Michael Perry's Blog, page 378
August 22, 2010
Book Discussion on Madeline Island Today
I'll be crossing the waters of Lake Superior today in order to participate in a discussion of Coop with the Madeline Island Literary Society. At the Madeline Island Public Library, 1-3 p.m., public welcome. Shoot, they're letting me in.
August 21, 2010
Show in Washburn Today
After a get-together with friends and family (we'll be flying two flags today, USA and Panamanian) it's in the car with books and CDs and stories and northbound to Stagenorth in Washburn, where I'll deliver "The Clodhopper Monologues," a collection of stories, some drawn from the books, some just drawn from the kitchen table.
A little nervous, because I work with only the barest of notes, but it's easier than fencing.
August 20, 2010
Going to Arcadia Today
August 19, 2010
And More Fencing
Got a bunch of brush and ancient posts ripped out yesterday, cut a bunch of box elder. Discovering old gates and remnants of the previous farming operation (I believe the barn burned in the 1970s?). Also put up a good load of firewood. Today, more "brushing."
None of this possible without the help of our good friend Mills.
August 18, 2010
Fencing (the kind with posts)
If the weather has allowed, my buddy Mills and I will be spending the bulk of the day ripping out brush and junk in preparation for a rather behemoth fencing project intended to result in putting some of our long-abandoned pastures back beneath some beef.
August 17, 2010
A Small Big Top Moment
Late last Sunday afternoon before performing at Big Top Chautauqua, I donned my running gear and ran straight up the face of Mount Ashwabay. Just about hurled a lung, but made it. Turned at the very tip-top, and was rewarded with a many-miles view of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands in the sun, and down at the foot of the ski hill, the blue and pearl-gray tent waiting patiently for the evening's ticketholders to file in. The sound of the Blue Canvas Orchestra in rehearsal floated up o...
August 16, 2010
Told You It Wasn't Pretty
Remember that post I wrote about running a mile recently? I ran it in 5:50, but told someone it didn't look like 5:50. And it certainly didn't feel like 5:50. It looked and felt ugly. Now, thanks to photographer, geographer, radio host and international track journalist Sean Hartnett, I have photographic proof that I am still working on that whole gazelle thing. If you think the photo above reflects a certain internal turmoil, check out this one:
August 15, 2010
Thank You Irish Drummer Guy
Last night at the Big Top I was allowed the opportunity to give a brief reading during the Woods and Waters show. I decided to read something more heartfelt than humorous. Wasn't sure if it was the right call. But later that evening one of the guys from Different Drums of Ireland found me and said some very kind words (not sure which member, I just know he looked like he could cut logs for a living if need be). I don't know if he knew how much that meant to me. I tend to babble in the...
Bally Hoo Haw Article
In advance of the show tonight, an article describing the new Big Top show. How rarely I am referred to as "flamboyant."
August 14, 2010
Sweatin' at the Mousetrap
After me and them Long Beds finished up at Phoenix Park the other night, we set up and played loud at the Mousetrap. Mike O'Brien shot some photos and now they're viewable over on the Volume One site.
Man, it was hot in there. Thank goodness I brought not one but two New Auburn Area Fire Department sleeveless t-shirts!
As the photo below reveals, I am a singer of great sensitivity:
