So, Mom and Aunt Becky, I felt I owed you an explanation of why I haven’t been faithfully blogging. So here goes,

1. I’ve been down in the dumps. I think the black cloud has begun to subside, so I’m thankful.

2. I didn’t really have anything I thought was interesting enough to blog about (actually, I had really juicy stuff, but I would never post it on the internet!).

3. I’ve started meeting regularly with a friend of mine (who is a published author!) to begin working on a book and to help her with her next ones…so I’ve been channeling my writing energies into that.

4. I recently went to a cute little used bookstore and bought some really great books, so I’ve been consumed with reading, reading and more reading. (Dolly Parton’s autobiography was awesome by the way!)

I’ll get back into the swing of things here…I promise!

Since I’m not inspired to write about my current circumstances, I figured I’d post a little about some summer stuff that I never got around to mentioning. On September 6, Andy and I headed downtown to the Cass Corridor for the Dally in the Alley. It’s an annual event that I’ve been wanting to check out for several years, but never get around to. I’m trying more and more to get around to stuff like this since I’m so into it.

Anyway, it was a beautiful sunny day….the kind that you treasure as fall starts to settle in. We found a really terrific parking spot and started off on foot toward the sounds and smells coming from the center of the action. Our first stop was the beverage tent for a beer for Andy and a glass of red wine for me. When I say glass, I use the term loosely…clear plastic cup is more accurate. We’ve learned that these types of events are even better with a good drink. ;)

Beverages in hand, we started down the main drag. There were lots of tents with shirts, purses, scarves, belts, handbags, sunglasses, political and environmental propaganda, hand-made crafts, paintings, and food, food, food. I found an awesome black and white print of the Boblo Boat dock and immediately snatched it up. My dad and I used to go to Boblo Island every year for my birthday. I have wonderful memories of those times together on the big boat and on the little island amusement park that seemed so grand to a child. I can still smell the engine fumes on the boat and the scent of the quaint giftshop on the island. He coaxed me onto my first rollercoaster and although I was terrified, I’ve been hooked ever since. I can’t wait to properly frame the print that I bought and then find the perfect spot to hang it up so that I can showcase a treasured part of my past.

At the Dally, Andy and I continued to scope out the goods as we wandered through the maze of alleys that featured even more local fare. We eventually ended up in front of a big stage blasting techno music. By this time it was dark out and the mood was festive. It almost felt surreal….kind of like what I imagine an outdoor European techno concert would be like. Not that I’ve ever been to one, but the narrow street, the apartments towering above and the diverse crowd dancing to the music gave it that kind of vibe.

My cousins ended up meeting us down there and we retraced our steps as they checked things out for the first time. All in all, I’m really glad I went and I plan to go again next year.

Here are some pictures from the day: