My friend Dave had a birthday today and he said it was mostly uneventful. I was trying to think of something nice I could do for him. He lives in Bangor and I'm in Portland and I knew it had to be something I could email to him. Then I came up with this idea. I took a photo of me he likes and personalized it for him. Within this photo, minus the obvious "Happy Birthday Dave" are his birthday 10/10, this year, his online name, a homage to his favorite group "Cold Play" and his favorite album "White Ladder" by David Gray. Plus my own signature. "Where there's Wil there's always a way." I hope he likes it. I emailed it to him, but he hasn't been back online since I sent it.
In other news, I'm going to featured in USA Today again. Well, actually USA Today Online. I don't know the date yet, but I'll be featured in the Pop Candy Column as a reader of the day. In return, the columinst Whitney Matheson has agreed to an interview for my blog.
My birthday trip to Newport RI is coming up a week from Friday. I'm super excited! I mailed off some pictures of Aquaman to Fred at American Tattoo. He's going to design an Aquaman tattoo for me. That will happen Oct 20th at Noon. I'm really excited. On my actual birthday, October 23rd, I'll be meeting some friends at Blackstones for happy hour. I emailed Ralph, the owner, to let him know and he responded telling me they'd have balloons and a cake for me. That's very cool. I can't remember the last time anyone got me balloons and a cake for my birthday. It should be a good time.
My long lost dear friend Marnie is coming to Maine Oct 17-22 to do a recon trip as she might be moving to Portland. We met the first day of my junior year in 1984. She was such an amazing woman even at that young age and she really inspired me to just be myself. We lost touch just before I went to Desert Storm. I've always thought about her over the years and still have a drawing she did of me back in 1988 (pictured above). I was so excited when she tracked me down. It's been amazing getting reacquainted. I just adore her! I'm so excited to see her. And it will be a dream come true if she does indeed move here. The best part about coming back together is we both pretty much ended up doing what we set out to do way back then.My good friends Tom and Shannan Houlette had a baby boy not too long ago. I still haven't met the little man, but I've seen pictures and he's beautiful. I also still haven't gotten him anything yet, but I think a trip to Toys R Us this weekend is in store!!!
So, my mother was less-than moved by the song I wrote for her with my friend Andi Fawcett. Her and I have never been close and our relationship, the last few years, has been very business like and cordial. I feel like she can't let go of who I was in my teens and twenties. She didn't even compliment me on the song. She just told me that I need to stop idolizing her and putting her on a pedastel. I wasn't at all surprised, but it did hurt that she couldn't just say "thank you." She's always questioned even the smallest gesture of kindness I make towards her. She's always been convinced I have ulterior motives. Still, I'm not mad at her. She is who she is and our relationship is what is. I can be at peace with the fact that I extended myself to her as much as I could and even more and she didn't give back. So, we'll never be close. It's not the end of the world. It doesn't take away from how wonderful and fruitful my life is. There's nothing more to be said about that. I'm still here for her 100% if she ever needs me and I let her know that.
Russ and I booked a 2 bedroom cottage in Provincetown for Thanksgiving. For those outside of New England, its the town at the very tip of Cape Cod. Having spent most of my 20's as the orphan at other people's houses on Thanksgiving, in my 30's I decided to just spend it alone and have a movie day. I usually enjoy it quite a bit, but this year will be nice to be on the Cape. I'm looking forward to it.
Last but not least, Flask is coming along nicely. It's going to be beautiful inside. I was there last night helping with the hardwood floors. They should be open by Oct 27th for Russ's 50 Birthday Bash. I'm very proud of them. This is the best the place ever looked inside! Congrats to Jes and Andi!
Life is good, I have nothing to complain about. I'm happy. I'm working on a short story and I have about 10 books on deck to read.
Happy Fall Everyone!
