Well I just got back from my vacation and I can't think of any other vacation I've ever had that was more meaningful and more fun I took the week of the 4th of July off and I went to visit Gangstafam, Stymie (Romera) Applekisses, Moonsongs, A2grafix and their family and friends in Port Huron/Detroit Believe it or not, these are the first orgers I have ever visited. My ass is always constantly broke so most of the orgers I've met have come to Cali and that is how I met them. Thank goodness for Disneyland because Disneyland trips is how I meet lots of orgers

I have been going through some major issues these past few months. I started planning this trip back in December and I had no idea how important this trip was going to be for me come July And don't let any trash talking about Detroit stop you from going. Detroit is wonderful. Just like any city, good part and bad. But the bad isn't like people want you to believe. Detroit has a lot to offer

I arrived on Monday the 3rd having about 2 hours sleep on the plane. Got there super early in the morning and I waited a full 45 minutes for my bag and eventually I was standing there all alone and no bag! My stomach sank and I couldn't believe my trip was starting out like that I turned around to ask the security guard where I could inquire about filing a claim and right behind me was another conveyor belt with a lone bag. MINE!!! Whew!

So I slept about an hour in the airport and called Apples to pick me up. She arrived in the Alexis Colby (she has a Dodge Dynasty but I call it the Alexis Colby ) and my weekend was on. It just barely started to hit me .....I am in Detroit with Applekisses at my side! It was very surreal. One of my best friends and there we are in the flesh, riding Miss Colby past seedy motels and adult bookstores. Is it any wonder we, well I, started talking about lube?

So I take a 3 hour nap, wake up and get ready. Before taking a shower Apples and I were watching a plastic surgery show and they were following a pre-op transexual through her transition. She still had her penis but she was living as a female. And she had her girl hair and make up but during the doctor exam, they showed her nipples. All throughout the show, they blurred out the women's nipples but a pre-ops nipples are fair game. We went

Then they did the surgery to put in breast implants and they showed them cutting off the nipples and putting in the implants. Later in the show they did a follow up. And even though she was still pre-op, they blocked out her nipples! Decency standards are all over the place So when I come out of the shower, Apples friends Harrison Ford and Matthew McConaughey are there, but we'll just call them Kristine and Elena for conversations sake , and I hear them talking about the show and they were tripping out how they wouldn't show the pre-ops nipples and so I walked in and flashed my own Introductions were made and we were off to Tastefest to meet Gangsta, Stymie, A2grafix (Detroit crawl's finest).

Tastefest is an annual festival where vendors serve all kinds of food. You buy tickets and you have the option of a "taste", "sample" or "meal" . The bigger the bite, the more tickets it'll cost ya. They also have entertainment and it just so happens that Mavis Staples was the featured artist that day We are already having a Prince connection So I finally get to meet the honorable Gangstafam It was also the first time meeting Tim (A2grafix), who I have actually known the longest in the group. Tim used to hook me up with all kinds of Prince goodies. And at a time when I was going through some major shit with my friends. It was so right on time It was so wonderful to finally meet the person who helped me through those times. Thank you Tim!

So Mavis is just singin her ass off and as I sit there with these amazing and wonderful people I was just trippin out that I was actually in Detroit with my wonderful friends watching Mavis Staples. Shit just never stopped being surreal Well I was sitting there and Mavis was just speaking to my heart. She was singing about friendship and more importantly faith. My friends have helped me through these past months and have given me a great measure of faith. I'm not sure I could have had it all by myself.....

So we eat and eat and eat and then we are headed off to this giant fountain, I think it was Bell Isle (someone correct me if I'm wrong, and I probably am ) So we get there and Apples friend Christine begins telling us about the giant statue and the story behind the fountain. Apparently a wealthy cad left money to the city to build the fountain/statue in his honor. She was explaining what a big cretan he was and how upset the city was at having to honor him and she started waving her hands around and *BAM!*. A freak rainstorm struck. We all went running to the car and Stymie and Gangsta jumped right in Gangsta's vehicle but we were locked out of the Alexis Colby and got drenched Damn, Christine you better watch your raindancin next time!

We went to a club and I was having major deja vu But that is good, because it meant I was right on track There was this crazy ass DJ playin drum machines and synths and he was just tearin shit up! And the guy could sing too Stymie was on a marathon schedule and was busted tired so we went home and on the way to Gangsta's, Gangsta took us to Bluewater Bridge. Ivy was knocked out and Gangsta and I stood next to the water, watching freighters go by and we talked and talked and talked and talked. Thank you Gangsta for setting the tone of the next couple days That was the best spot to start our beautiful conversations

The next day is America's birthday Happy Birthday Paula Abul. S. A. Nathan, Ivy and I went to meet Moonsongs (Nikki) at this little country bar during the afternoon. Gangsta told me about this bar, as it has an internet jukebox. It has all kinds of Prince songs on it. I have a bar near me that has one of those and even though I hate that little bar, I'll hang out and drown people in purple piss So we order lunch and play a bunch of Prince, including "Head" Unfortunately, Gansta left the jizz at home and I left my wedding gown in Cali so we couldn't re-enact the song in person But somehow I doubt the clientelle would have been down for that

We sat and talked and finally meeting Nikki was just amazing. If you have ever had the chance to ever talk to her, you know how beautiful she is on the org. Well she is just amazing in person. If you think you've seen her heart on the org, you haven't seen nothin until you meet her. It's so wonderful to meet someone with so much love And while our music started to run out, Gangsta got up and played a bunch of our favorite artists, including Tori, PJ, Bjork and Tricky and Gangsta, you were right in my head with all that stuff! I kept fainting in my seat as my favorite songs from these artists filled my ears. I might have appeared calm, but believe me, I was dying indside at how much I love that we love the same stuff You played the perfect songs

So we go back to Gangsta's to change for the lake Now it's really funny because I was still dragging from not having a lot of sleep and I heard Gangsta say we were going to his mom's on the lake and we got there and I knew we were at his mom's but for some reason I didn't expect to meet her So I'm standing there and I hear a shuffle behind me and as soon as I turn around, Mrs. Renner is dropping the biggest hug on me and I'm all surprised, but pleasantly so Meeting the woman who brought 2 of the most amazing people into this world She was so gracious and welcoming to us and that made me feel even more at home

So Ivy was not about going into that lake. But Gangsta is a charmer and within a half hour, Ivy is playing Queen of the Nile in Lake Huron! I'm normally not big on getting in water that is not a pool because I usually freeze my ass off and even though I was apprehensive about the water out there, come hell or high water I was getting in that lake because it isn't every day that I'm at the house Gangsta grew up in I got out there and the water wasn't as cold as I thought it would be but my bits went all girl on me *shrink!* Once I got used to the water, everything was fine. It was so great frollicking and swimming and hanging out with Gangsta, Moon, Stymie and Indigo (One of Nathan's wonderful dogs ) That dog is so whipped out on you Nathan That is so sweet tho I tripped out the whole time I was around those little org superstars I kept saying to myself....I cannot believe I am actually petting these dogs! Your dogs

Well for not wanting to go in the water, Stymie lasted longer than I did!! But getting on the floating raft actually turned my stomach so I had to cut it a little short But time out on the lake was great So we come back to the house and we had such a great time watching the weather channel Did that for about 45 minutes Then things really picked up when Gangsta threw on the Undertaker video. At first I wasn't too excited about this because I have the Undertaker material and I have never understood what people have gone so crazy over. But then I was like this The material I have for the Undertaker is all rehearsal kind of stuff and I had never heard all these songs fleshed out like they are on the video. I was just lovin that video with Prince's typhoon hairdo and you know that era was right when he was bout to jump off the deep end into crazyland Even Gangsta's mom was into the vid She was so cute And what the hell is up with Vanessa Marcil

We also watched a birthday concert Prince threw in the wonderful City of Detroit sometime in the 80s during the Parade era. That was great too Then we sat and chatted up a storm. I gave Nathan and Nikki their gifts and expressed to them the reason I chose those gifts and I was very honored and thrilled to be able to tell them in person what they mean to me. Couldn't get Ivy's gift before leaving But I was able to tell her how much she means to me. What a special day Even though we didn't get to barbecue and do fireworks and all that, we could still see them going off from Canada America's birthday will always be significant to me for the rest of my life because of how I got to spend this particular one Oh, I also got to talk to Moonbeam, Gangsta's brother That was so great. Hey Ian, I have been playing the Paula Abdul game ever since!

Well Nathan and I had another marathon conversation and I tried to keep awake so I could drive with him to the airport to drop of Ivy but I was passed out by the time they left Sorry Gangsta! But he was gracious enough to let me sleep so I'd be ready for the next day. Well Nathan and I got a late start back to Apples because of.....take a guess. Another marathon conversation I am just so thankful that we had the time to spend together and talk. Living our friendship in person is one of the best things that has ever happened to me

So we are off to Apples for dinner. I cooked my famous meatballs. Well I think they are famous, at least here anyway It's one dish I have down pretty well and it was just an honor to be able to cook for and feed my friends. Due to our late start we didn't sit down to eat until almost 11:30. But what the hell, its' vacation time! Nothin beats midnight dining Actually Nathan, you have me beat by a damn mile. 4:00 AM pasta rocks. Just ask Ivy During this time I had the opportunity to express to both Gangsta and Apples just how much they have done for me the past few months, and really throughout our friendship together. The tears would not stay inside my head I just couldn't help it being in the presence of these people and especially since they helped me to see God this weekend

The next day Apples and I met up with her friends, our friends, Elena and Kristine for a few drinks. I have to say what a priveledge it was to meet people that are special to Andrea. I now know why. People as awesome and special like you Andrea could not have awesome and special friends. I was really struck at how easy it was to fall right into place with Lena and Kristine. They made me feel so welcome and I got to share with them the backdrop of my history and exactly why this trip was so important for me. They might not realize but they really played a very important part of my trip. They listened to me express my heart and they responded in kind. I can't believe how awesome these women are. On my next trip to Detroit I will be so looking forward to seeing them again Thank you ladies for being there for me. I truly appreciate it And thank you Apples for all the wonderful conversations you and I had. You imparted to me so much wisdom and so much strength. It helps me to see others making and sticking to hard choices for their own betterment. You make me want to be a better person

The next morning I was off to the airport to leave my little paradise I have been telling Vinablue for a while that I needed a retreat. She has been on several and I just marvel at her doing that and that is exactly what this trip was for me. A retreat. Thank you Nathan and Andrea for being such wonderful and accomodating hosts. Thank you for opening your homes up to me. Thank you for loving me and thank you for being the shoulders I have needed to lean on. I would be a complete mess if I had to go through these last few months without such support I even made a friend on the plane and the next time I get out there I will be calling her to go to Greektown!

In another thread Stymie said the following:

It's been so wonderful and I am so exhausted but I wanted to tell you guys and the Org that the connections we make here are real and real lifelong freindships are formed here.

She is right. The internet can be impersonal and cold. But we have such a special community here at Prince.org The connections we make here are real. Don't allow yourself to miss out good people and great times. You meet people in all kinds of places, why should the internet be any different? My life would be so much more empty without the friendships I have made here. Just thank you to everyone who is in my circle. You all make my life so rich..... I can't wait to be back with all my family in Michigan. Thank you to everyone who made it one of the best things that has ever happened to me

With all my love and thanks,
Supa

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[Edited 7/11/06 11:26am]

TOO MUCH TO READ!

Spookymuffin said:

Miss out on my fun then

Just look at the emoticons. They should tell some of the story

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[Edited 7/10/06 14:04pm]

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

there's even too many of them! I get a general happy vibe though...am I close?

I applaud your use of well-positioned emoticons.

Spookymuffin said:

There is almost 100 of them!

Happy isn't even the word

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

:aww:

Whoa, yeah, I totally can't read it now. But I will later.

And yes I realize this will be meaningless to some people but I wanted to memorialize my experience for the wonderful people I shared my time with

I'm so utterly jealous. I know firsthand how wonderful it is to hang with Ivy and Nathan, but apples is someone on my must meet list and I haven't had the pleasure yet.
Sounds like a wonderful time.

I only skimmed over it real quick...but I agree, Paula Abdul has nice legs.

Oh honey... I do hope you know that you have changed my life forever...and your Michigan family is bigger than you know (there are more members waiting to meet you!) and here anytime you want to visit


Love you

cool, dude !


I stopped reading when you started talking about chicks with dicks.....

oh my god...

abierman said:

awwww I am so happy for you!

I'm so happy you had fun!

I'm glad you had a great time Supa, it sounds like a lot of fun.

Ok- I am jealous...
Where's the pics??

Byron said:

YOU!

abierman said:

I thought that would be your favorite part!

You are such a beautiful person Supa.

Cool thread Supa!

I'm so glad this trip turned out to be such a turning point for you...very, very cool.

Call Me!

We must hang out!

I am such a freak!! I got to thinking about something on the trip and I almost started crying right in the middle of a meeting

There were so many unforgettable, amazing and powerful moments on this trip but I wanted to share one of the ones that truly hit me the hardest. One of my favorite experiences was listening to Dewdrops in the Garden while driving with Nathan. That Deee-Lite album is one of my favorite albums ever and I hadn't heard it in the longest time so it was sounding wonderfully fresh to me. We have discussed this group before but nothing will beat actually listening to that album with you. And even though we didn't get through the whole thing, I heard what is for me the most important part.

Back when I posted that thread about leaving Greg after these 5 years, Vina Blue posted the lyrics to Bittersweet Loving and when we were listening to this album, I mentioned that while you were driving. But there were so many more hardcore feelings and thoughts flowing through me that looking back I wish I shared with you personally but maybe it's better I didn't become a straight out mental patient in your car before lunch

This album came out in August of 94. I left Paul in September, the very next month. I told you more about that relationship during my trip and so you know just how raw I was coming out of it. So I had this album with me on both sides. In my hell and out of hell. Most of the album cannot be characterized as saving in nature, but this is such a fun album and really if you do dig down and listen to the lyrics there is a deeper level of thought and feeling. Even though it's an electronic album, this has always been so comforting to me and I have always felt like it was beneficial for my soul.

As we were driving and listening to that album I really got to thinking about my life when I first got this album and it was just a complete fucking mess. And here I was 12 years later listening to it with one of my very best friends in the whole wide world. Nathan, you gave me a spiritual transfusion I think that's probably the easiest way for me to describe what happened to me this past week. I thought about my past and it just hit me so hard how far I've come from my hell. I have been away from it for 12 years. I have written about it and that caused a change in other people's lives and more importantly my own. I am moving in the most amazing direction and I am following my heart. I have since reached a point of forgiveness for my ex. And unlike my cousin, I am living to enjoy another day of my life.

Just wanted you to know how important a space that we shared, even though it probably felt like any other day. For me it was not.....

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[Edited 7/10/06 19:35pm]

When are you coming to Australia?

althom said:

Are you flirting with me?

applekisses said:

Well baby, you have done more for me than you will ever truly know Thank you for being there when I needed someone the most

That was an amazing read! I was so honored to be able to talk to you over the phone. I'm glad this trip was so meaningful to you as you clearly needed and deserved it!

Oh by the way, FUCK Paula Abdul!

Moonbeam said:

Don't you Mean FPAULAABDULCK Paula Abdul?

Even though you weren't there, I felt like you were really a big part of the trip being that I saw those lovely pics of you and spent time in the home you grew up in. Your mom is great I think you guys have the same smile

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

FPaulaAbdulck PaPaulaAbdulla AbdPaulaAbdull!

I'm horrified to think of what pics were shown!

I'm glad you met my mom. She really is a star!