People told me not to brag or show off before I hit kindergarten. It was a constant hymn that was the background music of my childhood. Don’t outshine the people around you. Don’t break the curve. Don’t don’t don’t. Here’s the thing. There are parts of me that are genuinely exceptional. Some are inherent, and…
Lil Nas X and Defending My Life
I’ve done a good bit of work around self-image, owning my voice, combatting imposter syndrome, and restricting the sources of criticism that I take into my heart. If you don’t know, I’m a queer white person who grew up in a religious culture that said God is love but also told me that, as long…
A Layman’s Culinary Education in a Time of Crisis
Things are challenging all around. Time is often short, and funds aren’t generally abundant. Life’s taught me, though, that I feel better when I eat well, get enough sleep and exercise, and share the things that bring me joy and a sense of fulfillment. In my experience, the things I’ve found that bring me fulfillment…
The Plural of Phoenix
I have had the great fortune of falling many times over the course of my life. The knees of the soul I walk around in are scarred and more than a little swollen. I’ve been known to use a cane, and frankly, it’s a very good thing that there are friends beside me to keep me…