I have a lot of passions, some of which I advocate very strongly for. I think we all have things we care tremendously about, whether it is a way of life, or religion, politics or a particular hobby.
I hate to call myself an activist, I feel like it’s not the appropriate term for me, despite my level of political involvement. I would call myself a political writer, but I think I already explained in another post how I feel more like an “interpreter”. Mostly, I just live the life I wish to have – trying to be a positive example of the things I invest my time in. Continue reading See Me→
The next few photographs will include some semi-nudes, so those who would be offended or disinclined to see these (hello, family!) should probably do themselves a favor and not look any further. Spare me the lectures, too. Continue reading Baring More with Peter Paradise→
So I love. I’ve had so many great loves, so many butterflies and wide-eyed moments of trying and failing and hurting and giving. I’m not afraid to feel, not afraid to enjoy and embrace, but profoundly appreciative of how rare I find those sparks and subtle wants to please and need.
Things are great sometimes, with cuddles and kisses and irresistible trysts. I’m rather non-possessive and attentive and affectionate and all of these things come naturally and preemptively for the right person, the right dynamic. I’m passionate and careful – with my heart and others’.
I try to be the best for someone, the best that I can be. People deserve the best from one another, and I love the song in my soul that serves to remind me I deserve someone who inspires the best of me.
Maybe love is for a short time, or a long time, or a lifetime. In this instance it is, so far, six months of laughter and dreams and adventures and late-night stir-frys, and reflecting on the distance we’ve come and the hurdles we’ve climbed and the things we might wish to do. Six months thus far, and if this were as far as it went it’d be perfect as it was, and if it continues, it’s perfect as long as it lasts. We learn from one another, we give and we hold and we provide safe space to grow and be, tender and gentle, dominant and submissive, and everything, anything, together. It’s not exclusive, it doesn’t have to be, it lacks the resentment I tend to find in binding myself to one, and yet there is no disrespect, just compassion and courtesy, trust and openness. I’m very grateful for it, tremendously so.
I don’t grasp at love, fleeting as it can be. I just bask in it.
I’ve got so much love to give, to share — I love you, Valentines. All of you. And him.
Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter.
It regulates a number of functions within the body, but my largest interest in it is how approximately 10% of serotonin in the body is synthesized in serotonergic neurons of the central nervous system, where it regulates mood, appetite and sleep, as well as affecting cognitive functions of memory & learning.
Popularly, serotonin is thought to contribute to feelings of happiness.
A dear friend of mine (of nearly 20 years) has the above image tattooed on her forearm. She and many other friends of mine have struggled with depression. I’m immensely thankful in my life that I have always seemed to have enough serotonin, even in the days when I would experiment with various chemicals which would cause my body to release more (and can be problematic for those who do not produce enough).
I spend a lot of time around people who are taking substances which affect their serotonin receptors.
As my dear friend went to a tattoo shop here in Las Vegas to get a new tattoo following a tremendous heartbreak (in October of this year), I began speaking with the other artist in the shop that day, and within a few hours had decided to get my own serotonin molecule, for a variety of the reasons I’ve mentioned above.
In December I was in Los Angeles, and Judd Weiss and I did a photo shoot, which included a number of shots of my ink.
Photo by Judd Weiss.Photo by Judd Weiss.
Tattoo #5. Done by Brett at Redemption Tattoo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Eventually each tattoo I have will be explained and pictured on this blog. Today was the day for serotonin.
So, Freedom Fest was held in July here in Las Vegas. I didn’t attend much of it, as I was busy, but I was around for a day – it was definitely interesting to see John Mackey and Peter Schiff and other big-shots of the quasi-Libertarian variety.
My friend Judd Weiss of Hustle Bear wrote a great article about his experiences at Freedom Fest. He also posted a number of pictures of the event, including a number of me.
I believe there’s an album on Facebook of all the photos I was tagged in, but here are a few of my favorites:
I had my first conversation with Peter Paradise in late 2008. I knew him as a photographer for various friends of mine in community, I greatly admired his work and never thought I’d be the subject of it, though I’d fantasized about it. I still remember that day at our mutual friend’s house, where we spoke and he told me he’d love to do a photo shoot with me, and I remember feeling so grateful at his attention, so inspired to work with someone so talented – someone whose vision really seemed to be both similar to mine and yet very professional.
I’ve known the man for over three years now, and together we’ve taken thousands of photos, though I think we’ve only got several dozen finished, edited and published. I love everything we’ve done together – he’s an amazing visionary, and I love his work.
Right before I moved to Los Angeles, we did a photo shoot in the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts.
