Origin of the Red •x•
In the 2010 adaptation of True Grit, 14-year-old Mattie Ross falls down into a cave where she’s bitten on the hand by a rattlesnake. “Rooster” Cogburn follows, dispatches the rattlesnake with his six shooter, and attempts to help.
He cuts an “X” over the wound with his knife and attempts to suck out the poison. See it’s not enough, he rides then runs all night to carry Mattie to a doctor. She loses her arm but survives.
The snakebite and the cut. Two dots and an X.
If something—a project, mission, or relationship—is said to be “snakebit,” it’s thought to be doomed – a matter of time before it dies. I spent a lot of years feeling like my whole life was snakebit. I may share parts of my story someday, but in the meantime, it’s enough to say that I’ve come to believe in the X. Not every day, but most.
•X• is a symbol of fighting back. Of choosing not to surrender even when it hurts. Even when it means losing an important part of yourself.
I’m nobody’s therapist or lifestyle guru. I’m not here to teach or preach. I’m not an expert in anything, really. This project is about living life to the full without pretense. No politics, maxxing, optimizing, or life hacks. God help me, this isn’t another menswear blog or macho-man pep talk embarrassment.
My purpose for creating Snakebit and The Red •X• Society was simply to have an outlet for the things I like to do. I sell things because it gives me an excuse to make them. I like to write, take photos, and travel. I like to talk one-on-one with interesting people. I like to host and cook for people. And I like to share the things that I like. If I can, I’d also like to meet others who’ve been bitten but didn’t give up.
I don’t care if this site is ever “successful” by internet standards; it’s already serving its purpose. It’s a bonus if it ever inspires someone to try something new, talk to someone new, consider something new – to become more alive. You’re more’n welcome to come along. Just gotta keep doing one thing.
“Suck out the poison.”
/SP
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