Monthly Archives: June 2026

The Standard #57

June 27, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

To be absolutely certain, with the steady passage of time, a gentleman will experience quiet periods of emotional and mental fatigue. His spirit will be disquieted. His mood will be wrought with irregular swings of melancholy and anxiety. Desperately he attempts to summon the requisite energy necessary for addressing the everyday grind of life. And to be sure, without a doubt, life will present an array of adversity that will whittle away your spirit – if allowed. Please understand, you do not exist on an island despite your current circumstances appearing that way. Trust and believe, your current tribulations are another individual’s testimony. You will make it through your time of distress. Because, despite what feels insurmountable, you possess the resolute will and strength to prevail.

Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him; who have been called according to his purpose.” All things – even the most painful ones. And so, faith must dictate that even the most distressing circumstances must be molded to achieve a greater good aligned with His word. I won’t lie to you; it is challenging and I struggle daily. Nevertheless, today, I encourage and challenge you to seek assistance from professionals that are trained to address mental wellness. If you are reading this and you feel trapped in an uncomfortable mental, emotional space; I am with you. If you notice, I have not posted material here since November 2020. We all find ourselves in a rut. I am not immune. However, every earnest attempt must be made to escape the seemingly perpetual prison of pain that binds us. And escape we will – together.

Living Your Best Life – Gratification

June 24, 2026 By in Best Life Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Sure, it has been a cool commencement to the 2026 summer season, but that has not halted my adventures in the garden. As per usual, I generally opt to assemble my own potted plants. As a rule of thumb, I studiously follow the true thriller, filler, and spiller formula. The formula is a simple one. It is a method that employs the services of three plants in one pot. The thriller plant functions as the showy, focal point of the arrangement. The filler is, well, self-explanatory, as you would be correct in assuming this plant selection adds volume and fullness to the pot. The spiller plant adds a cascading effect as it pours over the sides. Now, I have experimented with a few plants over the past summers. The resulting pots have been quite nice.

This summer, I decided on the trio of begonia, coleus, and vinca vine. I got to work on a Sunday afternoon, and by the next Sunday, my pot was filling out beautifully. I am very pleased with its progress. Putting the pot together itself is a relaxing, soothing mental exercise. And I am grateful for the results born from my work. Whatever the task, I humbly suggest you identify a labor of love and leisure that elicits personal fulfillment. Most definitely, life will stress you to the point that it may leave you broken. I have learned that my gratitude must be greater than my grief. I am thankful I have found an activity that provides but a moment of reward, peace, and mental clarity. I pray you do as well.

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Style & Scents – L’Homme Idéal Parfum – Guerlain Paris

June 19, 2026 By in Grooming Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

There are some fragrances on the market that, when smartly paired with proper gentlemanly attire, the gentleman fully understands he is going to be a problem – in a spicy sort of way. Now, let us assume you are that rakish gentleman, and your presentation is sartorially immaculate. Well, Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum wholly understands the assignment. This is a fine fragrance formulated specifically for you. This is elegance, confidence, and masculinity all secured within one bottle. Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum is a 2024 release created by perfumer Delphine Jelk for Guerlain Paris. Guerlain scents are widely recognized for its mature and sophisticated approach to fragrances. And as an older gentleman, I am leaning more towards colognes that project maturity without smelling woefully dated. Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum checks all the right boxes. Let’s tap in.

  • Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum arrives with a modest, minimalist presentation. Straight out of the box, you will be handling a densely constructed glass bottle with a moderate bit of heft. Do not drop this beauty on your foot. The bottle is a beautiful geometric square, with the cologne housed within a smaller, square-shaped compartment inside. A simple dark grey label with the fragrance name is centered. The black cap snaps securely in place with the Guerlain emblem, two intertwined cursive letter Gs, etched on the top. The design is indeed very basic, but tasteful. Nonetheless, the bottle takes cues from the scent itself, clean and bold without the desperate need to be loud. I like it a lot.
  • Now, let’s dive into the note breakdown. Top Notes: bergamot, orange blossom, spices, and almond.  Middle notes: rose, vanilla, and leather. Base notes: vetiver, sandalwood, and tonka bean.
  • Did You Know? The scent of bergamot & cherry are known for reducing stress, quieting anxiety, improving sleep, and balancing one’s mood. Moreover, studies show that vanilla has been associated with to elevating a person’s mood, relaxation, and reducing negative emotions.
  • Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum is a smooth, mellow fragrance that sits tightly on the gentleman’s skin. It is warm, rich, and deep. The amaretto delivers a beautifully refined cherry scent, but it is not overly sweet. It starts off with a bit of energy, but quickly tones down into the woody notes. The woody notes are not strong to my nose, so don’t expect an outdoorsy vibe here.
  • It is not the type of scent that will jump off a gentleman’s skin and fill a room. If you are looking for a scent that yells its arrival, this is not the fragrance for you. Slightly boozy and balanced, it is designed to pull a person in for closer inspection. Nevertheless, there is a fine line here. A gentleman can quickly go from sensual to suffocating. I made the error of over-spraying, and while it may not have choked out a room, it certainly had me in a stranglehold. Proceed with caution, 3-4 sprays would be a safe bet. And you can expect 6-7 hours of longevity.
  • Ideally, this scent is a fall and winter fragrance, but cool evenings in the spring offer the perfect opportunity to extend its service. Michigan is on the cooler side this year, so I have been able to wear it more. Summer heat would be just too much.
  • Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum is for the understated, classy gentleman that does not beg for attention, yet he unsurprisingly commands it. Strictly business in nature, and best worn during the evening hours, Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum should be worn when the moment demands a touch sophistication, masculinity, and confidence.
  • Guerlain L’Homme Ideal Parfum retails for $199.00 3.4 oz., on the Guerlain website. It is currently on sale at FragranceNet and Jomashop.

Brotherly Love – Jalen Brunson – Believing in Your Greatness

June 17, 2026 By in Brotherly Love Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Photography Credit – Brooks Brothers

Apologies. It took me a while to muster the strength to write this post. Nonetheless, I want to congratulate NBA champion and Finals Most Valuable Player Jalen Brunson for winning his first championship. Flowers are indeed deserved – salute. And even though my hometown team – Detroit Pistons – was bounced in the second round this season, surely both teams will see each other on the court in the near future. That is neither here nor there. Today, you are owed all the praise. To be honest, I have always admired your professional, humble demeanor. Seriously – how can I hate on a brother with a Brooks Brothers endorsement deal? Brunson presents as a class act both off the court and on the court. An alleged undersized point guard who was drafted 33rd overall in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson was repeatedly lowballed on contracts and ultimately opted not to sign him despite his burgeoning status as a star.

And so, after 8 years in the league, 4 years removed from the Mavericks, and now with the New York Knicks, he put the team on his back to secure the team’s first championship since 1973. Salute. I can’t hate on that at all. Brunson displays a tireless work ethic, incredible resilience, and unwavering mental toughness. He sprinted toward greatness and never shrank from the moment. And winning a championship with your father as an assistant coach on the team? Chef’s kiss. Pure cinema was the outcome. I watch the old clips of Daddy Brunson coaching up Jalen when he was a young kid. I watch them with my own son. The videos are truly inspirational. So, yes, salute to my brother. Wish you nothing more than all the success you deserve – unless you are facing the Pistons on the court!

Living Your Best Life – Perennial Resilience

June 16, 2026 By in Best Life Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Approximately 5 years ago, I set out to address my mental health by embracing the practice of gardening. A complete novice to the hobby, I studiously absorbed articles online, diligently watched videos, and consulted with friends who also enjoyed the fulfilling practice. I completely overhauled my front yard, as I carefully selected an array of perennial flowers to reduce the yearly maintenance of replanting. My guiding principles for performing any task are governed by patience and attention to detail. And so, amongst my groups of flowers, I planted some Asiatic Lilies because I loved their vibrant color and blooms.

For years, my lilies flourished every spring and summer unscathed – until this year. To my utter dismay, I discovered my newly budding lilies chomped down to the core. I am not going to lie; it was a punch to the gut. Panicked, I scoured the Internet for possible solutions and reached out to friends for answers. The information I received varied. Depending upon the damage, either the stems would still grow or perhaps a few blooms could be coaxed out of the botanical wreckage.

Well, to my delight, my lilies have showcased their resilience and are fighting to put on their seasonal floral display. It all started 5 years ago in my garden. Meticulously plucking out stubborn weeds, replacing the dirt with new nutritious garden soil & manure, digging holes as the sun beat down on my sun hat, and dropping in my beauties with some plant food. The fountain was solid. The work was detailed and performed with patience. And despite the setback, they will be blooming in all their glory.

Sometimes in life, we will face adversity that will seemingly chew us down to the core. We may believe that we may never recover; we may never be the same person again. Well, allow my Asiatic Lilies to be a meaningful metaphor made for that moment. Because, if we have lived enough life to understand, adversity is all but guaranteed to challenge how we feel about ourselves. Nevertheless, when your foundation is strong, your core principles stout, you will always have the opportunity to reemerge victorious – perhaps even better than before. Sometimes, the setback is the setup for the comeback. I will be sure to check back when my lilies have showed up and showed out – just like you will in your personal journey.

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Style & Substance – Lake House 3-Eye Lug Boat Shoe – Timberland

June 12, 2026 By in Style & Substance Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

A few years ago, my family and I traveled to Northern Michigan for a quick weekend getaway. A college friend owns a quaint cabin on a lake that she rents during the spring and summer. And so, we booked some time for the great escape. It was timely, as our metropolitan area was hit by heavy thunderstorms. Subsequently, we lost power at home through that weekend (a lot of discarded food upon our return). Quietly located off the beaten path, the cabin’s rural surroundings, for the most part, do not boast paved walkways that are forgiving on your feet. To navigate the local area, proper footwear was definitely required to traverse the rocky, uneven terrain.

Now, for these circumstances, I prefer to employ footwear that captures a hybrid aesthetic of casual and ever so slightly dressy. I need a shoe that looks good, is comfortable, and is durable. Timberland offers such options in the form of their lug-soled boat shoes. The handsome upper is a sophisticated interpretation of a traditional boat shoe, equipped with a thick rubber lug outsole to handle gently rugged outdoor activities. This is not a traditional “boat shoe”, so practice caution if walking on wet surfaces. I do not like being too close to large bodies of water, so I was safe in that respect.

The marriage of refinement and ruggedness is designed for the gentleman who desires a functional, stylish presentation for indoors and outdoors. I lean into this style of footwear because it departs from the standard sneaker options. It smartly elevates a casual environment without being annoyingly loud. Yet it offers enough fashionable detail to distinguish itself from the crowd. And as an added bonus, the chunky lug outsole provides just a little extra height to my stature. Vanity. Yes, I know. We all have some hang-ups, right?

I have always been a fan of the Timberland brand. I have found them durable and relatively inexpensive, as discounts can be secured year-round with a bit of shopping patience. And if not Timberland, other reputable brands on the market offer a variety of options that check the necessary boxes of masculine appeal, comfort, long-wearing, and class. I highly recommend this style for spring and summer during casual moments that call for relaxed chinos and perhaps a classic polo top.

Product Details

  • Upper made with Premium Timberland® Leather
  • 3/4-length leather-lined footbed
  • 360° functional lacing system
  • Leather lining
  • Traditional handsewn construction
  • Rubber lug outsole
  • Imported
  • Cost – $170 – currently on sale for Father’s Day

Daddy Diary – My Son Just Wrote to Say He Loves Me – A Note of Sunshine on a Cloudy Day in the Life of Dad

June 9, 2026 By in Daddy Diary Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Fresh off a debilitating bout of vertigo, I wanted to share a heartwarming note I received from my thoughtful son. Unexpectedly left for me on the breakfast nook table, it was a pleasant surprise given my current stretch run of fatherhood. I am running on empty – emotionally and mentally. I am knee deep in the trenches of missed school assignments, junky bedrooms, lippy protests, and overall confounding behavior. To be sure, fatherhood is not for the faint of heart. Undoubtedly, it is a laborious undertaking of love, obligation, and sacrifice. At times, a gentleman can feel overwhelmed, frustrated, unappreciated, and lost – floating aimlessly adrift in a sea of chaos. Your voice feels muted and you seemingly appear invisible to everyone around you.

And so, just when a gentleman is drowning in thankless responsibility, a token of love and appreciation provides clarity and perspective to his role as father. To my brethren in the parenting struggle, even if this letter was not penned for you, this letter should speak to you. This note brightened an otherwise gloomy period for me. It acknowledged my value and reinforced my resolve to stay engaged as a father. Children really do pay attention, even when you do not believe they are looking. This continuous journey is a long one. For sure, it is a journey of peaks and valleys. I am becoming wise enough to appreciate both. I think I will frame this note and keep it nearby as a personal, gentle reminder that I am loved and valued – even when I have commanded that a room be cleaned for the thousandth time!

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