I feel for David Hogg right now. He's been bullied with staggering cruelty and obscene disregard for the ways his elders have failed his whole generation.... The Carville generation better stop playin' chicken with folks who've got nothin' left to lose. We're over it.
The Brandyn Blog
Personal opinions and observations on how we heal and improve society
What’s Your Real Story?
I've been thinking today about Milton Burke, AP Literature teacher at Fayetteville High School, in Arkansas.I had wanted so much to impress him; to receive his assurance that I was a good student; to earn an A in his class. But 4th hour was when the school resource officer always came to take me out … Continue reading What’s Your Real Story?
New Year’s Resolution
I'm not saying it's all sunshine and roses.... I'm saying the grass is greener where you water it.
Why Codeswitch?
The past few months, I've had a number of folks comment on my vernacular. I've apparently started to forget which words only sound right to folks from 'round here.
Céline Dion taught me how To Love You More
But Céline Dion made an impact on my life that transcends performance, and it is more clearly visible in the 1997 performance below than the her solo tonight at the Olympics. Watching the old performance this evening, I wept.
Queer Camp 2022
Camp was amazing. I am exhausted. The kids are alright. Last week, 85 queer, transgender, and queer-friendly teenagers filled the building of our little Arkansas church to share activities, laughter, tears, sweat, creativity, and passion together. I was a "parental", or what most folks would call a camp counselor. Spending the whole week with other … Continue reading Queer Camp 2022
What’s In a Name?
On the first day of sixth grade, my math teacher proved himself a heretic by suggesting that we arrange our seating chart in alphabetical order according to first name rather than last. For years we’d been sitting next to the same students in every class, every day. This man was a hero. Taught us what … Continue reading What’s In a Name?
Service Made Visible: My Dog is a Radical Revolutionary
This is Max. Max is a Service Dog. He's still in training, and I'm responsible for training him. He's learning quicker than I expected. He's been "at work" two days now. He was originally rescued in March, after his abusers decided he was a "bad dog" who wouldn't listen or behave. He was afraid of … Continue reading Service Made Visible: My Dog is a Radical Revolutionary
On Service, Attachment, and Being in Love with Life
I was not merely cleaning an oven; I was improving the world. I was making life easier and more relaxed for someone about whom I care deeply. I was accomplishing, creating something with my own hands, the results of which indicate to me a successful undertaking in life. I was finding meaning in my existence. That’s what I was doing.
The Front Porch 