Decision made

Well after several nights of unrestful sleep due to my subconscience working overtime regarding the offer to manage Buddy's nightclub, including an actual rehearsal of me speaking to Jim Brown, the owner, where I woke myself up actually talking in my sleep, I've decided I can't accept the job. The time commitment is just too great and managing would preclude me from doing what I love most -- photography and travelling. Jim was very gracious and understanding when I went in this afternoon to speak to him. Of course, I'll be staying on as a bouncer/security and have asked him if I could take over the job of getting the Buddy's website up and running.

And speaking of photography, a local and quite prestigious magazine, called Alberta Venture has approached me to quote on shooting some events and editiorial for them. A door closes, a window opens. Funny how things work that way.

This made me laugh continued -- see also June 28th

Just received this from my homegirls, Shelly and Kate, in NYC. You bitches rock!

Cancer
(June 22 - July 22) -- 69

This is the sign that needs to be cuddled. They may believe that they were born in the wrong period or century. They DWELL in the past... Victorian ... Roman ... Medieval ... you name it. They usually will only fuck at night...come to think of it...they fuck better at night anyway. Maybe its because they are ruled by the Moon. This is a sign that is looking for TRUE love...I mean REAL TRUE DEEP LOVE ... that 'Romancing The Stone' frikkin 'Wuthering Heights' kind of love. They probably cry at the end of any Jane Austen flick. They want to be swept off of their feet. They really do deserve it, too. They are constantly dumped on by previous past fucktard ex-lovers that think they own them. Sometimes Cancers pick the wrong guy/girl and get beat up or emotionally hurt. Why? They think its what they deserve. Which is bullshit. They are wonderful people. They love water sports (jacuzzis/pools/showers/saunas/bathouses...) They want to be comfortable while fucking ... oh sure the foreplay may have had you bent over a barstool ... but when you get home they want comfy couches, beds, fluffy pillows, anything soft and fuzzy that is not a pet. Cancerians also have a horrible tendency to misplace their clothing. Highly exhibitionistic. They live for oral...as long as it tastes good. Karma Sutra honey dust is a good start ... mints ... ice cream ... anything with sugar ... fruit. Don't rush them they smoulder. But when you get started, be ready for a long night. They like to play with ice cubes, too. Also nipples are a BIG thing for Crabs ... they all secretly wish to get their nipples pierced. Can be submissive highly. Masturbation is where they get their bonus points at.
Be warned: They like 'em YOUNG...so you better be ready to dress up like an animation school boy/girl with a whip to keep 'em.

Decisions, decisions, decisions

Because I miss so many aspects of my life in NYC, I have been trying to keep myself as busy as humanly possible. While the call for photography is greatly diminished here in Edmonton, I have been working as Security/Bouncer at Buddy's, a local gay club, on the weekends and working at Starbucks (in addtion to getting paid, I get a free pound of coffee every week and a 30% discount on all the lattes I drink - hahaha) during the weekdays.

However I was dealt a completely unexpected turn of events last night. Jim Brown, the owner of Buddy's/Woody's and Steamworks, offered me the position of Club Manager of Buddy's. I am in a complete quandry as to whether I should take the job or not. It's a lot more responsibility and I am certain it will detract from me doing photography and could also greatly affect my time with Dustin. Suffice to say, I am weighing the entire situation out. I am interested though and gawd knows I have spent most of my adult life in nightclubs in one way or another. However, hours, responsibilities, time off, (and money) will decide all this for me. I meet with him again tomorrow on these very issues.

The Real Booty - Disney takes home your dollars

Dustin and I saw a matinee of the highest grossing movie of all time, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest which was fun and all but nowhere near as good as the first movie, The Curse Of The Black Pearl. Johnny Depp was his usual flouncy, mincing, comedic pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, but some of the special effects were so bad (especially with "the Cracken" the legendary monster which looked like big calamari to me) that it was reminiscent of an old Godzilla movie. And the ending is such a nasty-ass typical Hollywood cop-out in it's worst form -- a so-called shocker which only leads as the start-off point for the next sequel. Boo, boo, hiss Disney.

What I'm really looking forward to seeing is Amy Sedaris in Strangers with Candy. I saw her on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and she was absolutely hilarious. I thought I was going to lose it when Ferguson asked her if she had pets:

"I have a rabbit, a house rabbit. I'm in a rabbit society and I have a badge, and I go into people's homes and rabbit-proof their houses and teach them about hay, and I'll clip their litttle rabbit nails, and everything. And I do a follow-up call. I live alone.

"I can talk about rabbits until I'm blue in the face. The poop is caper-sized. It'll spruce up any salad. I like having a prey animal around because they're always afraid they're going to be eaten, you know, and I like to relax them. I do give them massage. With full release.

"Rabbit people -- well, rabbit guys are different. They have rescue stories, and you know, the high-waisted pants, always talking about saving rabbits. They're not my type.

Back in School

This has been a long week as I'm back in school or so it seems since I accepted a position with Starbucks and have begun their very extensive and thorough training. I guess there is a reason why it is a Fortune 100 company. There benefits package is absloutely amazing (which becomes a major selling point when you are a freelance artist) and hell, I even get a free pound of coffee every week. I would have never thought of applying at Starbucks, although I am a frequent and habitual customer, if it hadn't been for my friend, Jennifer, who one day when we were sitting at the Starbucks in Sherwood Park announced that if she was ever to give up teaching she would go work for Starbucks. It got me thinking and now that I've settled in my new apartment with a Starbucks literally less than a block away, I figured why not! So if you're in downtown Edmonton, stop by the Jasper Avenue and 109 Street Starbucks and say hello, it doesn't matter if I'm working, chances are I'll be there for coffee anyways (for my NYC friends this will replace Big Cup for me). Ha ha ha.

Superman Super Dull

Went to see Superman Returns this evening and even with all the hi-tech special effects at their disposal all I can say is ... YAWN. The only highlight for me in the entire film was Parker Posey, who I had the wonderful ocassion to seeing in NYC getting out of a cab, drunk as a skunk, and falling on her ass on the curb as she tried to make it to her apartment door.

Now I don't want you to feel bad for me because this story doesn't have a completely unhappy ending, you see the show I took in had a small child (most likely a crack baby) screaming bloody blue murder through the latter half of the film. The screeching made its cresendo right at the closing scene so that you could not, even if you wanted to (yawn again), hear the dialogue. So promptly, as the credits rolled, I found the cinema manager and demanded a refund for myself and the people I endured this two hour waste of time with. Needless to say, my request set off a chain reaction and I do think most of the audience saw Superman Returns for free. Insert evil grin here.

Ride 'em in the Rockies

Thanx to my pal Alan, who drove us down to Calgary, I had a fantastic weekend at the Canadian Rockies International Rodeo (can you say Brokeback Mountain) with Dustin, made only better by getting to hang out with two of my favorite pals, Vic and Luc from Comox, BC. And of course, our first time rodeo experience would not have been complete without personal tourguide, Daryn (host of our ficticious reality show; Extreme Bender). The weather was hot, the crowd was hotter -- who would have ever thought that you could see that many cowboys in pink western shirts or watch grown men put panties on goats! I'm sure you'll find us there again next year.

This made me laugh

Your Birthdate: June 28

You have a Type A personality so big it makes other Type A's shrink away in shame. You never shy away from adversity - and you love to tackle impossible problems. Failure is not an option for you, and more than a few people are put off by your ego. You tend to be controlling, and you hate leaving anything up to chance. Your strength: Your bold approach to life Your weakness: You don't accept help Your power color: Bronze Your power symbol: Pyramid Your power month: October

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

And just because this meant so much to me on my birthday, I am transposing the card that Dustin gave me:

I Love Our Life
I Love You
I've needed you
and found your arms around me,
Laughed with you
and seen clouds disappear,
Leaned on you
and felt your strength surround me,
Shared rough times with you
and felt no fear -
Believed in you
and seen my trust rewarded,
Dreamed with you
and seen my dreams come true ...
Loved you
and seen every day grow sweeter ...
Each day I've found
more happiness with you.

Forever us baby ...
Happy Birthday,
My Love

Your man
Dustin

Happy Father's Day

As so often is the story with most gay men I know, my Dad and I got off to a rough start. He was a hard-working truck driver born and raised in rural Alberta and I was kid who tended to gravitate to the arts, wasn't skilled or even that interested in team sports (god knows, I tried), with a love of big city life and all the speed and action that was inherent in that. So to say the least, we did not see eye to eye. To make matters worse, I was a moody, confused, teenager who chose to shut down at times of confrontation rather than work towards communicating. Fortunately I've changed that behaviour in my adult life. For many years we just didn't have very much to talk about or share. But in recent years, I'd have to say that since coming out to my parents, he has been extraordinarily understand and accepting -- I wonder now if our history would have been different if I had been brave and confident enough to discuss my sexuality much earlier on. Regardless, we are at a wonderful place now and have a relationship that many men (regardless of their orientation) do not have with their fathers. I'm very lucky to have a Dad that is supportive, loving and interested in my life. So today especially, I want to say I love you and Happy Father's Day.

My father, Frank
Sherwood Park, 2003

Gay PRIDE

Kevin Aviance at The Roxy, 2001

Rather than tell you of all the cool parties I went to as part of the Pride celebrations, or show you the hot men that I met and photographed, I thought the following incident was much more important to relate to you as what "Gay Pride" means to me.

Each June, the month of Gay Pride, the number of hate incidents against the gay community increases. It could have happened to anyone of us, but this year, it happened to a personal friend of mine and one of the world's beloved dance divas and Billboard recording artist, Kevin Aviance. On Saturday, June 10th at approximately 1:30am, Kevin Aviance was beaten up by four young assailants in the East Village of NYC. They threw a spray can at Kevin, knocking him to the ground; and then punched and kicked him - all the while screaming that they were going to "kill the faggot". Kevin suffered a broken jaw, fractures in his arms and legs, and many bruises. After surgery at Beth Israel Hospital, Kevin is now home in stable condition. His jaw will be wired closed for at least two weeks. Afterwards, he will need to begin physical therapy. Doctors have told us it will be several months before he will be able to perform again. I've had the pleasure of knowing Kevin since I first moved to NYC in 1995, he is an amazing presence in the clubs and on the stage. He depends solely on performing for his livelihood. Without the ability to work, he will lose everything. He also has mounting medical bills and unfortunately, no medical insurance. Today, you can make an immediate difference with a donation to the "Kevin Aviance Dance for Love Fund". Your generous donation will provide Kevin with much-needed assistance toward his medical bills, rent and food. Please help! Every dollar counts. Donate by clicking here and send money to: kevin@kevinavianceworld.com or you can send it to Kevin Aviance World 115 East 57th Street, 11th Floor. NYC, New York, USA 10022. Thanks you!



Needless to say, I was deeply disturbed by what happened to Kevin but in trying to turn this horrible event into something that I could learn from, I decided that this year, more than ever, it is incredibly important to be and stay visible! Support your local Gay Pride events, especially the rallies and parades where by sheer number we show those who would hate us, oppress us, and hurt us; we are here amongst them and we are strong. Our basic human rights depend on it.

Question:

If you are pampering yourself, does that mean you are able to wear disposable diapers?

I Don't Believe it (not for a second) ...

... but do this:
click here
and maybe, just maybe, I'll get a free ipod.
But I doubt it.

AND ON THE HOME FRONT:
Had a minor flood in the evening as it was one of those rainstorms where if it didn't start to relent, I was going to send Dustin out to start building while I collected 2 of every animal. In retrospect, as so often the case, it was hilarious that Dustin came in and just off-handedly mentioned that we were so flooded out in the back that he had to come around to the front door and that was flooded too. Surprised by the comment, I was even more shocked when he followed it with "So what kind of spaghetti sauce should we have?" and proceed into the kitchen and started cooking. I flipped. In a panic, after opening the front door and seeing that the water was literally at the lip of the door frame, I said "Stop cooking and call the superintendent." Anyway it all worked out okay. The super responded immediately and a plumber was there to snake out the drains within the hour. But the best part of the story is that we have really good neighbors (Sarah, Peter and Donnie) who formed a bucket brigade shovelling the rainwater with their dustpans into mop buckets and carrying them off to divert the flood. Still it was more excitement than I needed. The joys of a basement suite. And on the bright side; at least I know that the floors are properly cleaned now after I mopped them down with bleach after I got home from working Security at Buddy's at 4 a.m.

What the Curtains?

If it wasn't for venetian blinds, it'd be curtains for all of us.

I know it'll probably sound like some sort of domestic dementia but I had a great day today with Dustin as we shopped Ikea for all kinds of stuff for our new apartment, including several sets of curtains. My favorite impulse purchase was an aluminum toilet seat while Dustin's was a box of multicolored bendy straws. I have to say that the place is shaping up beautifully. Now all we have to buy is a new sofa, bedroom suite, flat screen TV with wall bracket, a stereo, and new area carpet for the living room. Hardly anything really. Ha ha ha. One thing we don't need is art, between all my old religious art and my homoerotic photos we have enough stuff to cover all our walls and then the next-door-neighbors too.

One corner of the apartment, by the front door

Happy Birthday Dustin!

Happy Birthday baby! I love you and hope that the year ahead is filled with dumptrucks full of joy, adventure, and the realization of your dreams.

Calgary Pride and Photo Shoot with Scott Bolton

Dustin and I headed down to Calgary yesterday with our pal, Ian, who was up in Edmonton bartending at The Roost for Mr. Edmonton Leather. All of us had only got a few hours sleep from the afterparty at Boots but we managed to hit the road for 8 a.m. so that we were in Calgary in time for the parade. Now, not wanting to sound jaded or arrogant with my big city attitude, but after seeing NYC's Pride parade for the past 10 years (the procession goes on at least 4 hours) what I saw was just pathetic. If you had sneezed you would have missed it. What I'm even more afraid of though is that Edmonton's is in all likelihood going to be even worse.

The assembly of the crowd at Olympic Plaza was substantially more impressive but the real fun was spending the afternoon/evening with Dustin and Ian at The Eagle which was jammed to capacity (still pale in comparison to some bars I've been in back in NYC).

Then we met up with my buddy, the sexy, the handsome and the talented, Scott Bolton, who was in from Vancouver. He is the marketing director of Interactive Male phone lines and had the busiest booth (with the exception of the beer tent) in Olympic Plaza but we had talked online and he was able to spare an hour or so to do a shoot with me. Scott and I had originally met in Vancouver, when I was on my way down to Mexico. Not only is he a total stud but he's a total sweetheart too. We weren't able to shoot back then but we vowed we'd find a way at some point in the future. And this was it. Since it was already getting dark, we decided to go back to his hotel room at Hotel Arts, which was fashioned somewhat to resemble the W Hotels in NYC, and made for the perfect setting to shoot him. I'm waiting for Scott to see the photos since it was his first totally nude photoshoot and then I'll post a shot or two. I'm hoping at some point this summer/fall to get to Vancouver to do another shoot with him and possible a couple's shoot with his partner, Dan too.

Photo Shoot with Bo Ladashevska (International Mr. Leather) at SteamWorks

What a stroke of good luck, my getting back from NYC in time to attend and shoot Mr. Edmonton Leather and Bo Ladashevska being here in Edmonton on his first official visit as the reigning International Mr. Leather (IML) 2006. I had talked to Bo, who's from Montreal, online previously about possibly doing a shoot when he visited NYC but that never transpired. So it was very fortunate that he had a few hours to shoot with me at the local bathhouse, SteamWorks. We shot in the "jail" theme room and then followed up with a short session in their gorgeous showers. Both sets of photos came out incredibly well. I'll post more later of Canada's very first winner at IML, held in Chicago.

Useless Trivia

Q: How many people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year?

a) 1
b) 100
c) 1000

Answer: one hundred (which is 99 more dumb people than I would have guessed.)

Back online

I have not had a moment or the internet connection to publish any new posts until now.

I flew back from NYC to Edmonton on Thursday, June 1st (more on the actual flight later) and spent the next 4 days working my butt off during the nights and spending the days moving into the new home with Dustin. Things are absolutely great -- we both love the apartment (it's starting to shape up nicely), and very happy to be living together. Of course, we've had a few moments already, like Dustin shattering our toilet the first day when he dropped the lid on the tank (he was trying to turn our toilet bowl water a pretty blue) and another moment would have to be how Dustin was surprised to hear that I collect religious art and was perplexed by the idea of having Jesus staring at him from our walls. But those were just moments. As was waking up this morning to find handpicked flowers waiting for me - he's such a good man and here, he tried to tell me he wasn't a romantic.

As of today, we finally have everything completed - place is painted, cleaned, power, cable, internet are all hooked up and the essentials moved in and unpacked. So we are going to take some time to ourselves this afternoon and since today is 6/6/6 we are going to go see the remake of the movie "The Omen" (one of my personal fave classic horror movies) which opens today.

FOLLOW UP: The Omen was as dull as Grade One student's pencil after practicing their ABCs. Stick to the original, it is a lot more suspenseful, even if it is dated. SPOILER: The best part of this uninspired remake would have to be when Mia Farrow (who gave birth to the devil's son herself in the cult/horror classicRosemary's Baby) shows up to apply for the Nanny's position after the previous one has hung herself.

I See Dead People

Tonight I saw 26 dead people. I thought I would be totally disturbed but to my surprise it was oddly fascinating and I learned a lot about myself.

Photo Shoot with Reavis