Category Archives: Writings

I have this semi-removed from reality kind of experience I’m trying to understand. It’s an internal retreat where I remove myself from you and the external world, and it seems to happen whenever I need protection. But, from what I’m observing, it’s gone a little haywire. Like how conspiracy theorists only see conspiracy theories. “WeContinue reading “Second Day Of Vacay”

I’m sitting in a warm, bathwater pool as a ch-ch-ch sprinkler sounds loudly as if from a megaphone. It’s likely an insect; they grow them loud and proud here in the armpit of the panhandle of Florida. My only job on vacation is to feed myself, I’ve decided, and since chicken salad, pita, carrots, andContinue reading “Vacay Day One”

Have you ever seen “Terminal” with Tom Hanks? After two delays at the airport amounting to six hours of extra wait time, I’m starting to wonder if I’m becoming the main character in that movie, and if the A and B gates are becoming my new home. Three potty breaks, several new single-serving friends, andContinue reading “And We’re Off!”

Do you read somebody else’s writing and get lost in their paintbrush-like strokes on a canvas page? Swept up and away with them into their imagination as if it were your own? A classmate from high school posted about her memories of growing up in Enumclaw and her return for our class reunion twenty-two yearsContinue reading “One Moment”

I’m gung-ho like the Ultimate Warrior when he runs into the side rope and bounces off of it and brings an upper arm clothesline to anyone who crosses his path. Do you ever feel that invigorated? Well, I do, and it’s a dangerous space for me. It’s here I dream the big dreams. And whereContinue reading “Hulk Smash”

In my line of work, I fear people will use me for my knowledge, tools, or skills and, like a soiled paper plate, discard me when I no longer benefit them. But when people stay. Like stay and stay and stay, it’s as though their presence challenges the notion that my worth is finite orContinue reading “Bad Boys For Life”

Did Dave see the ducks-at-large on the lake this morning? A blurry photo with a white and black duck and two brown ones surfaced in a text message from him. It’s on! I’m getting in the kayak when I get home and will try to corral them home, hopefully. I’m pretty checked out of myContinue reading “Come Fly With Me”

I can never do anything right. The thought, coupled with a sinking feeling in my chest, creates a knockout in just two punches. And by knock out, I mean; my mind goes blank, I think the worst, and I get frustrated with myself and whoever’s within arm’s length of me.  Everything I said just nowContinue reading “Sitting Duck Dinner”

Years ago, I co-led a treatment group for men that had committed sex offenses. Reflecting on the two years we spent together, I believe the more brutal moments led to the most significant amount of my self-growth. At the end of every hour and a half long session, the men and I would stand andContinue reading “Say It, Don’t Spray It”