What a handsome couple

We attended a friends wedding on Sunday and had a great time. As the only gay couple there, the comments (and compliments) we got were very interesting, and very accepting...

On a more somber note, "Buster" (one of the owners of Club Z2, in Richmond) passed away on the 24th. Johnny and Buster were there for me as I came out to the world a couple years ago. I spent many a late night shooting pool with both of them and talking...

We'll miss you Buster! Rest in peace...

Over and "Out" from my neck of the woods: Toano, VA

I can ONLY Imagine....

Over the past few days I have been re-evaluating my connection with the higher power that some call God...

I was raised, was married (the first time), and raised all of my children as a fairly good catholic. Some years ago I had a falling out with the church. The thought that I would not be forgiven for being gay and happy somehow just didn't seem to demonstrate the teachings of the faith I had always been a part of... Yet Pope John-Paul II assured me (at the same time he condemned me) that the priests involved with children of their parishes, caught years after the fact, would all be forgiven, as they knew what they did was wrong. What a relief... I wonder if they asked for forgiveness before or after they were caught?

I tried, not too long ago, to re-enlist in organized religion. I found an Episcopal church that I really liked the feel of and really liked the similarity to the service I had always been a part of. I began dating Jim (long distance) shortly after and found that I was spending more and more time in Williamsburg, hence missing the services at my new church in Richmond.

Eventually I moved to Williamsburg/Toano and left St. Thomas and the attempted re-connection with faith behind... It has only been over the past few days that I have realized that faith is not something that can only be had by entering the doors beneath a star or cross. It truly is something that travels with you wherever you go. Like FATE (which I also subscribe to), FAITH is a part of what makes me.... me.... It's not something you get in return for placing coins or checks in a basket, it's not something you can teach yourself to do, it's something that you just have. Sometimes it hides itself deep inside and comes out only in times of other emotional distress, other times it hangs on the edge of your shirt sleeve for all to see...

While visiting The Way I See It (one of my regular reads) I listened and watched two versions of the following video. I have always enjoyed the original, however, Wynonna's story and rendition is truly inspiring, soulful, and hanging right there on that sleeve for all to admire:




Over and "Out" from Toano, VA

A new twist to The Ghetto

Over and "Out" from cooler Toano, VA!

I am Alive!

I haven't posted in a while...

I have had my hands full with happenings at work that I will write about soon. For those regular readers, I apologize. For those who have sent me notes of concern, Thank you!

I will return soon!


Over and "Out" for today, from Toano, VA

10,000 and counting

How about that? I hit 10,000 visits the other day and never noticed. It's a great feeling to know that some of the visitors even stayed around long enough to learn something about "My New Life". I started this blog as a way to think things out and share my feelings with those that may be in similar situations (in their own lives). Additionally, it was a way to let my family know what I was doing and going through without being too graphic.

I had no idea I would end up with a new family as a result of my posts. To my blogging family, thank you for coming back and your comments and well wishes. I don't know if I could have kept doing this if not for you.

Thanks all for visiting, and for coming back!

Over and "Out" once again, from Toano, VA...

Pride in Richmond 2007

Just Some Thoughts and Ramblings

Happy July 17th everyone! I just finished up reading some of my favorite blogs... I guess summertime is the season for alot (especially me) of us to kinda sit back and take a break from posting any real substance.

Jim and I have been adjusting to my new (seemingly changing constantly) schedule. I was supposed to have Sunday and Monday off (remember Jim is off Sat/Sun/Mon), but was asked to cover for my fellow Ops Manager (in the Richmond store) on Saturday and Sunday. The store in the west end of Richmond was extremely busy on Saturday and was short-staffed in the office, so I spent most of my time in Customer Service assisting. After leaving, and trying to unwind during the hour-long drive home, I arrived at our neighbors' home to find a scene that would put most of the gay clubs in Richmond, to shame. I knew that Jim and a friend of ours and his new boyfriend were there sitting around the pool, partaking in liquid spirits. What I didn't know is that a drama had unfolded with a mutual friend of ours and the neighbors. I think everyone had too much to drink, and nothing to eat, sitting in the sun most of the afternoon. Without getting into the details, the only talking going on, was at high decibels, punctuated with flailing arms and rolling eyes (and this was just the straight people). I found myself a Miller Lite and our friend (and his new man) quietly (confused) sitting out by the pool and attempted to stay out of the theatrics floating around the rest of the house... Sunday was a lot less hectic, both at work and at home. Jim and I spent a quiet evening at home after I got done with my day in Richmond.

Yesterday we spent the morning mowing, clipping, edging, and pruning. Then cleaned out and reorganized the garage. We took a shower and headed over to our favorite Mexican Restaurant for a late lunch, after which we came home, curled up on the sofa, and watched all the new Lifetime shows we had recorded from Sunday night. I am off again today (in place of my previously scheduled Sunday) and have a small list of things I'd like to get accomplished. Afterwards, I will probably head for the neighbors' pool with my current read "Michael Tolliver Lives" and a cooler of Rock Green Light...

Over and "Out" for now, from my neck of the woods in Toano, VA