The Dark of Smoke

In the peaceful pre-dawn hours, Mike outlines the personal turmoil faced in Portland during the Oregon wildfires.

Good morning, it's Mike George here at the magical hour of 5:10 on a Saturday morning. Don’t ask me why I’m up this early — I just am. I assume most of you on the West Coast are still asleep, while the East Coast is just starting their day. Welcome to what we call my 'stream of consciousness.'

I want to celebrate the early morning motivators who are up and ready to make things happen. I see a few people watching—what are you all doing up so early? I’m just here in the void, smoking a bit, listening to music, and opening the floor for a conversation. If you have questions or topics, ask away; otherwise, it’s just me and my vape-produced 'fog machine' effects.

I’ve got to be real with you all today. I’ve been dancing around some issues on Facebook, but I love the live format because it feels like a genuine conversation without all the noise and outrage. To be honest, I’ve been trying to speak the truth in Portland, and it’s gotten me into some trouble. It’s been an utterly exhausting 6 weeks — a 'shebacle,' if you will.

Here’s the reality of my situation in three bullet points:

1. I lost my job.

2. My boyfriend broke up with me yesterday.

3. I need to figure out what’s next and how to make money.

Despite all that, I have a plan. I’m starting my own business, a queer-owned 501(c)(3) called Crimson Rouge Studios. The mission is to find smarter ways of living and consuming to help save the planet—something tangible beyond just 'thoughts and prayers.'

I’m determined to stay in Portland and turn this nightmare into something better through action and imagination. I might be at a 'low battery' state — literally and figuratively — but I’m still here, smiling and ready for the next stage. Thanks for joining the conversation, and I’ll be back with more soon.