Wednesday, June 28, 2006

"You know Truth, Justice, all that stuff..."


So, I found this from a circa 1998 sketchbook. When I used to remember how to use a real pencil. It seems appropriate to post today.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Sketch o' the Day ~ Harmonia No. 002


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Finish

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Heat

I wouldn't run the air conditioner at all if I had a choice. Even though it's summer, it's Florida and it's sweltering. I do, though, about a total of once a week, on Friday nights. Can you guess why? Yup, monkeys will do that. It's the night they sleep over and of course they need to be comfortable.

Right now, it's Saturday, and the AC is blasting. I have monkeys all weekend. Sort of a father's day extravaganza/give mom a break weekend. It must be hot out tonight though because I just woke up drenched in sweat, even with it on. Most times now I don't blog at home because my computer's fan goes into jet turbine mode. Because it's hot. But I can't sleep.

Monkeys crashed in the car around 6:30 on the way home after a very long day. I don't know if it was the heat or just general state of being a six year old who's not getting his way, probably some melding of the two, but the Elder Monkey had several nuclear meltdowns. Mainly about selfish things. Sometimes it's hard to keep your cool when everything around you is not, but you realize that you must.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm being too strict. Or not strict enough. Funny how either way can easily go awry. Getting to know your kid's personality is one thing, but learning to adapt to them isn't in any instruction manual you'll ever read. I threw those out long ago. They were rather useless. Adults are pretty much set in their ways. Monkeys will throw their poop at you one second and then ask you for help tying their shoes the next.

Elder Monkey just wandered in and asked if I was coming to bed. In a minute, babe. Now he's snoring while sitting up. Poor guy.

There's lots of talk of pride this month. I've been frantically trying to figure out what I feel about this new pride. It is new to me only because I never paid attention to it before. Tis the month to wave a rainbow flag and have a parade. That's fine. I'm still not comfortable with it enough to really raise my voice. Be careful not to drown in the celebration lest it lose it's meaning. It does happen.

Today (now that I see what time it is) is also Father's Day. I don't know much about being part of a gay culture or community. Of which there is certainly is one. What I can talk about is the broader and completely surreal sensation of raising a miniature version of yourself only to realize they aren't you at all. Talk about putting pride in perspective.

A friend at work is now going to be a new dad. One of the last people I expected to hear that from. For all the jokes and intense whining around my place of work I hear about being married and having kids being the end of your life, he's even said himself that he feels like he's turning into a human being. And it made me proud. It made me smile. Because I know what he's talking about. I totally get it.

It may be an odd correlation, these things, but in this sense I understand where gay pride comes from. Even though I lack the desire of pursuit, I understand it's wildfire mentality. It's power comes from connection, it passes itself on like a chain of dynamite, throwing itself from person to person in a way that makes you feel alive.

Pride is heat. It's explosive, sometimes beautiful, sometimes hurtful and always causes equally heated reaction at the opposite end of it's spectrum. I know because it's certainly hot around here.

As far as I can tell you aren't gay just one month or day out of the year. Like you aren't black or female on one month or one day out of the year. But it's good to be visible, to be jolted, to be reminded. Even though they aren't here all the time, for me Father's Day is 24/7. It's my version of pride. Go figure.

Friday, June 16, 2006

Sketch o' the Day ~ Will You, Won't You



1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Finish

For today's theme at Illustration Friday.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Love Thy Neighbor

I don't know any of my neighbors. That is, beyond a passing glance and a wave. Lately, I've often thought about going to a few doors and introducing myself. Just to put names with faces. I think it might be a good thing. Just in case, you know, I should happen to need some sugar.

I found this today, via Addison Phillips. It seems KnowThyNeighbor.org started in Massachusetts and now have a presence here, I presume in reaction to Florida4Marraige.org. I'm trying to figure out really what the effectiveness of this is. In fact, in their response to KTN some of the same thoughts crossed my mind.

I get the intention. I do. Trying to start conversations and open communication, but this seems really...divisive. Perhaps I'm being too sentimental, too worried about brother vs. brother, and maybe it's the matter of seeing them all there in a detailed list form. Truthfully, the first thing it reminded me of is an assassins hit list.

I didn't want to search through it, but I did anyway. First my street, then a name, and another and another. It was like crack. I couldn't stop. I felt so invasive. It was rather disheartening, but not surprising to see the names of people I know and some I care for among the signers of this amendment. People who should really just know better.

Relatively all the people who know me and what I'm about now are scattered across the country, heck, around the world. And I do love meeting you all in this way. I wouldn't be as sure of myself without that kind of support. Goodness knows I wouldn't get it locally. I can clearly state that I would not have come out if it weren't for an online presence. Take from that what you will.

But I don't know the name of the kid in the wheelchair two doors down. Or even why he's in one. Where is the Asian looking man across the street from? Who is the little monkey girl that visits there and is probably my son's age? Is any of this even my business?

I've always liked my solitude. It's when I think the clearest. My thoughts don't exactly come freely so it takes time to polish them into coherence. But now at times it's becoming uncomfortable. Ignorance may be bliss to a degree but it's shockwave can be felt for miles. I'm no longer ignorant. I'm just paranoid. I know exactly what I'm afraid of. Where is the line between disclosure and irresponsibility? I have to keep my kids safe, but not in a cage.

My wife's grandparents live down a few houses, too. They know the neighbors. They all talk to each other. They have garage sales together. It's awkward to interact without the boys around. They are like my shield. I want to know what people think about what's going on and why they do. But then it's harder to do if the person that lives within throwing distance of you decides they hate you because of your past or who you love.

There's a high possibility I will have to sell my house after all this divorce stuff. I've tried to keep this house as a way of keeping stability for monkeys. It's someplace they know, it keeps drastic change down to a minimum. But I've said it before and it won't be the last time, it all comes down to money. I'm not sure I can afford to live here and take care of them at the same time.

So it may be a moot point. I still may try and meet the neighbors. Just give them my name. Even if I get salt instead of sugar when I ask for it.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Crushed

Yeah. I care too much and I don't know why.

The South Central Farm was forcefully seized today despite the peaceful resistance of the South Central Farmers and their supporters. An early morning raid began at 5:00am to evict the farmers and community supporters who had taken up camp 21 days ago at the South Central Farm. The L.A. County Sheriffs Department coordinated this action with the assistance of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department who were dressed in full riot gear. Approximately 50 demonstrators have been arrested, some suffering the force of baton use. Bulldozers have been brought in to level the 14 acres of food and medicine that began to bloom 14 years ago when the land was mitigated to the community in the wake of the 1992 uprising. With tears on their faces farmers are being supported by an influx of community supporters turning out to demonstrate their continued efforts to save the land for the community.

Links:
South Central Farmers
Democracy Now
IndyMedia

via CapedMaskedandArmed.com

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

You Got Served!

For a few weeks now, she's called me up every day with a "Did you get served?" It's become our little running gag.

It's like being in the waiting room, patiently sitting, staring at the uninspired, mass-produced painting featuring a still life of flowers. You hear everyone's name called, even the guy who came in an hour after you, and you wonder if you were forgotten about. Someone took a snapshot and we're all just walking around in it but we never change scenes or costumes and the muzak is stuck on repeat.

But now, behold, the season of inclement weather is upon us! And I don't just mean Tropical Storm Alberto.

Last night the storm come through violently. This morning, however, the weather cleared, the sky was beautiful, and with the breeze a knock came to the door. We hardly take this lightly, but allow me to be the first to give myself an irreverent "Bwaha! You got served!" Because she will too. That's how we get through all this. It's a big deal but... geez, man, get on with it. I talk to myself a lot don't I?

I'm actually not sure what I'm supposed to do next. Originally, our plan was that we would do the whole thing ourselves to save from being raped by lawyer costs. Ages ago, I downloaded all the requisite forms and put them in a folder affectionately titled "Blech." But I'm no lawyer. Though I am a professional procrastinator. "Can't today, we'll do it tomorrow, we'll do it next week, we'll do it next month..." So she decided to get an attorney. I can hardly blame her and really I'm half glad about it. I'll be representing myself because frankly I can't afford anything else.

---------------------

If you haven't caught on, the only real reason I don't actively seek any kind of companionship is, well, I'm still married. It's been a year and a half now and it's a legality pure and simple. We've taken off our rings, come to our conclusions, but between her and I, it won't be okay until it's done with.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I think I may have really messed myself up in the bedroom sense. My libido is now major league manic depressive. I fear for the poor souls who I may eventually encounter in the wrong stage of that erratic cycle.

This holding pattern effectively prevents me from wanting to make any contact in the just to be friends sense with anyone who presents themself as gay. I have a sense that I'm being watched, like a criminal on the loose. If I even look at someone with those inadvertent, sideways staring eyes, I may as well put the handcuffs on. I feel like I have to explain over and over that I don't want to just sleep with everyone I come in contact with. My own homophobic hell stemming from a lock that I've assigned in order to not step on any toes. Of course, no one is really asking but still...guilty, guilty, guilty.

I have a habit of daydreaming. A lot. I always have. I crush hard and fast, but if anything ever actualized from those crushes I think my brain might hemorrhage.

I still end up a nervous catastrophe whenever I indulge myself in feeling attracted to members of the same gender. Like with Cute Subway Guy who I still get uncomfortably hot under the collar about whenever he makes my sandwich. Last night, Dreamy Apple Store Guy was replacing my power chord and I just wanted to stick my finger in a socket when I was done to get rid of the feeling. And Lordy, I can't even get into the dreams I have about certain...people I've never met.

So I be sure to keep at a safe distance. Although I can board up the windows all I like, storms have a tendency to take unpredictable paths.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Sketch o' the Day ~ Fracture


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Finish

Bad habits die hard.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Sketch o' the Day ~ Paper People


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Finish

The internet eats things. People eat things. Therefore Internet is People. Right?

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

The Thing About Zeros

Now you and I both know that age is all a matter of perception. Right.

Yet there are still a few things that will still hit me like a big tractor trailer upon their reaching a certain number of years. This would be a big'un.

Friday, May 26, 2006

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Sketch o' the Day ~ Harmonia No. 001


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Finish

Supafly Remix No. 66

I'm pretty sure one of the people living in my head, telling me what to do is that of a miniscule, sassy black woman with a killer set of pipes. Most times she's in tune except for when her overexuberance makes me trip all over myself as I'm trying to walk up stairs.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Don't Get Involved

There's a new chap at work. I don't know him at all. Today I found him off by the break table, blurry-eyed and shaky. I'm concerned but head to the bathroom for the moment. Try not to get involved.

He had surges of pain every now and then. He was clutching his chest. He would turn red. I ask him what's up. Be carfeul you don't get involved.

He's 21. He has no insurance. He won't call an ambulance. He won't see a doctor. He can't afford any of these things. He's more afraid of losing his job than dying. Don't get involved.

He gets this attack every day in varying degrees. His girlfriend broke his heart. She says he has a faulty valve. They are still together. Don't get involved.

I thought about lending him money. I thought about driving him to the emergency room. All I could do was sit there and listen to him dump everything about his emotional and physical trauma in the last few months. Don't get involved.

Logically, it can take a chunk of your life to help heal a potential faulty heart. And somewhere a thought in me screams "You can't do anything. Don't get involved."

Stupid thoughts. Go back to your frigid cave.

You're the reason I don't think I'll sleep tonight.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Urgent! South Central Farm in Danger

I don't know how many people still frequent here but please take a moment and read this, especially if you live in California. As of this post there are only 6 days left to help. If you know anyone who this info might be useful please forward it or post it to your blog:

Info and Pics:
Caped, Masked, and Armed

Website:
South Central Farmers

Sincerely,
Alden

Friday, May 12, 2006

12 of 12: May Edition

First, you go here. (But then be sure to come back.)

7AM

Lately, I've been turning off my alarm clock in my sleep since I've no one to kick me in the face otherwise.

8AM

What did I ever do before I had a CD player in my car?

9AM

On Fridays at work just call me Mr. Clean.

10AM

WorkWorkWork.

11AM

Golden Delicious.

12PM

If I don't hold my headphones they fall off my head.

1PM

$6.49 Shoes.

2PM

Circumstantial evidence.

3PM

School buses now have AIR CONDITIONING. What's the world coming to. Why, in my day... I didn't ride the bus.

4PM

The long-armed monkey in the wild reaches for his native food: cookies.

5PM

Somewhere there must be a saying about brotherly love that involves grocery carts, sulking, and downtrodden bananas.

6PM

Beware the macaroni thief that strikes at sunset.

Now think about doing your own next month.

Peace,
Alden

Thursday, April 27, 2006


~ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 ~

Sunday, April 09, 2006

I'm Afraid Mr. Bumbry Has Fallen Quite Ill

Hi.

I suppose when someone actually tracks down an email address for me, that was totally not connected to anything with this site, just to say, basically, WTF...

...that you people are crazy. And lovely. But still crazy. Don't you have anything better to do then mope over someone you've never met? I do apologize profusely if I made you worry.

You're concern is warranted. My desire to communicate with anyone has been diminishing at a rapid rate. I suppose the way I left things was not fair.

I'm okay. I simply don't have much to say that's positive anymore. I know that no one's life is rosy but the last thing I want to do is bring people down.

And I'm tired. I try to create and nothing happens.

So I'm leaving Simon here for others to discover and ponder and take what they need from him. If I come back it will be in a new time and place. With monkeys still in tow. I promise.

I still have my eye on all of you.

Peace,
Alden

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

No Famous Last Words

I can't write anymore. My heart physically hurts too much these days. Take care of yourselves.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Technical Difficulties

I apologize to anyone who was watching the sketch this evening. If my latptop decides to wake up and I can salvage it I'll try to continue tomorrow.

I thought I could try from my iMac at home even though the dial-up isn't the swiftest..but then it gave me a few kernel panics aand I gave up.

Then I thought, okay now's the time to try a non-digital sketch and scan it in...but it appears my scanner has now bit the dust after it fell off the table.

And then I was going to record a podcast...and it appears I've just sat on my headset and snapped it in two.

So, it appears the muses have decided I it be an all around April Fools on me and I should not be creating tonight. We'll try again tomorrow when they haven't had so much wine.

Peace,
Simon