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

I was in Wisconsin this past weekend. A quick three-day trip back to Mad Town, as they call it. It really was my pleasure to photograph Tru’s wedding. She looked stunning, as expected. Going back to Madison this time offered me a chance to reflect on some things I have had in the back of my head. And of course the chance to reconnect with friends as well.

Many thanks to Julia and her roommate for putting me up. I’m so proud of her. She’s working and everything. It’s amazing. “…sniff…” Daddy’s little girl is all grown up now. Ha!! We had a chance to eat at Cleveland’s Diner (I did twice. Second time with Nick). That is one of my favorite places in the world.

Great greasy spoon diner food. It’s the kinda place I wish my dad and I could go and have breakfast. And the owners, Niko and Telly, are fantastic. It’s like getting a hero’s welcome every time I’m back.

I must also offer my condolences to Aaron. Sorry about your sorry-a@# Packers!! Ha!, boy! Detroit was all up in yo’ house! Naw, you know I’m just teasin’. Word of advice - watch what you say around this boy. He may look timid but he’s kah-rayzee undaneef! That probably will be the last thing the Lions ever will until Jimmy Hoffa’s becomes president.

One thing that was slightly amiss was my boy Pete not being here. Nick and I lamented on him not being around. But, I’m sure the three of us will find a way to all be in the same room at the same time again.

Nick was around though and we had a good time reconnecting. It’s funny using the word reconnect because in truth I’ve only been gone two months but it seems longer. Much longer. It’s interesting to note how we as humans do not live linear lives. Time floats on a pendulum, swinging fast and slow. Nick; be strong and know you’re worth it. “Death is lighter than a feather - duty heavier than a mountain”. It was cool eating with you at Cleveland’s. We’ll have to do it again.

Another big highlight of my trip was seeing Charles again. Charles is like my little brother (and to most white folks we do look like brothers!). Charles had been doing a study abroad term in Sweden, where upon completing that he embarked on a summer-long trip throughout Europe. Before his trip he and I bonded. We really have so many qualities and interests in common. I look forward to Charles doing a little writing on his trip and all of the experiences that lied therein (nudge, nudge); and not just the stories of how the Polish girls were “off the chain” and “had a thang for light-skinned bruthas”. Ha!, I’m just playin’ with you, Charles. But I do look forward to your words and your pictures. Charles has a blog that’s hosted on my server. Check back from time to time and see what he’s writing at manrilla.net/charles.

I also got to drop in on my boy, Adem. He was chillin’ in the backyard, playing and practicing. I met Adem shortly before going off to Philly so it was nice to sit and rap with him. I hope to be able to work with him in the near future.

I regret not being able to make it to Käri’s show. I would have bumped up the numbers of attendance about 100% from what I heard! Sorry to hear that. I know you guys will have a great show on the 22nd. Check out her group she’s in with Shane: Makeshift Ego. She’s the most talented and amazing person you could know that was born on the 28th of February (except for me? Hee hee). Good to see you again, Käri. Until next time.

JW Davis had the dubious honor of meeting me at Edgewood College. We hit it off immediately, being two big jazz heads. JW’s a great man - a man of concious. It was essential that I make time to see him, his wife, Terri, and Coleman. I wished I could have added a whole other day to the trip just to hang with him and chat. I’ll be back for more. And keep the biscuits ready!

I also ran into some old colleagues of mine from Edgewood. Larry Laffrey as well as Sita Chabra and Zang Vang. It’s funny seeing Larry. I’ve managed to run into him practically every time I’ve been back in town some how. He’s originally from the Detroit area as well so I can mess with his head by saying things like The Fleetwood Diner or Lafayette Coney Island. It makes his head whip around and his eyes go distant as if some arcane spell has been cast and he drifts off to some long forgotten memory.

Zang is someone I really missed working with. He’s a rare person. Gentle and thoughtful with a wry sense of humor. He’s had a fascinating life, if one could term it as that. He will always have my utmost respect.

Married? You didn’t say anything about being married the last time we spoke! Well, congratulations. I hope that your move to Hawaii is fun and you and Corey have a blast. Stay in touch.

It’s almost impossible on little trips like these to get around to seeing everyone I want to. Lea’s another person I really had looked forward to seeing and I only saw her for maybe 10 minutes total. I’m sorry, Princess, but time was short. I promise to come and visit again or better yet, you come to Philthy and visit! Well, I hope to hear from you soon. Oh, say hi to Muhammad Ali (yes, Princess Lea’s dating Muhammad Ali!)

Well, that’s about it, I think. There may have been more and if there is I’ll post more. I had a good time and miss everyone. Madison’s no longer my home - I don’t really have one at this point but I’m making my way. Take care everyone and keep in touch. Wa Allahu ya’lamu ahsan.