Hello Friends!

It’s been a bit quiet since my last post, huh? That has been on purpose. After feedback and talking with my publisher last month, it seemed best to beef up this one post a week instead of several, splitting my time and attention throughout the week. Plus, editing the book will take more and more energy as we progress to try to get it published next year (maybe mid-year?) I will still post on Facebook and Instagram whenever the mood hits, so join me there. I am @rrscobey on both.

This weekly newsletter and podcast will come out every Saturday!

Last Monday, I discussed with The Grand GETEL (Greatest Editor That Ever Lived). The Grand Getel said my memoir is another powerful “human” journey. As such, it transcends any particular aspect of a singular event or experience within that journey.

I have been working on integrating all the compartments of my fractured life for quite a while. As a result, I know what it is like to transcend any particular good or bad experience. However, this exercise in self-actualization took on a new depth during and after our discussion.

Writing from the “whole” of my truth, instead of being limited to the opinions and expectations of others I have built up in my head, will make the memoir more impactful, purposeful, and relatable.

While some of my journey’s plot points are like a startling roller-coasters running the whole gamut of human joys, trials, and tribulations… it’s deeply human at its core. I love reading and hearing others’ stories and look forward to presenting mine in this memoir next year.

Beyond The Stained Glass Closet is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Dandy Doggos, Queen Gigi the Grey, and Eli the Dramahuahua have had a rough week. Eli has gotten out of hand for the past few months with his possessiveness, aggression, and purposeful “accidents” in the house. We had a pretty big tiff Monday when he mauled my thumb again for having the nerve to put him down off my lap.

Eli can be such a complete a*****e! But I love him so…

I was at a breaking point but reflected on what could be different to cause him to act out ALL the time. It didn’t take long to realize Gigi has been getting way more attention lately. Eli rules through power, and Gigi governs the humans through nonstop kisses and hugs. Recently, she has constantly been taking his toys, bumping him out of the way for attention or cuddle time, and even stealing his food when he would get distracted and walk away for a split second.

So I started walking him alone, not with Gigi, which has made an enormous difference. Also, last night we got them both toys and did not let Gigi take Eli’s toy away from him. We had to pry it out of her mouth twice (a sneaky girl!), and Gigi still thinks she needs to be the center of attention for everything. However, she got better as the week progressed while still making her displeasure of not being put first in a few situations known (huffing, stomping off). She is and always has been super duper sweet so I am sure she will adapt.

Watching Eli silly growl at and playfully toss his toy in the air was fun. Chasing Gigi when she got the zoomies with her new ball was also fun. Eli is a real curmudgeon, but I think he’s a little happier knowing he’s being intentionally singled out for attention and engaged with love.

That sounds like a life lesson… lol. At least Eli hasn’t tried to maul my thumb again this week.

I haven’t written anything about current controversies or the ex-gay menace that still exists because I don’t have the bandwidth. And that’s ok. Life is more than one aspect of it… right?! :) So, with that in mind. Here’s an endearing, adorable despite itself photo that encapsulates the way this week went around the Dandy Ranch:

Let’s have the courage to be our beautiful selves together,