One Year Later: A Life Rewritten in Grit, Grace, and Gratitude
September 12, 2025 Giant Dirt Ball Desk of Gordon
Today marks one year since a single moment at the Las Vegas border rewrote my story. A backpack, a suspicious glance, and an officer’s firm “no” spun my life into a new orbit. Drug lord? Spy? The world loves its labels, but I’m just a guy carving a path with grit, grace, and a stubborn refusal to play by the rules. Here’s my dispatch from the frontlines of reinvention—a raw, unfiltered reflection on a year of lessons, connections, and the art of starting over.
Grateful: The Pivot Point
Exactly one year ago, I stood at a border gate, my life stuffed into a backpack, facing an officer who saw a threat where I saw a dream. That rejection wasn’t just a closed door—it was a cosmic redirect, a plot twist I didn’t see coming but now can’t imagine living without. I’m grateful for the detour, for the chance to rebuild from the ground up, and for the clarity that comes when the universe says, “Not that way.”
Proud: A Year of Solo Flight
I’m damn proud of this year. No safety net, minimal help—just me, my hustle, and a relentless belief that I could reset. From scratch, I’ve pieced together a life that feels like mine. No handouts, no shortcuts. Just the quiet triumph of showing up, day after day, and betting on myself. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real.
Emotions: Curious, Fulfilled, Peaceful
Curiosity hums like a live wire—what’s around the next bend? Fulfillment settles in my bones, built from small wins and big risks. Peace? That’s the unexpected gift, the calm at the center of the storm. These emotions aren’t just fleeting—they’re the fuel for what’s next.
Intention: Be Courageous
Today, I set my sights on courage. Not the loud, flashy kind, but the quiet resolve to lean into the unknown. To pitch bold ideas, chase wild dreams, and trust that the edges—where fear and possibility collide—are where the magic happens.
Connect: Building Bridges
Connection is my lifeline. Today, I dove into a soul-deep catch-up with Rensin, swapped stories with Dad over tea, and laughed until my sides ached with Julie and Kelly. Three speech prospects are in play—proposals polished, sent, and sparking possibility. Rampton’s wisdom, Bob’s shared apartment detective work (mold, maybe? Mom would riot), and those fleeting, joyful moments remind me: we’re never alone when we reach out.
Learned: The Art of Reinvention
Charlie Sheen—yeah, that Charlie Sheen—taught me something today. The man’s lived a dozen lives: Hollywood highs, rock-bottom lows, and now, nearly eight years sober. His story is a masterclass in reinvention, proof that the path isn’t linear—it’s a wild, messy detour that can still land you somewhere true.
Exercise: Moving the Body, Grounding the Soul
A walk to shake off the static, push-ups to anchor the fire. Movement isn’t just physical—it’s a ritual to keep the mind sharp and the heart steady.
The Day Unfolded
Today was a mosaic of triumphs and tangents. I finally cracked open the vault on my articles—no more delays, they’re out in the world now, ready to spark. Laundry’s done, crisp and folded. I showed Bob a suspicious spot in the apartment—mold, maybe? If it is, Mom’s already pacing in my imagination, armed with bleach and a vendetta.
The day wasn’t without its buzz. That familiar speedy hum crept in, but I paused, breathed deep, and let my nervous system reset. In… out… there. The joy of this life, this process, lies in those pauses. To create from abundance, not scarcity—that’s the alchemy. To be present, willing, and open to what’s possible.
The Border That Changed Everything
One year ago, I stood at that gate, searched and questioned. Why just a backpack? Drug lord? Spy? The world loves a mystery, and I’m happy to keep them guessing. How do I fund this life? Let’s just say I’m resourceful. Rewind to that moment: Would I hand over my phone? Hell no. Same choice today, no regrets. A five-year ban from the United States of America? Just another chapter in the saga. I’ll see the kids before it’s up—Guatemala’s calling, and I’m already scheming.
The Beard Experiment
Speaking of reinvention, I’ve been clean-shaven since the ward—daily razor, crisp banker vibe. But this weekend? I’m flirting with scruff. A little rebellion, a new look. Why not? Change starts small.
The Art Vault Vision
Most of today vanished into dreaming up an art vault—a creative empire in the making. Picture it: a podcast that crackles with ideas, a book that distills the chaos of creation into something timeless. Art, creativity, the last great frontier—it’s calling, and I’m answering. I’m ready to be the go-to guru for those who dare to make something from nothing.
Power, Control, and the Cost of Knowing
Why do the Jews rule the world? It’s not just the banks—it’s the superpower of solidarity, the way they weave collaboration into strength. There’s a lesson there for all of us. But peek too deep, and the system pushes back. Look at Andrew Tate, buried under legal avalanches—UK, Romania, US, civil suits dragging into 2026. They tried to silence him, but he’s still standing. Charlie Kirk? Not so lucky—gunned down in Utah just two days ago, a stark reminder of what power will do to keep its grip.
Onward, Courageously
This year taught me that life isn’t a straight line—it’s a wild, winding road, and I’m here for every mile. The art vault grows, the connections deepen, the courage builds. One year wiser, I’m ready for what’s next. Here’s to creating, to daring, to living loud in a world that’s always watching. Let’s keep rewriting the story. Who’s with me?
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton