Re-emergence

So, I'm sitting here thinking that letting this space go to waste is less than brilliant. Especially since most days I have some pretty genius thoughts - generally wasted on my kids. They'll realize how cool their dad is someday. For sure.

The point is, the time has come to dust off the ol' blog and get back to putting some thoughts out there. My dad has suggested that this time in my life is a great opportunity to get back to songwriting, but up to this point that has been a creative bust. I gotta start somewhere.

Let's get an update in on what's been going on since my last post:

The Trip: Roaring success. Overall,the family had a blast, we made great memories. Can't wait to do this again. Here's what I learned: My family functions with much less frustrations when we spend lots of time together. I really thought someone would end up maimed after us all being jammed in the car for 3 weeks. I was wrong. Here would be a great place to comment on my apparent genius.

Nell: Somewhat shockingly, I haven't heard from Birthmom Nell since July. Was I too much for her? Maybe the meeting was boring. Maybe she's just got a lot going on. The Christmas season is coming up, so it's a great time for me to bug her. I'll do it... eventually.

Jonathan: That's right folks... The 5th (and hopefully final human) member of the Irmiter family arrived in late August. If you haven't caught up on the news or pictures, check here. He's an awesome little dude and he's doing great. I'm sure there will be much more on this here.

Job: Nope. None. I'm sure there will be much more on that too.

The Band: The rumors are true, Bluestone Moon is no more. There are a number of reasons for this, but at the end of the day, the whole thing is just over. Bummer. There's good news on a couple fronts: First, it ended amicably enough that I'm sure some or all of us will work on projects together in the future. I'll be sure to keep you posted on what everyone is up to as I hear. For starters, check out singer Ali Washington's new band The Movement. SECOND: The Bluestone Moon album Tomorrow's Trying To Breathe has finally been released. It's packed with all original, soulful pop tunes with serious groove. You can hear clips here. You can order your very own copy from CD Baby or drop me a line, and I can hook you up. It's good stuff, so don't miss out and be all bummed later.

So that's the haps. Stay tuned for more important and maybe more well thought-out stuff.

Captured....

So, I'm pretty sure I left my heart at Lake Tahoe.

This is the view from one of the overlooks as you drive down to the lake. It may be the most incredible natural site I've ever seen. Everything is pristine, and I can't begin to describe the exact shade of clear blue the water is. I almost felt bad swimming in it. As part of our week long Reno stop, we spent a day at the lake just checking out the scene. If I had a couple million to sink into real estate right now, this would be the spot.


So we spent the afternoon buzzing around the lake at high speed, and found a nice quiet little spot to catch a little sun and some crawfish.


All thanks to my bro-in-law, Darin.



As a side note, this guy is an inspiration to me as someone who is starting to see the karma come back around. Without all the details, his life was coming apart at the seams a few months ago, but just this week everything started to change all at once. He's got a lovely new lady-friend as you can see, and was just handed keys to an entire 47 acre mountain (and house), and a crazy low price. I hadn't really gotten to know him much until this week, but I quickly learned he's one of the most genuine, generous people around, who just can help but give you the shirt off his back. If you ever wonder if that kind of living pays off, I'll give you his number.

If that's not enough, I'm pretty sure Jack would like to be adopted by his super-cool uncle. I mean, he's got a super huge boat, and super cool 4-wheelers, and an entire mountain to explore. I guess I can't blame the kid...




Today, we spent the afternoon checking out Yellowstone. My only regret here is that we didn't have more time. Check out my sweet mountain climbing skills ----->

I'm a whole 12 feet off the ground...

Here's my travel tip: IMHO, the fountain geyser is a much better investment of time than the whole old faithful thing. It seems you can get much closer and get a better experience. Granted Old Faithful is a national landmark, blah blah blah... But trust me on this one. Unless you're the type that loves parking in a gigantic parking lot a mile a way, and fighting your way through 8,000 tourists who got there before you did. Yeah... take my word on this one.


By the way, apparently geysers stink. Take Jaelon's word on that one...


I'm writing this from "suite" 133 at the luxurious Antler Inn, in Cody, Wy. Out my window is a lovely view of a rapidly deteriorating asphalt lot, and about 73 rusty pickup trucks. Yay.

Yeah, I said "Antler Inn". Sounds shady. It looks shady too, and I think they ripped me on the price. Triple A rate my butt... Anyway, its surprisingly clean, and nice considering. Especially when it's 10:30 Pm and you're in a car with 2 whining kids, a pregnant lady, and its the only open room in town. Trust me, we only stopped at 40 places. Ok 3, but still... I was tired.


As I sit here, I can't help but keep thinking about Nell. I was only able to spend a short while with her, but I really miss her for some reason. Maybe its that little part of my spirit that finally found its final connection. Maybe because I wanted our meeting to be a little more dramatic. Maybe I didn't get all my questions answered in the time we had. Or... maybe you're just supposed to miss people when they leave.

Nell doesn't really return calls, but I'm going to leave her a message I think. Just to say hi or something. Maybe she listens to them... maybe not. Its almost like "Birthmom" became a real person for a second and then she's disappeared into the mist again. I feel like I'm craning my neck to catch another glimpse. I hope she knows what a big part of my life she's been.

Guess I maybe shoulda told her that...

Like I said, I was pretty sure I left my heart at Lake Tahoe...


I may have to go back and get it. Yellowstone was pretty all right...

Misc Pics

My apologies for the lack of blog posts this week. We are in Reno, NV and have been without reliable internet connections for a while. I hacked a little workaround tonight, so BAM!

Just for bragging rights, this is the view from the living room window of the house we stayed at in Steamboat.



Ok, so no bragging rights. It's not my house (clearly) , but I did enjoy the view for a few days. So there...

After leaving Steamboat, we continued West on our way to Salt Lake City where we spent the night. The next morning we got back in the trusty Durango for another 8 hour drive. When we stopped for gas in the the middle of nowhere, the kids asked us why there was so much "snow" while it was so hot. Being good parents, we educated them on the geography known as the "Salt Flats", across which we were traveling.

The idea of having a vast expanse of land that tastes like salt was too much for our kids. So they asked to go play out there, and have a taste. Being not-so-good parents, we agreed to let them go, and subsequently fired up the ol' camera to see what would transpire.


Oh hey, this salt flat stuff is cool! Let's taste!



Yep. Take a good lick.

Ever the trusting little sister, Jaelon gets in on the salt action....



I think she loves it...




Or not...




Like I said. NOT the best parenting, but it's funnier this way. Well worth it.


Here's a few Reno pictures. This lake is the Boca Reservoir, where we spent most of Tuesday. Yeah, it's that nice...

peace...

Birthmom

She tried to shake my hand. Can you believe that? A reunion 31 years in the making, and she's gonna kick it off with a handshake. I wasn't having any of that. I hugged her.

For 31 years, I have imagined this mythical figure known only as "Birthmom". Birthmom was this lady who, in her infinite wisdom made the most difficult choice to give up her child for adoption. Somehow she knew that the mere possibility of me having a better life without her was enough to make that decision. Sure there were "circumstances" influencing her at 18 years old, but I have to say, all things considered, not bad. Not bad at all.

Birthmom's name is Nell. She's short, and has dark skin like me. She kinda looks like me. She's bossy like a mother should be. She's sarcastic like me. She's afraid of ducks.

We stood in the mirror for what seemed like an hour, comparing features. I'm not good at that game and I kept getting in trouble for my lack of participation. All I wanted to know is where the heck did my tiny ears come from? She wasn't much help on that.



How cool is this?


So there you have it. It's still sinking in, and I'm still not sure how I feel. Yep, I'm happy. There isn't any more mystery to my origin. "Birthmom" is real. Nell is real. I don't know her that well, but I miss her already. I really do.

Steamboatin'

Yep, I've been slackin' for a couple days on this whole blog thing. Rest assured, I've been plenty productive in other areas such as: laying around, reading books, and just plain enjoying the ride. Today is our last day in Steamboat Springs under the generous hospitality of the Daly family (thanks!). Watching our kids play together makes me regret somewhat that I was never this close with my cousins, but at the same time I feel blessed to be able to witness how much they love each other.

How is Steamboat? Well, if you've never been, COME. Me and the other black guy in town both agree, its the SPOT.

This afternoon its on to Salt Lake City, and then tomorrow, Reno, NV. My brother-in-law Darin is unwavering in his attempts to get us to stay there and never come home. So, if you never hear from us again, that's why.

2 days 'till I meet my mom. Wow. This morning while I was watching my kids check out hot air balloons, I started to wonder what it would be like to have to walk away from them for 31 years. I really can't imagine. I talked with my sister Traneka last night, and it just seems more and more real. I haven't talked to her in 2 years, but somehow, it was just like talking to family... which I guess I was.

Despite all the fun current events, and the looming ones, I still feel I'm searching for something. I need for my life to make sense in more ways that it does now. Can that even happen? This one guy once told me that when doors open, I just need to run through them. I'm probably just lookin for some doors then...

Here's a few pics to check out. If you're on facebook, I posted a bunch more from the last couple days. Thanks to the future Mr. and Mrs. John Henderson for the camera. That thing just doesn't take a bad picture. Thanks to my other favorite sister for the Tom Tom. We're here, so I guess it's working.

peace y'all...

So Much 2 C

So... Anyone ever feel like you're looking for something, but maybe you're checking out the wrong place? This picture is somewhat symbolic of we feel about our lives right now, and it's a little bit funny. It was even funnier once Leah told them a giant snake probably lived in that hole. Dad was too slow on the camera to catch that reaction...

Wednesday was a long day of driving through South Dakota and Wyoming, and the crew is still going strong. By the way, if you've ever wondered why land is so cheap in Wyoming, I think I know why. I'm guessing you'll need the money you saved to build yourself an army of robots to keep you company. Beautiful country, there's NOTHING here.

I'm writing this from a hotel in Cheyenne, after a much needed night of sleep and a hot shower. Unfortunately, I receive several travel demerits for picking the hotel 1 block from the busiest rail line in America. Johnny Mercer had it right - Ahooey ahoohey and a clickety clack will most definitely give you the blues in the night... All night.

Did the Mt. Rushmore thing yesterday - had to sell the luggage for a parking pass. The "priviledge" to view our National Parks and Monuments which I believed we've already supported via tax revenue, is pretty expensive. So far the sightseeing bill has exceeded the food bill. Something is wrong with that. Despite that, it was a great experience, and Jack dubbed it as "sweet" which is all you need to know. It's great to see a place celebrating our country where so many different people can come together and rudely jump into others' family pictures at the last minute.



Anybody know that guy?? Apparently he's decided to become part of the family. If you draw his name for the holidays, he looks about a 2xl...

This struck me as funny at this particular monument as I was considering that this place celebrates 4 presidents heralded as designing and improving our great nation. The thought I was pondering, was that our nation's progress has so much come at the expense of others such as displaced Native Americans, enslaved Africans, or overworked and underpaid immigrants. This dude sitting next to my kids was so desperate to save himself a choice wall spot, he completely ignored the family picture he jumped into. Progress has it's costs, I guess...

Well, its back on the road. If anybody knows where to find what I'm looking for, I'd appreciate the help. I assure you, it's not in a hole in South Dakota.

Check out this Wyoming sunset from the photographic perspective of a 7 year-old. Who says kids can't appreciate beauty....

The Hard Way

Man, ain't NOTHIN easy. After 6 more uneasy hours, I think our collective patience ran out. The RV couldn't be fixed in time, so we loaded in the truck and hit the road. So much for the best laid plans.

On the flip side, it's good to finally be underway, and have a few miles of pavement out of the way. One more time, things don't work out the way I planned them, but the alternative isn't all bad.... so far. As a little treat from me to you, here's a wonderful panoramic view from what must be the very highest point in southwestern Minnesota. I mean, you can see for a half mile or more....



As promised, it's time to meet the Road Rash Crew.




"Dude": Master of stating the obvious, and just plain being cool. He has officially declared South Dakota as "pretty good" - don't even try to argue that...



"Sunshine": Yeah, that's right. Bringing you your daily dose of joyful delight since 2003. She knows most of the words to the "National American University" jingle, and is happy to sing them to you as often as she pleases - usually in repeated sets of 20's. Just try and stop her... seriously - somebody stop her. I can't stand that song.



"The Boss": 'Nuff said. What I sez goes... unless somebody else says something different, and then we can dialog. Better ask somebody...




"Moms": "Did you eat all your vegetables? I'm only eating ice cream because the baby wants it."

I guess I missed the memo on that.

Speaking of which:



I think this is what they call an "artist's rendering". Can't wait...

Only 5 days until I meet my mother. I'm starting to get nervous on what I should say. Any ideas? I'm thinking of leading by asking to borrow some money. By the number of people hittin me up for a handout lately, its the best way to meet people these days.

... just a thought...

Flex - Ability

In order to kick this off in the most appropriate way, allow me to explain what I'm doing here. The purpose of this blog is to force me to take the time to journal the experiences of the EPIC road trip I'm about to embark on with the family - you'll meet them later.... Much time and effort has gone into planning and preparing for this trip, and yet as I sit here in the middle of the night, I'm uncertain it will ever happen. The intended road trip vehicle is currently inoperable, and is destined for the shop in a few hours. While we desperately work up a "plan b", it's becoming harder and harder not to have the plans choked off by disappointment.

So, why this trip? Most of my 31 years have been consumed with defining myself by what I have and what I do. Correction - defining myself by obtaining what I don't have, and striving to accomplish what I haven't yet done. Since losing my job exactly 90 days ago, much of who I thought I was vanished rapidly. Consequently, it's time for a new definition... So I am choosing to pack my wife and 2 and 8/9ths children into some sort of vehicle, and drive across the country just because I can.

So, why this trip? It is essentially a chance to experience life in a new setting, enjoying the passing of time with the people and things of creation. There's a story here somewhere: A family looking for purpose and an increased awareness of possibility? A man apprehensively walking a road in a search for refreshed connection with the one who leads him? I'm going to meet my mother for the very first time. There's a story here somewhere...

Trifecta of Meat

It was decided in July of 1776 that The United States would become an independent nation. Judging from the noise outside, the appropriate method to celebrate such an event is to blow stuff up well into the night. Hooray for America. Nevertheless, I propose that the appropriate way to celebrate the birth of a nation is to slowly cook different types of meats at low temperatures over smoky wood fires. Let's be honest, not only did my dinner guests approve, but I'm pretty sure America appreciates the gesture. If not, I can be consoled by a large plate of meats slathered in BBQ sauce.


mmmm sauce...