The Here and the Now

I asked someone the other day if he was looking forward to our area “opening up” during Phase One, and if he’d considered what it may mean for him on a personal level. “Well, nothing is happening now,” he responded, “might as well see some life and go down to the Quarter. But I’m kind of really afraid, so I’m not sure.”  I think many people feel similarly. They’re ready … [Read more...] about OK, So We’re Open: Phase I Louisiana

When I was an undergraduate English major, some friends and I would play a game to help us recall words to broaden our vocabulary. Exciting, right? Ok, I’ll admit I might have been a bit of a nerd, but I loved words, writing and creating poems & stories.  While I’ve never really put much stock into New Year’s resolutions, I do enjoy picking a group of words and … [Read more...] about Create your Path Through Words to Live By

Happy 2020! It’s the beginning of a new year, a new decade, and perhaps the best of all days to come. A bit optimistic you might say, and that may be right, however, I really don’t think so. Optimism is often the upshot of a sense of gratitude for life and the many nuances of it that propel us forward day by day, week by week.  I spent some time at a holiday gathering a … [Read more...] about On Gratitude in the New Decade

Consider the question, “It’s a week before Christmas and I feel_______.” It’s getting close to the “DAY,” as they called it in my family a long time ago. I was never quite sure what that meant, but I knew it meant something having to do with the Christmas holiday.  There was always excitement leading up to the DAY. Through the years, my feelings on Christmas have … [Read more...] about It’s a Week Before Christmas and I Feel… (Fill in The Blank)

If a quick and dirty poll were conducted about one thing you remembered about food around the holiday season, most of us would come up with at least one favorite recipe, a beloved dish that was served every year.   And then many of us would also recall something that may have occurred during that meal.  Granted, not all people have entirely positive feelings … [Read more...] about Tweaking Traditions: Celebrating the Good Times

Here we are, approaching the holidays. Do we ever actually ‘approach’ the holidays, or do the holidays kind of sneak up and take over? Although it’s not quite Thanksgiving, we’ve noticed the Christmas movies, the first Christmas trees in stores and malls, or perhaps heard questions like “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”   There are times when holidays bring up … [Read more...] about Survival of the Fittest: Staying Solid through the Holiday Season

For those of you, who may be tired of the political ads from all sides, spewing negativity and inaccuracy every day, I offer empathy and join you in your probable annoyance.  Sadly, for the next few weeks, our area will be inundated with partisan politicos, stumping rallies, group grousing, and mailings to convince us to give support to…whomever. During the past two … [Read more...] about Fight or Flight: The Impact of Chaos

As we approach National Coming Out Day on October 11, it’s fitting to dedicate this column to the topic of eating disorders andbody image dissatisfaction, with a focus on gay men. According to a study NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) published in 2017, the occurrence of eating disorders is three times higher in gay men than in straight men, and nearly 15% of all gay … [Read more...] about Eating Disorders and Body Image: How to Help Fight the Epidemic