The Boys Are Back In Town

This has been the weirdest summer ever. It hasn't been hot. It doesn't feel right. It feels like limbo or twilight. It has felt like the end of summer since June...like when you are a kid and the sun is setting earlier and the impending doom of school starting again is hanging in the air like a noose.

The days have been in the 80's and the nights cold. I should be languishing, sweating, uncovered at night with the fan on high. The tomatoes should be 6 feet tall and full and form a wall of foliage-each plant indistinguishable from the next. Friends and family should have shared in the bounty. But, sadly, no bounty here. The Elephant Ears used to be Giant. Is this a fluke or is it something more serious?

Beyond the strange weather, this summer has been very un-summerlike. Last year was filled with outdoor parties and friends and some other not so pleasant things but at least it felt real. We had 2 PuNk rOck REunIon ParTieS, a Birthday party for us Tauruses, numerous impromptu get-togethers and lots of fun.

Last summer was a Gay Summer, in both ways. A couple from LA moved into the vacant lot across the street from our house and camped out in their ultra cool Airstream trailer while visiting one's mother. Two friends who had been forced out of their communal art living situation came to live in the loft above the garage. After they had been asked to leave, by me, ultimately due to chicken issues another gay boy moved into the newly vacated space. He could be sweet, he danced flamenco, he was beyond moody, he got booted too, not for aviary issues but more for the habit of pissing and pooping in the yard and a general lack of respect and hygiene.

But, William was my savior. Mint juleps and clay masks and hours of the most gratifying conversations filled my summer with a new and precious friend. This summer has felt sad and vacant and void.

Last night William and John drove in from LA. My little Willy and I went dumpster diving tonight across the street as they are cleaning up the lot. Found lots of great, old rusty bits. Then we sat on the deck with the little white lights burning and talking about our lives and what kind of futures we are imagining at this moment.

Tomorrow night we will have a bonfire built from the remains of the chairs he grew up with, long since functional and a point of contention with his mom (she was always going to repair them). She died last year and now they are going thru her things and getting rid of a life time of memories both beautiful and bitter.

The funny thing is that is warm tonight. Beautifully warm and summer-like, a good 20 degrees warmer than last night. I feel good, I feel hopeful. I look forward to a good ritual burning!