Life and Times of Kevin Wikse

I struggled with how I felt about leaving Boise after living there once more for an extended period of time, and truth be told, I hope for the last time. Familiarity breeds contempt, and I had become far too acquainted with the "City of Trees" to feign politeness for much longer. The thing was, I didn’t want to resent or despise the people, the city, or my time there as I had previously. That weighed on me. I knew coming back to Boise from South Tucson would only be temporary, although at the time I had not yet made any concrete plans, even if I was zeroing in on Northern California. I wanted the opportunity to say what I needed to say, do what I needed to do, and walk away from a place, a city, a people, a culture, and a collective hub of stifling ideology, and not feel pieces of me missing.  I can finally say I left Boise where, at least to me, it always belonged: in the dust. And none of it followed. "No Dust Follows" Boise lay behind me like a dog turned to s...

After meeting a friend for what became gas station coffee in a chilly park on a frosty bench (I am happy to report Jackson's has leveled up their coffee game, and the cold, iced-over park provided a wonderful ambiance and atmosphere for this long overdue reunion) this morning, I made a side trip on my way home. I re-visited the Morris Hill Cemetery on Latah, which has quietly carried significant meaning for me—a sort of "origins story" for a cornerstone in my life.  Circa 2002 (maybe 2003), I recruited a few local ghost hunters and paranormal research enthusiasts on Yahoo Messenger in Boise and scheduled a meet-up. I called and asked to speak with a manager at Morris Hill Cemetery. I explained that three others and I would like permission to enter the grounds around midnight that coming Friday night to take some pictures from a media project I was working on at Boise State University (which was true). We wouldn't be there for more than 30 minutes and would be discree...

  Held at Ann Morrison Park, phantom vestiges of the now-defunct Boise River Festival still linger in the air surrounding the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic. For those who remember, take a moment of silence and acknowledge those bygone days for what was a brief window of time for a unique Boise cultural phenomenon. For those who never knew, take solace; you need not experience the gnawing pains of regret that come at the end of a golden age.  While it feels like a breath of fresh air, the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is merely someone opening the door during a long and beautiful eulogy for a once wonderous River Festival. Old world blues, I suppose. While I remain jaded, I am becoming tentatively optimistic about the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic.  -Kevin Wikse Spirit of Boise

  Circa 2016 to 2019, I routinely practiced a rare form of Daoist-born Chinese Martial Art titled Baguazhang or Pakuachang, meaning Eight Trigrams Boxing, based on the I-Ching. A dynamic, fast, and highly mobile method, the primary training is walking in a circle or walking around a central point. My center point was this tree in Settler's Park in Meridian, Idaho.  In 2019, I employed my Baguzhang skills in Las Cruces, NM, El Passo, TX, and finally, Tuscon, AZ, to hinder significantly much of the criminal element and human trafficking operations coming across and back through the TX/Mexico and AZ/Mexico boarders, which at one point and maybe still are, considered the first and second most dangerous land crossings in the world. My Baguazhang practice was one to two hours of daily circle walking followed by single movements repeated hundreds of times in line drills. During one of my last training sessions at Settler's Pak, I noticed I was walking a crop circle into the environme...

  A more picturesque spring morning in Boise, Idaho, I cannot recall. The eternal sky demanded to be seen and digitally crystallized in its painted vastness. My spirit soared up to greet it, and in its embrace, I was given into a moment of possibility which forever changed my trajectory.   -Kevin Wikse

After over a decade of domestic runnin' and gunnin', breakin' bones, and crackin' skulls for a particular "uncle," and most certainly of the "off the books" variety, I find myself again in a peculiar location and with a bitter realization... -Kevin Wikse

On a quiet early Sunday morning, I visited one of my favorite and most prominent landmarks in Boise, the Boise Depot. Built circa 1925 as a train depot for the Union Pacific Railroad, its uniquely Spanish-style architecture has charmed visitors for nearly 100 years. Situated on the bench, the Depot overlooks beautiful Downtown Boise and witnesses stunning sunrises and sunsets; it is a popular destination for Boise residents to enjoy its picturesque views.  After taking a quick stroll through the grounds and over the small bridge, I sat on a well-placed bench to watch Downtown Boise wake up to the sound of commerce as Boisians ordered coffee, bagels, and breakfasts from its plethora of cafes and restaurants. The Boise, Depot's pond attracts much waterfowl and other wildlife. Their calls and songs created a splendid morning atmosphere to immerse me in and a positive perspective for the rest of the day. Suppose you would like to have a similar experience yourself. In that case, I reco...

On a cool breezy evening, I stopped by Settler's Park in Meridian, Idaho, to take a quick walk around the pond and enjoy the fresh springtime air. Settler's Park is part sporting complex with wide-open soccer and lacrosse fields, featuring even a 9-hole frisbee golf course and fishing pond bordering a family-themed play area replete with ample shade trees. Visiting one of my old haunts felt good. The ambiance and mood were just right, and I was in high spirits. I took some pictures before it got too dark and stayed past sunset to do a little in-town star gazing.  Settler's Park is one of my favorite destinations to practice my Qigong, Tai Chi Chuan, and other internal-based martial arts like Hsing-I Chuan and Pa Kua Chang, especially in the early mornings. Meditating with the resident ducks by the pond is highly recommended.  Settler's Park amenities include  Well-kept and stocked bathrooms. Numerous thoughtfully placed park benches and picnic tables.  Clean drinking...

On the gorgeous Monday morning of May 1st, 2023, I chanced on the Grand Opening of the new Libray in Meridian, Idaho, Orchard Park. Architecturally speaking, the facility is clean and modern. Spacious with high vaulted ceilings and plenty of comfortable seating, desks, and study rooms. Meeting spaces are upstairs, as is a "comfort room" for individuals who may find themselves needing sensory reduction and decompression.  Orchard Park Library has a welcoming atmosphere that helps define Meridian, Idaho, as Boise's immediate rival regarding growth potential, city planning, and relevant infrastructure. This newly opened Library is bound to become a local favorite and serve as an important community hub.  -Kevin Wikse