After applauding my entrance to the Bus Stop and embracing me, one of my friends said I can’t tell if I’m really excited you are here of if I’m having a drug overdose!
The city itself, in contrast, greeted me with harsh sleeting rain.
I scheduled my arrival to allow plenty of time to settle in before the Rosyvelt show at the Sunset. What I did not anticipate was the fact that I would be welcomed into the bosom of the Henry clan, and taken along on all of the family celebrations in honor of Jeffrey.
We went out for breakfasts and dinners, shopping, and later drinking. The Henry men were friendly and open in all situations, even the late night scene in a bar with half-naked youngsters jumping about the place.
I felt like the disreputable and sarcastic black sheep little sister wedged into the SUV as the strapping Henry boys bantered back and forth in the easy way family members who care about each other do. This was in fact a lovely experience; it was a great honor to be included and to be able to spend so much time with the folks who raised my friend.
The show itself was, of course, outstanding. The venue sold out just after Gabriel and a whole crew of people made it up from Portland. Friends from various other scenes congregated; it was endearing and slightly confusing to see everyone in one spot instead of in their well defined hang-outs– but also completely genius to be able to walk from group to group.
One of the Henry brothers showed up late and was astonished to hear that his father had been driving me around. Why? Because he has read my book.
Dad approached and apologized for his driving skills but I stopped him and told the story of the day I was released from intensive care. My own father drove home so recklessly he went right off I-5 into a ditch. There are very few people who can match my father for reckless.
After the show a bunch of people ended up at Jeffrey’s house where Shannon and I went slightly mad filling up his birthday camera before he even got home. We raced around the place laughing hysterically and crawling in and out of cupboards, laundry baskets, Jeffrey’s bed, and over a sleeping Gabriel staging contrived shots and giggling over the results. As Shannon pointed out, It looks real because it’s unflattering!
The slumber party continued throughout the weekend, with various small breaks to work on top secret projects, have confusing social encounters, and occasionally sleep. By Monday night Jeffrey looked ready to crack, and I’d had perhaps five hours of sleep in six days.
To state all that differently: I’m in Seattle.
Mario made it to first base:
Jeff made it to second:
We tried to make it look like Gabriel hit third, but he is so…. pure:
By the second day the boys were fading:
And I hadn’t slept more than five hours in six days:
We had the most excellent time!