woke up.
saw this.
7:30 am.
2.5 hours of sleep again.
i feel like shit.
but it time to go.
breakfast awaits.
so does a boat,
too small for five
dudes
(and soon, a shitload of fish).
headed to a restaurant/bait shop
down the road.
7 old ladies
were laughing like
they had heard the dirtiest,
funniest, joke of all time.
or maybe it was senior
fun day that had them
cackling so loudly?
they were insane with
laughter, and we were
all too tired to deal
with them as they
flirted with the 20-something
waiter.
(what’s older than a cougar?)
ordered some tea
to help with the sore
throat i’ve developed.
happy that madeline isn’t with
me at the moment.
don’t need her sick
as well.
had an unhealthy breakfast
once again.
can still hear
liz
telling me not to go for
the double pork-product
breakfast,
can still see her rolling
her eyes
when i do.
it’s tuesday.
i didn’t.
after breakfast
we went back to the cabin
to get ready to hit
the lake.
but first,
i took photos
of my childhood.
packed up the boat,
headed back to the
restaurant/bait shop
where the blue hairs
were losing their shit.
bought a license,
and was reminded just
how different
my life is in the los angeles.
not too many
bait shops in
the glassell park.
we finally hit the lake,
following the guide boats
to their secret fishing spots.
we watched,
and waited
as none of us caught
anything.
not a bite.
then, as the guide boats
pulled up their
anchors,
it happened.
i was congratulated.
the city boy
(for the first and last time)
showed-up all the fisherman
in the area.
no skill involved.
luck was with me today.
alas,
the fish needed
to be returned to the
water,
it was simply too small
yet too big,
to keep for dinner.
later,
david caught one that
was perfect,
though it was small enough
that we could give
him shit.
we fished until 6:30,
no one catching anything.
only those two fish
earlier in the day.
didn’t matter.
we enjoyed ourselves,
listening to nick
and his friend
tell us of their life’s adventures
(boy, my life has been dull compared to these guys).
nick’s friend,
the guy who owned the boat
was
liz’s
favorite fishing partner in alaska.
and i just couldn’t help but think
about
liz
all day.
one thought
for every wave that
hit the boat,
another for every
leach that landed on
our hooks.
and two for every laugh
i shared with these guys.
fucking sucks to not
have her here.
they dropped us off
so we could head back
to “the cities”
(as they say in this neck of the woods).
it was early enough
for me to
head the opposite
direction,
dragging my young brothers
with me as i fulfilled one
of my life’s dreams.
i’d driven past it
countless times as
a child, but i’d
never gotten a photo with it.
so we did.
they also let me indulge in my
love (and hate) of the absurd,
allowing me to stop for photos
the entire
way home.
the trip took almost
an hour longer
than it should have
’cause of my stupidity.
(sorry, guys).
this is the kind of thing
that would have caused
liz
to roll her eyes
at me, but she would have
been a (somewhat) willing participant,
knowing that i love this
kind of shit.
(i hope madeline is down for this kind of stuff as she gets older).
of course it’s tuesday.
and i fucking hate tuesdays.
but i also love
tuesdays,
and i remembered that for the first
time today.
tuesdays are new-album
release days,
and today was a great one.
new silver jews album,
new wolf parade album,
new notwist album,
and other stuff.
david and alex
had never been to this place
(we really need to get them out of the ‘burbs once in a while).
we finished up
and headed to the apple valley
to drop them off.
got to talk to taylor
for a bit.
hadn’t seen him in awhile.
it was nice.
had to get running, had to meet
a friend before heading
to grandma broccoli’s
to see my baby
for the first time
since monday afternoon.
too long.
today,
i
missed both of my
ladies terribly.
125 Comments
catch & release.. awesome
the ending sentence is very sweet!
Sounds like a lovely fishing day. Sorry you still miss Liz so much.
De-lurking to say welcome back to the MN! When you want, I’ll take you around to the world’s biggest prairie chicken, pelican, metal toe, and more! I think the robot would love to have pictures alongside these “national” monuments!
Sounds like it was a little bit better Tuesday. I’m glad.
By the way, seeing your pics is making me incredibly homesick for the midwest.
Bought some Silver Jews albums after listening to them on here–didn’t know that they had a new album coming out. Love them!
Can’t wait to see you back with Maddy–miss seeing pics of the little one
Love this post. So fun and happy that you had a nice time in the Mille Lacs. I live in Apple Valley, too. From now on, it’s ‘the Apple Valley’ in honor of you!
Have a great rest of your trip home.
I love all those crazy photos. I visited the midwest for the first time last year and all I could think was wow this sure aint california! LOL
Another tuesday done… you’ll get there.
I love your roadside adventures – my family was like that. It takes a special person to appreciate the joy all around us.
Glad you’re having a chance to spend time back in the MN with people who love you.
I’m glad you remembered something good about Tuesdays. I’m sure they will always suck to some degree though. Congrats on your big catch!
This post makes my heart hurt for you (more than usual at least).
On another note, it’s too bad Madeline is too little to blog, I’d love to hear what her day was like too
Those pics are priceless! You said it, life sure is different in the Midwest compared to Los Angeles. Thank you for allowing me to have a glimpse of something I probably would’ve never had the opportunity to see in my life otherwise! Cackling, blue-haired ladies after only 2.5 hours of sleep…you handled it better than I would’ve!
I truly believe Liz is by your side during each moment of each day…rolling her eyes, saying “NO” to double pork meals, and smiling her beautiful bright smile at your awesome job being an unbelievable, awe-inspiring daddy to your little “lady”!
Thank you agan for allowing us to be a part of your life!
Kept my comments in check earlier in the week while you were gone – but had to pop in and say that in my youth my favorite stop on the way to any cabin was that fish in the garrison – Maddy is going to love going there with you (or any other crazy place you want to stop during your adventures) when she gets a little older.
And I just heard a song to help one get through Tuesdays – and deal with the grief – so many are carrying around: It’s by Mates of State and it’s called Get Better. The chorus goes something like this – “Everything is gonna get lighter, even if it never gets better.”
Hope the weekend brings more love filled healing days.
thanks for the reminder re the joos album! i’d best head to the fetus on my way home today.
and, as long as you raise madeline to think that stopping and taking pictures of random weird things is normal (which it IS), then she will be down for that stuff, too.
you take amazing pics, I love your style. Madeline is the cutest thing, i betcha ya miss her!
so glad this tuesday was a little better! maybe next time you’re “up north” you can stop by & visit little milaca for some funny pics. there’s really no excitement here but always something to laugh about! hope you’re having a great time catching up with maddy!
Do Euro Larva wear little tiny turtlenecks, and smoke little tiny stinky unfiltered cigarettes?
Glad you made it through another Tuesday…you’re making it and doing great. Like another poster, I loved your last sentence! I agree with another – can’t wait to see more pictures of Madeline! She’s such a doll!
Keep taking it a day at a time – you are doing great! Thursday’s were my tough day after loss…the do eventually get better! You will never forget…but it gets easier.
I just know Madeline will grow up to be a willing participant in your awesome photo excursions – my son is 3 and has his own camera and is already taking his own unique shots of the world. I love seeing the world through his eyes! Thanks for sharing more of your awesome photos!
I am sure Maddy will love participating in your roadside deviations and will see them as a wonderful, quirky adventure when she gets older. Kids love that stuff! Of course I can’t speak to what she’ll think when she’s a teenager…all bets are off then. Good to hear you are enjoying some positive things about Tuesdays. Just have one more thing to say…Git R Done.
Glad to see that you’ve been surrounded by friends and family recently. As everyone else has said many times, Liz would be so proud of you.
What amazing pictures. I’ll say, you’re a wonderful photographer, blogger, and daddy. Can’t wait to see more pictures of Maddy!
I effin’ LOVE the photos!! It’s making me strangely excited about my trip to MN next week. Surely, between here and there, I’ll see some cool shit too. Wonder how many photos my crappy memory card will hold….
I thought of you the other day. I saw a sticker on a light pole while I was walking in the park. It said “Love me some goose.” I thought “That’s exactly the kind of crazy shit Matt would love to take a picture of…” It made me wish I had my camera. I’m so thankful to read your blog…not because you’re such an awesome dad (I mean, that’s part of the reason, but not the whole thing), but because you’ve helped open my eyes again to all the strangely wonderful things our world has to offer.
Oh man you made me miss the absurdity of northern MN. I’m a city kid and I love the randomness that is Onamia/Garrison/Milacs. I totally also have a picture of myself in front of the cow. Oh the memories….Thanks Matt!
Loved your post today. Can only imagine what other’s must think of Minnesota. I realized how crazy it must look but was comforted to see all of the familiar pictures.
I bet Maddy enjoys taking the short detours when she gets a bit older. She might roll her eyes just like Liz would for various other things but she’ll have fun until she thinks she’s too cool for such nonsense.
Nice catch too! I see some of those signs here in the central valley in California. I don’t think it’s a midwest thing so much as it is a redneck thang. LoL
That sign above the one about forest fires… wow… never seen one of those before lol. but I do love it.
so glad that you had such a wonderful time and that your bros put up with your picture taking.
that huge fish…for real?! all the MA has is lighthouses HA!
and madeline…she’ll fit right in on that fishing boat.
Hmm…so Grandma can take her Beau for breakfast…have a reduced rate quicky at the hotel and then stick around for lunch. Not a bad deal when you think about it
i grew up in wisconsin and moved to los angeles so can totally relate to this post! ahhhh night and day, night and day. we weren’t as into the meats in those parts, though, it is the cheese signs that we always take pics of when we roll back to the homesteads. the big fish pic reminded me of the big fish we always visited in hayward, wi during summer vacations. thanks for the memories.
liz was totally the reason you caught that fish, you know!
your post broke my heart again. each day, i read your posts, knowing that i will leave my computer a little more sad, but its ok. the sadness is part of being human and i am glad that you have found a way to share your pain and let your feelings out. maybe if everyone reading takes on a little of this pain it will make the burden somehow a little less for you.
hang in there. maddie is gorgeous and the spitting image of liz.
I’m glad you remembered Tuesday is Street Day! So many great albums this week, I totally spent my entire month’s music budget but it was worth it.
Wow, this post brought up so many emotions for me. Sorrow b/c I know you miss Liz so fucking much and I wish I could bring her back to you. Peacefulness, b/c I spent all my Summers out at the lake in Nashville and I loved every minute of it. Joy at seeing you take all those funny, zany photos which aren’t crazy. Life is made up of those little moments ya know. And happiness that you bought some great new albums!
PS- I work for a company that runs medical studies. We do quite a bit of new medication studies for thromboembolitic disorders. I now have a file of all those studies and I call it my “Liz” file in honor of her. Hoping to help find a cure to this so no one else has to go through what you and Madeline have (heart).
I had no idea you’d be coming “up North”! I would’ve bought you a beer in Garrison! We live north of Brainerd, but I would be proud to be called a stranger (X-ed out) friend and would have gladly made the trip.
This post makes me miss MN something horrible.
I’ve been reading along here, but didn’t know what to say. I guess I can say that.
Ahhh, the Garrison… Can’t believe you didn’t go to ‘The Goose’… Home of many sweet Polaris & Lund jackets and of course, good times good times. …Next time you head up to GMa Broccoli & GPa Rod’s cabin on the Mille Lac, drop a note… I’ll swing over & take you guys to ‘The Goose’ for some choice photo opps & good times.
Your blog is my daily reminder to shut the fuck up about the stupid things that are bugging me and just enjoy all of the good stuff instead. I stop and take pictures of the little details. I bitch less at my husband and laugh a whole hell of a lot more. Thank you.
Keep taking things one day at a time– that teeny tiny girl will be a walking, talking, picture taking little person before you know it.
Ahh Minnesota! My home state as well. Thanks for the pictures of home and I’m headed back for the 4th. Went to church camp in that area as a kid and love the area. Only in Minnesota can you see that greatness! Thanks for the post today and all the past week. Man, I really miss home!
This may be an odd comment but…since I’ve been reading your blog a fear has come over me. I’m petrified something is going to happen to my husband.
For instance, yesterday I was sitting in our new house alone. The damn washer flooded. I had no idea what to do. I turned the water off, then detatched the hoses, and headed to Home Depot. The guy laughed at me.
The whole way there I thought about losing him. What would I do? I don’t know shit about plumbing, electrical stuff, woodworking, oilchanges, anything mechanical basically. I try to learn and teach myself but it doesn’t absorb!
But it’s not just that. He’s my friend, my companion. And then I get sad. I remember you. Liz was your companion. That just fucking sucks. The little bit of sadness I feel is probably nothing compared to what you feel.
I am amazed by you. Your story has helped me slow down and treasure the moments we have. There may be less then we think.
Thank You once again for sharing your life with the entire blogging community!
It’s good to read that you are out having some fun. I’m up by “the Duluth” and have the same love of this area that you do.
I started reading your blog a couple of weeks ago and seriously, my heart breaks for you each time I have read it. Liz was so beautiful and I am sorry that you are having to go on without her.
The song quote Kathleen E lists above spoke perfectly to me – hope you got something out of it as well. Extra hugs for you as you cope with your worst and best days.
The pictures are beautiful.
Hope you are feeling better and getting rid of that crappy sore throat.
Great pics! FYI, what’s older than a Cougar? Silver Cougar, Golden Cougar, or if they’re really old (like Blanche from “Golden Girls”), Platinum Cougar.
Nice Walleye Matt! I too am like you….love stopping at all the sites on a road trip to get pics! It’s too much fun!
Sorry it wasn’t the best of days, but Madeline will surely treasure those pictures of her dad, in front of the camera and a little glum (but keepin’ on), just as much as she will all the ones of her smiling mom, when you were behind the camera. They tell her story so eloquently.
And have no fear: your days of eliciting eyerolls are far from over! I’m sure Maddy WILL love all that stuff, but you’ll also hear your fair share of “Daaaa-ad, are you really going to make me pose next to another robot?? You said we were stopping here for ice cream!”
Lastly, score!! Ever since someone mentioned you were going to Mille Lacs, I’ve been hoping we’d get to see a picture of you with that fish. I love that thing.
Fabulous post. LMAO at the pic of you hanging from the fish mouth.
that was priceless. i cried. love your photography.
PS: Sorry my friends and I were making so much noise at the restaurant, but it really was one fucking funny dirty joke, sonny boy.
Sounds like a fun and entertaining trip. I loved all the signs and must say the meat raffle ones still crack me up. Isn’t it the best feeling to see Maddie after it had been a day or so? I love that with my little girl!!
I haven’t commented in a while, but I’m still reading. I wonder if almost every MN child has been those places? We have always stopped at Mille Lacs as the half-way (or so) point between where I grew up and my Grandparent’s cabin. Only 2 more hours north… LOL! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
you always will matt…the missing never ends..but I am so glad you are taking off and enjoying yourself…
~g
God you making me miss fucking Minnesota. The meat raffles, the pull tabs at the bar, the smell of a bait shop, “sell your firearms for cash”, and smokey the bear all remind me of home. We all want to get away from these things at some point in our life, yet being reminded of them makes me want to go back. fucking ironic.
Great pictures! Looks like you had a blast!
http://andria-and-co.com
It was fun for me and my coworker to see you enjoying yourself in our neck of the woods (Brainerd) and I was hoping for a pix of you and that big Walleye. Maybe on your next trip up north you can bring Maddy and get her photo taken with Paul Bunyan? Nothing freaks out a kid more than having a talking statue call them by name. Gotta love it.
So sorry you were missing your two special girls … but I hope it helped to get away and be surrounded by family. Take care of yourself, get more sleep and give that sweet little girl a squeeze from your gazillion blog readers who wish nothing but the best for you both.
beautiful pictures. There are some amazing shots there! sounds like an easier Tuesday, I wish they could all be a bit better for you!
I love living in the MN. Goofy enough to make good photos, city enough to find good music. And, lots and lots and lots of lakes. I hope you bring Madeline back alot.
Ahh – love the pics Matt. Havn’t been up to ML this year, but you made me miss it.
I just want to thank you for reminding me to appreciate all the little things, and be damn thankful for it!
This Tuesday seemed a little better, hopefully they will continue on this way. Looking forward to new Maddy pix, I miss seeing the beautiful little darling!
I, like so many others, have been following your story and look forward to it daily since reading of you and your beautiful family in the Trib. I have wanted to write for some time, but not really knowing what to say, I didn’t. However, seeing your fishing pics today made me laugh. Sorry you didn’t have bette luck with the fish! We have some family in Garrison and my parents are in Aitkin so we drive by the big fish by Milacs 1-2 times a month. I’m jealous you had your picture taken with it. I have said that we need to stop to indulge in the nonsense almost everytime we go up there, but no one will entertain the idea with me. You’ve inspired me to stick to my guns on this one on our next jaunt Up North. As far as you and Maddy. Wow. What a wonderful family you make. You are clearly doing a wonderful job as her daddy. We have 3 beautiful daughters. Remember when you have hard days of no sleeping and crying (from her) that just won’t stop – cherish these moments that she isn’t able to talk back and slam doors! (I speak from experience and our oldest is only 9!) I look forward to reading your updates and seeing your great pics. Keep up the great work Matt. Sounds like some great memories in the MN. Take care!
Fucking love the pics you stopped to take! Made me laugh like crazy!
I figured out how to look ahead a post or two through your photos. Feels like I am cheating cause I know what is coming!
Whaaat? I grew up in Apple Valley and I had been to Cheapo dozens of times as a teenager. Come on, guys.
Matt-
Love the pictures. It reminds me of my childhood in the MN. Question for you, why the nickname Grandma Broccoli? Does your mom like broccoli alot? I come from a family of nicknames too. Everyone is never called by their original names.
Loved the fishing trip pics! I have driven by many of those locations myself on my jaunts “up north”. Gotta love the giant fish. I second the idea of having Madeline meet Paul Bunyon.
On another note, after reading so much about the type of person Liz is, I can honestly say I’m sad that I never knew her. I am about the same age, and grew up not too far from you guys – I wish I had met her. She seems like she was a riot to be around. You can tell in the photos you have of her that she loved life, she was always smiling! You had 12 wonderful years with her, while there are many of us out there who would have just liked to meet her. Lucky man.
You’re doing a great job with yourself and Madeline, keep it up!
Hullo fisherman Matt-
If cougar seems to young.. just wow.
Sounds to me like you got an older than time pack of flirtatious Smilodons no yer hands there.
Glad you fled when you did.
You could have a blog on meat draw type signs alone.. there is a sign outside a legion here.. the sign often says “Come see Cher and enjoy our meat draw.”
I am sorry your missing your ladies Matt.
Hey — if your ever in the area of Rush City … make sure you get a pic of you and the world’s largest walleye…. to add to your collection.
I have to disagree with the previous posters who think Maddy will love standing on the side of the road to take pictures with a Prolife Smokey the Bear….totally wrong. She will think you are fucking crazy!!
My Dad, who you remind me so much of, constantly had his camera. He made my brother and I stand next to every crazy road sign and World’s Largest Ball of Twine he could find. My entire childhood was filled with crazy roadtrips that took twice as long as they would on the highway to gather such pictures. I always thought he was insane. Completely. I longed for a normal, boring Dad.
I look back on all of those pictures now and realize how totally cool of a Dad I have, even if I was rolling my eyes the whole time. Maddy will know how awesome you are too, but just be prepared for years of eyerolls first.
Sabre-tooths… that’s what’s older than a coug.
~random stranger
I’m glad there’s something positive for you to look forward to on Tuesdays.
(what’s older than a cougar?)
A Meerkat?
Just a thought.
I love all the random pictures. That’s so something I would do. Seeing these make me want to check out MN one of these days…
At last…now I know what to do with that extra firearm I’ve been toting around all this time.
You know you’re a Minnesotan when…you pose with a giant fish. Have you also seen the giant prairie chicken in Rothsay…? Not to be missed.
Matt, you’re doing such a great job of LIVING your life, in addition to being a parent…getting out, doing shit…just LIVING. At a time when a lot of us would just be comatose on the couch. I’m so proud of you.
–Katy
PS Gotta love a band called “Screaming at Motorists.”
PPS If you REALLY love the absurd, I just heard the absolutely most absurd thing I’ve heard in weeks. My best friend just told me she’s donating half of her Bush-issued stimulus check to CHARITY!!! WTF?! Isn’t she a self-involved American like all the rest of us?! I was embarrassed to know her.
What’s older than a cougar? A saber toothed tigress, of course. Such a majestic and disturbing creature, the modern day saber toothed tigress. Emitting that sad saber toothed tigress smell while the feral cat inside tries to find a way to sink her fangs into the next hot young piece that walks by….
Those ‘ladies’ really know how to put the fun in the senior fun days, huh? Who knew the MN was such a hotbed of senior citizen debauchery?
It looks like you all had a great and relaxing time. What a beautiful place Mille Lacs is. I know you missed Liz terribly; she really loved the outdoors, huh? You’re dealing with so many firsts without Liz on this trip, and, for what it’s worth, I think you’re handling it all beautifully.
You hanging off of the fish mouth is one of the best pictures you’ve posted. Maddy will definitely learn to love life in the same way that Liz did because you still live your life with the same spirit.
Looking forward to reading about your sweet reunion with your little blonde lady.
Sounds like there was plenty of good and absurd to offset the fact that it was tuesday.
Love the fish picture, too bad you could not get half way in with your legs hanging out! And I have to say I’d have been sitting on the cow like a weird cowboy.
I love seeing pictures of liz.
she always has that fantastic, huge smile and her eyes are so lit up.
That pic of you with the giant fish made me literally laugh out loud! I just loved it! It’s great to see you having a good time!
You can’t have this much fun in LA… can you???
The last sentence of your entry was incredible, though. You have an unbelievable way of making me laugh and cry at the same time, but it was so sweet…
Great seeing you in familiar surroundings!
Congrats on showing all the guys up!! Glad your having a good time there. I LOVED the pic of you hanging out the fish mouth! ; ) And as someone else said, Madeline will more than likely love that kinda stuff!
Awwww… the last sentence made me cry!
I sent you an e-mail of a book I made for Maddy. Check it out when you have time!
I’m glad Tuesdays are getting a little better!
OMG! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Garrison fish pic!! I have wanted to stop there and do the same picture for years!!!! THANK YOU Matt for not only sharing your life with everyone, but reminding me just how special home in MN truly is and how much it remains the same no matter where you live…Chicago or LA!
Just remember anything north of St Cloud is just unexplainable to people outside of MN! Where else can you buy live bait, gas, a burger and birthday card all at the same store??
Rock On!
Looks like an awesome fishing trip!
Love the pics — especially the one of you hanging from the fish in Garrison. Hilarious!
Glad you’re home with Maddy now. Hope your throat is feeling better.
Great pics! I’m sure Maddy will be like Liz, a willing participant!
So glad this Tuesday was just a lil better. Take care of yourself and Maddy and have a great wkend!
Madeline is going to LOVE all that ‘shit’ too ;0)
They are some cool pics there, and daire I say, you look like you’ve gained a wee bit of weight?
So, I am sure your daughter is going to enjoy every moment with you!
Also, interesting to see Garrison and Onamia from your point of view. Garrison was my home town for a bit when I was first born. Yeah, a unique place indeed!! I forget how hick we are in MN compared to CA. I have also found myself to be more city now than country. I grew up in Brainerd mostly and it is so different from my life in the St. Cloud area. So, a city girl it is for me! Although after watching you fish, I could almost stand to do that again too!
Thanks for sharing your life with us by the way! I am incredibly impressed by your pressing on in what seems like an impossible time.
I will be continuing to pray for you!
Oh, and thank you for all your photography! I recently was given a Canon Rebel XTi and have enjoyed taking pictures immensely. Your vantage point has given me some wonderful ideas to try and expand the little bit that I know. Thank you!
I love all of those pictures! Some very intersting things like the meat sign and I love the smokey the bear statue and low risk of fire.
Madeline will have to stop and pose for pictures what a fun father/daughter thing to do.
My friends and I use the term “Silver Backs”. Just our own preference though…
I also keep giggling at the meat raffle. I grew up in Des Moines and never had heard of a meat raffle until I moved up here about 3 1/2 years ago. Thought it was the strangest thing ever when my co-worker walked in one Monday morning bragging about all the meat she had gotten at a raffle over the weekend… WTF??? It still baffles me.
Wow. Whatta trip!
Can I tell you how much I love that Liz gets her very own line every time you post her name? Love it.
I’m so glad you’re having fun here with family and friends. I also love the last sentence.
Matt, love the pic of you standing in the road lined by trees. Seems very appropriate! Another Tuesday passes . . . It seems a little strange how life seems to just go on when a big part of yours stopped on that Tuesday. All the while another big piece of your life and your heart gets a little bigger and a little bigger.
-A.
Mary:
Matt could spend days going from town to town in MN photographing the Largest: Pelican in Pelican Rapids, Loon in Vergas, Prairie Chicken in Rothsay, Turkey in Frazee, etc. Put together a guide for the Largest Critter Scenic Tour of MN
I live in the town with the World’s Largest Pelican (his name is Pete) & we would love to have you visit, but if you can make it–I would be more than happy to send you a photo!! You could also go and visit St. Urho (my husband calls him St. Cornholio
) in Menahga, MN. Its basically a big dude holding a pitch fork that he has used to stab a HUGE grasshopper. Pretty impressive, but not as impressive as our Pelican for sure!! I bet your friends back in CA are thinking “What the F&*@” did he go to the edge of the earth?? Have a great rest of your vaca.
I , too, feel like I’m cheating when I look ahead at the pictures on your FlickR site. Looks like you had a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S day at the game!! I laughed outloud (then had to explain it to all my co-workers) when I saw the pictures of you changing Madeline’s diaper in the restroom…with the guys using the urinal in the background. How funny! How brave of you to pull out the camera in the men’s restroom! Have a wonderful weekend!
So enjoyed the picture of Liz with her king salmon!!!! and laughed out loud @ you hanging on the fish. Glad you fullfilled your dream of that!!
All in all, MN seems to be bringing you lots of good times!!
Sorry you missed your ladies, though I know you hold them both very tight in your heart!! ((HUGS))
Glad you enjoyed your fishing trip. Looks like it was a blast. I bet Maddy was glad to see you.
so glad it was a good Tuesday for you – and new release day too! rock on
Hmm. What’s older than a cougar.
Mountain lions? No, too agile.
Hippos? No, they seem too cute and stuffed animal-y.
How about Water Buffalos?
“Cape Buffalo, also commonly known as the Water Buffalo. When faced with a predator, cape buffalos charge head on. That’s 1,500 pounds of beast topped off with two big, sharp horns. You’re lucky if there’s only one – the real danger comes when a herd of thousands stampedes in your direction.”
Sounds like packs of roving grandmas to me.
Loved the post today. love it everyday.
i too am one for fabulous pictures with randomness along the way…my husband is too, although a little more excessive then me. on long road trips, he is willing to stop at almost every gas station along the way because they ‘might have something cool that the other one didn’t.’ ya, hes a little much sometimes
i am still praying that each day will get easier and easier. not that you will miss Liz less, but just that your heart will smile a little more. thanks for letting us in. you have taught me a great deal.
I’m glad this Tuesday was a little easier than the ones before. I imagine hanging from the mouth of an enormous fish will do that for most people. Maybe you can get one in LA as well – I’m sure it would be a great addition to anyone’s backyard.
Meat… Raffle?
Interesting.
Looks like you had an amazing time fishing!
I miss fishing out in NC you cant really do much here :[
Glad you had a good time with your brothers and friends :]
I love your photography skills :]
Glad this Tuesday was a little better :]
@Dawn – I “heart” St. Urho! And Menagha! I have some happy memories of St. Urho Days in the summer.
Matt – glad you revisited a bit of childhood in the northern part of our fair state. You gotta love it, even if you don’t. If you know what I mean. I grew up in NW MN (the part that’s like North Dakota with trees), and it’s just a whole different place than the city… in both good and bad ways.
I was looking at your pictures from your fishing trip at Mille Lacs and I seen that you were in Onamia! My aunt and uncle run a resort right on Lake Mille Lacs by Onamia. I just thought that was pretty cool that you were up there. I love going up there.
You are a great person and have a lot of family and friends here for you!
Asalamalaykom,
Older than a cougar? I have one word that comes to mind: “Snagglepuss.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snagglepuss
I’m so glad that larger fiberglass animals are perking you up.
Everyday I pass by a plethora of them on my way to work, with my son in the backseat. We say “hi” to the grouchy bears at mini-golf. We check in with the 40 ft. alligator and always find it eating a jeep. We head past the volcano and the giant pineapple (to which we speak Spanish). My son has adjusted to all the weirdness like it’s totally normal.
That’s really the problem with being weird with your kids…they get used to it and nothing really surprises them too much.
As for Tuesday….there’s a yin and a yang to everything. I hope you continue to see this.
For instance, your intensely intimate relationship with Madeline is not something most dads experience. I truly do understand that this is not what you wanted for your family. However, the blessing hidden within the tragedy is that you have developed a connection faster and stronger than you might have otherwise.
May the rest of your time in the Twin Cities be everything we all wish it could be for you.
I would bet that Ms. Maddy will def induldge in your love for pictures! Your talent is amazing to catch great shots, I love how abstract the angles are sometimes.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures. I always stop and take pictures of funny signs. It’s great.
You had both pretty pictures and hilarious ones as well, good stuff.
You know, I think it looks like both you and Madeline have gained weight during your visit to the MN. Which is a good thing. Hmm…maybe this means that the MN is a healing place and you should return here for good! (Hidden bias: I grew up in MPLS, moved to California for a few years as an adult, but then moved straight back to Minnesota when I realized I was really a Midwesterner at heart.)
You probably won’t even see this, what with the 98 other comments before mine, but I had to leave one. As weird as it sounds, I missed you. I had read the whole blog today at work (shh!), and then got to the end and was thinking, “Gee, I wonder how Matt is doing. I should give him a call.”
Yeah, dumbass. I don’t know you!
I have to say that I did a double take when I saw that one of the comments started with “Liz said”. I wanted to know what she thought about your trip, and then again, “Dumbass. That’s not Liz.” Then I wanted to cry. I’m so sorry.
Reading your blog makes my heart both ache and grow at the same time. My thoughts are with you.
Yup. Tuesdays do suck ass.
When I got to the picture of you hanging from the huge fish, I started laughing and couldn’t stop. I bet I was like those annoying old laughing ladies.
Thank you for this.
Matt, judging by some recent posts, I’m guessing you’ll be at a wedding on Saturday night, but if you’re not…there is this super annual event at the Stone Arch Bridge going on at 8pm on the 21st. I immediately thought of you when I heard about the event because of the photo opportunities. But then when I read about this year’s theme (acknowledging life cycles, coming together in grief), I really thought I should let you know about it.
Here is the description from the website: Come out onto the Stone Arch Bridge to be part of the 12th annual celebration of the Mississippi River. This year Solstice River acknowledges the life cycles of bridges and humans. The Stone Arch Bridge had its beginning 125 years ago and the 35W bridge had its ending last August. The performance will be a tribute to the 13 individuals who lost their lives in the 35W bridge collapse. The intention is to help the community heal. When words aren’t enough, dance allows a deeper connection to that part of the experience that isn’t verbal and creates an opportunity for people to honor and grieve together.
This event weaves together the man-made wonders of downtown Minneapolis with the world of nature. There will be dancers on the dike of the lock, the banks and mooring cells, high up on the grain silos and the Guthrie and on the St. Anthony Falls Hydrology lab. A bevy of kayaks will pirouette for the audience. At the conclusion of the performance, the audience is invited to participate in the “Blue Highway”, during which a 1200-foot length of blue fabric is unfurled across the Stone Arch Bridge by a Park Board jeep.
http://globalsiteperformance.org/upcoming.shtml
Every time I read this, I either laugh or cry.
I think your writing is wonderful.
I get to drive down through WI every once in a while, Oskar the cheese mouse is gone and so is Henrietta the chicken. But, by God the million dollar 6 pack is still in LaCrosse.
I hope you get some good sleep soon.
you have me crying again today, but then again i’ve been crying at everything lately…damn hormones. looks likes you had a good time despite the day. and holy crap that was a big fish you were haning out on! we have a lot of weird things here in NJ (hence the book Weird NJ), but that was some big ass fish.
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
A lioness is older than a cougar.
Wow. I thought Texas had the biggest fish.
Glad you had fun, and blessed your ladies by thinking of them during the day.
Keep breathing, laddie.
I love how the Google ads at the bottom of the page mirror whatever you’re talking about on a given post. Today’s ads are about Bass Fishing Techniques! The other day, they were about Eating Disorders! (Go figure.) And of course, there are lots of baby-related ads.
Somehow my favorite kitschy Los Angeles architectural monuments, the huge Randy’s donuts on the 405 (is it still there?) and the Tail of the Pup near the Bev Center, pale in comparison to the Garrison big fish! Love the shot of you hanging from its mouth!
I LOVE the pictures up at Millacs! I recognized the DQ immediately! Glad you guys had fun . . . awesome pic of Lizzy!!!
Hi, Matt. I’ve been reading for awhile now and decided that tonight was as good a night as any to introduce myself. I’m hoping that you have had more good times this week and that Madeline is brightening every day. I’ll be checking back frequently.
The blue hairs have fled from our blazing sands freeing up our freeways and now cackle away for you…did they have their poodles with them?
Today’s quote: Just carry on. Brian Eno
I once took a 500 mile car trip and stopped to read every historical marker. My daughter was with me and she loved it! I’m glad you had a good fishing trip. The crazy lady in Texas is still pulling for you.
glad you seemed to have a fairly good tuesday on good ole mille lacs, but at the same time i’m sorry it was tuesday because they still suck. when i was looking at your flickr pics the other day i was thinking about how la and mn are different worlds, so when you wrote a remark about the difference i talked back to my computer screen “i was just thinking that.” i love love love your pics of both places though, as many others do. your mn pics are familiar, yet taken in a way i haven’t looked at it before. and your la pics give a little glimpse of a place and life i will never know, but makes me want to go there and see the whole “picture” for myself. does that make any sense or did it just make you puke a little in your mouth by how corny that sounded? anyways, it sounds like you and madeline have an event to go to tomorrow, so i hope you have yourself a good time.
LOL @ what’s older than a cougar
that giant fish is awesome. lovely post
Hey Matt,
Thought you might appreciate these.
http://amerrymishap.blogspot.com/2008/06/robot-mugs.html
Siobhan
I certainly can see why your fuse is a little short considering all you’ve been through, but I was a little dismayed at the disrespect paid in your blog to the Senior Citizens you encountered at the restaurant. Imagine if Liz could have lived long enough to be a Blue Hair – I’ll bet she would have been right in the midst of the laughing and noise and loving every minute of it!!! If you are lucky, some day you will be a geezer and some sonny boy will look askance at you!
hihi. i blogged hopped here via my friend Erin of La Caotica and i’m glad i clicked on her link cause this was so much fun to read.
i’m so happy they indulged you in all your photo’s. it was a real joy to share this trip w/ you. thanks.
Days out to reflect, do stupid things and to just be you, Matt the guy are things a father needs sometimes. Helps keep you sane.
I’ve lived in MN for 20 years, but grew up in Montana; as much as I love living here, this makes me long for a trip back to Blue Sky Country.
I loved going hunting with my dad as a kid; it’s not so much that I was crazy about hunting, but that I loved the time spent with him, just the two of us. I have a feeling your daughter will feel exactly the same way.
Craziness!!! That fish in Garrison is literally right across the street from the grocery store my father in law used to manage!!!! Saw your picture and was like HOLY CRAP! I know that place!
Hi matt, looks like you had a blast. As another so cal transplant, i can certainly tell you those trips ‘home’ sometimes make all the difference in the world. Looks like you’re gaining a little weight too, you look much healthier.
(And see, even when there’s no pictures of Madeline, you still get lots of readers and love!)
Love from surf city USA,
Melissa
Wow. What a small world. I live in the deep south and the ONE time I’ve been to the extreme north part of the U.S., it’s to go to the mn. for a business trip. Where, of all places in the mn.? Mille Lacs. How about that.
@FutureBlueHair: Matt adores blue-hairs and respects everyone. Everything you read here should be viewed thru that prism.
I think we need a humor disclaimer in addition to the cursing disclaimer.