I used to think of Costello as Rafiki, from Lion King. The wild monkey, seasoned by years of thriving on his special brand of delightful madness that could only come from the holiest of fools.

Lately though, I've been learning about Hanuman.. do you know about Hanuman? He's a Hindu deity, a monkey-god, who was sent to search for the goddess Sita. The story goes, she was being held captive on an island by Ravana, a man who was at odds with her husband Rama. Rama sends Hanuman to go and find her, to enlist his helpful monkey energy in bringing Sita back. Hanuman responds by jumping across the whole ocean to the island. Once he finds her, he burns down the city and calls in an army of monkeys to fight Ravana, and Rama comes and Sita is saved.

Now I don't identify as Hindu, but I've been coming to think of myths and legends as stories that we used to use to figure ourselves out before we ever came up with Zoloft and Restless Leg Syndrome, etc. The significance of this story is a recognition that the goal of all spiritual yearning is union of the individual soul with the universal soul. Sita is said to represent the individual, which has been held captive by Ravana, who represents the ego. She's been separated from the universal, who is symbolized by Rama. Hanuman here is said to personify an active, participatory annihilation of the ego, and thereby re-unites the individual with the collective.

On more than one occasion in the past few years, I've felt isolated on the island of myself, held captive by my static ego and self-judgments, only to be found and called to join the community by Costello. When I've felt that lonely and separated from it all, he's the guy that has invited me out of my head to play and laugh and BE with everyone, and burnt down the city of my stagnant prison by handing me a beanie baby or proudly showing off his thong or something else totally bizarre and completely adorable. He doesn't do any actual saving-- that's what happens when I'm back in touch with the tribe. What he brings is a sense of connection to what feels like just about everyone in the world, with a buttload of monkeys in tow. So as far as I'm concerned, Costello is Hanuman :D

3 words

MY HUG HERO!

Costello gets me. He pays attention to the small details that are very important to me. He loves me as I am, never wanting to hold me back, encouraging my growth. He is extremely supportive, incredibly silly, and absolutely beautiful! I am so lucky to have such an amazing partner, sensual lover, and honest friend. I love you so much!!!!!

Cos is a fascinating friend.... his imagination, originality and genuine good nature are incredibly endearing. Who knows where he will end up in life, but one thing is for sure... his journey is going to be a lot of fun!

I like you Costello. And hanging out with you, I imagine, is much like hanging out with Bert and Ernie rolled up in one.