Goodbye monsoons, hello hurricanes.

See You Later Arizona

(for those email subscribed, sorry, still having formatting issues)

As I make a change in life, I decided to review:

As a young man, with nary a possession, I found myself “Standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona”. No one but the cops were “Slowin’ down to look at me”. I used the last of my money to get to Phoenix and went to work as a day laborer. Buying a used bike allowed me to take on easier jobs. Which then led to jobs where I could use my limited vocational electronics education. Namely in woodworking and associated office work. Then came my BBS(Dial-up Bulletin Board System), a job in tech support and the beginning of a long career in internet technologies. Along the way the kindness of many made it possible.

As I became stable I stumbled across the concept of social nudity and took the brave step of going to a clothing optional camp-out. It was life changing. Partly because I found good people, but partly because I felt more…me. I suspect now, that I was drawn to it because my sensory processing of touch is sometimes abnormal. Clothing can hurt.

Through nudism I learned of Burning Man. Which is clothing optional, but not a nudist place. I went initially because I didn’t like being segregated from the textile world. As well as seeking acceptance of my odd self. It too was life changing. The principles of Burning Man became my principles.

The theme camps, art projects and social endeavors I’ve done over the years lead to real world skills and confidence. Which led me to starting a business (the one hosting this blog 🙂 )

Burning Man also led to relationships and eventually polyamory. Giving me the opportunity for a long and loving relationship. It ended in violence and mental illness, but 15 years is quite a success in the poly world. Burning Man also gave me a vast network of people I would call friends, even if I rarely see them or have never met them. There is always a hug out there.

As I begin a new journey I look back at the joys, success, failures and traumas. I see a strength I don’t always feel and the influences of many that guided me. I see a path of growth that only looks to continue. I see a willingness to step into the unknown and I see a future without fear.

Thank you Arizona for all you’ve given me. It’s not goodbye, only see you later.