Summer of 2012

Summer was hot and seemingly endless in SE Michigan. However it was also very interesting.

I finally had the privilege of seeing my first Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise. There were thousands of classic cars and motorcycles "Cruising" right past my apartment. It was really something to see and a bit loud as DJs spun the tunes of the Muscle Car era, and engines revved at the traffic light below me. Old mixed with new all week long and every red light was a sight to behold.

I sat by my window and watched as the cars gathered at the lights. Fascinated by the variety and color. We weren't afraid of color back then, in fact the colors we chose made a statement about who we were just as much as the make, model and engine size. 

I grew up during the muscle car era, and would not have missed the Dream Cruise for the world. Back then I drove a 1970 Chevrolet Rally Sport Camero in Daytona yellow with a stock 307 cubic inch engine. Yellow was not my choice, I wanted the blue SS 396 with the white racing stripes, but Dad was cosigning the loan he wouldn't have anything to do with that car. I just kept telling myself, next time. Sadly 1970 marked the end of high performance straight off the assembly line as emission controls went on the following year. In those days I worked in the factory, took art classes and used to cruise on Telegraph Road with my friends. We thought those times would last forever but life changed for us all.

The summer heat continued well into September and life on Woodward Avenue brought yet more excitement as a movie crew came to shoot at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church across the way. I heard a soft boom sound and looked out as a fireball rose out of the street! Three of the four lanes on northbound Woodward were closed, traffic was diverted, the church parking lot and half of the road was filled with semis, trailers, and heavy equipment. It took me three tries, but I captured what I'd seen on what turned out to be the final take. Here you can see the rain machine and the fireball as that final take was being shot. Who knew life could be so exciting.

Over the years I have come to understand life truly is something to live, to enjoy and to write about. I've learned to slow the pace and cherish the ride. After all what they say is true; it's the journey not the destination, even if you believe in reincarnation.

Wherever you are and wherever you roam I hope you had a great summer too!