A rainy 5th of July.

It's funny. It feels like a lazy day, but I'm realizing I've actually done quite a bit. I rolled out of bed, talked to Ma on the phone, grabbed java in Waldport, visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the otters and sharks and jellies, stopped in at the Nye Beach Clambake and partook in clams and shrimp and crab and a historical walking tour to boot, read about the only state-sanctioned counterculture music festival in America's history (Vortex 1 near Portland in 1970) at the Canyon Way Bookstore, and moseyed 20 miles north to Lincoln City for some chowder and Wi-Fi connection at the McMenamin's Brewpub. It's been a joyful experience partly because the music mix here has been (expectedly) amazing. In addition to some really great classic stuff, I've heard a few of my recent favorites – Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and the Avett Brothers.

Last night was really fantastic, rather surreal evening. After the day at the La De Da Parade, a nap, and bowls of chowder at various favorite dives, I meandered back to Yachats for the evening Independence Day fireworks. To appreciate the scene, you should know about this particular section of the town. There's a large inlet that is filled with lulling waves at high tide and is a big sandy cove at low tide. All around the inlet, folks had camped out and those who lived along the perimeter were hosting parties. All throughout the evening, pyrotechnics from laymans' private collections would pierce the dusk. There were smoke bombs, sparklers, piccolo petes, and various crackling and whistling diversions which in turn made way for pieces that varied in legality and, therefore, fun... Roman candles and other crazy bright and loud things. It was all rather fun to see the cove socked in, not just with a light fog, but a layer of pyro smoke. The actual show, detonated in part by the Yachats Fire Department was pretty spectacular too... at least a half dozen false endings followed by an amazing bombastic finale. As the traffic congestion eased up through the little town, I took refuge at the Landmark and caught a set by The Insomniacs, a really fantastic blues/rockabilly band. On the walk back to the car, I happened by the local craft bazaar and their evening finale of fire dancing by the Burning Truth Tribe. Pretty spectacular! After soaking up a little of the local color, I meandered back to the house and watched Blazing Saddles on TVLand. A really great day.

And now, I've got to get back to my homework – formatting pages for my long-overdue website redesign. Wish me luck. Take care, y'all. Peace and love!

2008, y'all!

Well, I'm back at the McMenamin's in Lincoln City (because their WiFi connection rocks) and I'm enjoying some chowder before heading north to Tillamook to visit the famous cheese factory. Tomorrow will bring a visit to one of my favorite places in the world – Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head – and then a bite at the Drift Inn in Yachats where Richard Sharpless will be making some singer/songwriter magic. Friday I'll meander back to Lebanon to hang with the family a bit more before heading back to windy So Cal on Saturday.

Also... tonight, Dave Letterman and Craig Ferguson will be back with new shows. I appreciate what the writers' strike is all about, but I've really missed the topical and current aspect of the late night shows. So, hooray!

The weather today is cold and windy and drippy and – well – just so perfectly Oregon-like. I'm feeling a little nostalgic and enjoying a delightful melancholy, and yet I'm eagerly looking forward to the new year. My 2008 will be bringing so many great opportunities, and for the first time these opportunities are dependent solely on my own elbow grease. I can't wait. Bring it on!

So, here at the headwaters of a new year, I wish you all love and joy and especially peace in 2008. Be tenacious with all those exciting new opportunities and adventures. Go get 'em, y'all!