This kept me busy for a couple of months

and I want to thank my two excellent proof readers, Bird of Paradise and my husband the Baad Lamb,for their corrections and suggestions.

My article is From Rough Trade to Fine Art.

Actually, I have a second article in there but the moon is full and bright and my husband and I are going out to Central Park to observe it.

Everything flies by and the blinking does not slow it down.

Bear Hill - Year Six

Memories. Tradition. Tribe. Friends. And my husband standing in the back in white tank and black cap.

Men with Rounded Corners - The Loren Olson Story

I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reviewing Dr. Olson's new book Finally Out about coming out late in life. With many friends who found themselves in similar circumstances (kids and ex-wives), I was curious to see what he prescribes for such a man seeking personal happiness. His words are encouraging.

Hot Cop, Harrowing Story, Happy Ending

Officer Mike Carney's Second Tour.

The Sweet Life of Kilwin's Stephen and Bill

I thoroughly enjoyed receiving their story. It proves that you just never know. Unexpected happiness can overtake you.

Cazwell - Previewing his new video

Marco Ovando, his director, started laughing during my interview with Cazwell, and he said "I really like your questions". I think he liked the fact that they made Cazwell wince. I had a great time.

Chad Richter - The Homeboy King of Gay South Florida

and I cannot live with out Kiehl's Under Eye Depuffer.

In this issue of South Florida Gay News

Miami Beach

Friday, Bass Art Museum, Miami Beach, Winter Party, with JoeMyGod.

EGRIFTA

I was moved by being in the company of men who have been the HIV gladiators of my lifetime.

The Midlife Calm of Gregory Kabel

I was delighted when he said that he used to be the one who had to respond to letters from old ladies enclosing photos of their cute grandchildren hoping to be the next Doublemint Twins. Gregory Kabel.

Queer Money

Or, the lack thereof.

In Fred's Classroom, the Wallpaper is Vintage Gay

I was astounded by how much I didn't know about the history of gay Florida. My interview with author Fred Fejes.

Fashion Fun in Miami Beach

Yes, I've been lazy, but I'll be back to regular prattling really soon. Meanwhile:

John Allen and Island House: Almost Perfect. Never Normal.

Can't wait to return. Here's the story in this week's South Florida Gay News online.

Today at the Beach

Today on the beach a man squatted by my chair and said "Ah luuuv Eye-talians."I didn't reply, but he kept looking at me as if I were obliged to respond. Very slowly I said "I am half Latvian and half Creole. All my uncles have been executed by various governments for the crime of murder. We're an unrepentant lot. All I need to do is just look at a boat and it will sink."

He then said "I once had me an Eye-talian boyfriend. Wouldn't eat nothin but tofu and sprouts. Took me five years to get him to eat some dessert. Now he'll eat thet. I got him a puppy and I said 'Now Tommy don't you make this puppy eat none of thet junk. Well I went over there on Christmas and that puppy had broke its paw in two places and I said 'Tommy ah'm givin this dawg ice cream.'"

After an hour, I said "Please let your name be Lusitania, and if it isn't, please Jesus, let my name be Lusitania and let me see my reflection in your sunglasses."

In 2011, Let's Plan For The Past!?

"You are the only young man that I know of who ignores the fact that the future becomes the present, the present the past, and the past turns into everlasting regret if you don't plan for it!"

-- Amanda Wingfield to her son, in Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie.

Happy 2011!

(photo by JoeMyGod)

My first year at SFGN

Oh the people I've met!

A Cattelayan Showgirl

I went to an orchid show earlier today at Fort Lauderdale's Bonnet Park where I acquired this gorgeous creature from among a crowd of almost irresistible offerings. At noon I attended a lecture about the care and repotting of orchids. I learned that it is preferable to collect orchids that are locally grown. The ones in Hawaii are tempting and inexpensive but they are grown thousands of feet above sea level and need much time to get used to their new homes. This means they may not bloom for a few years causing their adoptive parents much anxiety. A New York window is a fine place for many types of orchids. Be sure to read up on the light, moisture, growing mix and temperatures each variety prefers. (I love the true blue of the vandas, but they require more direct sun than I can give them.) If it's your first, start with the rugged phaleonopsis that will take much abuse and still rebloom more than once a year. Cymbidiums are also fairly easy to manage, but their sprays of tiny flowers don't thrill me like this showgirl.

World AIDS Day

From my friend Mark King: