WHY THE APPLE AI HATE?
I’m not exactly sure why, but there is so much hate regarding Apple’s AI. I pretty much just use it for spell checking, but I don’t really understand why there’s so much disdain, I’ve been seeing it a lot.
Read moreMY FIRST INSTAGRAM
I can’t believe it was so long ago. 2012 seems like yesterday and an eternity ago!
Read moreLOST IF NOT FOR YESTERDAY
History gives a map of future’s way, Left by those who sailed our waters yesterday. Darkness hides deep below, naps in mystery, While warnings flowed stray, And now we question life beyond this day. Our anchored hope, though veiled, Claps at fear, And waves victory Where hearts now lay. False hope exists alone for they Who allow their soul to be lost and sink away. — MD
Read moreSUSPENDING META
I posted the below to my followers on Facebook. “I have made the very difficult decision to suspend posting on this (Meta/FB/IG) platform indefinitely. Facebook and Instagram have been a home for me, a community, and my first steps into a world where I felt accepted and valued for who I was. However, I no longer believe the dominant culture of these platforms support the communities I care so deeply about.
Read moreLESSONS PAST
As progress renders shadows obsolete, warnings of certain darkness go unheard. Shade cast on nothing; forget guardrails serve to learn.
Forgotten shadows neglect battles fought first in mind. This allows the path to failure as unprepared is human kind.
Read moreA CLEMENS CLAP BACK
A very complex person who made considerable observations on humanity was Samuel Clemens. His commentary and short stories, one of which he published as the diary of Eve, pushed the limits of censorship at the time. This statement to the press after his congressional testimony on copyright in 1906 is very fascinating. He was asked about images of Eve used in his book and the banning of this work by a library.
Read moreEXPEDITION GALAXY: EARTH : 2025 : DAY 003
Earth : 2025 : Day 003 I have made a most unfortunate discovery as I increase my knowledge of Earth and its inhabitants. The vast majority of humans I have encountered since arriving here have experienced only 30 or fewer revolutions around their radiant star. They seem very unprepared and lacking in, well, almost everything that humans who have completed 30 or more revolutions around their radiant star possess. Yet both those who possess dwelling structures and those who have chosen instead to procure something called “avocado toast” are equally upset and have opposing viewpoints regarding something incredibly important that I personally fear may pose a danger to the safety of the universe.
Read moreEXPEDITION GALAXY: EARTH : 2025 : DAY 002
Earth : 2025 : Day 002 Today, I achieved a research milestone in this peculiar world that humans call Earth. I discovered that there is indeed a system for acquiring nourishment, but it operates through a curious token based barter system called “money”. Upon further inspection of my travel package, I realized it includes both instructions and a communication device that was left at my residence that is proving to be most helpful in understanding my surroundings.
Read moreEXPEDITION GALAXY: EARTH : 2025 : DAY 001
Earth : 2025 : Day 001 It is day one of my arrival on Earth, and I am eager to document the peculiarities of its local inhabitants. My initial purpose for visiting was a combination of pleasure and research. However, I have also been presented with an opportunity to pay my respects to a human I regard as a friend of the universe. Though I never had the privilege of meeting this human, I am saddened by the missed opportunity.
Read moreROSETTA STONE OR PHILOSOPHERS STONE
In 2015, I began exploring an idea that had been forming in my mind, a project focused on philosophy, religion, and universal concepts. It stemmed from the realization that much of my thinking had been shaped by the JW framework I was exposed to as a child. I wanted to understand these concepts more deeply and objectively. By 2016, I started gathering data, organizing my thoughts into spreadsheets to make sense of the patterns I was observing.
Read moreI HATE THIS FATE
My racing mind, and worried heart, I hate my being, how’s that for a start My brain on fire, a rattled core, Back and forth, tides crash hard, Thoughts adrift, with no guard, This soul lost at sea, far from shore, Holding hope of rescue no more. Halt the thinking, brace for commotion—It spins fast—be ready—incoming emotions. Hateful anger, horrific frights, darkened nights, Never-ending fall from heights, impending doom consumes,
Read moreHOPE SURRENDERED
Death, can you hear my constant cry? My spirit, burdened, falling in battles; I can no longer fight or fly. I think now to a time of beauty, peace, and light, Though I remain unseen, all my problems cease their might. I pause my words and reflect on what that means, As I retreat from hope and give up my dreams.
I should note that these are deeply provocative words, reflecting emotions experienced by thousands of people daily.
Read moreMENTAL HEALTH & STIGMA
Depression and anxiety, coupled with disquieting thoughts, guilt, and trauma, often feel insurmountable for many including myself, like a constant obstacle where relief is always elusive. Talking openly, and at times very publicly, about mental health challenges is actually quite uncomfortable for me. I grew up in a hyper-conservative, patriarchal community where admitting struggles with mental and emotional health was seen as a sign of weakness, as well as a lack of faith or spirituality.
Read moreANOTHER ROUND OF DEEP REFLECTIONS THROUGH THE LENS OF NATURE
The overall goal of social consequences for behavior says much about the person who desires them. If justice is sought, two wrongs cannot make a right, and two deaths cannot bring back a life. Two wounds cannot heal a heart. We bind our soul when we seek justice not for ourselves but to protect the future and community. When we focus on responding to our own injustice, we walk closely to vengeance.
Read moreLOOKING AT HATE IN THE MIRROR
Values, morals, and ethics are so intriguing to me. Religious indoctrination especially captures my attention because of its power over people. In my case, I have found that if I allow my thinking to go unchecked, it is easy to develop a certain special type of hate and intolerance towards those who, in my opinion, are hateful and intolerant themselves. What paradoxical and even hypocritical thinking, which leads to a cycle of disunity and division.
Read moreFEELING THE PAIN OF OUR NEIGHBOR
Sometimes our pain can be so great that we no longer have hope. It’s in these times that our soul dims, our spirit is hamstrung, and our heart darkens in ways where the promise of tomorrow seems like a dream, not a reality. When I personally found myself in this state of the deepest pain I had ever experienced, I received a loan, a loan of hope. I still receive hope from amazing, beautiful people each day.
Read morePEOPLE WATCHING
I love to people watch and study others and reflect, like today as I’m writing in this beautiful hotel lobby. When I think back over the last couple of decades to my earliest memories, I realize that while many of my fears have become reality, many of my dreams have also come to fruition. Gratitude is an interesting thing. So often, when we are at our lowest, we forget to be thankful for what we have, and when we are at our best, we also forget to be thankful for what we are experiencing.
Read moreCRISPY POLENTA MEDALLIONS WITH RICOTTA AND MARINATED TOMATOES
I try never to waste food, and I was on a quest to use some polenta in the fridge before it was too late. The perfect combination was born: the rich, earthy flavors of the polenta would complement the savoriness of balsamic and the flavors of summer tomatoes. This is a must-serve appetizer if you’re having friends or family over for dinner, just like I did! Try it out and let me know what you think!
Read moreOUR MODERN FAMILY
I am laying here on my couch, and I just fired up Hulu to watch a show for at least the 100th time. I’m scrolling back 11 seasons to restart Modern Family as the last episode concludes seemingly quicker each time I watch it from start to finish. This has been a very full week. I celebrated Pride, I traveled all over Washington, DC; New York; New Jersey; Connecticut; Rhode Island; and DC.
Read moreENJOY THE NOW
When I took this picture, I had no idea that my life would take such a wild turn months later. I guess that’s why we should try to enjoy the beauty of the moment and not get caught up in our minds. We never know what tomorrow will bring, so just enjoy the now. Sri Lanka 2018
Read moreHOW COULD WE FEEL HURT IF WE DIDN’T FIRST FEEL LOVE?
Like the rest of America, I’ve been considering the ethical nature of the choices made by Gypsy Rose. Her story resonates with me, and I think with others, because those closest to her caused so much harm and she took a stand in an extremely dramatic and violent way. Both she and her mother invoke feelings of rejection, frustration, anger, sadness, forgiveness, injustice, and vengeance. While on completely different levels, we all understand at least some of those feelings in some way or another.
Read moreWINTER MOMENTS
In the winter, when the days are short and the nights long, it’s easy for anyone to feel a bit lonely, especially during the holiday season. This time of year, even during celebrations, one can fall into a quiet introspection. There’s something special about this quieter time. It’s an opportunity for personal reflection, much like nature itself in winter. This season encourages us to slow down, think about where we are, and where we’re heading.
Read moreRELATIONSHIP COMPLEXITIES
Navigating the complexities of relationships has been an intriguing and often challenging journey for me. My upbringing in a conservative Christian community deeply influenced my understanding of love, embedding a notion of conditional affection that hinged on strict adherence to certain rules and norms. This form of love was like a double edged sword, it offered warmth and belonging as long as I walked the perfect path, but turned cold and distant the moment I strayed.
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