Month: October 2022

AWOL. Back Now.

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy Stuff1 Comment

So… I realized I haven’t dropped into your inbox for a bit. I’ve been at GRL and visiting with TA Moore and Bru Baker. A huge shout out to my baby brother, Greg Tremblay as well as AC Mink who was a godsend and a great support during the slog thru my first outing as a human being in several years. I also have to thank Venona for the coffee because guys, Portsmouth at oh-dark-thirty without coffee is a pain in the ass.

Traveling meant having plans on how to deal with the ongoing medical issues I’ve been having and can I tell you that it is like planning a beach landing during high tide. Literally. Some days went well while others… like the plane trip over to DC… did not. The first few days were really rough. Hella rough and managing to deal with all of that and really interacting was a bitch. My masking and socializing skills were fucking rusty as hell and I was grumpy. I’m surprised Tamm didn’t just drown me in a vat of unsweetened tea. I bribed her with Sparkling Ice drinks which she does love and can’t get in Northern Ireland.

Aside from the body stuff, GRL was a fun time and I purposely took it slow. Listened to my body tell me to go lie down and listened to my brain when it said; enough with the people and noise. Aspergers is a bitch like that. Noise can hit like waves and after a bit, it feels like you’re drowning so being careful about taking in too much is always good.

But ah, when you want to stay and have fun but your body and your brain are all… NOPE! Be healthy! Get some down time.

There is a COVID plague currently working through the GRL attendees so… that’s kind of bothersome but hopefully everyone will get well quickly and no one will have it too bad.

The staff at the hotel was fantastic and our room was really nice. We didn’t have any problems although rooming with two unpackers can be a funny experience. Both Bru and Tamm put things away so they’d be safe but then can’t remember where. I’m used to it with them. Housekeeping was always told, just take out the trash and change the towels. Anything further than that would be hazard pay because you’ve got three authors loaded down with books, swag, and luggage…and a fully stocked bar of coffee stuff, a tea kettle, and a shit ton of snacks. Hazard pay.

All in all, a good time was had. And most of all, I got to see some of my favourite people…and feed them crispy pata. Which is always a fantastic experience.

Now to get ready for the bestest holiday in the world… Halloween.

Today’s Borking Report! And a Purple Sweet Potato…

On By Rhys FordIn Rhys Ford

Today’s Borking Report!

It is a fine morning for Borking Potatoes, the sun wasn’t out when he left but showed some promise of appearing on the way back. Or at least we could tell he was on his way back. He will get his first Friday bork this week and then there will be a pause while I go to GRL and Auntie Paige goes to Portugal, which humourous because well, that is one of the lands of my people. And she’s headed to the right cities to visit my relatives. Well, except for my grandfather’s family on the Southern point but it’ll do 😀

Gus was VERY excited to head out today and for once, it wasn’t me holding him up but instead Andi and Paige were chatting. There was a bit of scolding done and out they went. He’s good for about 30 seconds of talking when he’s about to go on a bork but that’s his limit. After that, his opinion is made known and the door is expected to open so he can make his rounds.

He came back so happy and a bit tired but he rolled around and frolicked while we all talked. Now, he’s asleep in his bed and his cat is lounging in front of the back screen door… so all is right in the world of the Potato.

From his Auntie Paige:
Gus had a mighty Bork at any and all passerbys. The first person we saw with several dogs seemed to know Gus and said hello from across the street, and Gus borked in reply.

Thank you so much!
Best, Paige

Today’s Borking Report… and the Potato is Enraged by a Lawn Ornament

On By Rhys FordIn Rhys Ford4 Comments

Today’s BORKING REPORT!

Well, the Potato’s schedule will be changing next week from Mon and Weds to Mon and Friday. Weds will be becoming a work day at about the time Gus needs to get kitted up and I could have switched him to the afternoon but there are more people walking about in the afternoon and it does get hotter. Mornings are better and then he can spend the day sleeping off the long haul.

It’s not really a long haul. He goes to the end of the block and back. It’s a good chance for him to stretch his legs, get a run in, and most of all… roll about in wet grass.

The Potato does have a curious behaviour when he’s out and kitted up. If he comes across something he feels is dangerous and you step closer, he will butt you in the shin with his nose to push you back. Because you have to be protected at all costs and since you obviously cannot see the danger, he is there to tell you to step away… so he can scare it off.

He did come home after scolding a lawn decoration for existing and promptly rolled around the living room like a katamari damacy ball. Grinning the entire time. He’s a dork.

From his Auntie Paige
Here is the ghost as promised. Gus did not like it and wanted me to stay away from it. My knight in shining armor!

Thank you so much! Best, Paige

Embracing and celebrating our Māhū past and present. Ka Wai Ola Link to Kapaemahu

On By Rhys FordIn Rhys Ford2 Comments
Māhū is a problematic word. It’s been appropriated by people who don’t understand its meaning and used as a “hateful” attack against gays for a long time now. It’s not a word for non-Hawaiians to “claw back”. Doing that is kind of like Randall taking back a certain racist slur in Clerks 2.
Māhū doesn’t necessarily mean homosexual although that’s rolled into it. It’s also kind of a societal function, a place in the Hawaiian society that bridges male and female. A third gender state.
That all being said, we are only whole when we embrace the presence of namāhū in our culture and celebrate their presence in our myths, legends and society. For too long our culture was under attack and being erased to white-wash us out of existence. As we strengthen who we are, we must also remember to acknowledge and give love to all of our people.