The Manrilla Blog | Life. Art. Religion. Culture.

It was very, very good to go back home and visit with my family. In a way, though, it’s funny ‘cuz I almost needed a break from vacation to rest. It was hard being under the weather and still trying to get out and visit folks. I don’t do well with being down so I tend to push myself harder than I should. I know I should get my rest but what can I say? I’m stubborn.

My Trip So Far

So far my trip has been enjoyable except for the being sick part. There’s nothing worse than being sick on your vacation. But I’m plodding along despite it all. It was very cool to see Jonathan and Jackie last night - it’s been about a year since I’d seen ya’ll. Jonathan!, keep the faith, young blood. Keep writing and things will start to move your way. I wish you all the best, Jackie, with school. Get some more rest though and make sure Jonathan cleans the apartment more!

I also had the best time haning with Marjorie yesterday, who I hadn’t seen in maybe two years plus. I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it to your gallery showing - I promise to come back during the summer and we’ll hang out more. Take care of yourself and above all, KEEP SHOOTING!!

This trip has seen me catch up with some other old friends as well. Jason and I made it to Cedarland, in Dearborn. That was well worth it. I love the Arabic food in Dearborn. No where like it in the States, that’s for sure. I stopped by Ali Baba’s and saw Omar and Adnan, who was shocked at seeing my cleanshaven face. Abdou and I made salah together - hadn’t done that in a long time (Charles will be happy to read this!). Besides that it has been reall nice just to sit around with my parents and my dogs for a few days. I hope that I get a chance to see Rachel before I go - if not, we’ll catch up in the summer for sure. Well, peace to the “D” and we’ll see ya next time.

More On the Detroit Trip

I just got back in from visiting with Jewett. This cold has really sucked and kinda got in the way of me doing some stuff that I wanted to do. For one, Michael and I haven’t done any shooting together but I haven’t really been up to running out. Seems like he’s been running full steam though since he’s gotten here. At least one of us is having fun. I also saw Hazem yesterday. I hadn’t seen Hazem in four years! Man, how time flies. I also ran into Glen today and we sat down and had some coffee together. He’s a musician/photographer like myself. Well, he’s still playing and I’m not playing so much any more but we used to sit in on some jam sessions back in the day. We had a nice discussion about politics, race, religion and a whole bunch of other stuff. Jewett and I talked of much the same. I also saw Linda , Mary and Art from WEMU 89.1 FM, the radio station I used to have my show at. Good-night Detroit.