2020: A Lesson, A Curriculum, An Education

December 31st, 2020 It is fair to say that this year sucked. It is damn fair. And it is a truth that we will have wasted our time if we decide to learn nothing from it. So, with that in mind, here is some of what I learned. – I learned not only is tomorrowContinue reading “2020: A Lesson, A Curriculum, An Education”

I Managed To Celebrate Three Years of Sobriety in 2020

December 9th, 2020 Over the past three years, I feel like I’ve done okay. I wrote stuff. (Books, comics, songs, and over 60,000 words of blog material, to name some of it.) I did stuff (like go to conventions and concerts, on adventures and meetings). I thought stuff and I felt stuff. Like, really thoughtContinue reading “I Managed To Celebrate Three Years of Sobriety in 2020”

Subconscious Wormhole

December 3rd, 2020 May 1st, 1985. I’m born. I am my parents’ first child, as far as I know. September 16th, 2020. I get a phone call from my sister. My mom is in the hospital due to extreme stomach pain. Within a few days, we learn she has cancer. We are optimistic and readyContinue reading “Subconscious Wormhole”

Introduction Version.2021

November 20th, 2020 This may be your first (or might be your one thousandth) time here, but it’s been a minute since I introduced myself, and I want this greeting to be updated for 2021. So, hi. I’m happy to see you today. My name is Dennis. I’m a lot of things — I’m theContinue reading “Introduction Version.2021”

Things I’ve Learned Happen After You Lose a Loved One, Part 2

November 18th, 2020 The seconds, hours, and days keep ticking by, and I keep learning new things about this new time in my life. I may as well write you a letter in the form of a sequel. Things I’ve Learned Happen After You Lose a Loved One, Part 2 – I hurt the exactContinue reading “Things I’ve Learned Happen After You Lose a Loved One, Part 2”

Room for Redemption

November 13th, 2020 Today was one of those days where I just wanted to turn off and turn on, to let things stream into my eyes and brain and heart. To let it make me feel better. So I did. I had no intention of writing anything today, but then I watched Dave Chappelle onContinue reading “Room for Redemption”

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”