out of control

Ok, so life's been a little hectic lately. Including work and down time (well if you can call it that.)

I've pretty much neglected this space, and writing in general - but I don't think that's a bad thing. Sometimes you have to give up words and do a little living to have something worthwhile to say.

and I've been emotionally drained. There are so many people pleaing for help, for a shoulder, for a listening ear. I don't look at that as a bad thing. After all, "that's what friends are for," right? And I love being able to be that shoulder, to have that ear, and to actually listen - to actually care. There are too many people in this world that aren't even capable of that kind of love. They are too busy, and too self-centered.

I make strides to not become so flat.

heh. And I feel great. And I've been dreaming again (and remembering my dreams.) even if some of those dreams are really nightmares (I ain't afraid of you.) heh.

So, just checking in here. Not to say that most of the people who would read this don't see enough of my sorry as on the Orchard.

later peeps,
-fryguy.

epistles

There has been a letter writing campaign at my house here of late. Emails are flying in every direction. There are words to be shared (and some words to be kept inside.) I am thankful for the invention of the Internet (thanks Al Gore!) as it allows us all to keep in touch.

Plus I'm kinda afraid of the telephone. I haven't owned one in over two years!

Yes, I know that's absurd. Get the internet and learn to write. In fact you don't even have to do that - I like snail mail just as well (if not better) than email. So grab a pen and paper and jot down a note for me. You'll feel better after you do - and I'm usually pretty good at writing back.

usually.

I was sifting through my inbox today when I found an email wishing me a Happy New year from an old friend. We had gotten together sometime before Christmas (after putting it off for a couple of months) and reaquainted ourselves. And just like that, I let her slip away again. I felt like an ass finding that letter. Estella, if you happen on this space, I'm sorry.

The best letters here of late have been written just for me. They're exercises of the mind and of the pen. They're detailed accounts of conversations between me and God. They're not even meant to be read.

Thoughts solidified in ink, like clay hardening in the fiery kiln.

Of course, all things are temporary. Well, the tangeable anyway. In the long run, I guess maybe just having the thought is permanent enough.

-d/

a loss for words

This weekend was amazing. So amazing that I've had almost nothing to say about it. I am without words.

Not only were the concerts great, (Saturday night's show sneaking into my top three OtR shows of all time) but it was wonderful to spend some time with the Apples.

Saturday, Kanani, Chica and I were heading to Denny's with the rest of the crew when we had a little car trouble. We were in down town Dayton and apparently Thug-n-Hoodlum night was about to let out just two blocks south of us. The nice officer that stopped (and waited with us for over an hour) informed us that they were expecting to make over a hundred arrests between the hours of 2 and 5 am. But we had rescuers. Devon (thanks Devon!) stopped to make sure everything was ok when he saw Kanani standing on the corner of Main and Franklin. And Billiam (thanks Bill!) was kind enough to skip breakfast and let us sit in his warm car whilst waiting for AAA. After that we headed down to Cincy to spend the night and figure out what we could do to get the car up and running in the AM.

Unfortunately, car places aren't open on Sundays. doh! But everything worked out. My sister came down with her friend and they got to see their first ever OtR concert. And Chica's repairs are being done for free because, as it turns out, the part was under recall.

After saying my goodbyes Sunday night, we left the venue and started heading towards Sidney. My heart was empty and my head simply worn through. I've felt fairly vacant since leaving all of you. A good show - a good Over the Rhine show, especially - has the tendancy to leave me that way, worn, exhausted, and feeling like I've next to nothing left to give. But all in a good way. Like my emotions for a time have been put to rest because they have been on maximum overdrive for the last three days.

alright -- I'm gonna do some shout outs and close this one up.

Bill - You're the best for hauling our asses around, and being a generally awesome guy. I had a lot of fun hanging out with you his weekend.
Jame$ - It was good to see you again this weekend, bro. Now finish that damn thesis! I'm waiting. . . .
SweetZayne - You have some great hugs in you, woman! And don't ever stop pinching my ass. ;)
Janelle - Even though I didn't get to see you very much, you are a hoot. Thanks for cracking my shit up without ever having to say a word. (that B. is a lucky guy.)
Margarita - You are fantastic! Too bad your hubby couldn't be there this weekend. Looking forward to spying your top collection in the near future!
Bruce-say - You sick fucking bastard! and that's why I love me some Bruce. Next time you're going on a drink, let me know you fuck.
Mariesa - You are such a sweet woman. Thanks for the Mercury Lounge show and for letting me crash your place! I can't believe you tried to get me into your bed. ;)
Jeanne - You're simply a lot of fun. The more I get to know you, the more you're personality blooms. Thanks for all the pictures, and for just being you. :)
Keith from NY - It seems a great sense of humor runs among the Apples. You, sir, are no exception. And a mighty thanks for the DVD, it's awesome!
Dr. E - It was great meeting you. Hopefully we have more time to chat in the near future.
Daniel - It was great to meet you this weekend. Hopefully next time we'll have more time to hang out, Taft maybe? eh? eh?
Kevin - Love the art, man! I'm envious of such a bold move. . . It was great to see you again this weekend.
Sam - You are a trip girl! Next time remember to bring some extra crunk juice!
Fred - You Italian Stallion! You are one of the funniest people I've ever met, and in saying that I don't just mean funny looking! Hope to see you soon.
Belly - It was great seeing more of you this weekend. I adore your sense of humor and the general courage you show towards the world. Send some words my way.
Mauler - Despite the rumors of your ferocity, you are too sweet! I had fun seeing and hanging with you this weekend.
Kanani - I miss you terribly. It was a joy to see you again this weekend. Next time you're in town, we're going to have to find some time to share our stories.
and Chica - you know I love you. Hope you had fun this weekend.

Karin, Linford, Devon, Byron - Thanks a million for the wonderful music and memories you provide. You are an inspiration of life, for living. thank you.

I'm sure that I'm probably forgetting someone -- let me be the first to say that I'm an ass for doing so. Cheers! You all are great.

-d.