Mental Health: Into the Volcano

(Silverdale, Washington; Jun. 23, 2019) – I debated for a long time whether this column should go under “Travel” or “Mental Health,” but the mental health analogy won out. However, that does not alter the fact that, last Saturday (June 15) I accidentally hiked right into an active volcano’s crater. I know, I know—you’re wondering … Continue reading Mental Health: Into the Volcano

Mental Health: Be kind, Be Patient, Be Courageous and Act

(Virginia Beach, Virginia; July 13, 20187) – This was not the column I had planned to write tonight. I’m back in Hampton Roads. Earlier today I was the master of ceremonies for a fellow Navy chief petty officer’s retirement ceremony. Currently I’m sitting in Barnes and Noble in Lynnhaven Mall. I’d hit up a young … Continue reading Mental Health: Be kind, Be Patient, Be Courageous and Act

Mental Health: Anxiety and Experience

(Bowie, Maryland; May 5, 20187) According to the American Psychiatric Association, an anxiety disorder is defined as: Anxiety out of proportion to the situation or age inappropriate Anxiety that hinders one’s ability to function normally This can be found on their website (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders), but the mere definition of it doesn’t do much to help those … Continue reading Mental Health: Anxiety and Experience

Mental Health – Depression

(Nov. 19, 2017) - This will be brief. It’s late and I’m tired and soul-sick. Nothing bad has happened. I’m at my parents’ house in Niceville, Florida (yes, Niceville) following my retirement from the Navy. I’m between jobs at the moment and planning to do a massive road trip. But the upheavals I’ve experienced these … Continue reading Mental Health – Depression

Decommissioning the Duck: An Open Letter To My Fellow Retiring Service Members.

Today is Sept. 28, 2017. I finished cleaning the cabinets and completely moved out of my house, a yellow-sided home I whimsically named the “Yellow Duck” four years ago when I bought it. It’s the first house I have ever owned and I’m really very fond of it, but it’s time to sell it … Continue reading Decommissioning the Duck: An Open Letter To My Fellow Retiring Service Members.

Expectations Are Not “Supposed” to Happen

Expectations are NOT “supposed” to happen. I was in the base gym the other day, having just come out of the showers and opening my locker to start getting dressed when I was overcome again by the sadness, the despair, and the darkness. Despite all my efforts and beliefs, despite the goals of my generational … Continue reading Expectations Are Not “Supposed” to Happen

Stripping Down

No, not like that. Get your minds out of the gutter! This is the one-year anniversary of Sparks1524.com here on WordPress, so that’s a milestone right there. Yes, for my loyal followers (all two of you), I know I’m still behind on the fifth Isaac Shepherd mystery, The Hanged Man. Work with me; I’ve been … Continue reading Stripping Down

The Darkest of the Night

Romantic stories often center around the iconic image, either literal or metaphorical (depending on the actual story in question), of the lover holding the hand of his/her love in the darkest moment of the night. Comforting, protecting and assisting their loved one in the darkest of the night. Those stories really crack me up sometimes. … Continue reading The Darkest of the Night

Start Spreading the News!

Start spreading the news! We’re leaving tomorrow morning from the Navy Public Affairs Support Element East (NPASE East) for New York City. Starting Tuesday the Big Apple is hosting the 29th annual Fleet Week New York, a huge celebration of the sea services that will swamp New York City with enough ships to, well, make … Continue reading Start Spreading the News!

The Maturity of Wisdom

So my retirement process from the Navy has sort of been put on hold. Yes, I’m still retiring in September and yes, I’m still freaked out and excited by the prospect of, for the first time in 20 years, not knowing where I’ll be at the end of the year. No, I’m part of the … Continue reading The Maturity of Wisdom