Mi Vida Loca

If you're coming with me you need nerves of steel
'Cause I take corners on two wheels
It's a never-ending circus ride
The faint of heart need not apply

Mi vida loca over and over
Destiny turns on a dime
I go where the wind blows
You can't tame a wild rose
Welcome to my crazy life

Sweetheart before this night is through
I could fall in love with you
Come dancing on the edge with me
Let my passion set you free

Mi vida loca over and over
Destiny turns on a dime
I go where the wind blows
You can't tame a wild rose
Welcome to my crazy life

Here in the firelight I see your tattoo
Mi vida loco, so you're crazy too

Mi vida loca over and over
Destiny turns on a dime
I go where the wind blows
You can't tame a wild rose
Welcome to my crazy life

We'll go where the wind blows
And I'll be a wild rose
Welcome to my crazy life

Thus are the lyrics to the song by Pam Tillis, titled Mi Vida Loca.  How appropriate for how this year has gone and continues to go.  For those that are not aware, mi vida loca is Spanish for my crazy life.  Yep, boys and girls, that is me in a nutshell.

So, the latest that has happened is been in the works for several months and I have remained mum about it - for good reason.  It is not something that I wished would happen or even foresaw happening, but it has and now the next chapter in my life has happened.  Turn the page (yes, that is from a different song).

My wife of 16+ years and I have been on separate paths that have been parallel and sometimes crossed or merged for a mile or two.  This has been going on for several years and neither she nor I have been entirely to blame.  It is just safer to say, "it happened."  No hard feelings or ill-will at either of us.  That said, we both have contributed to where this chapter is headed.

So, to my wonderful, sometimes chaotic and lovely wife:  I honestly hope and pray that you have a safe trip and find what you are looking for.  Please keep reaching for your dreams - one of us has to.

Now I am tackling this house.  Only one word to describe it - OMG!

A Year Passes

July 4th, 2010 started out like any other for the small town of Bellevue, Iowa.  The city, nestled between the limestone bluffs and the Mississippi River,  was within the height of their annual Heritage Days celebration when, during the parade, the city was thrust into the spotlight of the nation - for all the wrong reasons and for all the right reasons as well.

Bellevue, Iowa is one of those quaint little towns that are a part of the fabric known as Americana.  They don't have a Walmart, but they have a Main Street that is the heart of the 3,000 or so that call this hamlet home.  Everyone here knows one another and knows the purest meaning of community.  When things are going well, they all laugh and smile together.  When something tragic happens, they are here to hold and comfort one another.

The parade started out well enough.  The streets were lined by spectators young and old alike.  The younger generations were there to see the horses, the fire truck and, of course, to get the candy while the older generations looked on and reflected on the history of their town and of their nation.  During the parade, the team of two horses pulling a carriage, became startled and started running uncontrollably down the street, on and off of the sidewalk until they became trapped further down the road.  Just as quickly as it began, it ended.

Even though there were dozens injured (most of those were children), there was only one death.  Mrs. Janet Steines, 60, was the driver of the carriage, died when she was ejected from the vehicle as it hit a signpost and became detached from the horse team.

The rest of the day's celebrations did go on.  The ski show on the river.  The Retiring of The Colors.  The fireworks.  It all continued, but more somberly than normal.  Even the heavens cried.  As the fireworks were about to start, the area experienced a heavy downpour.

Bellevue has grown from this experience, pulled together as only a small part of Americana can and moved past this event.  Sure, there are changes that have been made to parade and such, but the show is and will go on.

Likewise, we will again travel 25 miles south of our own town for the funnel cake and fireworks.  Bellevue has become a part of our holiday tradition for the past three years and is - and will forever be - in our hearts and thoughts.

Well, well, well.  I should be ashamed of myself for neglecting this blog for the last couple years.  A lot has happened and, unfortunately, I have not kept anyone informed with this blog.  So much, but I will try to be posting a lot of the information and updates here.

I guess, I should - for now - write the entry that is most current and then move back.  So, without further adieu, on with the show.