Phetasy News - Remembering Those We've Lost

Catch up on the Walk-Ins Welcomes and Factory Settings you might have missed, as well as the Politically Homeless letters!

Artwork by Lara Cullen - Info below

This weekend marks exactly four weeks since we touched down in Austin on a one-way ticket to our new home. What a long, strange trip it’s been. Something happens to me when I’m offline for any extended period of time—I never want to go back online again. I’d rather spend my time offline with the people I cherish because it’s so short that we are together, even under the best circumstances.

In the shadow of birth, or life upheavals, or health scares, or the sudden death of a friend, the culture wars of our time seem so…ridiculous. I don’t care to engage in any of it—and yet they are all-consuming. Whether we want to partake or not, they are everywhere, being shoved down our throats, dividing us.

My dear friend, Chris Elise, who was the husband of my very close friend, writer Gigi Levangie, left this world suddenly and far too soon. He was one of those people who was so firmly of this world. He soaked up every minute. He smiled all the time. His joie de vivre was infectious. He led a remarkable life and if you have a moment, you should read about it.

Chris Elise in his element. The coolest cat ever.

Chris left Twitter long ago because it was making him angry and he was such a naturally positive human he just couldn’t abide a social media site doing that to his spirit. Recently he turned inward and sought up, to God. He was in the middle of a church led social media cleanse when he passed away on May 14th. His last Instagram post announcing his departure from the site for the month contained a Bible verse that has stuck with me.

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Psalms 119:37

He passionately loved his wife, his children, his family, and this country. He was larger than life. The world would be much better if we were just a little bit more like like Chris and I hope to carry his memory with me not only in my heart but in my actions. Devoted to my family, my country, and some kind of faith that carries me through the moments that are too surreal to believe.

We’ve been putting out podcasts all of these weeks that we’ve been “off” of Dumpster Fire and the newsletter, so please check out Factory Settings and Walk-Ins Welcome. Dumpster Fire will be back as soon as we can find someone to help us light the set, hopefully in the upcoming weeks. As ridiculous as the culture wars may be, we all need to laugh. As broken as this country can feel, she’s worth fighting for.

This weekend I’ll honor Chris as well as the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women. Let us continue to support and remember our veterans, and keep their memories alive. Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

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Thumbnail artwork by Lara Cullen.

Email laracullenstudio@gmail.com to inquire or contact her.