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—Arabian proverb

I'm often restless. I tend to be a smart-arse. I'm also more shy than people realize, although I have my outgoing moments.

I'm getting better about finding things to do in West Michigan, although I'll always love the east side of the state. I miss going out with friends and talking for hours about everything and nothing at all. I miss people who have a passion for words, for music, for scenery. I miss the good chaos of the Detroit area; I miss the DIA and Cranbrook, going out on a moment’s notice, driving a few miles in any direction to find a different world.

I share my home with salukis Zafirah: THE Firstborn and Zada: Queen of the Puppies, who are gorgeous, incredible, intelligent, occasionally exasperating, always magnificent and clever beyond reason. They humble me.

I share my birthday with the extraordinarily talented and gifted Jeff Buckley, who far too young shuffled off this mortal coil. I also share my birthday with a man who co-owns one of my saluki "pups."

Once upon a time there were Noir Leather window shows, stilettos up on the catwalk at The State, The Ferndale Bed and Breakfast, photo shoots in the mannequin factory, hearing our set list at The Warehouse (and dancing madly to it), Monday nights at The Majestic, Wednesday nights at The Shelter, too many nights at Gus', too few nights with good friends...

Yes, I know that tattoos will never come off.

Yes, I know that more than one "A" in a room is trouble.

Yes, I'm still listening.

So ... tell me a story!