About TJ
Hello, I'm TJ, the website manager.
I was talking to a friend once about how different Ashland seems to be from other areas and they said, "Yeah, it's kind of like it's own planet." From that, I developed the idea of PlanetAshland. I created this website because it stands for what I believe is most important: simplicity, community, art, music, peace, people, creativity. It is not "my" website, which is why who I am is not that important. I am no one famous or well-known. I simply take the pieces of material that are given to me and form it into a collage. I wanted a place that wasn't filled with big commercialism. I was weary of seeing the same big tourist websites that so few could relate to. I wanted a cyber bulletin board for anyone and everyone. For the past few years I have been disconcerted with the closing of small businesses and the cancellations of art and music programs in schools. I am sickened by the soullessness of Walmarts and Starbucks and the same tedious strip malls town after town after town. These bits and pieces don't always entice me personally. Someone, somewhere is interested in them or they would not come into being. I've attended several events, concerts, gigs, poetry readings. Many are amazing. Some are downright atrocious. But that's just my opinion or my taste and I'm not here to voice my opinion. I still give them credit for believing in themselves and baring their creative souls in front of strangers.
I have a sketchbook, but I'm not an artist. I'm not a musician. I'm not much of a poet. I've published a couple of short stories. I'm not savvy to the politics of the entertainment industry. I don't claim to be an expert in anything. I have no courage to get up in front of people and speak what's in my heart. I'm an ER nurse. My talents lie in a totally different field, one that seldom gets an applause.
I envy the artists, the musicians, the writers who create. They allow me to escape into another dimension where the sights and sounds distract me and drown out the echoes in my head. They help me cope so that others can continue to trust me with their lives and their loved ones.
I live in Ashland with my partner, 2 dogs and 2 cats. I enjoy motorcycling, hiking, travel, taking my dogs to the dog park, journaling, music, festivals, art, taking classes at the Rec center, going to the Y, going to local theater, poetry, and musical venues.
Some of the places I frequent are Evo's, The Co-Op, Grilla Bites, Creekside Pizza (they have a great lunch special), the dog park, Black Sheep, Morning Glory for breakfast, Dragonfly, and Lithia Park.
My personal website can be found at MarchMoon.net