It has been a lifetime since we knew each other. I truly do not know where to begin. I'd love to hear about your life and one of these days maybe I will. You know what, I'm just going to keep it short and to the point. I will not bore you with the details of my life, but I'd like to share a little.
After high school I went back to Washington and attended community college for a few quarters or semesters? What ever they called them. I then headed back to Utah to take a stab at the U of U. That didn't go very well for me as I was enjoying the party scene a bit too much. Back to Washington I went. I spent a few years running a bar at a small resort, just killing time really. In 1998 I found myself working in California. I mean all of California. I stayed in motels and apartments all over central and southern Ca for over a year, finally to settle in Santa Barbara. I got married in 2000. Divorced in 2006. She got it all, the house, furniture, etc. Again I found myself living in a hotel. I ended up renting a room from friend for a year or so after that. I now have a nice place in Santa Barbara and am currently renting in Seattle as well. I guess you are wondering where I'm going with this. Well here it goes.
As I have moved, packed and repacked, I've lost most of my personal effects. Some things I have chosen to get rid of, others simply have disappeared. Mostly I have my memories which have faded over time. You made a mix tape for me when I left Utah. I regret that I no longer have the actual tape. I remember the last time I saw it. It was less than three years ago. It was in a tin box that also had Rubik's cube key chain and some bearings from my old skateboard. The box has since disappeared. One of the few physical objects I do still have is something you gave to me. Along with the tape you wrote the lyrics to the songs down and sent them to me. I have those pages on my desk right now. I am a fan of words. The fact that you took the time to write the lyrics is why I kept them. Those words capture a feeling, a time we shared, a part of my history that brings me a smile. I'm not trying to be all weird about it. I just think its cool. Anyway, music has a way of bringing memories to the surface. I have had my fair share of bad memories so when I hear something that reminds me of a much simpler sweeter time, I relish in it.
This is something that you gave to me 20 plus years ago. I thought I would share with you what you have given to me over the years. These are the songs that were on the tape. Not all of these are the same versions but these are indeed the songs.
I've experienced enough to know that it feels good to know that you mean/meant something to someone. So I'll tell you point blank. Thank you Marci. Our brief friendship meant a great deal to me, and these songs still do. My memories of you and those times we shared come to my mind every time I hear them. I hope you enjoy theses as much as I have over the years. You also turned me on to Dan Seals and Keith Whitley, the only two Country singers I'll admit to listening to.
I wish you and your family a happy new year,
Chris
