That’s what Louan said on Sunday, looking around at the crowd of musicians, actors, artists, lawyers, writers, designers, printers, poets, old hippies, the kids from Mrs. LaPan’s kindergarten class at Holy Angels Elementary . . . you get the idea. Those of you from Away might find all this a little less compelling than those of you from Around Here, but bear with us. We had a heckuva good time over at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Greilickville, and it’s fun to look at the pictures. Every counter in the kitchen was crowded with guitar cases and fiddle cases and saxophone stands and the stage was a borrowed red velvet curtain hung over a pipe, and the tables were the folding kind and the food was from-the-heart potluck and it was . . . fine.
Reminds me of my friend Dan Neal at the wedding of his daughter Megan to the wonderful Grant. “Everywhere I look,” he said, “I see someone I love.” And that is what it was like. There are way too many photos in the slideshow, and they are not technically proficient, as the little camera and I were scooting about on my bahookie on the dance floor, getting in the way, but the event itself was excellent. The silent auction was full of wonderful things, and the performers put their whole souls into entertaining the crowd, and the treats . . . well. Let us just say that no one went home hungry.
For those of you from Away, the thank you cards in the basket are from Louan, and they say “I love you so much” because one of her very best songs begins just that way.
Oh I loved you so much
That I wrote you this song
And I want you to have it
Forever
To keep with you always,
To wear on your heart
Even though we’re not together . . .
If you should find
You’re in desperate need of a song
Sing this one to someone you love
Pass the warm feeling along . . .
‘Cause I loved you so much
That I wrote you this song . . .
If you were there, you know. If you are from Away, I hope you have some sense of how grand it was. And how simple. Simply grand. And now you have a song of your very own, for when you need it. Pass the warm feeling along.
Torch Lake Views 
Carsten
October 15, 2010
In my opinion, you are able to convey the mood so we too far away, can feel it.
What a gift you have with words Gerry.
Say hello and thanks for the song to Louan. I hope she is getting better.
Gerry
October 15, 2010
Good morning, Carsten. I see that I left important things out of the post. Louan’s doing really well. Two chemo sessions down, one to go, and then radiation, so it’s not a lot of fun, but the prognosis is excellent. I wish I’d had a sound recorder at the party, because I would have recorded her hilarious remarks, which I can in no way report accurately. (I would also have recorded Jim Crockett, but that’s another post entirely.)
Cindy Lou
October 15, 2010
The smiles, the joy, the laughter and fun all come shining through in your pictures and words! And what a lovely thought – “Everywhere I look, I see someone I love.” Blessedness abounds! Love and hugs to you, your friends and especially to Louan.
Gerry
October 15, 2010
Hi Cindy Lou! It was a good time. And, um, a tasty one, too. Excellent treats at the potluck, and a bake sale to boot.
Fee
October 15, 2010
Go Louan!
Studies have proven that a positive attitude helps beat the Invasive Species, so she’s on the right path. She WILL beat this.
We handed in my daughter’s sponsor money to her school this morning. They did an 8 mile walk, and are confident of beating their £20,000 fundraising target. Most of it is going to Cancer Research, with the hope that they can also provide a library for a school in South Africa. Nothing like setting your sights high!
Gerry
October 15, 2010
That is an astonishing amount for a school to raise! I am very fond of the generation coming along. I think they’re going to accomplish wonderful things.
P.j. grath
October 15, 2010
The others have spoken truly. I can see the fun and joy and love on the faces. (Some of the faces are familiar, too.) Good for all of you!
Gerry
October 15, 2010
I should put captions on all the photos and if I get to a place with broadband I might just do that.
I know one of the familiar faces was Dean Robb’s–he donated copies of his biography to the Silent Auction, too. He is just having so much fun!
kanniduba
October 15, 2010
What treasures you gift us with Gerry! Thank you.
Gerry
October 15, 2010
Tell you what, when I get the whole sound thing figured out, you will have musical treasures. I believe we’re going to experiment on Sunday. Live blogging from the Amvets Hall, where there is a Ladies Night Out for The Cure–and WiFi.
kanniduba
October 17, 2010
Ooooooooooooo! Can’t wait! 🙂
Gerry
October 17, 2010
Don’t wait. Just do it. Pass the warm feeling along.
P.j. grath
October 19, 2010
Yes, Dean Robb was a familiar face. So was Jimmy Crockett from Kingsley. And my David, it turns out, knows Louan from “way back” in Leelanau and Traverse City, so greetings to her from us!