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1 september 2000

long weekend ahoy

It's been such a hectic week in my little life, frought with lots of changes over which I am simultaneously curious and uneasy. Moving is like that, I suppose, even though I am returning to the only place I feel justified in calling "home".

When I was about twenty-two, I moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina on the recommendations of some new poetry friends. I had just entered their arts scene, loved everyone with whom I had become acquainted, and figured why not. You'd be surprised at how different towns can be within this state. From the conservative, to more free-wheeling towns, North Carolina has a cool mishmash of just about everyone.

Winston is interesting, in that it has always had a thriving arts scene, especially for a town of its size. Many of my good friends are not just involved in their artistic endeavors, but making at least part of their living from them as well. Lyndon, for example, builds movie sets on a freelance basis, teaches autistic children through art, and creates his own objects for sale. Jack has a thriving jewelry-smithing studio, and makes some of the most beautiful stuff you could imagine. We have writers, painters, photographers, and even a few furniture designers scattered all over town. There's nothing quite like being part of a thriving community, filled with other creative people.

So I'm packing up my things, and making sure that Wilma is staying on track. And I have to admit that I'm a little worried about something. For a kitten that I found at the local dump, she sure is a picky eater. It turns out that I need to feed her four very small servings a day, because if the food sits for more than a couple of hours, she won't eat it! So I watched her one day to find out what the deal was. It turns out that she totally digs the gravy in her food. She'll eat the other stuff when she's really hungry, but she's definitely in it just for the goop.

So, does anyone know where I can just get some Kitten Gravy? No food, just gravy. Preferably with some vitamins.

I have also learned how to drive her batty. Just give her a ball of yarn and watch her go nuts. Actually, just show her where her tail is and she'll do the same thing. Or, she'll catch a glimpse of her foot and commence this weird grab-attack and roll herself up into a little ball. Are kittens always this much fun? She's such a hoot.

Otherwise, Labor Day Weekend is upon us, which means absolutely EVERYONE will be on the highway for one last summer hurrah. I can't say I've ever been much of a big holiday traveller. Fighting crowds on my day off isn't exactly my idea of a good time, but some people really seem to get into it. They pack up their Suburban Assault Vehicle with their 1.3 children and 20.7 video game cartridges, the dog, a few videotapes to watch in the vehicle (because Heaven forbid a child should ever be bored nowadays), and the cellphone so they can keep in touch with everyone during their great getaway.

Umm, yeah.

I wish my friend Jason (who you can also get on AvantGo) much luck at his brother's wedding. Kelli, good luck with YOUR move. Linda, I'm coming home! And best of all, Autumn is fast approaching, which is always my happiest time of the year. In the weeks to come, I will be sharing with you lots of cool experiences from some of the many fall events in North Carolina, from the Lake Eden Arts Festival, to the Dixie Classic Fair, to the Mount Airy Autumn Leaf Festival. And I hope to get out and do some hiking.

Now, if I could just find some gravy.

You all have a great weekend, and be safe.