Remember, there are plenty of us LGBTQ+ people who still struggle to feel ecstatic and brimming with pride. — The recent increased visibility of Pride events, Pride Month and the saturation of rainbow everything everywhere is a fabulous indication of growth. However, my experience and the historical and recent struggles of millions can conjure a strange sense of confusion. It seems dangerous to feel pride. Too much rainbow makes…

Reviving the idea that pooping and peeing “in the house” is bad She came with some baggage. Who doesn’t? For being so small in stature one thinks: small dog — small problems. Not the case with the cutie pie seen in this photo who we rescued 13 years ago. This…

A poem of celebration for the DIY warriors — Skinned knuckles, bruised egos, complex riddles to solve. The promise of empowerment gets us involved. With tools in our grasp, we plan out our time. Deferring a professional could save us a dime. Curious and brave we face our fears. Sharing our triumphs among exuberant peers. Interiors, exteriors, attics and…

The great outdoors of social technology has so much to offer My skin tones are perfect. The air around me is squeaky clean and breathable. I’m so slender you can glimpse a snowy mountain range through the gap in my upper thigh peekaboo area. My jewelry is handmade from all…

It’s so much more than just a camouflage for the good, bad, and the crunchy Small kids. Car rides. Too many olives. The trail of sickness traces back to yet another gravy caper, which recurred every Thanksgiving in a slightly different incarnation. This time it unfurled at Great Aunt Alice’s…

Exploring life one sweaty music festival at a time The three years of pent-up young adult angst is palpable. The ever-growing solid red on the eastbound 10 Freeway of Google maps tells a tale. …

A counselor’s thoughts about what oversharing, overwhelm and pretending to be happy can create on stage There’s been something different, something missing in his eyes. Whether it was on Jimmy Fallon or on his Nat-Geo episodic documentary, I’ve been picking up on a different vibe from Will Smith. His interactions…

2022 is all about your “reboot-the-dude” The wait is over! It’s time to breach the entrance to the manliest place on earth: Dude-Con, where stereotypes are not only embraced but galvanized to withstand the impositions of evolution. After two years of suffering, your favorite male-only event got some new treads…

Let’s all read aloud in an English accent to afford proper pomp and respect — Dear Birthday, I hope this letter finds you well and your yearly visits are keeping you busy. The time and effort you put in to up-ticking everyone’s digits and simultaneous disgust are legend. Your forced contemplation of life’s journey has such a sweet, yet sickening vibe for anyone past the…