Life and Whatnot...

Last night I had the good fortune of seeing my great friend Jim before he debarked on his journey back to Washington D.C. to NASA... where he runs the whole damn thing...

We gathered, briefly at C.S. Perry's abode and discussed 20 year old topics as if they had happened just yesterday. As my great friend Clay Perry has pointed out... it only takes a few moments, with our group, to settle back into that mindset... reliving and absorbing the past through each other. I think it's fair to say that we, as a group, agree that the connection we all have is unique. All of us can pick up a phone, send an email or just meet... and whether it has been 6 days or 6 years... time melts instantly and our conversation resumes as if there is no gap at all. How fortunate are we to have that?

Although Jim had to be in town for a personal family issue, his time here with us was golden. I think it allowed us to regain another part of our history and put that piece of the puzzle in place as we build the bridge to our ultimate goal... of world domination (naturally).

I can honestly say, that having been married for 14 years (entangled for 16), I truly missed my friends.. for that matter, myself. Over the past year as I've rediscovered my life and my true personality, I realize how far off of the path I had ventured. This past weekend was the first time that my closest and dearest friends from my youth had been gathered in one place... and to be a part of it, at least for me, was magical.. hell, it was therapeutic. I didn't worry about offending anyone.. I wasn't expected to be "done soon"... I could let my hair down (figuratively of course, dammit). I was me again. I haven't laughed so hard, remembered so much or been happier.

I was very fortunate to have my girlfriend with me. She loved every moment and by all accounts everyone was happy to see me happy. Because of who we all are (the group)... musicians with histories and past girlfriends... the obvious jokes about Yoko-Ono abounded... but, I would have expected nothing less!!!!

Life has a way of throwing things at us that we don't expect... yes, it's cliche'... but having been served with divorce papers ( a year ago today, mind you), I'm a believer... it was tragic... but, realizing after a year that you were married to your vows... and didn't know the person on the other side of the bed... has a way of forcing you to take stock of your life and actions...

Looking back.. I remember so many people casually, respectfully but, emphatically telling me to take a look at my marriage..... hmmm.... Percy Sledge had it right..."Loving eyes can never see..." I never claimed to be perfect..... but now... I'm closer than I've ever been.

More to come.... as I dust off the memory box... I will be adding much more..

I'm still hungry.... headed out to eat some more life........

The first holiday of the Summer.... hmmm

Yes, Memorial Day. A time to reflect upon all of those men and women that have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. A time to honor those that currently serve in our military forces; giving their time and service to allow us to do what we're doing now...

Sadly, it sounds cliche' when written in this manner. We are a nation of tremendous pride, yet, we lack the backbone, now, to firmly stand our ground on our own principles. While I agree, there are many out there that can and do, the voice of the opposition is louder than ours.

Let me be clear, this is not a politcal forum. I'm not going to fill each post with rhetoric to bolster one side and condemn another side of the political battlefield. That is not my place. I will however, state my opinions normally, as I should.. it is, after all, a blog... but, just as many of my friends have and do before me, I want to share and enjoy comments from any and all people.

As my title suggests, I am a cannibal.... it is, however, in the sense of "eating up life" as opposed to sitting down with ...."fava beans and a nice chiante...." to eat the entrails of some poor bastard that I met on the street. It's so much more rewarding to do that in words....

So... Memorial Day.. .and the preceding weekend was an amazing time of sight and sound. Great friends, memories and catching up with loved ones. I have a new found respect for my friends and their abilities to remember and rekindle.... period. It is truly inspiring to witness the interaction of bonds so strong and old, as they dissolve the years in a matter of seconds and suddenly, there we are... just as we always were.... connected, rooted and united!!

That is the other part of Memorial Day for me now. Along with the countless men and women that served and are serving our great nation, to allow us our lives and freedoms... from this moment forward... this holiday will remind me of the personal sacrifices, victories and defeats on a much closer and personal level.... those of my friends and family. The small but very important pieces of life that make each of us who and what we are.... Thank you my loved ones!!

More to eat.... I will be back soon.

IT'S A BRAND NEW WORLD.. WITH LOTS TO EAT...

... and so it begins.. the new mindset.. a whole new reality.. no.. not really, this is simply the very real rediscovery of a soul.. right before your eyes. Those that know me.. get it. And hopefully will share this blog with you..

Join me.. I'm like you.. and unlike you.. as much as you're like and unlike me.... That, my dear friends is what makes us real... yeah.. it's blah, blah... but, as I allow myself to unfold before you.. I promise... we'll keep each other riveted at times...

I've spent 16 years "behind the curtain".. and those that know me.. know what I mean. So, sit down, rest a moment and come into my head. To quote lyrics from a pretty decent song..."some of it magic, some of it tragic, but I had a good life all the way...."

Welcome aboard. I'm Rob, and I'm glad to meet you.....