O, Nostalgia

November 6th, 2020 Nostalgia is a powerful thing. It can transport you through time and space. It can trap you in pocket dimensions made of moments. It builds worlds from smells and sounds and feelings you had never felt before or since. I’m the kind of person who can feel nostalgia before it happens, whileContinue reading “O, Nostalgia”

Do You (Still) Believe in Magic?

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?”

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”

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”

Around The Fire

September 19th, 2020 Do you ever have a moment when you forget that you’re you? When you do or say something that is completely uncharacteristic of who you are now, but then remember that it used to be a part of who you were? I do. I’ll say something negative. Or I’ll react in anger.Continue reading “Around The Fire”

The Social Dilemma

September 12th, 2020 Shall we unironically discuss The Social Dilemma on social media? We shall! Let’s get this out of the way: if you’re a human and use any social media platform, this is essential viewing. It’s only 90 minutes long, and it contains information that should be shared with every human for the sakeContinue reading “The Social Dilemma”

What Lasts Does Not Do So On Its Own

August 17th, 2020 As we watch relationships dissolve en masse, for a variety of valid and irrational reasons, I reflect on how they last. (It’s almost like social media has publicly revealed that maybe humans are not meant to be exposed to so many thoughts and opinions all the dang time.) When two people areContinue reading “What Lasts Does Not Do So On Its Own”

Sober Distancing

April 11th, 2020 This is a shout out to my beautiful peeps who are dealing with the same stuff that we’re all dealing with, but also doing it sober. We live in a world (and social media climate) that actively promotes and adamantly believes in the idea that to get through things — big thingsContinue reading “Sober Distancing”

Don’t Make Me Sing

February 17th, 2020 Every time I see a show, I’m reminded that I used to make music, and that I miss it sometimes. If you don’t know, I started making music as The Next Step back in 2003. I started with EPs and sporadic song releases, until I released my first full-length, “Something Old, SomethingContinue reading “Don’t Make Me Sing”