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”

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”

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”

Unconditionally

July 28th, 2020 I’m seeing a lot of copying & pasting. An abundance of sharing of other people’s words. I don’t give advice, but as someone who cares deeply about humans, I feel like there’s a better way. Maybe you could speak from your own heart. Maybe you could use your own words. A genericContinue reading “Unconditionally”

Happy 15th Anniversary To My First

July 13th, 2020 Today marks a neat anniversary I’d like to quietly celebrate with some introspection and a sparkling grape water. 15 years ago today, on July 13th, 2005, I released my first full-length album. The Next Step existed before this (it all started in high school…), but this was the first time I putContinue reading “Happy 15th Anniversary To My First”

Pocket Universe Of Joy (Or, S.O.S.)

July 9th, 2020 Releasing a book this summer, of this year, has not been the most fun. I mean, let’s be honest: this year has not been the most fun. So moments like this — seeing my book on a shelf at one of my favorite shops, Mind’s Eye Comics — are little bubbles ofContinue reading “Pocket Universe Of Joy (Or, S.O.S.)”

yolo

June 27th, 2020 Hi. I’m doing my best. As far as feeling like I’m in the middle of a dark forest that’s burning inward from all possible sides, I’m relatively fine. To manage my anxiety, I tend to turn inward and find personal value in pop culture — right now, my favorites are Green Lantern,Continue reading “yolo”