SoundByte 60
Sixty episodes? Really?? This week’s show is an Early Monday Edition again – but there’s a good reason for it. Updates, music, thoughts, and all the stuff you come to expect from your favorite Boston podcaster are all in this show this week. Thanks for downloading and enjoy!
This Week’s Music:
- Shades of Love – Josh Gallahan
- Future Memories – ATB
- Wishlist – Pearl Jam
- To Love Somebody – Nina Simone
- Single – Natasha Beddingfield
- Proud Mary – Tina Turner
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SoundByte 58
So, this week’s show goes all over the place. I’ve got more news to share, all of it good, as far as I can tell, and I go into a little bit more detail about when Nate and I first met (Thanks to Julian from FoulMonkeys for the suggestion via Twitter). Thanks again for downloading, and be sure to check out the blog to make a donation to my mom’s massive bike ride for the American Lung Association!
This Week’s Music Pick’s:
- Music Sounds Better With You – Stardust
- Rose Rouge – St. Germaine
- Love Will Find You – ATB
- Clear Blue Water (Ferry Corsten Remix) - OceanLab
- I Love You (Cosmic Gate Remix) – Kyau and Albert
- Shades of Love – Josh Gallahan
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Support My Mom!
So, those of you who grew up in a very rural area of the country will have an appreciation for the bicycle. As a kid in a small town in rural Maine, my bike was my ticket out of the house, and the means to go exploring, visit friends, and simply get around without relying on anyone else but yourself, at least until you got your license. I have many, MANY fond memories of bike rides that would last from early in the morning until the sun went down. My mom shared this passion with us as kids, not only making sure we knew how to ride a bike at an early age, but also supplying my brother and I with new bikes as often as she and my dad could afford to do so. We learned how to maintain them, and would ride the hell out of them, especially on the trails and dirt roads that surrounded our house.
It’s in this spirit, and with this in mind, that my Mom has taken bike riding to a new level.
My mother has decided that she’s going to do something she’s never done before, and as a proud son, I wanted to do my part. In the sidebar on the right, you’ll see a little ad for the Trek Across Maine, a fundraising event for the American Lung Association. This event is best described from their website:
The Trek is a three-day bicycle ride held annually on Father’s Day weekend in June. The ride is approximately 180 miles across Maine, from the mountains of Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel to the coastline in Belfast, Maine. We have overnight stops at the University of Maine in Farmington and Colby College in Waterville.
That’s right: 180 MILES of bike riding!
Though I’m not able to take part in the event myself, along side her, I wanted to do my bit to show her a little love. She’s trying to raise $500 as her pledge. I know we can all help her a little bit, so if you click on the button to the right, you will be taken directly to her pledge page, where you can give as much as you can to help her reach her goal.
I am so proud of her for doing this!
SoundByte 56
Hey all! It’s another Early Monday Morning show! We had an awesome weekend, which I recap, and reveal a little bit about where I’m at, both in my head, and looking forward. Thanks for downloading the show, and look for more posts on the blog – I don’t do it enough, I know.
XX
Thom
This Week’s Music:
- By Your Side: Melina
- My Feeling: Junior Jack
- Bliss (Alpha 9 Club Mix): Alpha 9
- My Saving Grace: ATB
- Feel Your Love: Kim Sozzi
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
A Week Beyond
So, I know, I know…I’m overdue for a podcast. I promise, there will be a show this weekend, and probably an extended one. I’ve got so much to catch you all up on. This morning, though, I wanted to just get some stuff out in writing, and see where it takes me.
A week ago, Nate and I were tucked away in our little room in a quaint little guest house in Provincetown. A week ago, I was struggling to unwind, struggling to let go of my anxieties and just relax on our little break from reality. Today, I find myself struggling to get up the gumption to get out of bed, let alone be productive and creative. It’s like my body is here, in Boston’s North End, but my mind (and potentially my heart) have found a home away from home at the end of Cape Cod and are refusing to catch the next bus home. I’m clinging to the feeling of relaxation, of not taking myself so damn seriously, and of simply smiling because I woke up to see the day before me. I know, eventually, this feeling of floating will subside, and I’ll be looking at the calendar, wondering when my next opportunity to get away with Nate will be coming. For now, I’m just getting through the week, and hoping the weekend comes quickly and painlessly.
I am pretty happy with the progress I made this week with regards to my school application. I decided to just give it up, and submit my writing pieces. When I mean submit, I mean I’ve added them to my school application, with the unwritten understanding that I won’t be editing them again until I’m actually in school. I’ve put that whole fear of failure with regards to the words I wrote behind me, and now am looking at gathering the info I need to plan out two years of studying. I have a general idea of the overarching focus of what it is I’m going to be doing, but it’s the finer details that I’m worried over. I also need to develop a bibliography of books I’ll be using in my studies. It’s going to take some time, and some research, but I think I’ll get there, hopefully by the end of next week. That, coupled with filling out my FAFSA, will put my application to rest, at least in terms of my end of it. There’s still the letters of recommendation to collect, and transcripts to request. Soon, though, it’ll be complete. Then, it’s a matter of waiting to hear from Goddard.
There are so many other things rolling around in my head right now that need to be attended to, and sorted through, but I’m hoping a little downtime this weekend will prove to have the soothing effect I need. Right now, I just need to get my life in order, and get through the tasks I feel have fallen behind, organize my schedule, and set some reasonable goals in terms of my writing. I also get to undertake filing my 2009 taxes (joyful time), and hopefully get a sizable refund. That would come in VERY handy right now – especially in terms of putting money in the bank, and saving for our next adventure out.
Anyway, I’ve got to get ready for work, but know I’ll be back on the air this weekend, with a mouthful to say, I’m sure. Thanks for standing by!
-Thom
Having Returned
We needed that. We needed the chance to re-connect, to break away, and to take a breath. Our trip to Provincetown, MA over last weekend provided us with the perfect opportunity to do all we were missing during the holiday season last year. We shared each other’s company, we got out in the fresh air, we shared a few drinks, ate a fabulous meal or two, and took a few deep, well-earned breaths of fresh January air.
Below is some of the evidence of our little excursion:
Click for more!
I needed the chance to refocus my energies on the things that I began shortly after our last trip to Provincetown last October. I came back from that trip with a heightened sense of ability, a realization that our life was too damn confined and limited, and a real drive to move forward. This trip served as a refresher of those exact same feelings. I was able to jot down some thoughts while we were there, in a little composition book that I kept with me for most of our trips out. I was able to take a step back, and work on building up my own confidence in my abilities, and now realize that the only thing standing in my way is myself, even more than I thought before this trip. In fact, I realize more clearly now that I need to finish what I’ve started, not only for my benefit, but for the benefit of Nate, and our relationship. He deserves a chance at a life better than the one we have currently, and it’s my responsibility, not only as his husband, but as a man who owes so much to him, to provide for him, and for us. I can do that, as long as I am able to take the massive leap of faith in myself that needs to happen.
There’s so much going on in my head right now. I’m feeling myself stumbling over what to write, even here. I suppose, for now, I’ll stop, and go into more detail on my next podcast, which will probably be sometime this week, if not on next Sunday. For now, I’m just going to let the after-glow of the long weekend away continue to wash over me, and not get too wound up about things. Being overly anxious only serves to stand in my way when dealing with what lies ahead for me.
-Thom
Before We Go…
So, before we head off to Provincetown, MA for our anniversary celebration/mid-winter break from reality, I wanted to do a quick blog post, and just share a few of the thoughts rolling in my head.
As most of you know, the Prop 8 Trial has started in California. Though I’m very much on pins and needles to see how the trial turns out, honestly, I’ve tried my damnedest to not get too worked up over it. I know, I know…but, Thom, you’re a gay man who’s married, and this trial can have a direct impact on your life and the legal status of your marriage…believe me, I’ve been saying that to myself for days now. After the loss of gay marriage rights in Maine, though, I’ve recoiled, and in a way, turned my attention inward. I don’t agree that the right to marry should be on display, or even up for judgement. It should just be. That said, I appreciate the legal system we have in this country, and I appreciate the process of getting the laws written down in such a way as to protect current and future people from discrimination. I do hope for a positive result of the trial, and I desperately want my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in California to be afforded the same rights that I currently share with Nate here in Massachusetts. I still don’t understand the ramifications of this case being tried on a federal level, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a precedent-setting result, one way or the other.
I’m also staring down the application for school that is a constant reminder on my desktop. The application essays need to be edited, the questions all answered to the best of my ability, and honestly, I haven’t had the courage to face them lately. It’s not that my passion for it has waned, as I know going back to school, and doing it the way I’m applying to, is the right direction for me. I just need a little more reassurance, from myself to myself, that I’m worth and capable of chasing down this goal and achieving it. I’m hoping that the recharge of my batteries this weekend will provide me with that assurance, and though I’m not going into this break in P’town with any real expectations or goals, it would be nice to come back with a clearer head, and a more focused drive to get this application off my desk. For that, I’m just going to need to dig deep.
I will be going “radio-silent” while we are away, though I have a feeling Nate isn’t going to be the same this time around. If you do need to reach me, you can send an e-mail, and if it’s urgent, I’ll respond, but until Tuesday morning, you won’t be hearing much from me. Unplugging worked wonders for me the last time we took a break like this, so I’m hoping to have a repeat performance.
Thank you to all of you who have wished us the best, and who continue to follow me, and us, online. We’re a funny couple of guys, but truly, we do appreciate the love and support you all have given us.
My thoughts are also with the people of Haiti, as they come to grips with the massive earthquake that has rocked that tiny, desperately poor country to its core. Please, keep them in mind, and do what you can to help. Even a good thought (or prayer, if that’s your thing) will do a small amount of good. Heaven knows, there’s not enough attention paid to the others who inhabit this planet, and taking a moment out of our days to send some cosmic good out there would be a refreshing change for most of us, myself included.
Till Tuesday!
XX
Thom
SoundByte 53
Good Morning All! This show’s a bit different from the rest, thanks to Gavin’s great idea. It’s a musical recap of 2009, and as you will note, it’s an hour long. I hope you enjoy the music, and have a visit to the artist’s links that I’ve provided. I look forward to another great year of music for 2010, and look forward to sharing it all with you over the weeks and months to come. Just a reminder, there won’t be a podcast next Sunday, as Nate and I will be in Provincetown, but I’m sure I’ll have loads to talk about and share with you upon our return. Thanks!
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SoundByte 52
Hello and Happy New Years all! Today’s show is a nice reflect on the weekend past, a little on the present, and a little look into what I hope is in my future. The music is a bit mellow for all you post-party people. I hope you all had a safe and wonderful New Years, and I want to welcome you all to 2010! Thanks for downloading!
Music:
- Beach Vibes by ATB
- Give a Little Love by Bob Sinclair
- Say Hello Wave Goodbye by David Gray
- If I Could Fly by OceanLab
- Rainbow Connection by Sarah Maclachlan
- Breathe Me by Sia
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A Call for Help: To my fellow LGBTQ? and Friends…
I am currently working on an application to graduate school, and as part of my application, I need to come up with a bibliography/resource list of books/material I can use to help further my study.
My study plan includes focusing on being gay and being from New England. Specifically, being a gay male, but any gender outsider’s perspective would be worth visiting and pondering over while I’m at school. Also, I’m examining New England, specifically in terms of the male perspective, but again, any perspective from a fellow New Englander, from any era/age, would be very, very helpful.
If any of you have any suggestions for scholarly, worthy writers/titles that I should include in my list, please feel free to leave a comment here, or better yet, you can just send me an e-mail: thompalmer@teachingthomas.net
Again, topic/subject is either Gay-centric, or, alternatively, living in New England.
I have a small, but growing, list already, given my own educational background, but as it’s a two year program, and I should be reading about 8-10 books a semster (give or take), I need a lot more than what I’ve got listed already.
Thanks!!
Breakthrough…a beginning
This morning, I stared down the question on the application for school that has me detailing my plan of study for the next two years. The program I’m applying to is self-directed, so as part of my acceptance into the program, I need to demonstrate that what I want to do, and how I intend on achieving a Masters in Fine Arts, is up to snuff. I need to demonstrate that I can plan, I have a goal, and that there’s some semblance of direction with my course of study.
I have spent a large portion of time locked in this sort of freeze-up in my head. Each time I sat down to plan, I felt like I was staring down the barrel of a gun, and if I strayed from what is considered acceptable, my application would be tossed into the bin, and I’d be passed over for a better candidate, a better student, someone with more focus and vision. I have been in utter terror of that happening, and in fact, that’s been the entirety of the application process for this program. With each question on the application, I’m faced with the fear of being judged, of being tossed aside. This morning, though, I had a little bit of a psyche-up with myself, and broke through that fear, at least a little bit.
I got angry with myself for being scared, and then set about detailing the stuff I want to do while I go back to school to earn my MFA in Creative Writing. No, it may not be the most polished plan, and I still have a couple of semesters to fill in, but it’s something. I don’t want to get into too much detail here, yet, but suffice to say, what I want to get out of further education, and how I intend on using my time at the school I’m applying to (if I stick to what I’ve written so far), will be some of the most amazing, creative work I’ve every taken on. I’m putting my heart and soul into this opportunity, and I would love nothing more than the opportunity to see where this path leads me.
I guess, in the end, I could do what I want to do on the plan I’ve created without attending school, but as an educator in search of a higher degree, if I can incorporate earning a better pay rate, and another credential on my resume, with a deep-seeded passion of mine (writing), then it’s all for the better.
Again, and as always, more details to come as all this unfolds.
-Thom
SoundByte 49
This show is kind of bizarre. I seemed to struggle at stringing sentences together…in any regard, I talk about the first anniversary of my marriage to Nathaniel, the application to school, and where I’m at in my life these days. Thank you for downloading, and let me know what you think!
This week’s music:
- LA Nights: ATB
- A New Day: ATB
- Ordinary Miracle: Sarah McLachlan
- Ride: DJ Tiesto
- Call of Loneliness: Reeves
- Never Do a Tango With an Eskimo: Alma Coogal
- Linus and Lucy: Vince Guaraldi
- I Saw Three Ships: Barenaked Ladies
- Wintersong: Sarah McLachlan
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies
- Saving Grace: ATB
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
First Snow of Winter 2009 Pictures
As promised, here are the pictures I took last night and this morning. It wasn’t a deep snow, but it was very pretty to be out in (on foot at least), and definitely put myself and loads of people I know in the holiday spirit. Enjoy!
Click the Pic for More!
Silly Saturday Afternoon
So, yesterday was just an awesome day. I managed to have the morning off by some stroke of luck, and was able to get up, do some more writing (I’m currently just brushing 30,000 words!), and enjoy a relaxing few cups of coffee. Nate got home around 11:00 am, and we took a short nap on the couch together. I had also gotten a phone call out of the blue that Rod and Heather were bringing their son Eliot down to see the Boston Aquarium! Here’s Eliot, enjoying his mom’s fabulous sunglasses:
We visited with the three of them till around five, when they had to hit the road back to Maine. It was such a nice visit though! I truly miss seeing them more often, and we re-committed to getting up to their house at some point, probably after the holidays, and just spend a weekend relaxing at the Chateau du Hill.
Last night, we went out to a local gay bear bar here in Boston, too. It’s called the Alley Bar – a nice and dodgy name for a bar, I might add. It was a decent place, though, and the clientele were great. It was mostly older guys, middle age and up, just relaxing from a weekend spent with the family. As the night crept on, the place got more and more busy, and some of our friends showed up, which was great. It was unfortunate that we had to leave early, as Nate had to work this morning at 2am, but still, we managed to tie a little buzz on…okay, that’s a lie…the drinks were SUPER heavy-handed, and after three 7 & 7s, I was done with drinking. In any regard, it was great to get out with my hubby, and go out amongst other like-minded guys. We’ve been trying to do this more and more, and seriously, it’s been great for us, both as individuals, and as a couple. I had no idea being social was so damn important!
Today, we’re attending an event in Cambridge called Group Hug (you can find out more about it on Facebook – which I’d link to, but someone spammed the group inappropriately…). It’s the fifth event of it’s kind, held in the Enormous Room in Central Square, a place where there are plenty of comfy spots to hang out with friends and enjoy a casual Sunday afternoon without the attitude. I’ll give you all a full report when we get back, as we aren’t planning on being too late.
All in all, I’ve had a great Thanksgiving weekend. It’s been a great weekend of recovery from the last two weeks, and I’m looking forward to more great times ahead!
-Thom
PS: Here’s a video clip I thought you’d enjoy! (Give it a minute to load…)
This Writing Thing
I wanted to do a quick post, and reflect a little on this project I’ve taken on for the month of November. As you may recall, and can see from my Weekly Twitter Updates, I’ve been attempting to complete the NaNoWriMo competition by writing 50k words by the end of November. Basically, it’s a chance to finally attempt the task I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time now – get down the words to a story. I’ve been struggling with this task for years, probably ever since I could put two sentences together. I’ve always enjoyed telling stories, and reading them, and I’ve always been meaning to try and write some of them down. This month, and for the past two months now, I’ve finally begun that task. I’m doing the easy part now, according to my friend Shawn (an avid writer and fan of the written word), and just getting down the words. The hard part of editing will come later. I know I’ll be chucking out most of what I’ve written thus far, but that’s not what this post is about. Today, it’s all about the writing.
Currently, I’m up to about 13000 words. That’s just this month. If you also count the words I wrote last month, I’ve topped over 20k words since getting back from Provincetown with Nate for my birthday. Just over 30 days ago, I started earnestly putting pen to paper (well, typing, but you get my point), and look how far I’ve come? I’ve actually got over 20k words!
If I think about it, and let it sink in, honestly, I feel so proud of myself. I know, I know, I shouldn’t gloat and it sounds kind of tacky to wax poetically about this, but truth be told, I’m in a spot where I need something like this in my life. Each day is a measurable step towards something greater, perhaps, and without putting too much pressure on myself, or on the story, I’m really hoping to make this act of writing a life-time thing.
Does that mean I’m writing exquisite prose at every turn? Hell no! Like I said, this is just about getting down the words. Yes, someday I’d love to see my book in print, my words wrapped in a glossy cover, facing outward on a shelf in a bookstore. The truth is, that may or may not ever become a reality, but I’m much closer to achieving that now than I’ve ever been. For now, that feels great.
I actually feel like a writer.
-Thom
SoundByte 44
Hey all! It’s a quickie this week! A little update on the past week, weekend, and some updates on what I’m up to. You can now leave a voicemail, if you choose: (617) 466-9740. Feel free to drop a line!
Music from Radiohead, The Cure, and Just Jack.
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Scream!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toP_S5sx5Yw[/youtube]
SoundByte 43
Hey all! Pardon the croaky voice – there’s a good reason for it, and I explain on the show. Today’s show is pretty run-of-the-mill, but I also comment on where Nate and I are at, and why I will keep podcasting. As always, feel free to drop a line and say hi! Thanks for downloading!
Today’s Music:
- Crash – Dave Matthews Band
- American Dreaming
- Driving to Heaven – DJ Tiesto
- C’est si Bon – Eartha Kitt
- If The Sun Refused to Shine – Led Zepplin
- Open the Door – Betty Carter
- Use Me – Bill Withers
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
SoundByte 42
Today’s show is a reflection upon the birthday vacation that Nate and I took. Have a listen, and please, let me know your reactions, and thanks for downloading!
Today’s Music:
- Dirty Water – Standells
- Burned With Desire – Armin Van Buuren
- If I Could Fly – OceanLab
- The Different – Melissa Etheridge
- Here I Am
- Ride – Cary Brothers
- On A Good Day (Remixed by Above and Beyond) – OceanLab
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
After the Vacation
I am not ready to return to the life I had prior to our getaway last weekend. It’s Tuesday morning at 6:23, and still my mind is at a place not too far away from here, where I was able to release all of my inhibitions, to explore my inner feelings and express myself outwardly in ways I haven’t ever been able to do. To say this vacation was enjoyable would be a massive understatement. I have come back a changed man, and I want to keep up these changes and not fall back into the trappings of the life I knew prior. I want to cling to the man I was while I was there, and nourish that side of me, bringing out my inner self, and letting the boy who giggled and smiled, winked and noticed, and felt completely alive, be part of my everyday life.
Nate and I took a four-day weekend and dispatched ourselves to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Honestly, I had thought that we’d make a day trip out of it, maybe spend an overnight there, but once we got there, what I thought was going to be a few hours walking around on the beach, exploring the vibrant town, turned into a wonderful journey for both Nate and I. As a couple, we were able to talk to each other more instinctively, less hesitantly, and from a place within ourselves that knows no judgement, no reserve, and no limits. There, in that tiny little beach town at the end of Cape Cod, we became so much closer, so much more in tune with each other, and it has made a massive impact on us both. It has stirred feelings and ideas that I’ve been protecting from exposure for so long. It has revealed to me just how magical it is that I’m with Nathaniel, and how truly amazing he really is. It has given me the chance to look up from the dark and dingy streets of Boston’s North End, and see an existence I never thought possible. In my mind, I see something greater, a life less mundane and repetitive, with more expression of the self, and celebration of who I am, who we are, and it’s something I want to make a reality.
I’m in fear of losing these feelings, and having written them down here, I feel like I’ve given them some permanence. I suppose that’s why I blog. It justifies who I am, where I’ve been, and gives me a place to reflect, plan, and take actions that will improve not only my life, but Nate’s life, and the life we share together.
Truly, I feel the start of something better in my life. I want to make it a reality. The time has come for me, and Nathaniel, to shine.
Of course, I took many pictures, and will be sharing them with you all shortly. Right now, though, I’ve got to get my act together, and put on the skin of the man I was before taking off with Nate. I need to fit my way back into the cogworks of this massive machine, where the almighty dollar is King. This time, though, I see things just a bit differently, and with a bit different perspective. I’m anxious to experience life knowing something better. Wish me luck.
-Thom
I Got a Feeling
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zcOFN_VBVo[/youtube]
This lip-sync was done by the students at students at L’Université du Québec à Montréal. Production time: 2 hrs. Amazing!!
SoundByte 40
Thanks for downloading SoundByte 40. This show goes a little personal, with a work update, and reflections on an event over the past week. Please have a listen, and please, let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
This Week’s Music
- First Tones: ATB
- Offshore: Chicane
- Walking in the Sky: DJ Encore feat. Engeline
- Dooley’s World: ATB
- Good Morning Kaia: BT
- Against the Wind: Bob Seger
- See U Again: ATB
- The Scientist: Natasha Beddingfield
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
