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Home of Michael Perry – Author, Humorist, Singer/Songwriter, Amateur Pig Farmer

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Archive for August, 2010

Book Discussion on Madeline Island Today

I’ll be crossing the waters of Lake Superior today in order to participate in a discussion of Coop with the Madeline Island Literary Society.  At the Madeline Island Public Library, 1-3 p.m., public welcome.  Shoot, they’re letting me in.

Show in Washburn Today

After a get-together with friends and family (we’ll be flying two flags today, USA and Panamanian) it’s in the car with books and CDs and stories and northbound to Stagenorth in Washburn, where I’ll deliver “The Clodhopper Monologues,” a collection of stories, some drawn from the books, some just drawn from the kitchen table.

A little nervous, because I work with only the barest of notes, but it’s easier than fencing.

And More Fencing

Got a bunch of brush and ancient posts ripped out yesterday, cut a bunch of box elder.  Discovering old gates and remnants of the previous farming operation (I believe the barn burned in the 1970s?).  Also put up a good load of firewood.  Today, more “brushing.”

None of this possible without the help of our good friend Mills.

Fencing (the kind with posts)

If the weather has allowed, my buddy Mills and I will be spending the bulk of the day ripping out brush and junk in preparation for a rather behemoth fencing project intended to result in putting some of our long-abandoned pastures back beneath some beef.

A Small Big Top Moment

Late last Sunday afternoon before performing at Big Top Chautauqua, I donned my running gear and ran straight up the face of Mount Ashwabay.  Just about hurled a lung, but made it.  Turned at the very tip-top, and was rewarded with a many-miles view of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands in the sun, and down at the foot of the ski hill, the blue and pearl-gray tent waiting patiently for the evening’s ticketholders to file in.  The sound of the Blue Canvas Orchestra in rehearsal floated up on the breeze.  I drank it all in, and thought too of my family at home.  Made me feel lonesome and privileged all at once.  Running down the hill, I followed a trail of soft red sand that wove through the trees, everything quiet under the cover of leaves.

Told You It Wasn’t Pretty

Remember that post I wrote about running a mile recently?  I ran it in 5:50, but told someone it didn’t look like 5:50.  And it certainly didn’t feel like 5:50.  It looked and felt ugly.  Now, thanks to photographer, geographer, radio host and international track journalist Sean Hartnett, I have photographic proof that I am still working on that whole gazelle thing.  If you think the photo above reflects a certain internal turmoil, check out this one: