Ponderings and Thoughts

Whew, what a week it has been. I have been so busy with work and getting all my material ready for the start of more lecturing in the fall. My one sheet promos are off to the printer and I am working on a video to add to my presentation. The video will be used while I am lecturing on hate crimes, why people hate, why they join hate groups and what we all can do to stop the cycle of hate and bigotry we all may learn. I have a 3 minute film piece of an actual interview with Matthew Shepard that I am getting the rights to use. It's from the documentary film called, "Dear Jesse". This is the only public film footage of Matt out there.

I was going into a Walgreens the other day and a young man was by the door asking for change. He was sitting on the cement with his legs crossed, a black right eye and rotted teeth. He couldn't have been no more than 18-20 years old. As I walked into the store I thought to myself, as often as I do when I see people homeless or asking for change, how did they ever get to that point in their life? Is that guy's teeth rotted because he has been doing Crystal Meth or another drug? What's their story, their history? I'd like to know. As a GLBT speaker I tell my audiences that I am just an average man, who has had some incredible things happen in my life. Everyone has a story. Guess that goes with either caring about people too much or just being inquisitive. When I lived in Petoskey, Michigan I never saw people on the street asking for money or looking for a warm meal. Maybe it was there, but they just had places to go.

Things are going well with my boyfriend and I. Thanks for the kinds words from friends and people I hear from or get little e-mails in my inbox. I appreciate the people I have met through John as well and look forward to knowing them better. I can't say enough great things about him and he knows it!

So is everyone ready for.....................

This may be the biggest selling book of all time as many book sellers are reporting high pre-orders. Yes, John and I are losers as we didin't pre-order our copies. We have been too busy. I have a feeling we will be buying a copy (If we can find it) on Saturday. I just love these books.

I am so looking forward to seeing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The reviews have been glowing and with Director Tim Burton giving a spin on things, it should be great.

Well it's time I get to bed and rest. It's very quiet here in my apartment which offers me some solitude. I have a few things on my mind and hope I can rest well. All good things, I just need to tuck them away so I can see them in the morning.

Have a great weekend and to that special man in Hyde Park............I love you.