October Birthdays

Today is Artie Lange's birthday (Happy 39 - glad you're still alive!) - when I heard this announced on the radio this morning I realized that I know an inordinate amount of people whose birthdays fall in October... so I am going to do kind of a general B-day card sweep here for some of them - even though most of these folks do not read my blog... at least the wishes are "out there."

October 6th - Howie. One of the funniest persons I have ever met or probably will ever know - and an excellent writer. A truly trusted friend that I feel I can be honest with without being judged - and who can tease me relentlessly and make me laugh at myself more than anyone else I know. He and I also 'do' a podcast - if/when we ever get it "right," I will link it here so all of you can experience the magic that is our witty rapport...

October 9th My big brother, Al.[also John Lennon and Al Jourgense]Well, we've always called him 'Alfred' at home since that's what my parents called him - though he does not go by that formally. He's someone that I admire and love a great deal - we have a lot in common - arts, politics, and a sense of humor. He's been there for me when I've needed it the most, and he is the closest to me of all my siblings.

October 10 - JB. He was the best friend in my early college days that I did not expect to sustain through these many years, but I attended his wedding, have visited him in SF where he lives, and he never fails to send me a Christmas card every year. He meant a lot to me when I was 18... and even though we grew to be very different in many ways, he continues to hold a place in my heart even now because of his efforts to keep us in each other's lives.

October 15th - Eric. Is one of the kindest most magnanimous people on the Planet Earth. He has a very successful career and is THE ONLY person I know who told me in college what he wanted to be when he grew up and then became exactly that. I have visited him in every place he has ever lived - from Paris to Washington DC. He truly is a gentleman and a scholar - he speaks three languages fluently - and understands a few more on the side. But mostly he is one of the very best people I know and I am fortunate to have the privilege of counting him as one of my dearest friends in this lifetime.

October 30th - Alexander. My oldest nephew. I used to spend a lot of time with this kid when he was a toddler - but now that he is in college I rarely see him. Because of his insistence on seeing it over and over - at one time, I knew the entire script to Wizard of Oz. To this day, I can't watch it without thinking of him especially. He was a sweet little boy - always very curious and very honest and very sensitive - and has grown into a young adult with the same outstanding traits. I am proud of him for several reasons, but the one that is most important is that he is such a good and kind person, and I know that he is a living legacy to his mother, who passed away from breast cancer five years ago.

I know, I know - it's a pretty mushy load, but wtf. If you can't use your blog to express your most heartfelt thoughts, then buy a Hallmark card and send it with a Love stamp. I also realize that there is not one gal on the October list... go figure?