Taylor Zakhar Perez is no stranger to fronting popular pictorial posts in these precious parts, as evidenced by the multiple examples starting with this one right here (click it to flick it). While romantic comedies are not exactly my favorite genre, I absolutely adored ‘Red, White and Blue’ (a rare breed of a movie that might surpass the magic of the original book). It helped that Perez briefly paraded his naked butt in a memorable hotel scene, but his chemistry with Nicholas Galitzine was palpably enchanting. Of course, if it’s gratuitous pictures you seek, look no further than this post. 

As our country continues its descent toward fascism, I originally intended for this website to operate as it always had – with an eye toward escapism and amusement with the odd and only very occasional political post. Andy and I have totally turned off the news as it continues to normalize the convicted felon that half of the country supposedly elected, and that has made a profound improvement in our daily existence. Still, turning a blind eye to egregious assaults on the country we love can only go on for so long, and every once in a while I will have to take a stand and make a post as I did yesterday, if only so that future generations know that not all of us are cool with what’s happening.

None of this is ok, and simply going back to making frivolous or cute comments about Melania’s wardrobe or Elon’s weird moves will not cut it. One day your children are going to look back at this time and ask what you did or said or wrote – I don’t want my electronic footprint to show me critiquing the First Lady’s fucking hat or fashion like the rest of it doesn’t matter (or like she wasn’t monstrous enough to say “who gives a fuck about the Christmas stuff” while her supporters craft some false-narrative about a War on Christmas – classy elegance my ass). 

That said, I will largely be back to the non-political in a very intentional effort to offer some sort of escapism from what is happening in the world. This website was only ever about me entertaining myself, and in the process perhaps entertaining others. It will be about what inspires or moves me, what I find interesting and beautiful and important. At the same time, it will not operate in a complete vacuum and bubble. I’m too honest to pretend everything is ok, and I’m not evolved enough to let those who set this into motion off without accountability. 

Outside, the icicles are either growing or diminishing, melting or amassing greater girth, and it’s not quite clear which. The sun is strong but the icy wind chill feels stronger. There is balance somewhere, I just don’t have the discernment to determine exactly where it lies. 

Through the fronds of a Norfolk Island pine, I sit lotus-style as the ringing of a Tibetan singing bowl slowly fades into silence. Outside, a snow-covered world of white and blue sends light ricocheting throughout the room, while the sun itself pours in through the green branches of this little tree – beauty in dappled light reminiscent of summer and sunny days. This is the room and space in which I do my daily meditation – and it’s the moment of the day I find myself craving and enjoying, so I’m slowly going to elongate these sessions as a way of getting through the winter. 

While the floral bombast of an orchid may steal the show for a week or two, and the re-budding of a Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter cactus might shift focus, the greenery of this Norfolk Island pine is something to which I return most. Its green glow in the early afternoon is a happy reminder that the outside world will be green again too; it is a promise and covenant as powerful and reassuring as any rainbow – perhaps even more-so with its consistency and fortitude. 

Here is where I find peace, and shutting out the world is the surest way to reconnect with calm.

Try it – you’ll like it. 

A Sunday night snowstorm with a Monday holiday made for a cozy, comfortable evening at home with Andy. As he finished putting together a pasta dinner and warming a loaf of bread in the oven, I did a meditation in the living room. With Monday off, there were no Sunday scaries, a relief in itself, and this further embrace of a winter night kept the evening warm. As we have done for almost twenty-five years, we will continue to find comfort in such cozy evenings, no matter what madness swirls in the outside world. Sometimes I think the colder things get there, the cozier we make it inside our home. A lesson and blueprint for the next few years…

Our Monday morning recap gets a late start due to the holiday and our 22nd blog birthday entry, and perhaps this will help to distract from everything else going on today. Going forward, it may be wise to close ranks, which will simultaneously bring us closer to those we love while making it easier to defend ourselves against those who would hurt us. Lack of morality is a choice, and entirely non-negotiable. On with a robust weekly recap, and the promise to continue to be a bastion of escape, beauty, truth and love. 

Simmering for the full moon.

Basic butt shots for Feast of the Ass Day.

Top or bottom?

The candle that says it all.

A lonely hunter cries like the wolf.

A brief and very bad poem.

A purple cup of memory.

A silly sock post.

Winter’s insufferable holding pattern.

The edging of the demise of TikTok.

A scathing letter to Carrie Underwood.

Happy birthday to my Mom.

Brand new attitude.

This is me now.

The smallest day.

As I predicted, TikTok was shut down for performative purposes only, and less than a full day. The joke that is our country continues to be played, and it’s on all of us. 

Not responding is a response, and it will be responded to in kind.

Twenty-two years ago this month this website went live. 

In honor of an American hero.

Dazzlers of the Day included Ryan McCartan  and Devon Rodriguez.