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....