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The Love Boat | Baltimore, MD | 2021

The Oui in We

MCHL WGGNS May 29, 2021

We divided our 800 square foot apartment into several nooks. Right now I am writing this note to you from a space we call the bow, which is also the home to my desk, piano, camera gear, laptop, printer, storage bins for both Dee and I and her wardrobe. We refer to our apartment as the Love Boat because of the general shape of the two-story building which is long, tall and narrow. We live on the second floor and are fortunate to have eleven generous portholes to take in the scenery. The yacht was built in 1920 and is docked in the neighborhood of Woodberry which used to be an old mill town that produced cotton duck for clipper ships. 

Desk Lamp (the bow) | Baltimore, MD | 2021

We are two people, separate but equal. Together we make a whole. I guess what I'm saying is—we are both pretty skinny. A slender bateau is the perfect vessel for us. This is the third apartment we've shared and by far the most nautical. The interior of the space was renovated just before we came aboard. Located a few paces behind the bow is the cutest little berth you've ever seen. It measures 9 ½ x 9 ½ and contains a queen bed, a closet for my clothes, a moon viewing window and a pair of bluetooth speakers for cuddle jams.

Pandee (the berth) | Baltimore, MD | 2021

We are blessed with not one but two dramatic hallways that are reminiscent of a classic San Francisco style railroad apartment. We use these corridors to display art and hang certain articles of clothing for fashion inspirationals. The longest hallway connects the bow and berth to the main deck which is home to our turntable, 10 crates of vintage vinyl, a 40" TV, two wicker bookshelves, Dee's studio and a dual yoga mat dance floor for the boogie downs. The second portal leads from the main deck to the stern which contains a soaking tub, a shower, an efficient flusher, a sink, a shelved linen closet and a diminutive view of Druid Park. 

Dee at Work (the main deck) | Baltimore, MD | 2021

We cook all our meals in an ergonomically designed galley which is astern of the main deck and is equipped with a four burner gas range, a microwave, a double-door fridge, a deep stainless sink with a disposal, 33 square feet of countertops, 22 cabinets with self closing hinges and a full-size washer and dryer. We have never eaten at a restaurant since living in Baltimore. We prepare our dinners together and enjoy them in front of the TV while sitting on meditation cushions. Dee typically grazes and watches and stitches all at the same time. The last meal we made was pesto with sauteed broccoli and garlic. I put my pesto on De Cecco spaghetti no. 12 and Dee put hers on the veggies. We drank liberal pours of Barefoot cabernet from a box.

Steamy (the stern) | Baltimore, MD | 2021

We recently decided that we would be friends forever and if I had to tell you one of my favorite things about living in such seafaring luxury it would have to be that while I am concluding this visualization to you about love and togetherness I can hear Dee's youthful laughter on the main deck as she simultaneously works on her latest character illustration while watching a documentary on the iPad described in the liner notes as, "In a world as vast as ours, anything that can happen likely will happen. The only thing that can limit these possibilities is your own imagination."

Oui, to laugh is to love.





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Tags Baltimore, Love, Dancing, Vinyl, Meditation, Dee, Nonfiction

I Was Baptized in a Jacuzzi | Baltimore, MD | 2021

I Was Baptized in a Jacuzzi

MCHL WGGNS April 27, 2021

I can barely remember any religion when I was growing up in Los Angeles. I do remember that my mom was kicked out of Saint Mel's for some reason, so my brother and I stopped going to CCD after like, one or two weeks. But I don't think she was embarrassed by it. That was back in the early 70s. I never associated religion with any of my childhood friends. I did go to a bar mitzvah, so I knew about being Jewish vs being Catholic. It felt the same to me. I took communion a few times. Then I barely thought about religion for about a decade. I did like being in nature though. Camping and such. And I liked nothing more than surfing. It felt miraculous. The perfect combination of joy, being by yourself, and the science of it all. But I was never really alone. There was a camaraderie. I had the world. My college roommate took a class called Cultural Traditions. That got me thinking. But I was really into beers and smoking weed and tripping and dancing and connecting with that inner joy. The same feeling I'd get at Malibu. The singular all comforting bliss of being. Not of the self but of the whole. Light in the head and warm in the heart. These people I would meet on the dance floor were into yoga and meditation. So I read about the Buddha and Taoism. I started my asana journey with Lilias on PBS. I began chanting in Santa Monica. And by the time I moved to NYC in 1995 I realized there were 600 languages spoken in the city and 4,000 religions in the world. And then I would go to a bar and smoke a joint and find a dance floor. I would raise my hands in the air and smile in the knowing that this right here is everything. This world beat. This community. This love. 

Church.





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Tags Los Angeles, Yoga, Love, Meditation, The 70s, Mom, Bliss, Church, Brother, Nonfiction
Doug Angleton, Los Angeles, CA, 1990

Doug Angleton | Los Angeles, CA | 1990

Ten Marches Since My Last Confession

MCHL WGGNS March 19, 2021

When you've known someone for 37 years you develop a shorthand.

This is a portrait of my dear friend, Doug Angleton, in a series of March texts. 


March 2, 2012
 

Michael: JAH!
Doug: Rasta fari

Doug Angleton, Brooklyn, NY, 2010

Doug Angleton | Brooklyn, NY | 2010

March 2, 2013

Doug: Are you doing alright today bubbi?
Michael: Nothing but good feels.
Doug: I figured as much
Doug: Yay

March 28, 2014

Michael: Bodhisattva, I love you! I can barely wait to see you on Sunday to get our feel on!
Doug: Yes I am pissing on the floor like little chihuahua my tail is wagging so fast

Doug Angleton & Michael Wiggins, New York, NY, 2014

Doug Angleton & Michael Wiggins | New York, NY | 2014

March 3, 2015

Michael: "My barn having burned down I can now see the moon," said Mizuta Masahide.
Doug: Moon vs barn  Moon won
Doug: Everyone's a winner step right up bargains galore

March 17, 2016

Michael: Jah!
Doug: Him make the herbe for Man

Vacuum Flowers, Doug Angleton, 2011 (Oil on canvas, 4 x 6’)

Vacuum Flowers by Doug Angleton | 2011 (Oil on canvas, 4 x 6’)

March 1, 2017

Michael: Thinking of you. LA circa 1988.
Doug: Just before I went to Baltimore
Doug: Thirty years, old buddy

Doug Angleton, Los Angeles, CA, 1988

Doug Angleton | Los Angeles, CA | 1988

March 11, 2018

Doug: Happy Sunday mon ami
Doug: I was tripping on acid
Michael: Right on!! I was just thinking about the Legend of Doug. And how cool it is that you worked in the Flat Iron building in NYC. What a beautiful feather in your crown chakra head piece. Life is good!
Doug: Yes indeed

Doug Angleton, New York, NY, 2013

Doug Angleton | New York, NY | 2013

March 14, 2019

Michael: We all snowflakes. Ain’t that right, Sensei?!
Doug: True dat
Doug: All together we are the snowfall, our history an avalanche
Doug: When we melt in the sun of wisdom we run together to form the rivers and oceans
Doug: Which is what we were in the first place round and round

Doug Angleton, Rutherford, NJ, 2010

Doug Angleton | Rutherford, NJ | 2010

March 21, 2020

Michael: You doing ok Mr Angleton?
Doug: Well enough Wig

March 10, 2021

Michael: Wish we was playing Spades right now. Outside, on a picnic bench.
Doug: O what joy



Mr. Angleton died from complications of diabetes on March 11, 2021.

I will truly miss him.





⌘

Tags Love, Grieving, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Video, Music, Flowers, Doug, Melancholy, Nonfiction
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  • 2025
    • May 31, 2025 Sun Salutation May 31, 2025
    • Mar 20, 2025 In Memory Mar 20, 2025
    • Jan 31, 2025 Pop the Hood Jan 31, 2025
  • 2024
    • Nov 30, 2024 Speed Dating Nov 30, 2024
    • Jul 14, 2024 The Debut Jul 14, 2024
    • May 17, 2024 The Collaboration May 17, 2024
    • Apr 18, 2024 The Ballad of Sun and Moon Apr 18, 2024
    • Mar 25, 2024 Traveling Light Mar 25, 2024
    • Feb 21, 2024 Dawn Patrol Feb 21, 2024
    • Jan 12, 2024 Awakened by a Dream Jan 12, 2024
  • 2023
    • Nov 16, 2023 Benefit Exhibition at Maryland Art Place Nov 16, 2023
    • Oct 31, 2023 Preach Oct 31, 2023
    • Sep 29, 2023 Thanks for Inviting Me Sep 29, 2023
    • Aug 31, 2023 Teenage Musical Theory Aug 31, 2023
    • Jul 27, 2023 The Process Jul 27, 2023
    • Jun 15, 2023 The House Jun 15, 2023
    • May 31, 2023 Church May 31, 2023
    • Apr 27, 2023 The Ponies Apr 27, 2023
    • Mar 25, 2023 Said No One Ever Mar 25, 2023
    • Feb 19, 2023 Patterns Feb 19, 2023
    • Jan 22, 2023 Red Bows and BBQ Jan 22, 2023
  • 2022
    • Dec 7, 2022 Holiday Exhibition at Maryland Art Place Dec 7, 2022
    • Nov 30, 2022 Mash-Up: The Dance of Two Nov 30, 2022
    • Oct 9, 2022 Don't Think Oct 9, 2022
    • Sep 28, 2022 Partially Based on a True Story Sep 28, 2022
    • Aug 30, 2022 Breezy Meditations on Urban Still Life: Part II Aug 30, 2022
    • Jul 31, 2022 Breezy Meditations on Urban Still Life Jul 31, 2022
    • Jun 27, 2022 A New Frame of Mind Jun 27, 2022
    • Feb 27, 2022 Life Is But a Dream Feb 27, 2022
  • 2021
    • Dec 31, 2021 The Year in Rearview Dec 31, 2021
    • Oct 15, 2021 My Record Collection: (1952-1992) Oct 15, 2021
    • Sep 25, 2021 Embers of the Spirit Sep 25, 2021
    • Aug 31, 2021 One Year in Baltimore Aug 31, 2021
    • Jul 29, 2021 A Portrait of Anthony, Fear and Compassion Jul 29, 2021
    • Jun 23, 2021 Different Color Socks Jun 23, 2021
    • May 29, 2021 The Oui in We May 29, 2021
    • Apr 27, 2021 I Was Baptized in a Jacuzzi Apr 27, 2021
    • Mar 19, 2021 Ten Marches Since My Last Confession Mar 19, 2021
    • Feb 26, 2021 The Early Beginnings of the Vibe Rater Feb 26, 2021
    • Jan 25, 2021 The Poet Dunbar, or, Something About Sanctity Jan 25, 2021
  • 2020
    • Dec 29, 2020 The Year in Haiku Dec 29, 2020
    • Nov 24, 2020 Art in Everyday Life Nov 24, 2020
    • Oct 29, 2020 Total and Absolute Love Oct 29, 2020
    • Sep 29, 2020 The Notion of a Tree Sep 29, 2020
    • Aug 31, 2020 The New Situation Aug 31, 2020
    • Jul 30, 2020 The Day I Broke Joe's Heart Jul 30, 2020
    • Jun 30, 2020 I Relax My Toes, I Relax My Toes, My Toes Are Relaxed Jun 30, 2020
    • May 28, 2020 Constantly Camping, or, Tending to Sophia May 28, 2020
    • Apr 29, 2020 The Healing Dance Apr 29, 2020
    • Mar 27, 2020 Nothing but Good Feelings Mar 27, 2020
    • Feb 9, 2020 Whose Legs Are These? Feb 9, 2020
  • 2019
    • Dec 23, 2019 The Patina of Memory Dec 23, 2019
    • Nov 27, 2019 The Light of Your Faith Nov 27, 2019
    • Nov 22, 2019 A Million Smiley Faces Nov 22, 2019
    • Oct 26, 2019 Mama Always Said I Would Be a Student for Life Oct 26, 2019
    • Aug 23, 2019 Welcome to Opening Night of My Virtual Photography Exhibition Aug 23, 2019
    • Jul 19, 2019 Awkward Ironic Pleasurable Pressure Jul 19, 2019
    • Jun 22, 2019 What is Art? Jun 22, 2019
    • Jun 9, 2019 Being Content : A Practical Guide to Awareness Jun 9, 2019
    • May 27, 2019 Meditation, Mindfulness and Detachment May 27, 2019
    • May 16, 2019 A Bit of Writing from the 80s May 16, 2019
    • May 2, 2019 Professor Wiggins: Higher Education May 2, 2019
    • Jan 28, 2019 Snap Out of It Jan 28, 2019
    • Jan 14, 2019 Values, Objectives and Results Jan 14, 2019
  • 2018
    • Dec 31, 2018 The Year in Review Dec 31, 2018
    • Dec 20, 2018 Fast Food Meditation Dec 20, 2018
    • Oct 13, 2018 New Canvas Oct 13, 2018
    • Sep 28, 2018 A Matter of Time Sep 28, 2018
    • Sep 20, 2018 Perpetual Tea, or, Preparing Our Minds for Anything Sep 20, 2018
    • Sep 14, 2018 Sisterhood Sep 14, 2018
    • Sep 12, 2018 This is Poetry Sep 12, 2018
    • Aug 30, 2018 The Composition of Stasis Aug 30, 2018
    • Aug 27, 2018 The Power of the Soul Aug 27, 2018
    • Aug 18, 2018 Bandit's Silver Angel Aug 18, 2018
    • Aug 17, 2018 Introspection Aug 17, 2018
    • Aug 5, 2018 An Offering Aug 5, 2018
    • Jul 19, 2018 Beginner's Mind Jul 19, 2018
    • Jul 17, 2018 Aromatherapy Jul 17, 2018
    • Jul 14, 2018 Proper Relaxation Jul 14, 2018
    • Jun 21, 2018 All Roads Lead to Love Jun 21, 2018
    • Apr 26, 2018 Ways of Seeing Apr 26, 2018
    • Apr 15, 2018 The Track and the Choo Choo Apr 15, 2018
    • Mar 16, 2018 The Fragile Nature of Fate Mar 16, 2018
    • Feb 27, 2018 The Art of Feeling Feb 27, 2018
    • Jan 13, 2018 I Am Wide Awake Jan 13, 2018
  • 2017
    • Dec 24, 2017 Our Earthly Bodies Dec 24, 2017
    • Dec 10, 2017 Polaroid Swinger Dec 10, 2017
    • Dec 4, 2017 Happiness Dec 4, 2017
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MCHL WGGNS