I am sitting in a darkened office, Deb is sleeping on the couch and I have been pondering what to write.
This past year has been one of the best years in my life. I have lost a few friends, but gained more. I survived 9 days with Bobbe Edmonds ( Jeannie- you were wrong- I never laid a hand on him let alone strangle him). I teamed up with a beautiful person that I thought was lost to the winds- Deb. She has comforted me, walked with me, supported me, and made me feel like I was valuable. My ego was a bit into the toilet before she arrived. I have almost accomplished projects that have been put on hold for so long- because she is there helping.
She actually stuck with it even after paddling 64 miles in 2 days on the Manistee river (she says it was a test- I say it was what I was used to doing) She has a laugh that warms the heart, an impish pixie smile that makes you wonder, and a caring disposition that makes me wonder why I was so stupid to let her go to begin with back in 1969.
My health has stabilized a bit and I am not as fatalistic as I have been in the past. I have more to look forward to now.......
The Gathering of the Tribes has brought me back into perspective. I have found people that actually like to play with me in my art. They take what I give and twist and turn it and actually ask for my opinion on what they have done with it.
Chuck Pippin has opened his club and house to a number of rag tag martial artists from all over and pretty much sits back and watches us unload on each other.
Real people, real martial artists, not the better than thou types that have rriddled the past 30 years of my Northern Michigan hibernation.
So as this year has ended, I want you all to know that I am glad that you have named me as a friend and one of the guys. It means a lot to me. Ya know, life is like a roll of toilet paper...... the closer you get to the end the faster it goes. I have found myself richer this year in many ways, a thanks goes out to those who have made me smile, laugh, and cry. Each of these things makes me wealthy. No stock market crash can take away this wealth of memories, friends, and comradery that has brought the smiles to my face. Thanks
Paul Vittorelli
Anton Buntic
Chuck Pippin
Mushdaq Ali
Bobbe Edmonds
Jay Carstensen
Ron Hardin
Scot Hoeflin
and of course
Deb aka "TINK"
Friends, memories, family- are the true measure of wealth.
