My Cardboard Balcony

Yesterday, in my introspection, I focused on how I was recently absorbing a lot of negative energy, thoughts, and feelings when it came to who I was, how I behaved, and how others perceived me. Since then, a few people have reached out to check on me and show their support, and I'm truly grateful for their kindness. One thing I want to work on, as a next step, is allowing myself to be kind and positive to myself. It is so easy to remember the good I have in my life: A loving wife, a caring family, a beautiful condo in a beautiful town, a fulfilling job, wonderful friends, and the freedom to continue to keep writing and creating music and art. I am aware of all of these gifts and privileges, and I have never lost sight of them, even if I don't always think I deserve them. However, being thankful for the things and people around me is different than acknowledging the good qualities that I exhibit as an individual. This also goes for my specific talents or skills. It's usu

You want the scenery to be pristine. You want it to match the foreground, make it pop, make it stand out in more ways than one could originally perceive. Because of this, you can't decide on a backdrop. You've tried all sorts of colors and patterns - physical, digital - but none of them seem to match the hue of his eyes. Or complement the shape of his jaw. Or pronounce the curl of his lips as he smiles with another secret hiding behind his tongue.