Unhinge, and say 'ahhh'.

I just spent the better part of an hour writing today's post only for it to slip into the ether. After pulling out all of my remaining hair for another 45 minutes, I'm going to try it again.

So, as I was saying before the gremlins took over- Recently I've been reflecting on life, love, loss, and all of the finer points between. For those who've been tuned in, a few weeks ago, we lost Kevin Wilkins.

Then, last week we lost Tom Granges (who, among his many accomplishments, Geno reminded me, was responsible for the box design/packing process of how bicycles are shipped). Next time you pull a bike out for assembly, think of Tom.

As I licked my wounds about these two, word came down that the absolute powerhouse who was Rich Jacobs had finally lost his battle against leukemia in his New York hospital room, which while not surprising, laid me flat.

For those who might not be aware, Rich was a writer, zine maker, publisher, artist, and musician who was like the punk rock/skateboarding/art Forrest Gump. He was absolutely everywhere, his fingerprints were on everything, and his influence was immeasurable;

I first came across Rich's pencil portraits in a show at a little bookstore in Oakland around 2014, and as I became friends with him, realized I was aware of him long before I was aware that I was aware of him, which was one of the things that was so magical about him.

Anyway, I helped him pack before his move to the East Coast, held on to some of his stuff (that Krooked board graphic included) until he had a safe place to store it, and had the good fortune of buying some of his work while he cleaned out his studio;

He was never not working. Even up to his last days, he had a stack of sketchbooks next to his bed. He was in every sense of the word, an absolute powerhouse, and an inspiration.

With the loss of these three figures in the front of my brain, a thing my ex once said to me again started ricocheting around my neural pathways which I elaborated on virtually elsewhere, but will again here because while it was far and above one of the meanest things ever expressed towards me, it eventually opened up a very important realization;

"I've had three friends/compatriots/mentors/influences/figures of such value in my generally insignificant little world graduate from this life onto whatever's next in the last three weeks.

Three people in three weeks.

One night several years ago, upon learning of yet another cancer diagnosis in my circle, instead of offering an ear or a shoulder, I was told that maybe it was because 'they were attracted to my wounded energy'.

With those words rattling around in my head these last many years.I finally realized today that the truth of it may be that I just happen to sometimes attract, and be attracted to people who are just too good for this world.

This feels far more accurate.

So to Kevin, Tom, and Rich, thank you for helping to make my life a better one.

Here's to meeting up again someday."

I sure hope we can.

And because I can hear grumblings from here- You are correct, that is an incredibly fucked up thing to say to someone you dislike, let alone a person you profess to care for. While she apologized, sometimes you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube. Ultimately, it lead me to better realizations, and that's what's important.

Anyway, I really loved those guys, and am so grateful to have been brought into their worlds. They continue to inspire me to be a more creative, more productive, and overall better version of myself. One day I hope the same could be said about any of us.

Moving onto additionally important stuff, did you know Lisa Gail has a new song and music video?;

I had a whole post about Lisa a year or two ago in which I discussed her hit '3 Second Rule', her penchant for sparkly sunglasses, and her unparalleled harmonies, which is archived somewhere, none of which is important now that this absolute banger is out in the world.

You're welcome. 

Right quick, I would be remiss not to mention that I have a brand new batch of Respect Women t-shirts and hoodies in the store right now;

Want to show the world you believe in equal rights and religious freedom? Look no further, and always remember that a portion of the proceeds get donated directly to the Rape Incest Abuse National Network ,so you can piss of random Karens and Chads AND do right by a really good help network.

Now, before I pop the head and rip the tail on today's effort, I'd like to please direct your eyeballs  towards the 207th episode of Revolting;

Put it all in your ear mouths at once, but don't forget to chew it first.