Happy New Year!

Well, 2004 ends tonight and it has been quite a year for all of us. For me it has been a year of change and continues to be a time of self-reflection and self-discovery. However, no matter how many ways I try to make it all seem positive, this has been a tough year and I am glad to see it pass. I have very high hopes for 2005!

I recently discovered an online store full of cool goodies with linkss to other cool sites. I have listed it in my links column, but thought I would mention it here. This store is run by a reelly cool and hot oy from Chicago. I highly recomedd it!

check it out!

THE BEAR PAW

Off the topic of the New Year and on to the subject of intimacy and the American male. I was discussing this with someone yesterday. It was a very enlightening conversation that gave me pause to think. As children assimilate into the roles that our society essentially dictates --- many ideas are planed in our heads. Boys and men are not to cry. It is a sign of weakness. Boys should not play with Barbie dolls --- and, if a doll is required it will need to be in the form of an action figure. However, the darkest social lesson given to men as children is that touching and being held is more of a baby/grilish thing to do. It is sad, because whether you realize it or not --- you need to be held and touched. Men confuse this with sex. Intimacy is a major part of sex --- but intimacy is also about trusting another to hold, caress and touch you. It is something that our souls cry out for ---- nd, ye something taht very few men experiednce.

So, the next time you're sitting with a friend --- fight the constraints of socially pre-conditioined roles and touch each other. Hold one anoher. I promise you will ell all the bettert for it.

No matter how old you are --- we all need to be touched. ...and loved.