Just A Little Bronzer™️
Random musings and a picture into my world. You might see recipes one day, hockey stats the next, and even my top ten Hollywood heart throbs the following day. It all depends on my mood and what's going on in my noggin at the time. Typically SFW, but occasionally NSFW. You will definitely see photos of animals, friends, and places I've visited. Sit down and pour yourself a cuppa ... enjoy!
Copyright © 2022 - 2025 by Steven Shayle Rhodes - All Rights Reserved
Monday, March 2, 2026
Game of Thrones
Dating as a Mature Gay Man
Dating as a mature gay man (over 60) is a crapshoot at best. There are so many “dating” apps out there, but let’s be realistic - they are more for hooking up and one-night stands than for finding a meaningful relationship. I’m not opposed to a little fun along the way, but more often than not, those types of encounters leave me feeling empty and a little bit sad.
I met a guy on one of the apps a few months ago. Our circles had intersected over the years, it this was the first time we’d ever met. I didn’t detect any real interest, so I thought “that’s okay, at least I have a new friend.”
Today, I decided to take a bold step and messaged him that I thought we should go out on a date.
Crickets.
I’m trying to not let it get me down, but I have to be honest - this hurts.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
UTI WTF?!?
I’ve lived almost six and a half decades, and for the first time (at least that I’m aware of), I have a UTI. And let me tell you … it’s not fun. I feel so much empathy for those who suffer from them regularly. The pain is something I’d never thought I would have to experience, and hope to never again!
If anyone out there has tips to help keep this happening again, please chime in!
Monday, April 21, 2025
Pope Francis
Although, as they say, I don’t have a horse in this race (I’m not Roman Catholic), I am very saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis. He was an extraordinary man leading a religion in very troubling times. He leaned towards being progressive, which I know irritated a lot of the more traditional Roman Catholics around the world. However, it gives me hope that the Roman Catholic Church is learning to become more compassionate and inclusive. My hope is that the Roman Catholic Church will continue the progressive legacy that Pope Francis has left. Rest in peace, gentle man. You will be greatly missed.
Photo Copyright ©️ 2025 by Vanity Fair
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Life Update
It’s been a hot minute (or seventeen) since I’ve written. I’m trying to change that and make more of an effort to write at least once a week. No promises, mind you.
I’m still enjoying my part-time job with a local suburb’s visitor center. Honestly, it’s like working in a Hallmark movie. Plus it gets me out of the house at least twice a week AND gives me some mad spending money (I just shelled out all I’ve made this year for even MORE repairs on my sunroom - more about that in a future blog). The folks I meet are nice, and it turns out I don’t hate people nearly as much as I thought I did.
So, there’s this guy. 😍 We’ve known each other for 22-ish years, but lost track of each other, and reconnected recently. He will probably see this, but he also knows how I feel about him. I don’t want to push, as that’s not something either of us needs (past relationship trauma for us both). No matter what happens, I’m glad to have my friend back in my life. Love you, CJ!
I’ve started working on my novel again. And boy, the creative juices are flowing baby! Not going to jinx it, but I already have a publisher interested. My hope is to create a universe in which I can continue to write books for years (sort of like my fave author at the moment, Nazri Noor; I’ll link his Amazon page below).
That’s all for now, gentle readers.
Game of Thrones
I went to the GAME OF THRONES exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art yesterday with my friends Chris and Frank. It was a much needed aftern...
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I had to say goodbye to my little old lady, Belle, a couple of weeks ago. It was truly a difficult decision, but her quality of life had be...
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I’ve lived almost six and a half decades, and for the first time (at least that I’m aware of), I have a UTI. And let me tell you … it’s not...

