16 Comments
User's avatar
noevalsfm's avatar

I was struck by the third paragraph - not "Thirty years!", but "we drove DOWN THE BLOCK". That is so quintessentially LA! :-)

Clint Collide's avatar

Hahaha. Sad and true. But the silver lining is we got “princess parking” at both the restaurant and the bar. 🤪🚘

sixes's avatar

🌈 🏳️‍🌈

Gino Cosme's avatar

So much changes over three decades and yet some people keep choosing each other through all of it. As gay men, we shouldn't take examples like that for granted. They expand what’s possible.

Clint Collide's avatar

So much changes over three weeks sometimes too. But I’m fortunate to have a good motley mix of men (and women) who brighten my days with kindness and hilarity. If we’re not laughing, we’re crying…mostly happy tears. Cheers, dear Gino!

Gino Cosme's avatar

You’re always so kind. ☺️

Clint Collide's avatar

I learned it from watching YOU, my friend! 🌈✌️

If you’re not familiar with the reference, here’s a link to one of the anti-drug commercials that were popular when I was growing up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUXb7do9C-w

The Yuriverse's avatar

As Hermit/Recluse Yuri™, I dunno if I could handle that much socialising - I'd need a week to recover!

But then, friends are good to have ... with me, our little social circle has scattered to the winds over the last few years, so I rarely see or chat with anyone but my husband these days (which probably explains why I natter so much on the internyets). At my age and with my arcane interests, making new 'real'-life friends is nigh impossible; most folks have already-establisht social lives of their own; finding and entering such circles is rare as ... I'd say a black swan, but here in 'Straya our native swans *are* black. But you get the idea.

And a hearty 'yes!' to Chosen Family. Somewhere back in the wretched state of peeA in my former country, the once-US, there lurks a woman born to the same parents as me, but she is in no way my 'sister' (for multiple reasons we haven't even communicated for at least five years). Yet, from my years in mid-1980s Boston, to this day have a dearest, REAL sister I met there - and with whom I remain in touch, albeit via text/FBook &c - wot wiv distance, my near-phobic hatred of the telephone, and her now-poor health.

True family is found in similar souls, not shared genes. I'm glad you have such beings close to you.

Clint Collide's avatar

Thank you, Yuri. I definitely am dragging my ass today after so much social time. Most people think I’m an extrovert. But I’m just a really good faker. I actually love people, but my batteries do tend to run out if I’m around too many of them. This weekend was a near perfect combo…mostly because I know those I spent time with well enough I could just relax and enjoy their company. It’s a delicate balance…as is the line between our bio and chosen families sometimes. I choose chosen every time! :-)

DougT's avatar

Brian, sounds like a good weekend for you. It's been a hide in a darkened room staying out of this 🔥🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧 heat, it's been fresher and cooler here today Yippeeee. Cheers DougT 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

Clint Collide's avatar

I hope the cooling trend continues, Dear Doug! I think we’re all in for a rollercoaster of a summer. And I don’t like rollercoasters. :-p

User's avatar
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Jun 28
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Clint Collide's avatar

Thanks, Mista Jim! It's almost as much fun as last weekend. Off to Orange County...hugs!

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Jun 28
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Bob Mast's avatar

Sounds like a terrific weekend! A healthy social life has been shown to be a very important part of overall health. Sounds like you’ve got it going. Blessings to you.

Clint Collide's avatar

Thanks, Bob. It was a rare treat to be able to hang out with so many of my favorite people in such a short period of time. Hope you’re able to enjoy your crew too, boo!

Clint Collide's avatar

But of course, my friend. Shine on, bright light!