Tag: birthday

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Coffee & Contemplation: Antelope Canyon

For many birthdays, I never put much effort into myself or what I wanted. I felt no one else would care or no one would put forth any effort on my account. That was the darkness of depression looming over me. On my most recent birthday, I only wanted one thing. I wanted a birthday cake because I couldn’t remember the last time I had one. A friend of mine made me a cake and it was the most delicious thing ever. That one simple thing meant so much to me. I got everything I asked for on my birthday. I don’t think that’s ever happened.

For my next birthday, I’ve decided to make it something more memorable. I live in Tucson, AZ. A few hours North, near the Stateline, is Page, AZ. Near Page, AZ is a beautiful place called Antelope Canyon. See the photo to the left. When I researched this, I realized I may not be able to afford the kind of trip I want. I still plan to go there, but maybe not this immediate next birthday. Regardless, I’m making an effort to celebrate myself. That’s something I’ve never done before.

Why Antelope Canyon? Well, it looks cool. It’s not too far away. And it’s something I could do with friends or by myself. I’m considering a solo adventure because, again, I’ve never celebrated myself before. I’m looking forward to planning a birthday adventure and enjoying myself for once in my life. Maybe I’ll visit some place closer for my birthday this year and save the Antelope Canyon trip for 2021. In either case, I’m doing something that’s all about me and no one else. There’s something empowering about that statement. 

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Happy Birthday Shakespeare!

Photo by Mike on Pexels.com

In celebration of Shakespeare’s birth and death day, and in celebration of National Poetry Month, enjoy one of Shakespeare’s sonnets. This is one of my favorites.

Sonnet LXXI (71)

No longer mourn for me when I am dead
Than you shall hear the surly sullen bell
Give warning to the world that I am fled
From this vile world with vilest worms to dwell:
Nay, if you read this line, remember not
The hand that writ it, for I love you so,
That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot,
If thinking on me then should make you woe.
O! if, I say, you look upon this verse,
When I perhaps compounded am with clay,
Do not so much as my poor name rehearse;
But let your love even with my life decay;
   Lest the wise world should look into your moan,
   And mock you with me after I am gone.

Visit Shakespeare’s Sonnets to read more of his poetry.

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Free eBook Friday: September

Not only is today Free eBook Friday, but it is also my birthday. Instead of asking everyone for gifts, I’m giving you all a free download of one of my books. This month’s eBook is Men Are Garbage. In my newest collection of poetry, I examine masculinity and reflect on personal experiences. Some of this includes childhood trauma. Some includes adult trauma. This is not the happy romance some people think of when they hear the word poetry. It’s dark. It’s real life. It’s my life. It felt fitting to offer this as a free download on my birthday.

The other exciting aspect of this poetry collection is I will feature some of the poems in a one man show I’m performing for the Tucson Fringe Festival in January 2020. I’ll share some poems along with some personal stories of my life and what inspired those poems. It will be an hour of poetry and storytelling. I’m excited as this is the first time, I’m featuring my work in this kind of performance. I’ve read my poetry to an audience before but only for a few minutes. More details on this as we get closer to 2020. The title of the show is also “Men Are Garbage.”

Most of the poetry included in this book was written within about a week. I would call it extreme inspiration or an emotional rage, but perhaps it was a little of both. I hope, in some small way, this collection will help the world. I never thought I would write poetry this much again, but I felt more passion behind this project than many of my other projects. I hope you enjoy it. “James Pack examines masculinity and anxiety in “Men Are Garbage,” a book of poetry in which he reflects on childhood trauma and his time as a nightclub bouncer.”