personal

The L(A)ist

Off the top of my head. Not set in stone and subject to frequent edits throughout the day(s).

Simple Math (L.A. Edition)

“All work and no play makes [jbrotherlove] a dull boy.”
+
“When the world is running you down, you make the best of what’s still around.”

+
“Go west!”
=

Plan accordingly.

Penetrate this

thought I was equipped
but needed thicker armor
penetrate this

In the Trees / Weekend List

I contemplated posting a politically-themed rant today. I’ll spare you for now; it’s too hot for that type of nonsense. So hot, that people have reported makeup melting in their purse. so hot, the freezers at the local Kroger went on the fritz. Just. too. damn. hot.

And it’s only July (erm… see comments).

It's in the trees

This Weekend’s List

Return of the Mack / Weekend List

After being somewhat absent online, I’m going to try to ease back into blogging. Sounds good? Last week was short but a bit rough. So I decided to enjoy my weekend. Of course that means I spent a lot of money. I’ll have to make that up by being extra frugal these next couple of week.

One of the more interesting things about getting older is noticing how your tastes change - at least that’s the case for me. Food I never touched I eat regularly. And people whose company I used to enjoy annoy me (and vice versa). What’s that about?

This Weekend’s List

Sex 2.0 (Was it good for you?)

Hells yeah!

In case you missed it, bloggers, podcasters, writers, exhibitionists and voyeurs from both coasts (and all places in between) converged on 1763 in Atlanta this weekend for Sex 2.0, the latest brainchild of Amber Rhea.

The admittedly “vanilla” joined swingers, poly, LGBT, BDSM, sex workers, body modification and gender dysphoria communities to wax on “the intersection of social media, feminism, and sexuality.” Sounds pithy? It was.

There were discussions, how-to’s, tips and demonstrations to appeal to anyone with an intelligent and progressive appreciation and practice of sex.

But honestly, there was so much awesomeness consumed between Friday and Sunday, us sex positive folks had a tricky time capturing it all. My computer refuses to read my camera’s Compact Flash card. No pics until I get that sorted out. Besides, our best stories are unbloggable. You just had to be there.

What I can share (subject to future editing):

Horoscopes from last week

Last week my Piscean, mini-horoscopes (sent to my phone daily via Verizon) were inspirational or in some other way, on point:

03/25/08: Attending to your needs should be your first order of business. Your primary impulse is always to help others.

This is especially true regarding relationships which is why my desire to be in one is tempered. I have a habit of giving everything I have: money, emotion, time, etc. I suppose with the right partner, this would be balanced. But my experience has been that others quickly get used to always having me available (reliable) and I get taken me for granted (advantaged of). At least that’s how I see it.

03/26/08: You may be given a chance to study with someone who is renowned for their expertise.

I’m not sure what this means. But I’m excited about it!

03/27/08: Somebody may not be keeping their promises. This is disappointing and inconvenient.

Hmm… This could apply to clients or friends. Maybe both. The added bonus to this horoscope is its worded in the same manner I speak. I describe situations as “disappointing” or “inconvenient” often when stronger adjectives would probably be more appropriate. My emotional scale doesn’t fluctuate much.

03/28/08: Pursuing a lifestyle that affords more freedom should be your first order of business.

Hells yeah! I’m tweaking a plan on the daily of making this a reality. My life isn’t terrible by any means. But it’s still not the life I want to be living (which is sort of the point, right?) Adding some financial stability has increased my options. Now, to leverage it.

03/29/08: Everybody wants you in their corner, and with good reason. You’ve never looked better.

I don’t know about looking better. But I certainly feel better than I have in awhile. Which probably means it shows on my face. Which probably means I do look better. Who knew?

03/30/08: You’re ahead of your time in so many ways. Maybe that’s why so many people seek out your company.

This is what I have been trying to convince certain knuckleheads. I have an inside track on the future. Stick with me, you’ll go places!

Broken

chains

things that are broken
I would like to fix, except
nobody else cares

“It just doesn’t go away.”

I’ve always been a big fan of fashion (I had a subscription to W when I was 19). But I’m regularly impressed with how often Project Runway teaches me lessons about the creative process; lessons that extend beyond fashion.

In the episode “Even Designers Get The Blues”, the show’s contestants are challenged to deconstruct Levi’s 501 jeans to create new looks. Most of them did a great job. Even Ricky, who has somehow coasted through the competition, created an exceptional dress and even won the challenge.

As the judges gushed over his dress he started tearing up (which he does in nearly every episode). When Heidi Klum asked why he was so emotional, Ricky commented:

“This is like a rollercoaster. You don’t know where to go. You don’t know if you suck. If you don’ suck…”

Michael Kors interjected with:

“It doesn’t go away. It just doesn’t go away.”

Kors’ comment stuck to me. I never thought a designer with his success would say something like that. But I’m grateful he did. It helped me to understand that my doubts as a writer and designer are normal. Even if those doubts may never go away.