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| This jazzy photograph is from the summer season of 2007, after I determined to depart Traverse Metropolis, MI after 30 years. |
I
re-watched Postcards from the Edge
lately, with Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine, primarily based on Carrie Fisher’s
novel. As a thinly veiled Debbie Reynolds, Shirley performs the at all times “on” and
growing older film queen. After Streep-as-Carrie sings at a welcome house celebration, guess
who decides to do a quantity, too? MacLaine’s Mommie film star selects Stephen
Sondheim’s “I’m Nonetheless Right here,” re-vamped to her legendary life!
Many
an growing older diva has sung this showbiz battle cry. I’ve seen many variations on
YouTube since watching Postcards.
Yvonne De Carlo launched the music on Broadway again in 1971, in Stephen
Sondheim’s Follies. Maybe essentially the most
well-known tackle “I’m Nonetheless Right here” is by Elaine Stritch.
It
acquired me to considering that anybody of a sure age may tailor this tune to their
life. So right here’s my hopefully humorous take as an growing older Yooper again in Higher
Michigan, aka the Higher Peninsula. After this, you readers on the market will know
a bit extra about Rick’s actual life. Cheers!
I am Nonetheless Right here & UP Right here
Good instances and bum instances,
I’ve seen all of them and Holy Wah!
I’m nonetheless right here.
Smooth flannel typically,
Typically simply Pringles and PBR,
However hey, it’s nonetheless beer.
 |
| A gathering of Gould youngsters in exhausting knocks Higher MI! I used to be within the 2nd row, second from the precise, within the purple striped shirt. And I am nonetheless right here! |
I’ve slipped plastic bread baggage,
In my boots.
Bummed college lunches,
3rd grade was an actual hoot.
Seen all my desires go up in flames,
However I’m right here.
I’ve shivered in fish shanties,
Gawked on the guys’ girlie mags,
However I’m right here.
Slept in my lengthy lingerie,
Seven months of the 12 months,
However I’m right here.
 |
| Little Ricky relocated within the U.P. beginning with third grade! |
 |
| I cherished plaid flannel & being 23, right here with my niece as a child, who will probably be 43 in 2025! |
I’ve stood in unemployment traces
With the perfect,
Watched whereas the headlines
Did their worst.
Within the Nice Recession was I
depressed?
Nowhere close to.
I cherished a Texas oilman,
And I’m right here.
 |
| My candy Texas oil man, the late Jigger Johnson. Me AKA “RG” on the left. |
I’ve been by means of Oprah,
JLo and Ben’s affairs,
And I’m right here.
Ben & Jerry’s,
Outsized glasses and permed hair,
And I’m right here.
I acquired by means of Ted Nugent, Child Rock, too
Three Kardashians, Two Jenners, ewww.
Had loads of Pasties,
And Higher MI ambiance.
I’ve lived by means of Paris Hilton.
And I’m right here.
 |
| Like plenty of ’80s youth with straight hair, I simply needed to get a perm. And rinse & repeat! |
I’ve gotten by means of George Senior and
George Dubya Bush,
Gee, that was enjoyable and a half.
While you’ve been by means of two Bushes,
The rest is amusing.
 |
| The High of the Park on the Place Lodge in Traverse Metropolis, MI for Martini Night time! |
I’ve been by means of Traverse Metropolis.
I’ve traversed by means of Portlandia,
And I’m right here.
American Spirits and Martini Night time,
Nap instances and binging on Netflix,
And I’m right here.
Been referred to as a homo,
Faggot, too,
Bought by means of all of it as a rule.
I ought to’ve paid extra consideration in
college,
That appears clear.
Nonetheless somebody stated, “He has potential.”
So I’m right here.
 |
| Stocking cabinets & going to grad college at 50 was typical of Rico’s irregular path! |
Within the black someday,
Subsequent day you’re cashing out shares,
However I’m right here.
Grad college Monday,
Tuesday, you’re stocking the cabinets,
However I’m right here.
 |
| “RG” on the sting of 30, in Traverse Metropolis, MI. |
First you’re one other
Massive-eyed twink,
Then somebody’s ex,
You then’re camp.
You then profession to profession,
Any profession!
I’m virtually by means of my memoirs,
And I’m right here.
 |
| Just like the tee shirt says, MI’s Higher Michigan AKA The U.P. is someplace particular! |
 |
| I went from repeatedly mountaineering on the PNW’s Columbia Gorge 15 years in the past to tripping on three steps 1 12 months in the past right here in Higher MI, breaking my leg! |
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| Ricky in Mackinac Island, MI in my 20s. I used to be extra into fudge than leather-based! |
I’ve gotten by means of, “Hey, is that
Rick?
Wow, he used to be good wanting, too!”
Or higher but, “I wasn’t certain that was
you.
Gee, you’ve actually modified!”
 |
| I really felt fairly nice at 60 within the fall of 2019. Sadly, the COVID epidemic was simply across the nook! |
Good instances and bum instances,
I’ve seen all of them and Holy Wah!
I’m nonetheless right here.
Smooth flannel typically,
Typically simply Pringles and PBR,
However hey, it’s nonetheless beer.
 |
| The COVID period was my final profession hurrah. I retired at 62. And I am UP right here! |
I’ve run the gamut,
A to Z.
Three cheers and dammit,
Holy
Wah!
I acquired by means of all of those years,
And I am right here.
Lord is aware of, not less than I used to be there,
And now I am UP right here!
Look who’s right here!
I am nonetheless right here!
And UP right here!
 |
| I am going to allow you to resolve if I’ve gone to the canine at age 65 circa 2025 in Higher Michigan, in my house city of Manistique! |
