Sossity

this is not a photo of Max and I on stage, or hosting a party, or dressed up for an event, the way so many people met us. this is a photo of the bedrock of grace and interdependence of our relationship that we've built upon for 17 years now. you can see the wires of my tens unit, interrupting pain signals so what could stop me in my tracks just slows me down. you can't see the paved path with no big hills they scouted out ahead of time so we could stroll together, or the special tree they take their troubled thoughts to as part of the work they have done so consistently before and ever since i've known them. you can't see the ways we've unwound generational trauma and gender based roles and survival tactics that could've ended us. you can see that we are masked, but perhaps you can't see that as not only love for ourselves, but also you. striving not to cause harm is central for both of us as we move through the world, as is being accountable when we do. we cannot control so many of the horrors in the world, but we can work against them. we can keep striving to do better. we can keep loving each other, and we do. growing like mycelium, like dandelion, like wild roses. happy anniversary, beautiful boy.

being a writer seeking to be published has meant i've needed to make peace with rejection, and to keep seeking out places that fit with hope and as little attachment as possible. it can be challenging, but when that fit happens, when the writing goes from my thoughts on a page to my thoughts out in the world where someone who needs them might find them is one of the very best feelings. turns out, when someone you admire specifically seeks out and invites in your writing, that feeling gains a gleam this photo almost captures. i am so very honored and delighted to have 10 of my favorite recent poems included in the current issue of Assaracus, an outstanding journal of gay and queer poetry from @siblingrivalrypress , edited by the incomparable @bryanborland Cover photo by Efrain John Gonzalez /product/assaracus-issue-28-a-journal-of-gay-and-queer-poetry

[ID: pink patterned background with text that reads: "i'm seeing what should be a surprising lack of response in my feed to the potential imminent threat of nuclear attack by the US on another country by the end of the day. is this lack of information? further proof of the propaganda bubble many americans live in? inability to process one more horrific thing? whatever it is, dig deeper, try harder. americans have been largely insulated from living in the war zone created by the actions of this country, and it is not guaranteed to stay that way. so many of us are already under attack by this administration, and history will deem us collectively as collaborators to some extent to the many atrocities committed by our government both internally and externally. where do you stand? how are you participating in resistance? what is your proximity to power? how prepared are you for the collapse that is already in progress? who are you helping survive it? share, if you're inclined, but those questions are for your own soul, not my curiosity."]

6 years of half measures, govt propaganda, and mass disabling/death ... exactly what will it take for you to take it seriously? artists like @doodlesbycharlie_ say it so well. please listen.

so much gratitude to @doodlesbycharlie_ for this cute, clever, timely valentine. masking is self-love and community care 💖 (I'll try and come back to do image descriptions when I scrounge up some spoons)

my first, best, and enduring reason for making art is resistance & connection. the horror of our country isn't new, and neither are the best ways to survive: mutual aid, community solidarity and networking, and dragging the truth into view. update: this piece has been claimed, but there will be more!! "resistance is never futile" 3" hoop upcycled pillowcase, floss [ID: small embroidery piece with "f*ck" in dark blue cursive lettering over an embroidered melting ice cube in shades of blue. the background and decorative stitching are a pale mint green]

I'm so glad to be learning embroidery--it feels like an ancestral connection, like all fiber arts for me, with a definite ritual element of mark making that i've been trying to find. part of the focus of this course is textile collage, which im loving, and this is my latest exploration of that. @fleurwoodsart is an excellent instructor in many ways, and her suggestion to us to try it on a small canvas was a great opportunity to explore the balance between maximalist and breathing room. update: this piece has been claimed, but commissions are open! see payment highlight for details on how it works "magic in the garden" 5" hoop linen, printed cotton, wire ribbon, floss, yarn, glass beads

"mountain meadow dreaming" 10" reed, raffia ribbons, jute twine, roving, floss, yarn approx 6 hours to complete this piece is not available, but commissions are open this piece is made possible by all I've learned in the @taketwoartcourses on fiber sculpture with @harrietgoodallartist and embroidery with @fleurwoodsart 🙌🏻💖 shout out to @artsupplycenter for having the best treasure trove of unconventional fiber art supplies! [ID: fiber tapestry made of fibers in shades of green, brown, blue, and white of various textures and and shades on a handmade reed frame.] #TakeTwoFiberArts #FleurWoodsArt #HarrietGoodall

"ode to adventures past" 12" approx 15 hours to complete cotton sheet / jersey / gauze, lamè, mesh, velvet, floss, charm bracelet this piece is not available, but commissions are open [ID: textile collage made of fabrics and fibers in shades of pink, black, and white of various textures and sizes] much appreciation to #TakeTwoFiberArts and #FleurWoodsArt

"retrospective #2" 10" approx 10 hours to complete twine, yarn, and jewelers wire remnants from other projects twined onto ribs made of wire core art yarn this piece is not available, but commissions are open fibers from @girlwithasword , @spinningwheelstudio , and @reclaimitpdx [ID: vessel made of fibers in jewel tones of various textures and sizes] much appreciation for all i learned from #TakeTwoFiberArts and #HarrietGoodall

"mutual aid" 5" diameter printed cotton, floss this piece is not available, but commissions are open [ID: embroidery piece in a wooden hoop in earthtone shades in various textures and shapes. the image is a variety of mushrooms on a log to the right, and a mycelium network to the left.] #TakeTwoFiberArts #FleurWoodsArt

lush textures bring me joy, and so does trying new things, so why not velvet? (probably reasons, but it worked, so yay!) "luxuriant" 5" diameter velvet, lace (both from the same upcycled garment), floss, wool, art yarn, tulle, upcycled crystal bead this piece is not available, but commissions are open [ID: embroidery piece in a wooden hoop in shades of pink, purple, green, and blue in various textures and shapes.] #TakeTwoFiberArts #FleurWoodsArt