
The sun is brilliant on this morning, illuminating the first leaves of the Japanese coral bark maple – highlighting the chartreuse of the foliage and the scarlet stems – both glorious against a blue sky. It’s still spring, but the light, and the hum of a lawn mower, hint at summer. To further confuse issues, I’m posting this at midnight, as the calendar ticks over to May – a midnight morning meditation post, because calm and stillness has a place at all times.
