Episode Six of the podcast is live!

 Since I’m going to be out of the country for 2 weeks starting next Monday, there will be no new episode of the JUST A LITTLE BRONZER™️ podcast until the week of September 13th. However, if you’re curious to hear my first attempt at being a book narrator, check out this week’s episode. I read the first three chapters of my upcoming book (as Sebastian Madrigál), FATHER MEDIUM (the first book in what I hope will be a series). Join Father Jospeh Ashling, a priest with a special gift, and his sassy assistant Percy DuMont as they investigate some strangeness in the small town of Crystal Falls. 

This book will eventually be “rated” R, so if you’re not comfortable with strong language and adult content, you might want to skip this one. If you do take the time to listen, I would covet your feedback. You can find my email address in the description box of the episode. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5NBE6aEkCWMDj2GjNLDWXg?si=TiHgIJfETaenFbR8yaFD3A&utm_source=copy-link

New podcast episodes are live!

 Episodes 4 and 5 are currently live, with episode 6 dropping tomorrow morning!

Episode 4 - Life Update and Upcoming Guests

Episode 5 - Special guest, Julie Nooner Forte, Voiceover Performer and Skincare Guru

Episode 6 - A sneak peak at my upcoming book (as Sebastian Madrigál) FATHER MEDIUM - BOOK ONE OF THE CRYSTAL FALLS CHRONICLES

I’ll be out of the country from August 24th through September 4th, but will have a new episode scheduled to drop on August 25th - an interview with Rev. Mara Richards Bim, an associate pastor at Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

https://open.spotify.com/show/033L1fBQKiAhlfJrpMGzn7?si=zwoUhdZqQMmZp_2JBhHzdQ&utm_source=copy-link

Episode 3 of Podcast Live Now!

Just a Little Bronzer Episode 3 - A Little Bit of This & That is live now!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vsCZex5xKrdMjPak2k8xH

New Podcast Episode is LIVE!

Join me for a powerful interview with my niece, Amber - we dive into the realities, challenges, and unexpected joys of raising a child with Kabuki Syndrome. 

Please subscribe if you’re so inclined!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Mc6sqDeBTviQlzyyaMsvd 

First Podcast Episode is Live!

 The first episode of our sister podcast is live! It’s just a short introduction, but I hope to have a full episode next week. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1NSDYtF1wC32eKaZYAszJw

Allergy Specialist in Dallas

 Looking for a great allergy and asthma specialist in the Dallas area? I highly recommend Dr. Sandeep Reddy and his staff. They are professional, friendly, and courteous. 

Allergy & Asthma Associates of Dallas

12700 Hillcrest Road, Suite 230

Dallas, Texas 75230

(972) 426-9526

ALLERGY & ASTHMA ASSOCIATES OF DALLAS

The Man is Deranged!

 To say that President Obama is living rent-free in the Convicted Felon and Adjudicated Rāpist currently squatting in the White House’s headspace is a massive understatement. Trump is a narcissist and sociopath. He can’t stand the thought that Obama or Biden are more respected and loved than he. Full stop, end of story. 

Starting a Podcast!

 I’m starting a podcast. Not sure what I’ll be talking about yet, but as soon as it’s up and running, I’ll share the link here. I suspect it will be random musings akin to what you’ll find here. 😎

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 afternoon out. We took photos of ourselves in the Iron Throne. I asked AI to turn me into a character on the show. 

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. 

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!

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

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. 

Nazri Noor’s Amazon Page

I Will Put Up With a Lot …

 … but I absolutely will not tolerate being spoken to in a disrespectful manner. I wouldn’t allow that from someone I don’t like or respect, let alone someone I considered to be family. It hurts to say this, but consider yourself cut out of my life. 

Dating While Over 50, revisited

 He reached out, and we have a date for New Year’s Eve. Yeah, I realize that’s probably not the best first date option (up there with Valentine’s Day), but I’m excited nevertheless. 

Dating While Over 50

 Recently, someone expressed interest in me. I was caught totally off guard, as this guy is 30 years my junior. We talked about seeing each other in a dating situation. However since then, he’s been pretty much radio silent. I don’t know if I misread the signals or if he’s simply changed his mind. Either way, I really do wish he’d reach out and let me know  

And this brings up something that I think men of my age and dating experience (practically nil) deal with. I don’t like bars or clubs, I’ve tried the apps and found them horribly depressing, and honestly I’m an extroverted introvert (I do well in groups of people I know, but turn into a wallflower in groups of people I’m not familiar with). Don’t get it twisted - I’m happy with my life and where I am, but sometimes it would be nice to have someone to cuddle up to on the sofa and watch movies with. It seems to me I can’t be the only gay guy over 50 (okay, over 60) who is in this situation. 

Brow Journey, Week 3

 I’m really happy with how my brows look. Mandy is a true artist!

Skate America 2024

 A few weeks ago, I attended the Skate America competition in Allen, Texas with my dear friend Coy Covington. I got to see some of my favorite skaters, including Donovan Carrillo from Mexico, Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the USA (and the reigning World Ice Dance champs), and France’s Kevin Aymoz. I was also finally able to meet Ashley Cain, former US Pairs champ and 2022 Winter Olympian (she and her partner, Timothy LeDuc, placed 8th!); we’ve been friends on Instagram for several years, and it was so nice to finally meet her IRL. She’s just the sweetest person ever!

Brow Journey, Part 4

 It’s been a week since I had my brows tattooed by Mandy C (I’ll include a link to her website below). I’m very pleased with the result. She was able to fix a problem with the tails and arches, give me a more full look (years of waxing had pretty much destroyed the shape of my natural brows). and the color she selected complements my skin tone perfectly. I may go in for a touch-up in about six to eight weeks, but I’ll make that determination in a few weeks. 

Mandy’s website is https://www.browsbymandyc.com/ … she specializes in powder ombré brows (she does not do or recommend microblading).

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Today was a good day

 I had the honor and pleasure of participating in the ordination service for my friend Jonathan Greer this afternoon as part of the choir. My soul rejoices and my spirits are lifted.