Prepping for the Knife

Facing an upcoming shoulder replacement, I reflect on my Army days, the scars—both physical and emotional—and the strange peace that comes with surviving. I may be a little battered, but I’m still here, still writing, and still grateful for the second (or third) chances.

Small Victories in the Wasteland

Learning to celebrate the small victories — in the Wasteland and in life — has become my quiet mantra. Between streaming, teaching again, and finding moments of peace through PTSD, I’m beginning to see that even small steps can feel monumental.

Reflections from the Opera

A quiet afternoon at the opera turns into a reflection on grief, rumination, and the long shadow of regret. Sometimes, healing looks less like triumph and more like showing up for yourself one small outing at a time.

In 500 Feet, Make a U-Turn

Sobriety isn’t about perfection — it’s about making the U-turn when you realize you’ve gone off course. Recovery, like the wasteland, is full of hazards and second chances if you know where to look.