The Genesis

Eons ago, as a wee boy, I would sit at my computer desk and play Diablo 2. As was routine, savoring an ice-cold cup of milk with a side of hot pocket, typically peperoni and cheese, of course. Fret not for on occasion, yes, I would trade the hot pocket for a deliciously crisp pickle.

The salt of the pickle and robust creamy chill of the milk paired in the most amazing ways to me. Later I learned many others found this combination abhorrently grotesque. To me, this was delicious and enjoyable. To this day, I stand tall with my convictions and fail to sway from enjoying either pickle or milk, individually, and, of course, in concert.

Humble Beginnings

Years later as a grown man, I attempted to dive into the world of video game review. Enlisting my brother and a few select friends of mine, we embarked on this journey – writing reviews, interviewing, and going to conventions under the Press banner.

We set up a company, established a website, and began to grind away at reviews. Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out well in the long haul. Many times, I was impatient or pushed my friends too hard on delivering the reviews. At the end of the day, I would spend 8 to 10 hours at work then turn around and spend another 8 on the company. As a father of 2 (at the time 3 now), my time was valuable but felt it was being stripped from my family; or at least that is what I told myself.

It was decided to end the dream of video game reviews.

In hindsight, that company can be categorically classified as a failure; however, there were great sums of blessings around skill development and knowledgeable achievements.

In a moment of reflection back in 2023, namely on that era of my life, I dove into the root of what that effort really was and what I was trying to accomplish. The introspective review led me to ask what I was expecting to create or accomplish. Ultimately, I landed on the construction of a creative venture and venue - The journey, the ownership; hell, I even thought about the documentary side so my descendants can possess knowledge of the sound of my laughter, the image of my smile, and insight into my mind.

After that realization, it dawned on me, why don’t I try again? This time would be different, this time I can focus on what really matters – self-expression. In that blissful moment, I recalled, for reasons unknown, a nice ice-cold glass of milk and a salty crisp pickle. The individuality of my savory delight. 

Within the same breath, I called my brother and asked if he would be interested in building something; something different than before, something pure.

The obvious answer was “Yes”.

One of many Pirkle Concept Artworks

We jumped to it almost immediately. I bought the domain, set up the DNS, configured the website, and even purchased email storage.

Roughly 2 months into it my life completely collapsed. Personal life took a massive turn for the worse and ever-so-bitterly lasted throughout 2023. PandM was nothing more than collateral damage, lost.

On rare occasions, my brother would-boot scoot over to my house where we might partake upon a gaming session or two. In Late-January 2025, such rare event had struck. Even more so in rarity, I had decided to stream to test my computer's ability with the recent enhancement of RAM.  

During that live stream laughs permeated the air with such ferocity. We got demolished, but we did so together. Overall that experience stimulated a remembrance of what PandM was meant to become; consequentially, it would put us back on the path.

A day or two after mauling it over, I deeply entertained the idea of revisiting PirklesAndMirlk. The effort ensued; checked the domain availability, checked emails, checked DNS ownership and configuration. To my surprise, all still was alive and beating. It turns out the universe has been charging me for the last two years without me realizing.

The rest is history, so here we are upon the precipice of the launch.  On April 1st, the Fool’s Day, we finally launch the brand. This launch, good, bad, or ugly, is significantly personal to me and will always carry a heavy symbol of my brother and I’s perseverance and grit.

So without further ado, so shall it be written, so shall it commence. Neary two years in conception and 40 years in the making:

Welcome to PirklesAndMirlk.