With people’s bullshit — I’m tired of people’s bullshit. I’m too old for it — I’ve been around the block too many times — known people I don’t want to know, and allowed them to take me for a fool. Christ, I’ve been a therapist for most of my working life and sat for hours trying…

And see how far I could go — Y’know, some days, I feel like letting everything go, mix dope with alcohol, pouring the whole bottle of hot sauce on my enchilada — going off the deep end, and falling into a black hole. Rebel against the standards of good behavior, challenge the civil code of conduct. Break away from the…

As explained by the universe — Before the newborn opened his eyes, the mother wrapped him securely in a blanket, and whispered these promises: “We are only going to have pleasant dreams, sweet child. Clouds will never dampen your mood. You will never want for anything. I promise you will never experience pain nor will harm come your…

By the hands of Rodin — I’ve sat so much, I’ve become like a knot on a log, glued to one place, unable to move my bronze ass, sinking so low, I am hypnotized by my own paralytic inaction, deep in thought. There are times when I want to be alive, not just as a spectator with my…

Castles, mermaids, and monsters — The picture above is one of my favorites. Not quite Game of Thrones material, but good enough for a kid with a good imagination.

With the letters SP carved into its forehead — South Mountain stands tall under a bright California sun. It gazes upon the Santa Clara River Valley, above tiny, one-story houses, street lights on Main Street, cafes, taquerias, and Western shops passed down to the young. There are bumpy, curvy roads going up its tree-lined slope, tracks with an occasional train, small private planes going in circles, dotting the Santa Paula landscape, hawks dive-bomb their prey; and on the chilly December night, Santa’s sleigh can be spotted doing rounds before Christmas.

Life’s not a tragedy — it’s a comedy — “I think the greatest gift acting has given me and many of us in this room is the opportunity to use our voice for the voiceless.” — Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar acceptance speech for ‘Joker.’ Dear Joaquin, If I had to choose an actor to be — it would be you…

Come hell or high water — “The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going.” — George Carlin Because I was a therapist, whenever I hear someone say — “Don’t talk about my family,” I wonder what they’re protecting; if their lives are tied in knots, sacrificing themselves for the good of…

And playing psychotic piggyback — The facility was a dilapidated psychiatric unit for teenagers in crisis. It was located deep in the boondocks, about an hour's drive from the city. It was completely isolated, so if a patient escaped, there would be nowhere for them to go except to wander in the forest. I underwent…