I wake up and ponder a variety of things every morning. The sun is rarely up yet, but Jaz makes sure we are. This morning included public art policies, sanding walls, and how many weeks were left in my summer break (nine, it turns out).

After waiting over a month for someone to be able to service our lawnmower, it got moved up four days to today, and that means I’ll be able to mow our lawn with my own mower again. While it is rarely a priority of mine, it is good to keep it from turning into a hayfield, and it helps clear the mind in a similar way to a shower does.

I finally got around to fixing my 3D Printer. It was easier than I thought, which once again reminded me that while the frustration that comes from DIYing things stops me quite often, it is rarely as bad as I think it will be, and next time I should dive in and not stress over what might be and focus on what is instead.

Having the Prusa working correctly again allowed me to hook up a friend with something he was working on and now has me pondering what to print next. I’ve been printing many Fates End creations as I have fallen in love with dice towers since learning about their existence last year. I’m also learning how to paint my prints and hope to focus a bit more on that as I know I’ve got a ton to learn, but I find it very calming to do.

The long-talked-about photobook is starting to come together. More in my head and heart than anything else yet, but I’m determining what I want it to be and what photos and stories will fill the pages. I know that it’ll be a paperback edition more in line with a magazine vibe than a flip the page and see another photo on a blank page approach. I want to share words as well as images. A snapshot mixed with a story gives my context and allows the viewer/reader to take what they need away from it.

Reading has been a priority for me this month, and so far, I’ve read every day according to my Kindle. So many books are filling my soul with what it needs. I finally decided it was time to read Robin William’s biography, even though I know it will be painful. So far, it is outstanding. If you have any new fiction suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

Sadly, as I write this, I learned about the latest happenings in Florida and how the march of hate continues to spread across our country without any signs of slowing down. I believe we were better than this, but every day I’m reminded that too many are not.

Last night, I made birria tacos and grilled street corn for dinner. It is one of the most popular dinners in our household right now but isn’t something I make all that often. The fun part is that I think I’ve finally zeroed in my recipe so that it is just right for everyone. Guess I’ll have to test a few more times to be sure.

Last week was a busy one filled with a bunch of post-pandemic visits with friends that I’ve been missing. From London to Louisville, it felt so good to give them hugs and catch up on everything. The family even surprised me with a Father’s Day drive up to Portland to enjoy some cold beers and live music from our dear friend Mitch Alden on the ocean. This week has felt nicely calm compared to all the shenanigans of last week.

There we have it. The urge to write and a chunk of gray matter filled to the brim with things screaming to be let out. I feel better. I hope you are smiling. Make it a great day.