Flying on 9/11...

[mrdreamjeans]

I'm back in Seattle. Three years ago, I flew here on September 10th, knowing that I would be singing in a dear friend's wedding on the 15th. Odd that I would return here so close to the date, with a world of change in the short period since.

Attending today's Live Journal picnic was an eye-opener; in fact the past four days have been distinctly different from my life in the past four or five years. I don't want to make distinctions or single out specific individuals from today's picnic for accolades....rather, I want to say how much I appreciated the whole experience.

What a treat it was to meet each and every one of you, to learn a bit about your lives and share in the occasion. It was a very special afternoon for me and I thank you for making this Texan feel so welcome.

My emotions are on the surface tonight. I'm a bit sad...You all live in a city where 60 furry men can gather, be affectionate and loving in a picturesque park on a beautiful September day and it is simply the norm. I hope you don't lose sight of how rare a gift that is...the joy of gathering with like-minded friends. My bit of sadness is that at least for now, it was a fleeting glimpse.

Flying on 9/11... safely...just another routine travel day; remembering the terror of 9-11-2001 and putting it in perspective by flying on the anniversary of that tragic day; a picnic in the park with men connected through the written word. Making new friends...

I don't take anything for granted. Life is indeed a banquet and we are definitely not the poor suckers starving to death... at least for today:) May our gathering live on in our memories from here forward....

Comments

We have redefined 911

[double-ohsteven.livejournal.com]

I think that 911 has now been displaced as Livejournal Picnic Convergence Day and no longer is the politically conceived horror that those in power wish to use as an excuse to take away our liberties. Instead , we reassert our freedom and joy in living with each other through the LJPC. Community replacing isolation and fear.
I really felt a part of something significant today and getting to know you and Bob was a very integral part of that.

[gotmoof.livejournal.com]

I'm certainly glad you had fun in SF. Now onto more fun in Seattle!

Rare gifts

[fuzzygruf.livejournal.com]

And people wonder why I post "I love my City" so many times in my blog. But obviously SF isn't for everyone, especially those who can't appreciate rare gifts.

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

I do truly think that what happened yesterday is the best one can do to celebrate such a momentous day. Get together and be merry. Remind all that being friends and banding together is the best one can do. Life does indeed go on, no matter what happens.

I'm glad you have had a wonderful time in SF.

My current beau lived in SF for 3 years while in college in the late 90's.

Anyhow, glad to know you are in Seattle and if you have time, holler and perhaps a coffee meet might be in order?

Old Hippy Love Medicine Rules the World!

[abearius.livejournal.com]

I agree with you that the Bay Area is a rare place. Humans are what humans are and all of us have failings, even here. Nevertheless, I am always aware of the unique opportunities people have in a place like this. The epic struggle of Modernity is to supplant patriarchal fundamentalism with something more liberating. I grew up in a town of 500 people where Jesus and Satan were real entities that were locked in a battle to claim your immortal soul for their own, so the chances for radical individualism were, shall we say, a bit limited. Living here is, by comparison, like living in Utopia.

And it was so nice meeting you in person. You are radiant! :-)

Re: Old Hippy Love Medicine Rules the World!

[orange-groves.livejournal.com]

Amen Sister!

Re: Old Hippy Love Medicine Rules the World!

[abearius.livejournal.com]

Testify! Testify!