Slate.com had a little Valentine's Day thing where they asked readers to submit "picture haiku" love stories told with three pictures and a few words. I didn't submit anything to Slate but thought of OS first and decided to put my little picture haiku out here instead. 

Valentine's Day, i… Read full post »

One night last winter Angela and I were talking on the phone and she had a fire going in her fireplace. I’m envious of her fireplace…it burns wood like a fireplace is supposed to. I have a propane-fueled gas fireplace at my house that, while it looks like a… Read full post »

I’ve been absent (absent! I hope I don't need a note from my parents to be excused) although I've been checking in now and then to read and comment…certainly not nearly as much as I’d like to, though. 

And posting? Forget about it…my last one… Read full post »

^{Photo by me.}

There’s nothing quite like getting your drink on once and a while.

Not getting drunk mind you; but having a few drinks can be fun especially if you have a drinking companion with whom to talk, laugh and observe the… Read full post »

Aside from a few comments here and there, I haven't been on OS very much recently for no reason other than life is busy and I just have not had the time.

But today I shall make time, for it has been two years… Read full post »

There are first kisses...

 And then there is THE first kiss.

The one you will always remember because it has true meaning far beyond a childish experiment or the blaze of youthful lust.

And there are the relationships that come… Read full post »

It's been more than two months since I last posted. Yes, yes...I've been busy that's true. But who hasn't?

I did, by the way, enjoy a couple beers and some nachos with Mr. Rob St. Amant on a warm evening in early August as mentioned in my last, brief post.… Read full post »

For all who might be available, Rob St. Amant, Nikki Stern and I will be getting together at the Irish pub Slainte, on 3000 Market Street in Philadelphia, at 7:30pm on Friday night. The pub's phone number is 215-222-7400.

Thought I'd put up a last minute shout-out in case anyone… Read full post »

I was thinking about Angela the other night (are you surprised?) and it struck me that althought my situation here (don't ask) is not ideal,  it really just doesn't matter.

I'm an unapologetic fan of Billy Joel, especially his older music, and this song began playing in my head...perfect… Read full post »

I had to lay someone off yesterday.

She had worked here 11 years. It was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. And believe me, it was no picnic for her, either. 

The business I am in is nearly entirely dependent on the housing industry -… Read full post »

 Angela and me ~ Baltimore, Maryland

October, 2009

Today marks the first anniversary of a life changing moment for me.

Only one other day rivals July 3rd in commemorating an event that altered the course of my life and that would… Read full post »

Radio Shack is not one of my usual haunts. Oh sure, I’ve spent my share of time there over the years; a spool of coaxial cable here, a set of RCA jacks there, but that’s about it. Once, during the summer after my junior year in college, I went… Read full post »

I originally posted this on March 12, 2009 and it was one of my few EP's. It was fun to write as I reminisced about more care free days. 

 You know you look up to someone if you're willing to do something for them that could land you in jail.… Read full post »

Love vanquishes time.

To lovers, a moment can be an eternity;

an eternity can be the tick of a clock.

Across the barriers of time and the ultimate destiny, love persists,

for the home of the beloved, absent or present,

is always in the mind… Read full post »

I took a package to the post office. I’d wrapped it up the night before; a book, a small pendent, a t-shirt to be savored, a hand-drawn card with some private thoughts, all surrounded by bubble wrap to keep things from shifting. I taped the box closed tightly, not wanting… Read full post »

A friend of mine hosted a last minute party two Halloweens ago and, though it was sparsly attended, a very good time was had by all.

After a few drinks, we wound up in his barn behind the house for a few more drinks and some story telling. 

One of… Read full post »

There have been some great posts in reponse to LL2's open call. Many thoughtful essays, poems and musings on romantic love or love of friends, children or other relatives. One need only look at my previous posts about Outside… Read full post »

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

Live the life you have imagined.

~Henry David Thoreau

To anyone who hasn't, please stop over to Outside Myself's blog and say hello!

 … Read full post »

Dark days mark the past

But clouds part; new light shines through

The sun is rising

 … Read full post »

Your many facets

Radiate your inner light

Touching loved ones dear

How lovely it is

By your side, feeling your warmth… Read full post »

Outside Myself asked me if I would consider writing about the candle holder I made for her last summer in response to Will Someone Feed The Cat’s call for writings and other work focused on metal. Thank you, Angela, for suggesting this and thank you for asking me to make… Read full post »