Postmodern Pastoral

 There's a film in theaters now called Priscilla. It's about the girl Elvis Presley married. Everyone should see it, it's incredible. It's poignant nowadays because there's a lot of talk and fear of grooming children. Elvis groomed a 14-year old girl, but didn't have sex with her until they were married, when she was 21. She moved in with him when she was 17 she was drugged the first day. They kissed when she was 14, and Priscilla seemed to love him despite being so young. Elvis cheated on her, doesn't really apologize but promises it won't happen again, then cheats on her again. Once in anger he threw a chair at her but it didn't hit her. Priscilla eventually divorces Elvis. The film is uncomfortable to watch, but it's also very beautiful and tender. It's also very 60s aesthetic which is awesome. It forced me to ask some questions. When is it okay to paint Elvis as a bad guy? Do we have an actual standard for what makes a man a p*do? Who is ...

I saw those big blue eyes in the crowd and I smiled at him. I smile a lot, especially when I see a cute boy. My friend Ryan just finished his last performance in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and a few people were standing outside the Tabernacle congratulating him. This beautiful man, Adam, was also there by himself so I struck up a conversation with him. We quickly came out as gay to each other and talked about our relationship to the church. I just finished the Arizona Trail, and was on my way to Portland for a summer job. I had these fantastic legs and only this afternoon. If he wanted to flirt he had a narrow window of opportunity. I was just gonna chat with him until it was time for him to go to church, but since I'm an irresistible temptress, he offered to buy me Chipotle. Our knees touched underneath the table and the rush went down my spine. I got up to get my burrito and when I sat back down I purposely bumped into his knee again. We talked for hours in that Chipotle. There...