A BROKEN MACHINE

Sitting on a couch in the living room of my long-time friend Lily’s Augsburg dorm.  I’ve known her since I can first remember, as her mom and my mom are best friends.  It’s different visiting a friend you haven’t seen in a long, long time.  Having gone into the experience with absolutely no expectations, I can officially say that Lily is cool shit and I’m glad to know her.

Today we visited uptown Minneapolis and had an eclectic adventure.  Among the highlights were raspberry-chocolate chunk ice cream, shenanigans in the cemetery Paul Wellstone calls his final resting place, and a serendipitous sailboat ride around Lake Calhoun with a German fellow named Werner who requested each occupant to share a fond childhood memory in addition to participating in song to pay the toll for the ride.  It was, dare I say, kinda magical.

We then visited some friends of her’s and watched some first season Muppets before returning to base camp (where I am now) to watch Darren Aronofsky’s “Pi.”  Lily conked out shortly in (can’t blame her, it was a long day) so the fare was switched to South Park to lessen the information intake.  Too bad — I think she’d really like “Pi.”

There were gyros too.  So fucking tasty.

Tomorrow we will hopefully finish “Pi” (kinda doubt it), eat a hearty breakfast, and visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.  We’ll then catch the light rail to the airport where I’ll catch a shuttle back home.  It’s been a nice visit, but it’s gone by way, way too fast.  As mentioned already, Lily is cool shit, and I hope I get to see her sooner than later.

Now I find myself at a crossroad.  Today is July 14 (as of three hours ago).  On July 18, I will begin my 20-some odd hour solo journey to Sarnia, Ontario, where I will visit my brother from another mother, Johnny, to begin work in earnest on a film that I hope to release sometime early next year.  I’d like nothing better than to share more with you now, but as I’ve learned time and time again, you should never, fucking ever, let the cat out of the bag too early. Maybe this time I’ll remain wise to that lesson.

Suffice it to say I’m excited, and suffice it to say that there’s more to come.  I’m paying what, 20 bucks(?) a year to keep this blog operational.  I feel in time that this may prove to be a good decision with everything coming up, provided I can pull myself from my film efforts (read: shenanigans) to keep this blog somewhat current.

A storm’s brewing (metaphorical) and I’m glad to have a seat in my garage and a beer at hand to enjoy it.  I can’t wait until you can come over and join in with me.  Until then.