Hospital

I briefly mentioned that I was feeling poorly on Saturday. Well, it got worse, and yesterday morning I went to the local urgent care, who sent me to the ER, who admitted to the hospital for an intestinal blockage. Hopefully, I will go home today, but the doctor doesn’t know for certain.

Running the Race with Faith

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

There have been a few things that I have wished for most of my life. I want to find a man who will love me for who I am. I’ve always wanted to get married on the beach with both of us barefoot and wearing khaki linen pants and white linen shirts. I’ve wanted to have a job that I love that pays well and for my family to accept me for who I am. Those are probably all unrealistic dreams that will never come true, but one dream that might come true is for my tombstone to read “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”—2 Timothy 4:7 because that is the way I have lived my life, not just because it’s my favorite Bible verse.

As LGBTQ+ individuals, we fight every day for equality. Even if you live in a country where there are no laws limiting your equality, we all wish for equality for the LGBTQ+ around the world. Our fight may not always be against people, family, religious leaders, the homophobic in society, or politicians who do not accept us, but it can also be against our own doubt, fear, rejection, and even internal struggles about who we are. Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7 remind us that faith is a journey—a race we are called to run with endurance, courage, and conviction.

The simplest things can be our weapons in the fight for universal equality. First and foremost, we must vote for those who believe in equality for all and who do not exclude others because of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other characteristics that people deem to separate into categories. Life as an LGBTQ+ person of faith can feel like a race filled with obstacles and can sometimes feel like a battle. The United States and many other countries around the world are fighting against a strong resurgence of fascism that wants to erase our freedoms.

Many of us have fought to be seen, to be accepted, and to be loved for who we are. But remember, we do not have to fight alone. God fights for us. The battles we face—whether external or internal—do not define us. Our faith, resilience, and love do. Many of us have had to fight for our place in the world, for the right to love openly, to be our authentic selves, and to worship freely. These battles are not in vain. Each step we take in love, each act of kindness, and each moment of standing firm in who we are is part of our race of faith. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

At times, the path may seem lonely, winding through rejection, misunderstanding, and the struggle for acceptance. But Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that faith is a journey—a race that we are called to run with perseverance, courage, and hope. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Our lives are a unique and beautiful journey. No one else can run our race for us. God has called us to live authentically, to love boldly, and to keep our faith even when the road is tough. We must keep moving forward, knowing that our identity and faith are not at odds, but are part of the beautiful story God is writing in our lives.

There may be times when faith feels difficult—when church communities misunderstand, when family struggles arise, or when we wrestle with your own doubts. But faith is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting that God walks with us, even in uncertainty. Keeping the faith means holding onto the truth that God’s love for you is unshakable.Proverbs 3:5 advises us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” God calls us to keep going, to hold onto the truth that we are beloved, cherished, and created in divine love. We are not running alone—Jesus runs beside us, strengthening us when we feel weary. The community of believers who affirm and uplift us are also part of our journey.

Finishing the race does not mean that life is easy or that struggles disappear. It means that through it all, we have remained faithful—to God, to love, and to our true selves. When we stand at the finish line, we will see that every step mattered, every act of love changed the world, and that God was with us the entire way. Hopefully, those around us and love us will think, “He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith.”

Moment of Zen: Sleep

This is an abbreviated Moment of Zen because I have one of the worst headaches I’ve had in a long time. Combine that with a backache, and it had a truly miserable night of sleep, if you can even call it that.

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Utter Destruction

I haven’t said much about the current state of American politics, and in this case I mean all of North America because Canada and Mexico or at least resisting the bullying of the current administration. While the current US government is dominated by conservative, idiotic asshole fascists! They have attacked every major institutions in the government. They are attacking anything that they perceive as a threat or even the most minor opposition to their hateful ideology. They are following the blueprint for totalitarianism and fascism that Mussolini created and put into practice in Italy in 1922, and Hitler expanded in Germany in 1933.

Each day, I think when will it end. When will someone in the government go on the offensive. But the Democrats are sitting back and watching the destruction hoping that it will backfire on the Republicans in the 2026 election. But if the current government is allowed to continue pursuing their agenda, they will either not allow elections or they will fix them in their favor, probably with the help of Putin in Russia.

So, why did I decide to talk about this today when I haven’t said much before? They are attacking the Smithsonian Institution. My university has dealings with the Department of Defense and, as a university, the Department of Education, two departments that have been gutted. That being said, I work with the Smithsonian on a regular basis. The administration is trying to politicize the Smithsonian, an institution that has always remained apolitical. When I bring in curators from the Smithsonian, they are expressly prohibited from broaching politics in even the slightest statements. However, the current administration of clowns and goons wants to turn it into a political pawn in their ideology.

When will somebody say, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”? I have a hard time watching the news because it makes me despondent. Every time I turn on the news it’s more disastrous than the day before.

Just as a side note, this post is late because I had a severe migraine last night, which is marginally better this morning, but it still means I’ve been a bit slow moving so far today.

I apologize for such a downer post, but I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend! It’s going to be a weekend of snow and ice for us here in Vermont. Hopefully, the weather is better where you are.

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No Rest for the Weary

I’ve been so busy this week with classes, preparing for classes, getting ready for another program, and what has seemed like a dozen other things. Have you ever been so busy that you can’t even remember everything that has kept you so busy? That’s how this week has gone. Next week is actually scheduled to be worse than this week because not only will I be scrambling to get everything done, I have a workshop to attend in Burlington on Friday, and I’m judging a History Day competition on Saturday.

Needless to say, I haven’t had time to “stop and smell the roses,” let alone do anything else for personal enjoyment or entertainment, if you know what I mean. At least there is nothing scheduled for the weekend. 

I don’t think I posted an Isabella pic of the week last week, so here’s one for this week. I love this cat, even if she woke me up at 3:00 am to feed her (I didn’t get up until 4 am) and then turned her nose up at the food I gave her.

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Rebirth in Marble and Paint: The Renaissance Celebration of the Male Nude

Leaf of Sanctimony by Igor Sychev

The Renaissance was a period of extraordinary artistic innovation, deeply rooted in the revival of classical antiquity. One of the most striking aspects of this artistic rebirth was the depiction of the male nude, which emerged as a central subject in painting and sculpture. Inspired by the idealized human form of ancient Greek and Roman art, Renaissance artists sought to depict the male body with a renewed emphasis on anatomical precision, movement, and harmony. Through their works, they celebrated the human body not only as a physical entity but as a symbol of intellectual and moral excellence.

The Renaissance aesthetic for the male nude was heavily influenced by the rediscovery of Greco-Roman sculptures, such as the Doryphoros of Polykleitos and the Laocoön and His Sons. These works provided artists with a model for idealized proportions, muscularity, and contrapposto—a stance in which the body's weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a dynamic yet balanced composition. Renaissance humanism further reinforced this fascination with the body, as artists and scholars viewed the human form as a reflection of divine beauty and the perfection of nature.

 

Donatello’s David (c. 1440-1460)

One of the earliest and most significant Renaissance depictions of the male nude is Donatello’s David, a bronze sculpture that stands as a departure from medieval artistic conventions. Unlike earlier depictions of David, which were typically clothed and rigid, Donatello’s David is an entirely nude, youthful figure standing in a relaxed contrapposto stance. His slender yet graceful form recalls ancient Greek statuary, while the sensuality of his pose and delicate features introduce a new level of naturalism. This was one of the first freestanding male nudes since antiquity, marking a return to the classical ideal of the human body as a subject worthy of artistic exploration.

Michelangelo’s David (1501-1504)

If Donatello’s David embodied grace and youthful beauty, Michelangelo’s David elevated the male nude to an expression of power and intellect. Created from a single block of marble, this towering figure stands over 17 feet tall, emphasizing strength and heroic idealism. Michelangelo’s meticulous study of anatomy is evident in David’s muscular definition, veins, and tense posture, reflecting both physical perfection and psychological depth. The influence of classical antiquity is clear, yet Michelangelo imbues his David with a distinctly Renaissance sense of individualism and self-awareness. Unlike Donatello’s contemplative David, Michelangelo’s version captures the moment before action, his furrowed brow and focused gaze conveying the tension of impending battle.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man (c. 1490)

Though not a finished artwork, Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man remains one of the most iconic representations of the Renaissance fascination with the male nude. Based on the writings of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, Leonardo’s drawing explores the mathematical proportions of the human body, inscribing a nude male figure within both a square and a circle. This image is not only an anatomical study but a philosophical statement on the harmony between man and the universe. Leonardo, like many Renaissance artists, saw the male body as a manifestation of divine order, bridging art, science, and humanism.

Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam (1511-1512)

Another of Michelangelo’s masterful depictions of the male nude is found in The Creation of Adam, a fresco on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Here, the muscular, reclining figure of Adam reaches out toward God in a moment of divine animation. Adam’s body, sculpted with the precision of an ancient Greek athlete, exudes both physical perfection and vulnerability, symbolizing humanity’s potential and dependence on divine grace. The composition and exaggerated gestures heighten the drama of the scene, making it one of the most celebrated images of the Renaissance.

Raphael’s The School of Athens (1509-1511)

While Raphael is best known for his refined, idealized figures, The School of Athens includes several striking male nudes that showcase his mastery of anatomy and composition. The figures reclining in the foreground, likely inspired by classical sculptures, demonstrate the Renaissance artist’s ability to capture the beauty of the human form while integrating it into a grand intellectual scene. Unlike Michelangelo’s muscular intensity, Raphael’s figures possess a softer elegance, reflecting the harmonious balance that defined his artistic style.

The Renaissance aesthetic for the male nude in art was a testament to the period’s renewed admiration for classical ideals, humanism, and scientific inquiry. Whether through the sensual grace of Donatello’s David, the heroic grandeur of Michelangelo’s sculptures, or the intellectual rigor of Leonardo’s anatomical studies, Renaissance artists transformed the male nude into an enduring symbol of beauty, strength, and the limitless potential of mankind. Their works not only revived ancient artistic traditions but also laid the foundation for future generations of artists who would continue to explore and celebrate the human form.

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Spring

Spring
By Louise Imogen Guiney

With a difference —Hamlet.

Again the bloom, the northward flight,
The fount freed at its silver height,
And down the deep woods to the lowest,
The fragrant shadows scarred with light.

O inescapable joy of spring!
For thee the world shall leap and sing;
But by her darkened door thou goest
Forever as a spectral thing.


About the Poem

Louise Imogen Guiney’s poem “Spring” is a lyrical meditation on the renewal and beauty of nature as the season changes. Guiney, a late 19th and early 20th-century poet, was known for her refined, often pastoral poetry that blended classical influences with a keen appreciation for the natural world. The poem captures the essence of spring as a time of rebirth, hope, and rejuvenation. It highlights the transition from winter’s barrenness to the lush vibrancy of spring, reflecting nature’s cyclical pattern.

Guiney employs rich and delicate imagery, describing blossoming flowers, fresh greenery, and the return of birdsong. She uses sensory details to create a vivid picture of the changing landscape, engaging the reader’s sight, smell, and hearing. The tone is celebratory and reverent, appreciating nature’s beauty and its connection to the human spirit. There is a sense of awe in how nature renews itself effortlessly, contrasting with human struggles.

Guiney’s style often incorporates classical references, and “Spring” may allude to mythology or poetic traditions that celebrate the season’s return. She employs a lyrical structure reminiscent of Romantic and Victorian poetry. Beyond a simple depiction of nature, the poem may suggest deeper themes of hope, resurrection, and the passage of time. Spring symbolizes a fresh start, not just for nature but metaphorically for the human soul.

Guiney’s “Spring” exemplifies her ability to blend refined, classical poetics with an intimate, heartfelt appreciation for nature’s beauty. The poem resonates with the universal joy of witnessing the world awaken after winter’s dormancy.


About the Poet

Louise Imogen Guiney (1861–1920) was an American poet, essayist, and critic known for her lyrical and refined verse, often inspired by classical and religious themes. Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of an Irish-American Civil War general, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for history and heroism. Guiney was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Providence, Rhode Island, where she developed a love for literature. Throughout her life, she was deeply involved in Boston’s literary circles, forging friendships with other poets and writers, including Alice Brown and Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Her poetry was influenced by English metaphysical and Romantic poets, reflecting a stylistic elegance and devotion to themes of faith, chivalry, and nature.

In the 1890s, Guiney moved to England, where she pursued her passion for medieval and Renaissance literature, dedicating herself to literary research rather than poetry. She worked as a librarian and scholar, focusing on editing and promoting lesser-known poets of the past. Despite her literary contributions, she struggled with financial difficulties and poor health, which limited her output in later years. She passed away in Chipping Campden, England, in 1920, leaving behind a legacy of poetry and essays that reflected her erudition, spiritual depth, and love for the poetic traditions of the past. Her work, though not widely known today, remains an important part of late 19th-century American literature.

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Migraine Weekend

I had a migraine all weekend, one that was especially bad yesterday. Thankfully, I’m feeling better today because I have to go to work today. I need to prepare for this week’s classes. I also have a few things I need to work on for next week. However, because of my migraine and still feeling a bit foggy from my migraine medication, I don’t have much to say today.

I hope everyone has a great week!

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Standing Strong in Our Identity

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

— Ephesians 6:10-11

As LGBTQ+ people of faith, we often face struggles that test our confidence in God’s love and our own worth. Whether it’s rejection from loved ones, misunderstandings within faith communities, or the internal battle to fully embrace who we are, the journey can feel like a spiritual battlefield.

Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us that our strength does not come from human validation but from God’s mighty power. When we put on the “full armor of God,” we clothe ourselves in truth, righteousness, faith, and the assurance that we are beloved. This armor isn’t about fighting others—it’s about standing firm against the voices that try to convince us we are anything less than God’s beautifully made children.

The world may tell us we don’t belong, but God’s truth says otherwise. With His strength, we can reject fear and embrace courage. We can walk boldly in our identities, knowing that our faith and authenticity are not at odds, but rather, a testimony of God’s creative and inclusive love.

Where in your life do you need to put on the armor of God? How can you remind yourself today that you are deeply loved and divinely empowered? Remember that God strengthens us with His power. He helps us to stand firm in the truth that we are made in His image. He clothes us in faith and loves so that we may walk boldly in our identity, knowing that we belong to God.

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Moment of Zen: Sunrise 🌄

During this time of year in Vermont, I get to watch the sunrise over the mountains on my way to work. It’s so beautiful, and I feel lucky to see the sunrise each day.

It’s always difficult to tell if a picture is showing a sunrise or sunset, but I chose images that I thought were more likely sunrise: men exercising, in a towel after a morning shower, or looking towards the dawn of a new day.

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Almost Over

This week has felt like a long, never ending week, but now it’s almost over. Today will be busy, but hopefully, not as stressful as the rest of this week has been. I have classes to teach today, but that’s not a big deal. It’s just that I try not to schedule multiple classes on the same day for different professors. These classes were easy to prepare for, so that’s not the issue. It’s more of a time thing. I have to pull the objects out of storage, so when it’s two different classes, that can be a lot of objects. After the classes are finished, I also have to put everything away. That might not sound like much, but the classes are in two different rooms on opposite sides of the museum with a small window of time between the two classes. Oh, and there is a third class going on at the same time as my second class, so I had to teach a coworker how to teach it.

When I leave work today at 4 pm, I will be ready for a relaxing and stress free weekend. 🤞

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Botox

Other than teaching my regular class today and setting up the classroom for two classes tomorrow, I’m not overly busy or stressed about today. Yesterday was the hump I had to get over this week, and everything went just fine. In fact, it went much better than I expected. 

Today’s bigger task is heading down to Dartmouth’s hospital to get a Botox treatment for my migraines. Usually, I go to their outpatient clinic, but my nurse practitioner who does my Botox did not have an open appointment at the clinic. She knows the Botox tends to wear off after 10 weeks and doesn’t last the full 12 weeks, so she did not want me to wait any longer than 12 weeks. (Insurance won’t pay for it unless it’s at least 12 weeks.) So, she had the person scheduling appointments to see if she had any appointments open at the hospital. She actually said, “If you can’t find an appointment, just schedule him for my lunch hour.” I thought that was very nice of her. The Botox appointments usually don’t last more than 10 minutes.

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Busy, Busy, Busy

I know I promised Wednesday posts about male nudes in art throughout history, so I apologize that there won’t be one this week. I have been swamped at work all week and too exhausted when I get home to spend the time preparing a post. It’s been the week from hell, and nothing seems to be going like it should. It’s getting to me mentally too, as I’ve been feeling depressed and anxious. I have an event that I organized  happening today, and it seems like everything associated with it has been made more difficult than it should have been. Once today is over, I can breathe a little easier, but the rest of the week is just as busy as the week has been so far. I can’t wait until Saturday when I’ll finally get a day of rest.

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Life

Life
By Edith Wharton

Life, like a marble block, is given to all,
A blank, inchoate mass of years and days,
Whence one with ardent chisel swift essays
Some shape of strength or symmetry to call;
One shatters it in bits to mend a wall;
One in a craftier hand the chisel lays,
And one, to wake the mirth in Lesbia’s gaze,
Carves it apace in toys fantastical.

But least is he who, with enchanted eyes
Filled with high visions of fair shapes to be,
Muses which god he shall immortalize
In the proud Parian’s perpetuity,
Till twilight warns him from the punctual skies
That the night cometh wherein none shall see.


About the Poem

Edith Wharton’s poem “Life” is a reflective and philosophical piece that explores the nature of human existence, fate, and the passage of time. Wharton, best known for her novels that critique societal constraints, brings a similar depth and introspection to her poetry. The poem suggests that life does not unfold according to human expectations or desires. Wharton explores the contrast between human ambition and the unpredictability of life, a theme echoed in her novels like The House of Mirth.

There is a tone of resignation, as if the speaker has come to terms with life’s unpredictability. This reflects Wharton’s broader worldview—one shaped by personal loss, societal constraints, and the limits imposed on individuals, especially women. The poem may express skepticism about human agency, similar to existential or fatalistic themes. Wharton often wrote about characters who struggled against their circumstances, much like the speaker in "Life".

Wharton’s “Life” is a poignant meditation on disillusionment, fate, and the passage of time. The poem’s reflective tone aligns with her broader literary themes—the limits of personal choice, the illusions of control, and the inevitability of change.


About the Poet

Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for her incisive critiques of Gilded Age society and her exploration of themes like social class, gender roles, and personal freedom. Born into New York high society, she was well-acquainted with the restrictive customs of the upper class, which she later dissected in novels such as The House of Mirth (1905) and The Age of Innocence (1920), the latter of which won her the Pulitzer Prize, making her the first woman to receive the award for fiction.

Beyond her fiction, Wharton was also a travel writer, designer, and war correspondent during World War I, for which she was honored by the French government. Her works often compared European and American cultures, reflecting her life as an expatriate in France. Though primarily known for her novels, she also wrote poetry, including works like “Life” and “A Meeting,” which explore existential themes with the same elegance and restraint found in her prose. Wharton’s legacy endures as one of the most significant literary voices of early 20th-century America.

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Green jockstraps count for wearing green on St Patrick’s Day.

Busy Week

I have a very busy week ahead and am not looking forward to any of it. I have tours, extra classes, a luncheon event, and Botox. I rarely have more than one of these things each week, but all of this means I won’t be able to have a work from home day this week. I’m just trying to stay calm and carry on.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.☘️ Traditionally, at least where I’m from, people wear green today. St. Patrick’s Day is a bigger event up north than it is down south, although there may be celebrations in New Orleans, which had a lot of Irish immigrants. I think New York and Boston have major events. There is even a parade in Vermont. The holiday is generally seen as a day for Irish pride. 

My week may be busy, but I hope all of you have a wonderful week!

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You Are Never Alone

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

– Romans 8:28

Life’s journey is often filled with joy and beauty, but it can also be marked by pain, rejection, and uncertainty. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this path can feel especially lonely at times. Struggles with acceptance, identity, and faith may weigh heavily on your heart. But Romans 8:28 reminds us of a profound truth: God is always at work, shaping even our hardest moments into something beautiful.

You are not a mistake. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. Psalm 139:13-14 declares, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God lovingly and intentionally made you just as you are. His love for you is not conditional—it is unwavering, steady, and eternal.

Footprints

One night I dreamed a dream.

As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,

One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,

especially at the very lowest and saddest times,

there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,

You'd walk with me all the way.

But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you

Never, ever, during your trials and testings.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you."

This message of God’s presence and faithfulness is also reflected in the famous poem “Footprints.” The poem describes a person looking back on their life as a walk alongside God, represented by two sets of footprints in the sand. However, during life’s most difficult moments, only one set of footprints appears. The person asks God, “Why did You leave me when I needed You most?” But God responds with a powerful truth: “During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

How often do we feel abandoned during life’s hardest moments? Yet, just as in the poem, God never leaves us. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Even when you feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood, God is carrying you. His love is the foundation that holds you up when everything else feels shaky.

As you continue on your journey, take comfort in knowing that God is not distant—He is right beside you. He has called you with purpose, and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). When challenges come, remember that your life is a masterpiece in progress, and God is weaving every experience—both the joys and the struggles—into something beautiful.

If you ever feel weary or unsure of your place in the world, reflect on “Footprints.” Know that when you see only one set of footprints in your life, it is not because you have been abandoned, but because God is carrying you forward in love.

God always walking with us, even in the times we cannot feel Him. Sometimes, we may feel lost, but we must trust in His plan, knowing that He is working all things together for our good. When we feel alone, remember that God is carrying us.

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Moment of Zen: Hot Showers

To see the rest of this last picture and another bonus picture, click “Read More” below.