Divine Grace

It’s a beautiful Monday morning and after a few days off from work, I’m feeling much better, lighter. On Friday, instead of blogging I chose to hike in Griffith Park with my cousin David. I needed a little break from writing and some quiet time for my soul. Maybe a little divine grace.

Over the weekend, I also finished reading Divine’s biography, written by his mom. I didn’t come across any startling information, but I loved that his mom wrote a book about her very unique son; her love and openness is remarkable! Thank you Frances Milstead, I think you’re amazing for writing this book about your son, he's inspired so many for generations to come.

I first came across Divine, a.k.a. Harris Glenn Milstead, a few months after arriving on the Berkeley campus. The University Theater, a few blocks form school, played cult movies and at the time held the longest midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture show. Unknowing what to expect, (but I new it had a single X-rating), I watched Pink Flamingoes. Somehow, the the 'filthy' storyline and characters planted a seed that anything and everything goes. Though I was a somewhat naïve-East-LA-Mexican-soon-to-come-out-of-the-closet-gay-boy, they were right up my alley. Pink Falmingoes remains to be the raunchiest movie I've ever seen.

My ex, John. was lucky enough to drive Divine before he passed away. John says he was quiet and shy except for this one time:

…the first time I met him he was doing a show at the I-Beam, he had his manager with him and a call boy. They all were well behaved. I remember his big song was “Shoot your Shot” not the best lip-synched performance.

The other time I drove him was like a year later for… I believe (not sure) a New Years Eve party at the Gift Center. He had same call boy with him. He was shaved head except when he had his wigs on for the shows. He was really so quiet all the time. Up until that nightmare ride to his hotel: On way to his hotel the call boy started peeing on Divine at the same time I started yelling NO not in the limo…. put that dick away Goddamit!! Divine told me just the drive the limo and quit being so nosey…and mind my own freaking business …at which point he started screaming… “Mountain Dew slut boy, Where is my MOUNTAIN DEW… If I wanted 7-fukin up …shit…

Speaking of John’s about a year later, I saw John Waters give a lecture on campus. Looking back I think of myself as fortunate. How amazing! I sat front row in a small lecture hall; it’s around the same time I got to see Nobel Prize Laureate Toni Morrison speak soon after writing Beloved. Though I don’t remember much about John or Toni, knowing that I saw them speak in small classroom environments brings a smile to my face. I’d like to think that I was informed and inspired to be who I am now.

The piece here is titled “Jesus Divine Grace.” It’s one of my latest Jesus’ pieces inspired by Divine and Grace Jones. They both remain to be great sources of inspiration. Aside from not writing this weekend, I also took a break from painting. But interestingly enough, imagination still happens; I feel blessed.

As life continues to unfold, I remind myself that it’s OK to be different. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Elijah Woods feels the same way, “I think being different, going against the grain of society is the greatest thing in the world."

Have a beauty of a week; be different, live differently.