I am a superb example of Scrabble-playing mosquito bait. Fourteen years ago I left DC, aimed for Vermont, and landed instead in New Hampshire. Without question, though, living in the woods of the “Live Free or Die” state is every bit as satisfying. Occasionally I still yearn for urban conveniences like home-delivered pizza, theaters showing foreign films, and esoteric ethnic restaurants. But ready access to woodland trails and a night sky full of stars are more than adequate compensation.
My roots are firmly Christian: I am the son, grandson, nephew, & cousin of Methodist ministers. In college (… a METHODIST college ...) during the 1970s, I majored in religion (and in music), and trundled off to seminary (… a METHODIST seminary ...) for a year before becoming convinced that the Methodist Church was not going to ordain a gay man. (This policy was once again re-fortified this week at the General Conference.) So I left seminary and went off to study psychology & family therapy.
I left Christianity behind soon after leaving seminary, and not too much longer after that gave up my belief that any God at all exists. (Click HERE and HERE if you want to read why.) I have worked as a psychotherapist since the 1980s. My partner in life succumbed to cancer eight years ago, and since he died I have spent my free time dabbling in choral music, hiking, canoeing and writing the occasional musical piece. Much of my attention is devoted to politics, science, nature, the online freethinkers’ community, and enjoying the company of my dog & cat, who sadly have yet to learn to play Scrabble.
And, of course, I listen weekly to “Point of Inquiry,” in addition to several other podcasts.
