Category Archives: Daily Life

Everything from impromptu thoughts to well-constructed observations.

Day 1: PAX Prime

PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts

Riding up the escalator pressed in a warm mass of humans, it finally hits me – I’m back at PAX. Exactly as last year, organized chaos seeps out of the walls. Endless entertainment for anyone patient. Non-stop frustration if you attempt to plan any goals. I float nondescript, occasionally stopping at a vacant table to learn something new.

I bought a game called Superfight. It’s a better version of Cards Against Humanity. Better for me at least.

I also checked out a game called Hob. This is a game I will play.

Seattle

Art, mur, PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts, Reasons for Things

I haven’t seen this much flannel since the mid-90s. Still, I feel at home. Often I forget my appearance. Nondescript most of my life, changing my hair color doesn’t change that. Worried about the intimidation of a big city, decked out in all its individuality. A debutante ball for introverts.

Detached from the results, this is my time to be odd in a sea of strange. Smiling and eager, I can’t get enough of the discomfort when I talk to a stranger without preamble. Southern accent, overalls, purple hair. I fit right in here. Fun to be around.

Patience and openness guarantees a good time. No room share facilitates good sleep. Liking who I am exemplifies why I came here. Surrounded by chaos, even sitting still is entertaining.

I want to reach out to the heart of the world and show them the serenity of a faceless mob. We’re all here to have fun. Be nice or leave!

Sionara

mur, PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts

I’m in a window of shamelessness that only arises before a true vacation. Planned since February, the extent of relaxation is proportional to depth of commitment. A singular experience to consume my voluntary time 2300 miles from here. Complete anonymity. Simulated Alzheimer’s, meeting the same people 4 days in a row.

If I get a job offer, I can be moved in a month.

I am eerily calm. I want to be there and am patiently counting the hours. The perfect escape, ripe for the picking. Clutching hold, Tantalus in quicksand, refusing to let go.

I fly.

Too Much

Art, Quick Thoughts

I took on more than I could handle.
I failed to meet my ultra high standards
I overslept. I need to ease up.
Fortunately, cats are patient creatures.

I had a similar experience with acid once
Where the standards are pretty high
I still managed to exceed them
Shining all diamond-like from the couch.

My reality will not continue like that
I can relax knowing which way is up
The glass ceiling is made of ice
Protecting us from all the polar bears.

Do you see the shadows or the fire
Main action usually found in extremes
Mistake to ignore the space in-between
That’s where most choose to live.

Doing as little as possible not the same
Frigid indifference, warmth on demand,
Centuries of ingrained submission.
I will only submit if you’ve earned it.

I Got Lucky

Art, Quick Thoughts, Stories

So many meanings.
Past tense implies hindsight.
In retrospect
I have Obnoxious luck.

Which traffic ticket?
Boston? Union? 240?
Dark humor clouds
hovering above me.

Luck of the draw
Genetic jackpot
If that dragon doesn’t
give you cancer.

There is that time
I met a friend
after Officer Cherry
served and protected us.

Or the chance I took
On a stranger
Gut trusted, salvation achieved
Lucky me.

Feet – Draft

Art, Quick Thoughts

The red paint on her big toes is the color of a fresh bruise. An internal cringe. Is that uncouth? Will it matter? Maybe she should stop and get some remover. But then there’s the smell. What about the taste. Oh god, there might be sucking. “Better to be safe”, she mumbles while hooking into a Walgreens.

The middle of the afternoon. Just a regular Wednesday in a typical suburban zip code. She briefly considers a quick pedi at the closest nail spa but rules it out. Better to not be late. Strolling down the chilled empty aisle, cork heels flapping against the linoleum, she casually eyes the lotions before ruling out pre-show moisturizing. Focus. Less is more.

“Every time,” she whispers emphatically while clutching a fist. Her worst quality is overthinking. The whole idea of this is developing indifference.

Gathering Magic

Art, Daily Life, Future Plans, mur, PAX Prime, Reasons for Things

Having visions.
It’s my job, as the artist,
To give life
Create
Make seen what only I can see
I understand these duties.

Willingly accept.
A soldier in the war
against mediocrity.
Shine on
Crazy Lucy
Wither diamonds.

Still unsatisfied
Goals are so few.
My pace is slacking
Momentum lost
Never forget
Untap, Upkeep, Draw.

Perfect defense
Only gets you one point.
Fortunately
The only point of life
that matters
is the last one.

Check.

Art, Quick Thoughts

Full range of emotions
Nestled in healthy desire
A tiny dose of imagination
This here’s rainbow weather
Magic puddling into gutters
Scent of vacation in the air