Some: Times

Navigating life through coffee, volunteering & laughter.

Recent Posts

  • Be good. Do good. Repeat

    Be good. Do good. Repeat

    What does it mean to be a good person?

    I think what makes a good person is Honesty, Sincerity, Mindfulness & Respect.

    By being a good person you don’t listen to malicious gossip. You don’t spread false rumors about someone.

    Being good doesn’t just mean the day you worship, it means everyday. You practice being kind to others every day not just on the day you worship.

    Growing up having to lie to preserve my family’s reputation is not something I no longer stand by. If you lie knowing full well that a person has committed a crime, you’re then an accessory to their behavior.

    I believe in telling the truth no matter how hard. You may end up walking through fire but at least you don’t have to start a new lie to cover for the old  one.

    I believe sincerity is much kinder than just paying a compliment. But truly being kind. The people I’ve known for over 20 years stand by me no matter what. That’s true friendship & not something to sabotage.

    Mindfulness: Is simply being present with your friend or your partner. Putting down your device or shutting off the TV. The same goes for your friends.

    Respect: It’s a hard one to live by, being respectful even when you may want to call someone names is hard. All in all it shows that you’re the bigger person. They may not deserve your respect but you show it to them anyway. That means your growth is frankly more than theirs.

  • To All Jane Does. Your voice matters.

    To All Jane Does. Your voice matters.

    From my book Greylight. This goes out to anyone who has been violated.

    White Picket Fences

    Erecting white picket fences, mowed lawns,

    prestige.

    of looking good leaves wholesomeness dropped to the ground, thick dust of

    flakes—empty men with pockets full.

    Well-dressed men with bad intentions, abortion vacation, trapped within 4 walls with hollowed men. I lost my virginity to misplaced trust, locked dorm doors,

    sharp edges of a mirror, rough hands, sodomy.

    My body became a barely functioning machine, knees wobbling and bruised limbs–lost in grey light, childhood of the adult he stole. Smell of salt, acrid smell of cum.

    I stopped feeling,

    breathing, tucked between my chest cavity. Virginity was thrown up against a sink, in a town where white picket fences and trophies hid bruises.

    Someday soon you will know who has survived.

    CER 2005-2018. All rights reserved. You can find more poems in my book Greylight.

  • Breaking the Waves

    Breaking the Waves

    What’s the weirdest movie you’ve ever watched?

    By Lars Von Trier. It’s haunting & dark but with a clear message. The only way Von Trier can do it.

    The story is set in northern Scotland & a man becomes paralyzed by a freak accident & asks his wife to cheat. However, he gives her an ultimatum I’ll not reveal here.

    It’s a really good psychological thriller about who has power in a relationship. I found it hard to watch when I saw it but it has stayed with me for 30 years, which says something.

    I have to recommend this movie as weird as it is. I’m a big fan of Lars Von Trier & think his movies stay with you long after you’ve seen it.