The simple pleasures of being at home — “I knew you’d appreciate Santa Fe,” my friend from work told me over the hot cocoas we had ordered. These were not your typical instant hot cocoas. They were the type you get at a place that only serves hot cocoas as drinks and has no espresso on the menu. …

Having fun with writing outside of writing — “Write every day, even if it’s just an email.” The published author told the eager group of wannabe novelists and essayists at the Southern California Writers’ Conference. “Fuck emails. Where is my advancement?” It was probably what someone less sophisticated than me thought. Okay, fine, it was me. It wasn’t…

In the rare moments they want to — Almost asleep; stumbling out of the pregnant silence. Their heads heavily rest against your chest. Command your heart; don’t let it dash like a race car nor drums of war, but a silent whisper of crystalline water or a sleepy yawn from the sun. Rhythmic kisses on their heads; your heart…

A dying man’s wisdom — “Son, don’t be sad, but soon I’ll be gone from this world.” The man started laboriously. “I have a family heirloom I want you to have.” The son had patiently been by his father’s side for some time, even though he had turned mean and bitter since his mom died…

Parenting and the illusion of reprieve — “Scientifically handsome” is what most anthropologists might call me. I am not vain because there is no need to be vain when you are, well, as scientists put it (and not me, of course), handsome. So it is easy for me to know I won’t use Rogaine to regrow balding…

The (ca) calamity of 2023 — a most bio-hazardous Valentine’s edition. — “I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees,” I tell my wife, bent over myself after she reminded me what a poor decision it was to challenge my stomach with a barbecued medium rare 2-lbs bone-in ribeye steak after spending two days in bed with a stomach…

Disaster cleans the slate — The weather starts to change and before you know it, you have no cover; here comes a monsoon of shit. You’ve read about them from the myths, the annals, the fables, the biographies, the novels; from all the philosophers trying to make a name and from Icaruses challenging fate. Everybody…

Photo Essay: Seattle, Salvadorian Coffee & Cynicism — I ordered the Salvadorian drip when I saw it. It is one of the quick rules I have for myself. Whenever I see Salvadorian coffee on a menu, I order it, regardless of what drink I had my mind set on.

Your nuts are not tiger nuts — Even though I love, LOVE to eat meat, every now and then, I like to check out vegetarian restaurants. The food is okay, but the people-watching is fantastic! Vegetarians always seem so fashionable. The layering is impeccable, and it is always completed with a scowl, which is a reminder to…