Cakewalk

To paraphrase, tonight I wore a short skirt and a long jacket. Not actually the best outfit when it's freezing out, but... Hey... I had fun, and the fashion maven/design student who works at my coffee shop said nice things about me.

It's come to my attention that I've become much girlies since moving to Detroit. If true it's because I'm in love... With compliments, and with a Midwest attitude where guys hold doors, pay for coffee, and walk me home. I know that I'm a strong, independent woman, but sometimes it's fun to get all dolled up up and have some fun.

What about you? Anyone have a favorite outfit, the kind that always gets a great response? Or--better--do you have a favorite makeover romance? The kind where everybody already knows that true beauty comes from within (My favorite is Jennifer Crusie's Bet Me... Yes, damn it, it is a makeover story. They go shopping.)

My Vision...

You ever want something so bad, you can see it in your mind eye? I want sunshine, dappled by shadows from a nearby tree. I want the wind to blow through my hair, bringing me the scent of posies. I want to wear an a-line dress and run my hands through the soil, planting herbs and flowers. I want to plant so much mint it crowds out the grass, and when it's all over I want a strong, gorgeous guy to stand beside me, drinking lemonade, and enjoying the view of a city just beginning to awaken after too many years in rusted slumber.

Is that too much to ask?

Detroit by Night

It is bedtime here in Detroit (past bedtime, I am trying to be a better person) and you would expect it to be quiet. The last place I lived (western mass) the only thinGs up and about at this time of night were skunks, squirrels, and troublemaking terriers.

Here in Detroit it's another story.

Cars race by my window, the theater next door lets out, and a fluffy gray cat attempts to eat my flip flops (they're his now, damn it). Some people might think this is a downgrade. I don't. Detroit is a city on the edge, a place that can be summed up by referencing zombie movies ("you ever see I Am Legend? It's like that... with brunch."), where you can't by electronics or blue jeans and grocery shopping is only possible for a few hours on Saturday.

But if you can put it up with a thousand small indignities then Detroit is also a pretty cool place. The people are friendly. The food is awesome (don't ask about Chinese, just don't ask). There's always something happening.

And eventually the sound of cars passing on Woodward Avenue becomes a familiar setting for a night's rest. Like waves breaking against the shore, the high revving motors of Motor City lull me to sleep.

Tomorrow will be here soon enough.

Rules For Aleah's Detroit Writer's Commune

1. I am the queen. You will have no queen before me.

2. Rent is due on the first of the month. It is payable by check, money order, Paypal, or cash. Art is also accepted as a reasonable currency (see, I am a beneficent queen).

3. Weekly trips to Eastern Market are optional but encouraged. Seriously, who doesn't like locally grown produce and well hung meat?

4. When I go out of town for work someone has to feed my cat (there has to be some benefit to being queen).

5. Weekly potluck dinners at my place! Or not! Impromptu ice cream parties on the other hand will most definitely be a thing.

6. Free wi-fi! Or, I will put my router near a wall! Or you can put your router near a wall, and I will give you a break on the rent.

7. Pets are allowed, within reason (no toucans, giant squid, or elephants... Even if they are meant to be ironic.)

Seriously though, there is an apartment building for sale walking distance to my work, across the street from the new coffee place. Four units. Twenty one thousand dollars. Who doesn't think that's an awesome plan?

View from a bed...

This is my view today. On Monday I will be able to see the MLK parade out of my window. I love Detroit.

Thwarted

Today I was thwarted by an international syndicate of devious minded high end electronic purveyors (apple store).

How was your day?