August, finally and the Dragon Boat Festival. The continued reflections and musings of a summer past.

The Dragon Boat Festival, is all about racing. Gonna resist the obvious pun here and look for a less obvious one later. Yup, Bemidji is up to the 4th Annual and it seems to be sailing along pretty well. Of course, there is a built in audience which ain't so dumb. The event has been conscripting something like 50+ teams, and with 20+ in a boat well you've got a thousand tars down at the waterfront right off the boat. In addition a lot of friends and relatives of participants come, or co-work mates as most teams are made up of employees from local business. Quite a few folks come down for the food, music and hornpipe, which is a pretty good reason to go somewhere or anywhere for that matter.

This year neither Barbara nor I participated as a racer. But the last three years, one or both of us did. It's kind of fun, but it is a lot of work. It requires a burst of energy and rhythm for several minutes, which as we all know, not everyone has one or both. And the older we get, well I think I've still got rhythm, but the energy seems a little harder to come by...but I'm working on it okay? So some teams take this stuff seriously, and to some it's a lark. It's sexist in the sense that you have to have a certain number of women, but not a certain number of men. So you can't have a boat full of old men, but you can have a boat full of athletic women. But they pay me no mind and sing, "I worked the seaways, the gale-swept seaways; past shipwrecked daughters of wicked waters; uninspired, drenched and tired; wail on, wail on, sailor."
A couple of Dragon Boats. Each boat has a drummer, supposed to help keep the rhythm of the paddlers with their paddles in the water. Listen to the rhythm. That's a cool word, rhythm. A poor and unrealistic method, but a cool word.
Most people came by car to the event, but Gregory came in a Yellow Submarine. "And our friends are all aboard, many more of them live next door, and the band begins to play."
The Editor wears a yellow arm band after dark in respect of submarines. Yes, now it's dark. Time for music and dancing. The submarine races are over. Or are they? How would a person know?
Yes, and the band began to play. Apparently women love to dance so much they do not need men. Note, no men in this photo. I hope they don't figure out they don't really need men at all these days. Point: be nice to women and dance once in awhile. Advice: Simply say, you're right, I'm wrong, I'll change.
Auditioning for the Rockettes. It is not only cold for August 1, as one might guess by the clothing worn, but it was RAINING cats and dogs. Still fun though, rock 'n roll under the big top.
One man apparently from Hawaii and thinking he's just a bit cool, but obviously not not cold at all, decides to get out on the dance floor. He wants to remain viable in this world of women. "I got rhythm, I got music, I got my (wo)man who could ask for anything more?" Aloha nui loa kuu ipo. Hmmm, anyone know what that means?
He apparently knows what steps he intends to make, she seems unsure. Isn't that great how women can "follow" a man dancing, but that's where it stops. A man thinks he can't follow a woman, but only at dancing. He follows her everywhere else, and that's the truth...although sometime takes awhile afore he knows it, and then it's too late.
The music fun and well done, and well....done, and so it deserves applause. And I applaud dancers, yes I do. Music and dancing and aloha that's a big part of life. Yup it is, and as Don Henley in a standing ovation for a dancer once said,

And all she wants to do is dance

And make romance
She can feel the heat
Comin off the street
She wants to party
She wants to get down
All she wants to do is
All she wants to do is dance

ALOOOOOOOOHA!

Title: Books On A Boat, 30 July

Okay, so my wife belongs to a book club. I never understood book clubs. Seems to be a woman thing as near as I can figure. The only film I've ever seen about book clubs, the Jane Austen Book Club, all the subscribers were women. Alright, yeah they let a guy in, but that wouldn't happen in real life. No, I'm sure that was for sexual tension. Gotta have sexual tension in a movie or no one will go ya know. Wasn't a bad movie, they all admired Jane so much, and the film's premise was all about how the various women's lives somehow dovetailed into the various books of Ms. Austen. But, ah-lass and wouldn't you guess, none of them ended up like Jane...dare I say an Old Maid? (Probably shouldn't, but I did, First Amendment and all) No, by the end of the book they were all hooked up with..of all things, hmph...men.

Any rate, still don't understand book clubs, or women for that matter. I like both women and books though. But I like to read what I like to read when I like to read it. These women recently read a book about a vampire meant for 15-year old girls, and why? Well because one of their daughters wanted her Mom to read it so the Mom got to choose 'cause it was her turn to host, and so all the women got to pretend they were 15 again. I don't think it worked, but I'm told it was a fast read. I tried to be thirty about a week ago, and that didn't work either.

So, it's Barbie's turn to host. And, because we have this boat that is soooo expensive to own, we try use it for everything we can and get the rides down to maybe $20 bucks a voyage. Have you noticed I get distracted? Drives everyone I know nuts. Back to boats or was it books? So we have books on a boat, no wonder I'm abstracted. Another thing about book clubs, everyone seems to think it's a great idea and then you can never get all of them to come to a book meet. Oh, they've got all kinds of excuses but I think there is really only one, THEY DIDN'T READ the BOOK! Fine with me, I don't care. If I'm gonna read about vampires though, I'm gonna read about nonfictional ones, Nosferatu, or Bram Stoker's. Bleah! Hello dare, allow me to intrrro-duce myself, yeess, my name-is Count Draaaacula. eh, eh. Count, von, two, tree...eh, eh.

I said everyone never shows up. (and I ain't never did no wrong) No exception today. Only half show, maybe there's seven or eight of them? So four to go...on a boat ride. But to make it look like a full boat, they allowed three men to tag along. The driver-me, my brother and his boy, my nephew. July 29th, and look how they're dressed. Man, summer didn't really come 'til September. But we were going to have a good time anyway (dammit) on the lake this year, and so we did. Here's two book club members, (Barb and sister-in-law Lizette) and a man (non-member).
So we see three of the book club members here, Willie, Rachelle and host Barbara. They are trying to pretend that it is a real book club by looking at, well.. a book. Must be fiction. Barb is reading the back cover, Willie's a little further along on page 27. Hard to tell where Rachelle's, at, she's all over the place. What the heck do you suppose is in those red cups? Perhaps a little bit of sugar. How novel.

Phew, that scanning was hard work. Book clubbers meeting over already? Perhaps they are on a sugar high.
Ah, the back of the book brings a quizzical look on the face of one member and a hardy laugh on the other. Yup, reading all gone. Seems as though they are resting on their laurels.
Nephew Alex is curious about Willie's umbrella. It's not raining, you can tell that it's not hot from the sun can't we? Could she be from New Orleans? Perhaps, or maybe Alabama, or Mississippi. If so, she must be feeling somewhat at home, as the river she is on would eventually meander by Mississippi and New Orleans. So she feels at home on the Father of Waters, the Big Muddy, and Willie, Willie, Willie won't...go home.
Here is a person who has never driven a boat. She is so easy to please. Wanna drive the boat Rachelle? How old is she? Comfortable though, got behind the wheel and floored it. Wasn't intimidated at all. Maybe the sugar rush.
Ebony and Ivory. Willie and Barbara. Good friends and co-workers. A splendid time was had by all. Memories abound as we pull into a dock the length of a football field. But hey, that's Life on the Mississippi. Yup, Old Man River. What better place to be inspired to read a book, or even write a book, perhaps The Great American Novel? Mark my word, Samuel Clemens would be proud.

Miscellaneous Summer Photo that just don't fit in a story

Haven't been blogging for awhile. Guess I've had some "down" time. But I had a very good day yesterday, reached a milestone birthday, I'm officially an elder, albeit quit young 'un. Lots of fun pictures I'll share later, maybe even good enough for a slide show.

But now I'm going to try finish up the summer, cause we did have a great summer, but here's a few photos that haven't really fit in anywhere else an so I'm gonna post them anyway, and then get back to late July. Maybe I'll do the birthday yesterday to break up the summer stuff at some point, see how I feel. By the way, if there is anyone reading this besides my two fans, now you can comment without a google account, even anonymously, but I'd appreciate at least a clue of who you are. Very easy to comment now. If you enjoy this at all, let me know 'cause I need a little bit of encouragement. Still don't know where this goes. Motivation is slipping, but who knows, maybe I'll find a niche.Barbara wanted to know if I'd take her friend Vern on a boat ride. Well sure, an indigenous man with a dry sense of humor, very nice fellow. He was happy when we were moving fast across the lake because he could turn off his oxygen. Very cool.
Couple of photos of Tonya coming. I like these because I learned a lot about her this particular weekend, much more in depth. I like these two photos because I think it shows the American Indian Heritage that she has, don't think it much, but can you see it?
Here's the other. Ho wah, niijikwe.
My brother the Bear, learns how to text only recently. He discovered that it is a good way to get responses from his children. Now he is a texting fool.
One of the children Gregory is texting, his son Alex. Here Alex will be embarrassed to be seen with a flower. He thinks "old people" and flowers are boring.
My old friend Donna of twenty years or more. We've worked on several campaigns together. She has come for a visit and begged for a boat ride on a chilly day. She now works for the US Census, and visits the area every now and then to encourage me to do my PR thing at Red Lake, as Indians are among those considered hard to count for many reasons. We are also fellow alcoholics and long time friends. By the way, I can speak better Ojibwe than she can.
Pretty much dropped out of partisan politics, but each year I still seem to get asked to be the DFL car, with my Mustang Convertible. Here are our local Reps. Sen. Mary Olson, and State Rep. John Persell. Two great people, good hearts, hard workers, and wonderful progressives. Known John for a very long time, an enviro type, and I fielded Mary for this office, she has been a strong liberal voice for health care reform.
Brother Gregory, a arm chair activist gets out of his chair to accompany me in the 4th of July parade playing 70's protest music and waving at all the girls from the Mustang.

Here's a girl name of Connie Hanson who actually waved back. Thanks Connie.

A recent Health Care reform rally down at the waterfront. Good crowd on a chilly day. I helped organize the event but was feeling a little under the weather and didn't attend. Heard it was a smashing success. It was followed by a forum at the American Indian Center at BSU. I'm on "socialized medicine" now, think everyone should have that option just on account of being a human being, don't you? Insurance companies, bah!!!!!!!

KAXE's River Fest. 7/16/09

KAXE, Northern Minnesota Community Radio. Wow. Whata concept. It's kinda like Public Radio except it's more. It's community radio. When I moved up to Northome from the Twin Cities back in '76, I had recorded hours and hours of music from the old KQRS in anticipation of never hearing renaissance music again. Well, shortly after the move, KAXE out of Grand Rapids came on the air, and what a gift it was. It wasn't KQ, but it was good. Volunteer DJ's played a diversity of music; blue grass, jazz, rock, blues, just about everything, something for everyone.

It's fun too. They've got something they call Green Cheese, a call in trivia show. And it teaches. They have a regular phenology report to teach us backwoods types about the environment we live in; climate, plant and animal life that changes with the seasons. Of course they have some Public Radio stuff like All Things Considered, and A Prairie Home Companion. Somehow or another they have managed to continue to grow with a bunch of recycled hippies and neo-hippies at the helm. They've kept their roots, and haven't sold out.

So each year, KAXE staff hold a music festival down by their new studios on the Mississippi. We've gone three out of the past four years. Always fun, visiting with folks with a socially progressive bent and music lovers. Several bands play while folks visit, enjoy the sun and try new foods. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Barbara shows some of the elixir that one might imbibe in at such a doing, and the magic begins. A step back in time whilst remaining in the present. Shhh, you will see enchanting powers displayed by and for those so endowed. Older become younger, and younger become older, sharing, until all are ageless. The Great Muddy, the Father of Waters makes it possible.
Tonya became Prim. She feels the mojo working. She turns round to seek reassurance from her great friend and mentor, Barbara Ann. "Things will be fine my friend my daughter", says Barbara. "But what does it all mean?", queries Tonya. "It's not that complicated", says Barbara, "it's about love, music, and dancing". Tonya knows, she only needs to be reminded. An uncle has helped her to forget.
Meanwhile, Dustin is Prin as well. Daughters develop their powers early, they know intuitively about love and music and dancing. Here, Maya teaches Daddy to dance. He already loves deeply. Beware of Maya? Oh no, but beware of maya. She was named after the area in which she was conceived, but maya in Hinduism? Maya is the power by which the universe becomes manifest, however maya has the additional power to produce illusion, thus "beware of maya". She will teach her Daddy well. And in return, he will teach his children well.
Here Maya shows her Dad a new step, while she twirls and twirls and twirls as children do. Maya is interested in music and dancing. Yes, she has her Daddy under her spell as is common with daughters. And Dad is only vaguely aware of Maya's power. She is subtle in it's application. She will perfect it, but never misuse it as she also knows love.

Maya comes and reports to Mommy on how Daddy is doing at dancing. Now she will leave to explore as she is very curious and must stay busy.

Tonya chooses a symbol to demonstrate her rightful place in such a place. Tonya is peace sprinkled with mischief . She looks toward her friend, soon she will engage in mysteries without any clues.

And so it goes. Tonya sits at Baba O's (aka Juanita Olson) feet, under a serenity spell now comfortable and trusting in her friend's love. She has no fear. Meanwhile the music plays, the rhythm, the beat goes on. Enticing, inviting. The people dance. Dustin looks to the stars where Maya has gone, but she is fine...she is but exploring. She must find out what is hidden back stage...behind the curtain.

Peace my friend says Juanita. Tonya is fascinated by the mischievous wisdom about to be bestowed. She doesn't understand it, but she doesn't need to, she knows that somehow...it is real. One of the things she poses to Juanita, is "am I worthy of the third eye"? Juanita laughs as happens so often when Tonya speaks. "You are woman of peace and love, of course you are worthy". Tonya couldn't help thinking of busy Maya, and how she might use a hidden eye. It would add to her wisdom as well. 'If I could only see behind me," said Tonya, "I would know where I've been". "We shall see", says Juanita not really trying to be punny,
The mentor bestows. After a magnetic and impish mind meld, Juanita dubs Tonya Prim and Proper. A quick pat on the head and love is bestowed. Dustin must wait, he will learn later from the woman as is custom. But the question remains, has Juanita bestowed a third eye on this worthy woman? Stay tuned and in tune.
Tonya, now completely relaxed, ponders her serenity. A whimsical and wonderful feeling comes over her, at first she thinks she might be with child. But then she notices a scene behind her through a dark brown veil.
She lifts her locks, the veil is gone. She realizes that Juanita has granted her request, but Juanita explains that "you have always had a third eye, you needed only to discover it". Oh yes an enchantment has happened, but Juanita was only a catalyst she explains to Tonya. Tonya has and will return the favor. Oh Tonya will remain the charming, sarcastic humorist of old, but a third eye? That can only add to her allure, charm and beauty and to Dustin's bliss. She not only will amuse but be a muse. An opus complete, Barbara Olson Meuers contemplates the kindred spirit she shares with her alter ego, her playfellow, her sister, her daughter, her friend for life. The delightful Tonya Hanson Prim...while Michael looks on, still not really understanding, but fascinated again with the dancing and music of women.
Looking just a little bit ghostly posed against the other half of the sky, Tonya balances a spirit catcher, Barbara is pleased. The man, still confused as to what has happened in this world of women can think of nothing, (as is common among men among women) but to mug for an unseen camera. Perhaps it is a self-portrait. He doesn't remember and he doesn't care.
But whereto hath Maya gone whilst women frolicked and men distracted. She has been behind the curtain, beyond the sky and returns in a deliberate way with a beau who appears to be confused and already in role. And life goes on. And next year, yes what joys and magic await? One can only assume...indeed hope...that it will be love, and music, and dancing.

Long Weekend: July 5 and 6, 2009

You get at least a four day weekend when the 4th comes on a Saturday, we started on Thursday night and went through Monday. On Sunday, Brother Gregory joined me for an annual thing I do, which is drive my Mustang Convertible in the 4th of July parade which always happens on Sunday no matter when the 4th is. It's an off-election year, so not quite the participation there will be next year. Former DFL chair Roy Nelson of Ponemah rode in the back seat while Gregory and I played 60's protest tunes on the radio. We escorted SD 4 Senator Mary Olson, newly elected DFL Rep John Persell, and Lois Quam very wealthy spouse of Gubernatorial candidate Matt Entenza. A great day again, saw several friends along the route, even saw some who thought we were so cool that they moved from Beltrami Ave. to Minnesota Ave. to watch us go by again.

Later, we decided to go boating again, and even jumped in the water. The entourage was what has become the usual crowd, the five Meuers', a Houle or Toule and we added Barbara's great friend Tonya Prim. Yeah, her name is Prim, but it doesn't fit, she's hardly proper or prissy or straitlaced. Oh my, no where near. The exact opposite. She's loads of fun, and the best thing...she makes Barbara laugh. They are fast friends. There's more, but I'll wait for a photo.

Barbie looking pretty pleased with herself, as she is beating Gregory and Lizette at croquet. A great game that we've all been playing since we were kids.
Gregory and Lizette mildly amused as Barbara puts her ball through the hoops. Should have gotten some action shots, especially of the Red Queen and Alice who arrived through the looking glass. And the White Queen said to Alice "It's a poor sort of memory that only works backwards".

Ashley Houle, no more than toule plus a dozen. (Getting sick of that play on words yet?) She looks thirsty so she jumps in the water, hope the Grinch isn't about. Must not be by the huge smile on her face. She's got braces, but not the least bit self-conscious about it, she knows who she is. What a warm and wonderful young lady she is. She "got" me right away and she laughs at my jokes no matter how stupid, so Ashley is alright by me.

Here she is, Barbara's great friend Tonya. She's a hoot. Barb and Tonya wound up working together at CAP, and realized they go way back. Tonya is the daughter or Sandy Henson, who lived across the parking lot from Barbara Ann a quarter century ago. She's about five years older than Erin, (so more than twenty years younger than Barb) but she'd be around from time to time at birthday parties etc. Anyway, they hit it off right off the bat. When you connect, age means nothing. You should see them together, good times, lots of laughs, clever banter. Yup, they're two peas in a pod.
So, Tonya's kin was babysitting daughter Maya at a place on Lake Irvine, which one can boat to from Lake Bemidji. So, we all decided to go pick up Maya to share the trip with us, much to Maya's delight. She loves being on the water, but doesn't swim too good yet, so here Mama fits Maya with a life vest just her size.
Coming back from Lake Irvine to Lake Bemidji after picking up Maya. Such a pretty bridge going over the main drag near Paul and Babe, don't ya think? And pretty girls of all ages too of course.
Ashley at that age that we all remember our daughters, half woman and half little girl. Here Ashley warms up after the water that never really warmed this year with her Mom. Funny are the ways of the god's, they create these wonderful creatures called little girls, and then they turn them into wives. How dare I write this, I'm willing to bet no wives read this blog. Not sure anyone does. So maybe all this is just a diary?
Tonya in a cocoon, while Maya busy herself removing candy from a cup. Do those two strawberries balancing precariously on the right side of the box bother anyone else. Gravity, balance. Fascinating stuff for sure.
Maya is a busy girl. She decides to try her hand at boat driving much to the amusement of one of her greater fans.
Sugar and spice, and everything nice. Until she gets more room to move. Then she's everywhere, she has two parents to keep an eye on her, and it's two full time jobs. And we love her. Character plus.
Yup, we went to the Dairy Queen. Pull up to the shore, walk up a short hill, cross a busy street and instant ice cream. I just love my Chocolate malts. Is that that box of two strawberries on the right?