Well, yesterday was the final day of Pride. I've gotten to the point where Gay Pride doesn't mean that much to me anymore. Yeah, it's great that our rights are now recognized throughout the USA. Now no one can stop those who wish to join in a marriage union.
Yes, our country has moved a big step forward. I hope the next hurdle, which will takes years to overcome, is to rid society of bigotry. I know this won't ever happen in my lifetime. With knowing how much many individuals were brainwashed from those who influenced us throughout our lives. Growing up with hatred for others due to their religion, nationality or their difference from yourself. It wasn't until I joined the Army when I finally got to meet a wide variety of individuals who I was taught to hate - but instead, I liked them for the person I know.
From the time I was a child, I was taught to hate those who were not like the rest of my biological family. I learned it was okay to like those who believed in a christian religion and everyone who was the same ethnicity. From my parents and brothers it was pounded into my head that those who were not of the same race, those who were not of christian faith, those who had a disability of any sort and those who were not of the same orientation as the rest of my family; were undesirables, outcasts and should be shunned or belittled.
From being in the Army, I'm grateful for meeting some of the most interesting individuals who taught me a new perspective on people. I've learned to be a whole different person, understanding of those who I don't know and not to judge individuals I know nothing about. I'm happy to have a wide variety of friends.
If it wasn't for taking the initiative to better myself, I would have been stuck in the backwards thought process which was imbedded in my mind. Every year as Pride comes and goes, everyone can see the various of individuals which come together to share the celebration in unity. The diversity of everyone brings us all together, uniting individuals as one. We are all people with the same common goal, to be accepted as the individuals we are, recognize to be and have become. Hopefully society as a whole can learn from the Pride celebration every year. It doesn't matter what religion, political views, ethnicity, one's differences or how one looks; we are all people and want to be accepted for the person we are, not for what one sees or has been taught about others who are different from yourself.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Camp Hard Wood's Leather Days Event 2015
I had an awesome time working on the Camp Hard Wood's Leather Days Event. Once the entire event was done - I was so pooped, I slept for a whole day. I've really pleased with the amount of hours we had worked on organizing, distribution of fliers and posters, marketing and coordinating the sponsors, demonstrators and spokesman; the event was a great success.
I had such a great feeling once the weekend was finally over. Knowing that all the organizing, coordinating and delegating paid off. Seeing as this was our first event as Camp Hard Wood, all of us who are on the board need to better organize ourselves so not all aspects of the event fall one a few person's shoulders and carrying the burden of a majority tasks.
Now with our first Leather Days Event is over, it's time to start working on assorted demonstrators, vendors and sponsors for the 2016 Leather Days Event. Time never sits still! I've been working on assorted things for Camp Hard Wood's Sex Gaymes Event August 27 - 30. There are a few guys already signed up for Sex Gaymes and I hope we have as good or a better turn out than the Leather Days Event.
I was very pleased with one of the volunteers from Leather Days - Eric Adams. He is a hobbyist photographer. I'm glad we were able to add him onto our list of volunteers to help with each one of Camp Hard Wood's events for the remainder of this year and for years to come. His talents are well appreciated by everyone. You can see his work at Camp Hard Wood's Leather Days 2015 on camphardwood.com.
The Leather Days Event wouldn't have been a success if it wasn't for the help from Joshua Conrade. If it wasn't for him and all his efforts, Leather Days wouldn't have been so successful.
I had such a great feeling once the weekend was finally over. Knowing that all the organizing, coordinating and delegating paid off. Seeing as this was our first event as Camp Hard Wood, all of us who are on the board need to better organize ourselves so not all aspects of the event fall one a few person's shoulders and carrying the burden of a majority tasks.
Now with our first Leather Days Event is over, it's time to start working on assorted demonstrators, vendors and sponsors for the 2016 Leather Days Event. Time never sits still! I've been working on assorted things for Camp Hard Wood's Sex Gaymes Event August 27 - 30. There are a few guys already signed up for Sex Gaymes and I hope we have as good or a better turn out than the Leather Days Event.
I was very pleased with one of the volunteers from Leather Days - Eric Adams. He is a hobbyist photographer. I'm glad we were able to add him onto our list of volunteers to help with each one of Camp Hard Wood's events for the remainder of this year and for years to come. His talents are well appreciated by everyone. You can see his work at Camp Hard Wood's Leather Days 2015 on camphardwood.com.
The Leather Days Event wouldn't have been a success if it wasn't for the help from Joshua Conrade. If it wasn't for him and all his efforts, Leather Days wouldn't have been so successful.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Camp Hard Wood Leather Days and Sex Gaymes
These last few months have been quite hectic. I've been dealing with many different aspects of Camp Hard Wood's Events for this summer. Putting together two events for gay and bisexual men has been enlightening. There are so many things that I personally have accomplished with assisting on these events.
I've been trying to utilize the things I have learned from college in Business Management and Marketing. I hope that the things I've learned is being utilized on the right path.
In the many assorted hook up sites I have been initiating conversations with many individuals about Camp Hard Wood's Events. May 28th - 31st will be our first event at Two Creeks Campgrounds near Sandstone MN. From everything I've experienced within the past, I think we have found an awesome campground to host our events. The owners of Two Creeks Campground, Glen & Toni are awesome people! They are very loving and caring individuals who respect everyone as an individual.
In some aspects, I regret changing the name change for the events; but also look forward to a new beginning with a great group of guys. Changing the name from the BDSM Black Party to Camp Hard Wood feels right and has a fresh feeling to it. As we lose our Camp Adonis and Gay Olympics events, we gain Leather Days and Sex Gaymes.
The Leather Days Event will be just like the BDSM Black Party Annual Gathering. Only this year there will be so much more offered to the attendees. With 5 different demos and workshops, assorted vendors, free porn exchange, a complete dungeon space, movies every evening, a beer bust, breakfast served everyday and a cookout.
The Sex Gaymes has added more competitive challenges. If you have never been to any of the Gay Olympics or a Sex Gaymes or Sex Games events that we have hosted throughout the last 6 years, you will want to attend this fun filled event. What are some of the things you can expect at Sex Gaymes? How long can you last giving a blow job under water? How far can you tossing a 3 foot long dildo? How proficient are you at putting on a condom by using only your mouth? Or are you man enough to join the Master Bater Competition? What is the Master Bater's Competition you may ask? The Master Bater's Competition is a 3 part competition. We look for the first guy who shoots his load, the guy who shoots the furthest and the guy who shoots the biggest load.
Also with Sex Gaymes we are also providing breakfast every morning of the event, a beer bust and a cook out.
We have been really happy with the number of individuals who have already registered for the events. It looks like there are going to be a great group of guys at each event. I'm rather excited to get this years events to kick off!
If you have never been to either event, I suggest you go and have an experience you'll want to do over and over again! Go to Camp Hard Wood and join in on the excitement.
I've been trying to utilize the things I have learned from college in Business Management and Marketing. I hope that the things I've learned is being utilized on the right path.
In the many assorted hook up sites I have been initiating conversations with many individuals about Camp Hard Wood's Events. May 28th - 31st will be our first event at Two Creeks Campgrounds near Sandstone MN. From everything I've experienced within the past, I think we have found an awesome campground to host our events. The owners of Two Creeks Campground, Glen & Toni are awesome people! They are very loving and caring individuals who respect everyone as an individual.
In some aspects, I regret changing the name change for the events; but also look forward to a new beginning with a great group of guys. Changing the name from the BDSM Black Party to Camp Hard Wood feels right and has a fresh feeling to it. As we lose our Camp Adonis and Gay Olympics events, we gain Leather Days and Sex Gaymes.
The Leather Days Event will be just like the BDSM Black Party Annual Gathering. Only this year there will be so much more offered to the attendees. With 5 different demos and workshops, assorted vendors, free porn exchange, a complete dungeon space, movies every evening, a beer bust, breakfast served everyday and a cookout.
The Sex Gaymes has added more competitive challenges. If you have never been to any of the Gay Olympics or a Sex Gaymes or Sex Games events that we have hosted throughout the last 6 years, you will want to attend this fun filled event. What are some of the things you can expect at Sex Gaymes? How long can you last giving a blow job under water? How far can you tossing a 3 foot long dildo? How proficient are you at putting on a condom by using only your mouth? Or are you man enough to join the Master Bater Competition? What is the Master Bater's Competition you may ask? The Master Bater's Competition is a 3 part competition. We look for the first guy who shoots his load, the guy who shoots the furthest and the guy who shoots the biggest load.
Also with Sex Gaymes we are also providing breakfast every morning of the event, a beer bust and a cook out.
We have been really happy with the number of individuals who have already registered for the events. It looks like there are going to be a great group of guys at each event. I'm rather excited to get this years events to kick off!
If you have never been to either event, I suggest you go and have an experience you'll want to do over and over again! Go to Camp Hard Wood and join in on the excitement.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Well, I haven't written anything for quite some time. Maybe it's about time to put some words together and spew out what is going on with me and my life these days.
I have been really happy with the way things have come together with formulating Camp Hard Wood. I think the guys who are on the board are awesome and will make awesome coordinators for events to come.
Throughout the past couple of years I have gone through quite a bit of assorted different issues that have effected me and things going on within my life. Some for the good, and well, the bad always brings up every behind like a skid mark on a pair of tight whites.
These last two years I fought to get on disability and that doesn't happen. But, instead I'm put on SSI. The difference is…not getting almost $40,000 in back pay from the time I filed. Yeah I know I was short-changed, but at least I'm getting a check every month. It helps! And there was no way I was going to contest the ruling for the mere fact I didn't want to wait another 2 years of not having any money to hopefully get what I feel I deserve. For this I have learned to be humble, shut the hell up and take what they are giving me.
And now I hit another milestone in my life that I'm finding I have to face head-on. Throughout the years I have noticed that every time I get some sort of lung or bronchial infection; I'm not bouncing back as fast and up to what I used to be. After having a long talk with the Pulmonary Specialist in the hospital this week, I have been faced with a blunt reality. With the years of smoking, the years of painting without any respiratory filters and the years working with metalic paints/stains/epoxies, my lungs and bronchial have taken their toll.
I have known for a while that my lung disease will probably be the one thing that will end my life; I have accepted it.
There isn't a day where I don't look back on my life with the realization that I'm happy with so many things that have occurred. The word is that everything happens for a reason - more or less the cause and effect syndrome. With the many things I felt were good, there were bad things that effected me. Yeah, well, such is life. There really isn't much I can do about the past and the future will progress in the manner from which people create it.
Often times I ask myself…Are you happy? Yes, I am happy. I'm happy I can be mad, hurt, frustrated, irritated, laughing, smiling, giggling, buck ass snorting laughter, calm, content, dizzy, mesmerized, delirious and being a sarcastic asshole when the first stupid comment whisks from someone's mouth. Most of all, I love having a quick whit and a sharp tongue. Realizing the backlash of a tongue lashing on someone who deserves it seems to soothe me greatly. I know this is why so many of my friends would refer to me as the Bitchologist. I don't take shit from anyone.
Back to what is going on at this date in time…after talking with the Pulmonary Specialist, I have been informed that statistically the progressiveness of my lung illness, I have an average life span of about 2 years. From this I have to start making things easier for my family and friends before the time comes and I will finally be able to sleep.
After stating that, I'm going to start rambling. There are many people in my life I feel I have to say a few words to, so you know how I feel. So, brace up, sit back and I hope you understand that the reason why I mention you is because you have become a major part of me and my life.
To all of my grandkids - Phoenix, Elizabeth and Serenity. You will always be my glimmer in life that will never burn out. I cherish each and everyone one of you with all my heart. Seeing your sassy sweet smiles, hearing your funny giggles and feeling your enormous tight hugs always made me feel every inch of your love. I want you to know that I love each and everyone of you with all my heart. I hope you all grow up to be as strong and loving of a person as I was and the way your parents are in your life. And please, don't let anyone try to make you into being someone you are not. Remember, there are things in life that you are happy with, don't let anyone take that away from you. Be you.
PEANUTS!!!
For my kids…where to start…oldest to youngest or youngest to oldest? Ok, I'll start here…Lindsay…You are such a dynamic individual. You have the gall and gusto to succeed every stepping stone in your path. You captured my heart when you gave me the first hug. You have a heart of gold, a solid mind and enthusiasm of many. Every game night was a cherished moment that I carry with me everyday. You helped bring our family together with those nights of trying to get me too drunk to play Peanuts. That didn't work!!! There are days, weeks, months and almost a year or so when we don't communicate. You know I love you with all my heart and I never want to see anything bad happen with you. I'm very proud to have you as my daughter. You are my Golden child and I love you with all my heart.
Justin, you are my Junior. My only living son who I try to embrace your direction in life. I know this is where we differ and yet we are the same. There will be a day when everything will click together like a bunch of Legos and you'll say "No fucking way!" Please remember, 6 + 3 = 9, but also remember that 1 +8, or 2 +7, or 4+5 also equals 9. The route to what you are looking for is always on the last path you look down and I know you will find it. You are my Golden Child and I'm very proud of you. Justin I have loved you since the day you were born. Your Mother and I gave you your name because at the time it was unique and we felt the name gave you great stature. I believe your name still has a great stature. I just think you need to find your path that bares your name. You are a strong smart man. Everyday I think about the laughs we have had, the pranks we used to pull on each other and our little jokes we had between us. No one in this world can ever take those things away from me. We have always had a common bond. Always remember that I have always loved you with every inch of my heart.
And then there is my little brat Desiree (Rae Rae). I love your vision. When everything is semi grey you always find the rose color gleaming out. I chuckle everyday thinking of the game nights we had. You helped bring our family together. With all the laughs, crying, and being together - you helped bring the meaning of family into our home. I cherish you everyday. I love every moment we spend together. You are my Golden Child, I am so proud of you and I love you deeply with all my heart. We have had some really good, fun, intense and controversial conversations. I love it that we can disagree agreeably. We have an understanding of one another and yet we throw in our creativeness and we work together like a well oiled machine. I love it that we can talk about anything without judgment and have complete understanding of each other.
For others who are important to me in my life, Mom (Mary Ellen Halverson), Ted, Dave and John. Blood runs thicker than water. So many years ago, those who were in my life from birth have proven to me that running the path of water was the best escape. Ted and I have been the best of friends before color was invented. As a friend and a brother like figure, there is nothing in this world that could tear us apart. We both know we have our faults, because our bonds of love and friendship overcome anything that we have had to deal with from the past. John, you have always been like that older brother to share his wisdom and entice others to do what you're too chick-shit to do yourself. Then when no one will do it, you're the first one in line to entice the crowd. Dave, everyone thinks we're the old married couple. Hmmm…there are days when I would say - Yup, now go away! Then there are other days I'd ask them what they were smoking and ask them to share. Throughout these last few years you have been my best friend. I guess if we would have been interested in each other in another way, we could have been a great loyal couple. But we both realize that what we have is so much better and easier for either of us. Our life is grand and it''s nice to know others have been envious. As for my Mom; Mary Ellen, where do I begin. Since the time we both realized that recycling items was the way to go in our neighborhood, I knew I found an awesome person in my life. You are the one person who was always there for me no matter what was going on. You spent hours out of your day to visit me when I was stuck in a hard place. We would spend hours on your back porch eating gypsy root and snacking on crackers. I loved it when you came to almost every birthday party and Pride party I had. And I knew you didn't want to miss it for the world. That meant mountains for me. Looking up to you as my Mother sets the stride to succeed like you. You really made me feel great the day you told me, "With you being an Atheist, I'd much rather spend time and learn with you on how to treat another person than from those damn people who claim to be christians in that damn church." Then when I asked you if you wanted me to punch someone…you almost said, "yes."
So with all of this…I have to say there are so many things and people within my life that have a great deal of meaning to me. One thing that has more meaning than anything in the world is those who you encase your life with. In life, everyone has their good and bad points. I find it more enjoyable to be with those who see me as the person I am, not for what they want me to be. I can only be me. I have many bonds with so many different people with many different perspectives. When you can understand an individual to their basics, building relations is the easy part. There are so many common interests within everyone, finding them seems to be the mystery to the puzzle. My puzzle will never be complete - no matter how hard anyone tries. I know long after I am gone, that puzzle will fill it's self in.
Throughout the last years, two more pieces of my puzzle have been put into place. The first piece is Lisa. I know throughout the years we have gone through so many good and bad issues. And for the fact that you are the only woman in my life that I actually fell in love with. Damn I wish you would have grown a penis. Our personalities have always clashed together. We have had a great more happy and friendly memories than the negative. And Nancy, I'm so glad that after all the years from High School that we can pick up some or most of the pieces where things went array. I love it that we can laugh at our past, trying to recall our youth and look forward to making our friendship flourish for the future.
I have been really happy with the way things have come together with formulating Camp Hard Wood. I think the guys who are on the board are awesome and will make awesome coordinators for events to come.
Throughout the past couple of years I have gone through quite a bit of assorted different issues that have effected me and things going on within my life. Some for the good, and well, the bad always brings up every behind like a skid mark on a pair of tight whites.
These last two years I fought to get on disability and that doesn't happen. But, instead I'm put on SSI. The difference is…not getting almost $40,000 in back pay from the time I filed. Yeah I know I was short-changed, but at least I'm getting a check every month. It helps! And there was no way I was going to contest the ruling for the mere fact I didn't want to wait another 2 years of not having any money to hopefully get what I feel I deserve. For this I have learned to be humble, shut the hell up and take what they are giving me.
And now I hit another milestone in my life that I'm finding I have to face head-on. Throughout the years I have noticed that every time I get some sort of lung or bronchial infection; I'm not bouncing back as fast and up to what I used to be. After having a long talk with the Pulmonary Specialist in the hospital this week, I have been faced with a blunt reality. With the years of smoking, the years of painting without any respiratory filters and the years working with metalic paints/stains/epoxies, my lungs and bronchial have taken their toll.
I have known for a while that my lung disease will probably be the one thing that will end my life; I have accepted it.
There isn't a day where I don't look back on my life with the realization that I'm happy with so many things that have occurred. The word is that everything happens for a reason - more or less the cause and effect syndrome. With the many things I felt were good, there were bad things that effected me. Yeah, well, such is life. There really isn't much I can do about the past and the future will progress in the manner from which people create it.
Often times I ask myself…Are you happy? Yes, I am happy. I'm happy I can be mad, hurt, frustrated, irritated, laughing, smiling, giggling, buck ass snorting laughter, calm, content, dizzy, mesmerized, delirious and being a sarcastic asshole when the first stupid comment whisks from someone's mouth. Most of all, I love having a quick whit and a sharp tongue. Realizing the backlash of a tongue lashing on someone who deserves it seems to soothe me greatly. I know this is why so many of my friends would refer to me as the Bitchologist. I don't take shit from anyone.
Back to what is going on at this date in time…after talking with the Pulmonary Specialist, I have been informed that statistically the progressiveness of my lung illness, I have an average life span of about 2 years. From this I have to start making things easier for my family and friends before the time comes and I will finally be able to sleep.
After stating that, I'm going to start rambling. There are many people in my life I feel I have to say a few words to, so you know how I feel. So, brace up, sit back and I hope you understand that the reason why I mention you is because you have become a major part of me and my life.
To all of my grandkids - Phoenix, Elizabeth and Serenity. You will always be my glimmer in life that will never burn out. I cherish each and everyone one of you with all my heart. Seeing your sassy sweet smiles, hearing your funny giggles and feeling your enormous tight hugs always made me feel every inch of your love. I want you to know that I love each and everyone of you with all my heart. I hope you all grow up to be as strong and loving of a person as I was and the way your parents are in your life. And please, don't let anyone try to make you into being someone you are not. Remember, there are things in life that you are happy with, don't let anyone take that away from you. Be you.
PEANUTS!!!
For my kids…where to start…oldest to youngest or youngest to oldest? Ok, I'll start here…Lindsay…You are such a dynamic individual. You have the gall and gusto to succeed every stepping stone in your path. You captured my heart when you gave me the first hug. You have a heart of gold, a solid mind and enthusiasm of many. Every game night was a cherished moment that I carry with me everyday. You helped bring our family together with those nights of trying to get me too drunk to play Peanuts. That didn't work!!! There are days, weeks, months and almost a year or so when we don't communicate. You know I love you with all my heart and I never want to see anything bad happen with you. I'm very proud to have you as my daughter. You are my Golden child and I love you with all my heart.
Justin, you are my Junior. My only living son who I try to embrace your direction in life. I know this is where we differ and yet we are the same. There will be a day when everything will click together like a bunch of Legos and you'll say "No fucking way!" Please remember, 6 + 3 = 9, but also remember that 1 +8, or 2 +7, or 4+5 also equals 9. The route to what you are looking for is always on the last path you look down and I know you will find it. You are my Golden Child and I'm very proud of you. Justin I have loved you since the day you were born. Your Mother and I gave you your name because at the time it was unique and we felt the name gave you great stature. I believe your name still has a great stature. I just think you need to find your path that bares your name. You are a strong smart man. Everyday I think about the laughs we have had, the pranks we used to pull on each other and our little jokes we had between us. No one in this world can ever take those things away from me. We have always had a common bond. Always remember that I have always loved you with every inch of my heart.
And then there is my little brat Desiree (Rae Rae). I love your vision. When everything is semi grey you always find the rose color gleaming out. I chuckle everyday thinking of the game nights we had. You helped bring our family together. With all the laughs, crying, and being together - you helped bring the meaning of family into our home. I cherish you everyday. I love every moment we spend together. You are my Golden Child, I am so proud of you and I love you deeply with all my heart. We have had some really good, fun, intense and controversial conversations. I love it that we can disagree agreeably. We have an understanding of one another and yet we throw in our creativeness and we work together like a well oiled machine. I love it that we can talk about anything without judgment and have complete understanding of each other.
For others who are important to me in my life, Mom (Mary Ellen Halverson), Ted, Dave and John. Blood runs thicker than water. So many years ago, those who were in my life from birth have proven to me that running the path of water was the best escape. Ted and I have been the best of friends before color was invented. As a friend and a brother like figure, there is nothing in this world that could tear us apart. We both know we have our faults, because our bonds of love and friendship overcome anything that we have had to deal with from the past. John, you have always been like that older brother to share his wisdom and entice others to do what you're too chick-shit to do yourself. Then when no one will do it, you're the first one in line to entice the crowd. Dave, everyone thinks we're the old married couple. Hmmm…there are days when I would say - Yup, now go away! Then there are other days I'd ask them what they were smoking and ask them to share. Throughout these last few years you have been my best friend. I guess if we would have been interested in each other in another way, we could have been a great loyal couple. But we both realize that what we have is so much better and easier for either of us. Our life is grand and it''s nice to know others have been envious. As for my Mom; Mary Ellen, where do I begin. Since the time we both realized that recycling items was the way to go in our neighborhood, I knew I found an awesome person in my life. You are the one person who was always there for me no matter what was going on. You spent hours out of your day to visit me when I was stuck in a hard place. We would spend hours on your back porch eating gypsy root and snacking on crackers. I loved it when you came to almost every birthday party and Pride party I had. And I knew you didn't want to miss it for the world. That meant mountains for me. Looking up to you as my Mother sets the stride to succeed like you. You really made me feel great the day you told me, "With you being an Atheist, I'd much rather spend time and learn with you on how to treat another person than from those damn people who claim to be christians in that damn church." Then when I asked you if you wanted me to punch someone…you almost said, "yes."
So with all of this…I have to say there are so many things and people within my life that have a great deal of meaning to me. One thing that has more meaning than anything in the world is those who you encase your life with. In life, everyone has their good and bad points. I find it more enjoyable to be with those who see me as the person I am, not for what they want me to be. I can only be me. I have many bonds with so many different people with many different perspectives. When you can understand an individual to their basics, building relations is the easy part. There are so many common interests within everyone, finding them seems to be the mystery to the puzzle. My puzzle will never be complete - no matter how hard anyone tries. I know long after I am gone, that puzzle will fill it's self in.
Throughout the last years, two more pieces of my puzzle have been put into place. The first piece is Lisa. I know throughout the years we have gone through so many good and bad issues. And for the fact that you are the only woman in my life that I actually fell in love with. Damn I wish you would have grown a penis. Our personalities have always clashed together. We have had a great more happy and friendly memories than the negative. And Nancy, I'm so glad that after all the years from High School that we can pick up some or most of the pieces where things went array. I love it that we can laugh at our past, trying to recall our youth and look forward to making our friendship flourish for the future.
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