Until recently, I've either had a goatee, soul patch, or mostly clean shaven. This summer, I began to grow a beard. Not the ZZ Top kind of beard, rather a trim and neat scruff around and just above my jaw line. It's a very natural look for me and I am loving it. It is, however, considerably grey on the sides. This works for me, because my eyes are blue...kind of a balance. It "butches" me up from my usual preppy Brooks Brothers look.
Sliding right into the "40" home plate, I have grown comfortable in my own skin. I'm not the waif, pretty twink I used to be...I'm not even the playful 30 something "otter" anymore. Rather, I will skid into "40" sideways...on two wheels...probably on fire...with a scotch in one hand and giving a "thumbs up" with the other screaming "I got this!" After, I'll probably dust myself off and present myself to the world as a "Circus Bear".
I'm not sure how I coined myself with this playful title. It may have included a bottle of champagne, a handsome man in a bath towel, and Judy Garland...but, that's a private story (which means I'll save it for later). On the other hand, I based it on the new outlook for myself. Still confident, still strong...but, a little more "chillaxed"...if that's even a word anymore. I'm still a very social animal...LOVE a cause! I usually try to always look my best when out and about, making me a very well dressed bear. I'm a fan of color, so I'll always be remembered...if not by my social graces, by the vivid colors and textures I mix. I figure if I'm going to be seen, I'm should be remembered.
Now, going back to the bear part. I'm by no means obese...a little extra somethin' to love, sure. But, I do love food...good food...no, GREAT food. This will never change. I do stay active enough to burn extra calories I don't want. So this would be the a description of a bear, really. More mature, furry, bearded, heavier frame, and jovial. Ah, jovial. Bears, in the "Gay Pantheon" are said to be the most friendly and personable. We make great companions because of our devoted personalities and ferocious appetites for life. So, I really couldn't have fallen into a more perfect community.
There are many kinds of bears. Polar bears: Mature or Senior white-haired gents, Pandas: Asian descent, Black bears: African American gentlemen, Grizzlies: wildly, hairy, and very large and in charge...the list goes on and on. I've never heard of a circus bear until I appointed myself with the title. I would say the circus bear is definitely jovial, playful, well dressed, and can laugh at himself hysterically. This makes for a happy circus bear!
