That stands for Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior, and also the name of the final CD by Ann Arbor's Original Brothers and Sisters of Love (now known as The Great Lakes Myth Society).
I almost didn't make it back to Michigan. My dad's truck wasn't in a very reliable state, and with it being such a gas guzzler, finances were tight... but I was able to pull it together. I'm so glad I did.
I arrived on Wednesday @ Laura & Aaron's. Henry was there waiting for me. Man, I miss that dog. He is probably the most special being in my life. Candace & Jason came over. It was some wonderful times, catching up. On Thursday, I caught up with Bob & Chris for a light snack @ Casey's. Then Amy & I went and got some Bi Bim Bop. It was a wonderful afternoon.
I was pretty torn about what to do that night. There were three things going on, and doing all three didn't seem possible. But I made it. I almost bailed on Mittenfest at the Elbow Room, but I'm so glad I didn't. That was just the most perfect moment for me. I walked in and the first people I spy are Misty and Mike. Man, I love them both so much. They were surprised. I didn't think my arrival was a big secret or anything, but nonetheless, that was quite cool. I then made my way to the stage, where Matt, Carol, and Collete were playing. Carol flipped out, and leaned from the stage to give me my first kiss of the new year. She's the best, all around. But being there, hearing Matt Jones songs, fresh in the new year... that was about as good as it could be. I caught up with everyone else that I could find. Lots of love was flowing all around. I'm glad I made it there.
New Year's Day was my final full day there... it was mostly spent relaxing, reading this Murakami craziness. Matt had threatened to make pierogies on New Year's Day, inviting everyone from stage and giving out his address. I went over for that... but it wasn't really happening. He served me some anyway. He's a good man, and a good pierogie maker. Then it was off to the Old Town, with Chris doing his yearly Townes/Hank Sr. tribute. A bunch of folks made it out for that. I got to catch up with Kathy, Rob & Kristin, and many more folks. When I left though, I got pretty said. Mostly that happened when I said goodbye to Jack. It was just like the time before. He's one of the most important people in my life, and knowing I'm not going to see him again for a long time really makes me well up. Damn you, Jack.
I made it back the Elbow for Lightning Love, Champions, and the aforementioned Great Lakes Myth Society. GLMS was my last chance to rock out for a really long time, so I went up front, and rocked as well as I could. There was a line in the song... Carol turned to me and told me "Don't Cry" (because I had threatened to earlier)... but it goes something like "when friends come to town... (etc)... COME HOME... I AM HOME." Well, that really hit home for me, and I knew then, that this town, this place was my home. I don't know if it will ever change, and I will go back there every chance that is feasible. I also have the adventure that is still before me, and that I am committed to, so don't expect me to move back or anything... not yet anyway :)
I pulled out on Saturday from Laura's. It's never easy saying goodbye to your best friend either. I probably hid it pretty well, but walking down the sidewalk from the porch, I was about to burst out crying. It was so good though, everything in Michigan, and I felt so recharged. It feels like leaving was done properly this time, and now I can go on.
Happy New Year
PS - I recommend some Chuck Prophet for New Year listening... Homemade Blood, which has the song New Year's Day. Scrawl's "11:59 (It's January)" is another, albeit depressing.
No comments:
Post a Comment