November 2nd, 2020 I chose the wrong time to peek behind the curtain. This year has been one of intense loss for many. I have to keep my face forward, because as soon as I turn my chin to look back at my own losses, it feels impossible to steer it toward the future again.Continue reading “Do You (Still) Believe in Magic?”
Author Archives: dennisvogen
Kindness Sticks
October 29th, 2020 I’ve been pretty quiet lately, and I have no interest in adding to the political discussion. I’m also not the kind to give direct advice, but I do have something to say during this last week of the election. What I’ve learned, especially over the last few years, is simple: when yourContinue reading “Kindness Sticks”
No Matter What
October 21st, 2020 During my high school years, at least once a week, my mom asked me if I’m gay. Spoiler alert: I’m not. But she would make sure that I was sure. And when I would reaffirm that I was not gay, despite being an absolute nerd who loved theater and musicals and dressingContinue reading “No Matter What”
Things I’ve Learned Happen When You Lose Someone Close To You
October 17th, 2020 If you’re an obituary person (which is an odd kind of person to be, but no judgement), my mom’s will be in Sunday’s edition of the Star Tribune. You can also read it online here: https://m.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000371633/?fullname=diane-marie-vogen I’ve been told by many people that apparently I am the type to write down words,Continue reading “Things I’ve Learned Happen When You Lose Someone Close To You”
Bigger on the Inside
October 15th, 2020 My dog loves everybody. She cannot handle her damn self when presented (or creating) an opportunity to love on someone. This often displays itself as complete face-licking abandon; sometimes she pulls on her leash so hard my arm is dislocated from the shoulder. The other day, she was happily flopping on theContinue reading “Bigger on the Inside”
Half/Hearted
October 11th, 2020 When I tell somebody I’m going to do something, it’s always half-heartedly. In my head, a plan has as much of a chance failing as it does succeeding. Me saying it aloud isn’t a declaration of my certainty or confidence; it’s more akin to me casting a spell, pushing forth the initialContinue reading “Half/Hearted”
Artists Gotta Art
October 7th, 2020 I’ve seen countless posts, mostly from well-meaning parents, about technology and how it’s taking away our artists. How our children are being deprived of creativity by cell phones and video games and computers. I, respectfully, disagree. But (also respectfully!) I feel like I have the pedigree and point of view to explainContinue reading “Artists Gotta Art”
Live & Let Live
October 3rd, 2020 Superheroes have taught me a lot of lessons, but I learned one as a kid that I never forgot, and it feels especially relevant now. At the end of any Spider-Man or Batman cartoon or comic book, I always found myself with an uneasy feeling. I didn’t like how they let theContinue reading “Live & Let Live”
Counterspell
October 1st, 2020 This isn’t a political post. Honest. It starts from a moment during the debate, but it’s deeply personal and I think it’s worth saying. Last night, Trump attacked Hunter Biden’s problems with addiction. Joe spoke up and said he was proud of his son for dealing with those issues. Unfortunately, Trump’s commentsContinue reading “Counterspell”
The Breakup Breakdown
September 25th, 2020 Someone at my new work asked me tonight if I missed my old work. I have been avoiding this question since March. It’s been asked in abundance and in different keys. And my response is usually an acute tweet that confirms I am fine and it was just a job. But itContinue reading “The Breakup Breakdown”
The Den 