On the way to work this morning, I heard "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" on the radio. 

Mental time travel aside (I don't really need nor want to go back to 1986, even if I did for just a second), the shock of hearing something both welcome and somehow seemingly out-of-touch with today's reality unexpectedly brought tears to my eyes. 

We don't live in a world like that, where choosing not to have sex (or even be sexual at all) is the norm. I Googled to see if this song has been updated or adapted by those identifying as asexual and I don't see that it has been...

But just for an instant it was nice to remember that this was once a top 10 single and that it must have resonated (and still resonates?) with other people as well, whether they are asexual or not.

There is so much more to life than rushing into things (or something as silly and abstract as the third date rule).

The horror of it! 😱

 

Embracing the Shadows: Queerness and Horror Fiction

In a world that often seeks to confine us within prescribed norms, I've found solace and empowerment in the realm of horror fiction. As a gay individual, I've discovered a profound connection between my identity and the eerie, macabre landscapes of horror. 

In horror fiction, I've encountered stories that reflect the very essence of my queer experience. (It has taken me a long, long, long time to use "queer" with any comfort level whatsover, mostly because when I was a kid, teen and adult in my 20s and early 30s, people just did not use that word to describe the lgbtq+ community. In earlier days, it was often used as a slur.)

Just as monsters and ghosts lurk in the shadows, societal expectations and prejudices can haunt queer individuals. The unease, fear, and triumph depicted in horror narratives resonate deeply with the struggles, resilience, and ultimate liberation of the queer community.

Horror fiction has a remarkable ability to challenge societal norms and subvert expectations, much like the queer experience itself. 

Both realms disrupt the status quo, unearthing truths that lie hidden beneath the surface. Through monstrous metaphors and supernatural tales, horror becomes a conduit for exploring the boundaries of identity and sexuality, questioning conventional notions and embracing the diverse spectrums of human.

As queer individuals, we often find ourselves on the margins, feeling like outsiders in a world that perceives us as different. Horror fiction provides a space where "otherness" is not only accepted but celebrated. We relate to the monsters, the outcasts, and the misunderstood protagonists who traverse the darkness. 

In these stories, we find a reflection of our own struggles and a sense of belonging within a community that celebrates the beautifully strange.

Horror, at its core, explores transformation. Whether it's a physical metamorphosis or a psychological evolution, these narratives parallel the journey of self-discovery that many queer individuals undertake. Through the symbolism of vampires, werewolves, or shape-shifters, we witness the inherent power and strength that lies within embracing our true selves, even when faced with societal condemnation.

As I navigate the world as a queer individual, horror fiction has become a beacon of acceptance, empowerment, and self-realization. It grants me the courage to face the darkest corners of my own fears and embrace the shadows within. 

Queerness and horror intertwine, offering a powerful narrative that speaks to the resilience, diversity, and profound beauty of the human experience. 

Let us continue to explore the haunting realms of horror, knowing that within them, we find not only entertainment but also a reflection of our own extraordinary journeys.

Henry’s Secret Adventures

Once upon a time, in a cozy little house on Elm Street, lived a cat named Henry. With his sleek black fur and bright green eyes, Henry appeared to be an ordinary feline. But little did the world know, Henry possessed a secret identity—he was a cat superhero!

During the day, Henry would roam around the house, lazily basking in the warm sunbeams that streamed through the windows. He would nap on the softest cushions and playfully chase after his favorite toys. To the human family who adored him, Henry was simply their beloved pet. However, as soon as the moon rose and the stars twinkled in the night sky, Henry's true calling came alive.

As the town slept soundly, Henry donned his super suit—a tiny cape that fluttered behind him—and ventured out into the moonlit streets. With his keen senses and agile moves, he became Cat Crusader, the fearless protector of animals and humans alike.

One night, while on patrol, Cat Crusader spotted a group of mice scurrying in distress. They were trapped in a maze-like garden, surrounded by towering hedges. With a swift leap, Cat Crusader pounced into action, using his incredible feline agility to navigate the labyrinth and rescue the mice, one by one. The grateful mice squeaked with joy and thanked their hero before scurrying off to safety.

Word of Cat Crusader's heroic acts quickly spread throughout the animal kingdom. Creatures big and small began seeking his help whenever they were in need. From rescuing birds trapped in trees to chasing away pesky squirrels who stole nuts from the elderly, Cat Crusader fearlessly protected all.

But it wasn't just animals who benefited from Henry's alter ego. One stormy night, as rain poured and thunder roared, a young girl named Emily found herself lost in the woods. Terrified and shivering, she felt a warm, gentle touch and looked up to see Cat Crusader by her side. Guided by his keen senses, he led her safely back home, purring all the way to comfort her.

Henry's secret adventures continued, as he balanced his ordinary life as a house cat with his extraordinary role as Cat Crusader. Only the twinkling stars and the moon were privy to his heroic deeds, hidden from the human world that adored him so.

And so, in the quiet town on Elm Street, Henry the cat lived a double life, bringing joy, hope, and safety to all. Whether he was chasing mice or saving humans, he proved that even the smallest heroes can make the biggest difference.

From that day forward, every time the sun set and the moon rose high, the residents of Elm Street would whisper with a smile, "Somewhere out there, Cat Crusader watches over us all, ready to save the day." And they would be right, for their furry savior, Henry, would forever be their secret superhero.

Strawberry Shake Shenanigans

Once upon a time, in the mysterious world of Fringe, Walter Bishop found himself on a mission— a mission to create the most extraordinary strawberry milkshake ever known to man. 

Little did he know that his culinary adventure would turn into a comical rollercoaster ride.

With an abundance of enthusiasm, Walter set up his makeshift laboratory in the Fringe Division’s break room. Armed with beakers, a blender, and a pile of fresh strawberries, he was ready to revolutionize the milkshake industry. 

Peter and Olivia watched with bemused expressions as their eccentric colleague donned a chef’s hat and plunged into his scientific pursuit.

Walter meticulously measured ingredients, humming a tune only he could recognize, as he combined the strawberries, milk, and a hint of secret ingredient X. 

However, his experimental concoctions were far from ordinary. The first sip of his initial batch transformed Astrid’s hair into a vibrant shade of pink, causing everyone to burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Undeterred by this mishap, Walter tinkered with his formula, determined to perfect his strawberry milkshake. This time, his creation turned the drink into a shimmering, neon green substance. Walter couldn’t help but take a sip, and instantly found himself belting out a surprisingly impressive rendition of “I Will Survive.” 

The Fringe team couldn’t help but dance along, hilariously caught up in Walter’s impromptu performance.

As days passed, Walter’s obsession with the strawberry milkshake intensified. His lab became a bustling hub of colorful chaos, with flying milkshakes, strawberry-scented explosions, and an assortment of wacky effects. 

Whenever he thought he had finally achieved the perfect blend, something hilarious would happen.

One day, Peter decided to prank Walter. Sneaking into the lab, he swapped the sugar with salt while Walter was distracted by a collection of scientific papers. 

Oblivious to the switcheroo, Walter blended his creation and took an eager sip, only to spit it out immediately, making a face that would rival a sour lemon. Peter’s laughter echoed throughout the Fringe Division, leaving Walter bewildered and salty-lipped.

Despite all the mishaps and laughter, Walter never gave up. His dedication was unwavering, and he continued his experiments with even greater fervor. Finally, after countless failed attempts and countless hours spent cleaning up after himself, Walter triumphantly presented his latest creation to his friends.

The team gathered around, exchanging skeptical glances as they cautiously took a sip. To their surprise, the milkshake was absolute perfection—creamy, sweet, and bursting with strawberry goodness. 

Their taste buds rejoiced, and Walter’s face beamed with joy. The quest for the best strawberry milkshake had reached its delightful conclusion.

From that day forward, every time the Fringe Division needed a break from their otherworldly investigations, Walter’s strawberry milkshakes became the go-to treat. 

They laughed, shared stories, and bonded over the hilarious memories created during Walter’s quest. For in the world of Fringe, even the strangest experiments can bring joy, camaraderie, and the tastiest milkshakes imaginable.

And so, Walter’s strawberry milkshake legacy lived on, reminding everyone that sometimes the funniest and sweetest moments can be found in the most unexpected places.

Image source:

https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/657561-walter-experience

For 40 plus years I have had this very bizarre memory of watching a movie on tv as a child that was way too grown up for that time period and _especially_ for a child. 

Though I don’t like to remember this, I think my family and I were staying in Tennessee in the late 70s, definitely no later than 1978. 

Onscreen,two women were at lunch and one of them was digging her fingers into her right hand so hard her palm bled bright red. The woman doing this had honey-colored hair and was dressed all in red, also bright.

The oddest thing is I associate a strong perfume with that memory, but no one in the room would have been wearing it😳

…So maybe this is a real memory?

Because I’m convinced it was an ABC TV Movie of the Week, I’ve been reading this to jog my memory. It’s very weird yet also strangely compelling.