feeling unreservedly sweet

Happy Birthday to You

My buddy Rico, originally uploaded by kai smart.

This weekend, My buddy Rico turns 40. I am only assuming he doesn't care about his age being broadcast across the internet. However, you can tell by the above picture that this coming milestone (millstone?) effects none of his charm or sophistication. Rico has The Cool, and always has had it.

Rico wears Raybans and khakis like it's 1986, and I think that probably hipsters across America will be biting this style very soon. Also, his name is Rico, for Christ's sake, and he travels all over the world. He is also the Number One Best Person To Be Stuck At A Boring Party With.

When we were first friends I dragged him to all these weird parties with my peers (he's 12 years older than I) and he didn't complain and ended up being the most entertaining person there and everyone knew it. Mainly because he can tell a story that will kick your ass up and down the block. He cares nothing for age difference, and has friends from every generation. His voice is so mesmerizing that a friend of mine tracked him down and asked him out just because she had heard his voice on the radio.

Sometimes, Rico's hair looks like Beethoven's hair. We hardly ever agree on movies, but went to the movies together weekly for many years. He's a highly motivated writer who has written many books and stories. Once, he wrote a book in which there is a character based on me and my life. It is an honor almost impossible to describe.

This weekend, I shall see Rico, and I will get to celebrate this important date with him. I am so happy.

"Rico brings the Darkness, and I follow his shredding rule"

-inside joke from another birthday party

Living in a dream

Boardwalk runoff, originally uploaded by kai smart.

I didn't realize it, but I have another peice of writing up on "Ids Greater Than" the excellent online magazine that Paul Davis puts together. This story is not about tattooing, it's about how a certain band embodies my damned hometown, and it also about nostalgia and teenagerhood and I just realized that I didn't change anyone's name. Whoops. Sorry, aimee. Oh well, Aimee doesn't get into the internet so oh well.

Getting Confused in Santa Cruz, Living in a Dream

You should read the totally sweet comment I got on the story! Yay! Actually, you're gonna have to read it, cause I am including it here:

"That is a beautifully-written remembrance. Every music lover has stories like that, and when they’re this well-crafted, they’re a joy to read. I connect. Great stuff."

Thanks Robby, for making my day!

I used to write a lot, and felt like I had a handle on it. Now I don't , and am only getting back into it because Paul asked so nice. I think it's probably good for me. I have the boatload of journals that I've kept forever, but slacked off on the journal writing because of ....THIS BLOG!!