Author: 702writer

In the same way artists fear taking the drugs away will mess with their craft, I fear being a Christian may do the same to my writing.

Like I won’t be able to jerk off anymore or have real life experiences or say the word “fuhhk.”

WWJD?

Well I went back to church last month, and then again the next Sunday, and then again the Sunday after that…(not sure what demon possessed me to do that).

And in church when the band plays and the pretty girls sing I just stand there and cry and think about playing the drums and then think about my kids and cry some more, then settle down by the time the house lights come on, then go get Carl’s Jr.

And so far, “being a Christian” has stopped me from writing altogether, thank god! But for other reasons, like ADHD and, blame my parents, etc.

But here you are, reading these words, and let’s up hope it is a work of the lord–some way some how–as opposed to that of Satan, or of hostile AI, or of miscreant aliens.  

And what would I say if I was a preacher?

I would say: live your life! 

And let God do the editing.

I think God probably has ways and methods for working with raw materials like you and me, or at least knows people who do.

I sometimes imagine God sneers at me from above his horn-rimmed glasses, legs crossed, arms folded tightly against his chest (which they say in marriage counseling not to do when you talk to your spouse because “You want your non-verbal communication to be, open!!”)…

But then I realize, he can’t really blame me, if I’m pursuing my calling and trying to use it for human echolocation, right?

In fact, maybe for that, he gives me a warm hug and says “Welcome home son!”

-Paul

One of my favorite lines from the movie Anchorman is when Ron Burgandy (Will Ferrell) is depressed and drinking in the bar because a woman was appointed as his co-anchor, and the bartender (Danny Trejo) tells him: “You know, times are changing. Ladies can do stuff now!”  Although I am a little sad that ladies can do stuff now and that I missed that golden age of the 1950’s when women still let men rule the roost (at least, that’s what it seems like from what I’ve seen on TV), with the changing times also comes changes for men. For instance, these days I’m seeing more dads out on the playground from all walks of life, hanging with their kids. To me, it’s always just felt natural and normal to want to spend time with my children, and I don’t think that’s a new sentiment shared by men per se, but I think many changes–from social to technological–have resulted in more business getting done on the playground. I have met 4 cool dads on the playground in the past few months alone, whose contact info is now in my phone for potential future business collaborations. Just yesterday in fact, I met a stay-at-home dad who side hustles as an entertainment photographer. Point is, times are changing, so don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for opportunities popping up in “unconventional” places–seems like it may just be the new norm. That’s all for now. -Paul Denni P.S. If you’re feeling generous…

Couple days ago, I came across a nice little saying that gave me a little tingly feeling in my chest that must be what Christians call “hope” and it goes a little somethin’ like this:

“Everything I lose creates space for everything I need.” 

It doesn’t really make logical sense, when you think about it, because presumably people all over the world are losing shee-yit they need all the time. 

But when you feel you’ve lost something that was really important to you, like a job or a friend or a deal or an opportunity that you were certain you couldn’t live without, this mantra can re-orient you to the fact that, hey, you’re still here, you’re still alive, and in some sense of the word, that is all you “need.” 

And now, like it or not, you have more time and space and resources to put toward your primary goal, focus, or calling. 

Which is what I needed to hear this November, toward the end of the year, when things get reflective and emo and I start taking inventory of what the hell just happened these past dozen or so months (or, usually what didn’t happen). 

And this year, there has been a lot of loss for me, including a marriage and all of its consequent subset of losses. 

Things like: cancelled plans. Dreams I shared, and looked forward to with my wife, that began to fade, like Marty’s hand when he’s playing guitar at the school dance in Back to the Future and his parents almost don’t get back together. 

Getting robbed of time with my young daughters, who look to me to explain to them what’s what in life. 

Things like this. 

But, thank jeezus, there also happen to be sideswipe blessings of “losing” so much. 

Blessings like sharpened focus, refined integrity, heightened senses, hunger, and loneliness. I realized loneliness was a gift about ten years ago, after my first divorce, which brought along all of its subset oflosses: precious time with my (firstborn) daughter; a shattered identity; the drifting hopes and dreams anchored in that relationship, that inevitably stretched and melted and floated away like clouds. 

With loneliness comes quietness, stillness, and more empty space than you really care to have–at first, anyway. That is, until you realize your standing atop a huge blank sheet of paper with bare feet and puddles of ink to start tramping around in. 

-Paul 

P.S. If you’re feeling generous…

Friends, countrymen, and latinas…. 

It’s been a while, but I am emerging from the shadows after a year from hell. 

Needless to say, I am all in one piece, and am getting my work back to the standards one would expect of a professional attorney and writer. 

As I continue wrapping up loose ends for clients and start to re-build my business, I am beginning my daily emails again. 

If you like a little fuel for your engine, a tiny bit of inspiration to rise from the doldrums of life that seek to throw us off kilter, and maybe a laugh or two along our mutual paths to better ourselves–then by all means, please stick around! 

There will be deals, discounts, insights, tips, tricks, hacks, laughs, and smacks (smacks straight to your face, not on your butt), to help you along on your merry little path of life. 

It all comes from my humble experiences, thoughts, perceptions, and resources I have to share with you. 

I hope you stick with me on this journey, so together, we can deepen our sense of purpose and meaning and effectiveness on this topsy-turvy-kick-you-in-your-nuts ride of life. 

After all, at the end of the day, all we have is each other.  

My Best, 

-Paul

P.S. If you’re feeling generous…