Da Gate.
If you were to walk through the Gate, you’d see that it is where we “swim,†drink a few cocktails, eat too damned much, play horseshoes, talk about virtually everything under the sun, listen to music on the outdoor speakers, argue about the music (its volume or lack thereof, the choice of music, the name of the artist – it’s a regular argue-fest), tease one another unmercifully, laugh constantly, and happily raise hell.
Sometimes, on those, thankfully, rare occasions, when one or more of the Usuals is dealt a bad hand in Life’s Card Game, inside the Gate ceases being a party place and becomes a wellspring of compassion, understanding and genuine empathy.
Obviously, the magic of the place is not the heated pool, the makeshift bar, the horseshoe pits or the Key Westish atmosphere. It’s certainly not what one would call luxurious – not by a long shot.
No, the charm of the place is the peeps. It’s really that simple.
If I could wish you all something beyond good health for yourselves and those you care about, I would wish you an open Gate with good friends on the other side.
What a beautiful thing — and beautifully expressed as well. Thanks for that, Jim.
Comment by dogette — July 16, 2007 @ 9:01 pm
This may well be my favorite thing that you’ve ever written, in any comment, email, or post, ever. I have a serious lump in my throat, dude.
Comment by Erica — July 16, 2007 @ 9:06 pm
I love that – especially the sign. I may just drive around Joisey looking for it. *grin*
Comment by Teresa — July 16, 2007 @ 9:08 pm
Sounds like a slice of heaven, Jimbo.
Comment by Jerry — July 16, 2007 @ 9:25 pm
You are a lucky man, senor.
Comment by Jean — July 17, 2007 @ 6:06 am
This is the sort of thing – and the sort of peeps – that makes blodging worthwhile.
Comment by Elisson — July 17, 2007 @ 9:24 am
Thanks my friend. You are so right. It is the “peeps” that make anything good and friends can have fun anywhere.
I know it was the ‘peeps’ at the Kerrville Bullshippers conference that made it so much fun..looking forward to Helen and hoping to see you there
Comment by GUYK — July 17, 2007 @ 10:18 am
and never said so well.
thanks for it, jim.
Comment by shoe — July 17, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
We love you too Jim. The “peeps” are so much more than friends. they are our family and our comfort zone.
Comment by Adie — July 18, 2007 @ 7:53 am
Jim, you hit the nail right on the head !!!!!!
We are one big family that will last forever !!!!!!
Comment by The Body Guard — July 18, 2007 @ 6:52 pm