I am back from a perfectly blissful visit to Detroit and the fabulous mountain_ash78 and blue_sky_48220 (who, quite frankly, spoiled me rotten!). I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the company and conversation, and would have been more than happy just to sit around gabbing with these fascinating folk - but was also pleased to get to tromp about gathering unique and expansive experiences.

Though I arrived quite late on the Megabus Friday night, J and M still stayed up with me 'till the wee-hours ('cause I'm a nocturnal blabber-mouth, don't cha know). Saturday, J and I walked out on a gorgeous day to Toast for a brunch so tasty it would make you smack your momma. I had an omelet made with roasted beets, caramelized onions and chèvre which was a seductive blend of sweet and savory. Mmmmm, I'm drooling on my keyboard just thinking of it.

Later, we visited a fantastic local art fair with lots of unique glass and pottery and then hooked up with some fab folks from Trillium Reclaiming, for pre-ritual pizza. Well stuffed, we then drove out to a lovely horse farm which would be the location for Trillium's Midsummer ritual and celebration.

Though the day had threatened rain, the weather was perfect. I was charmed by the land, and even more so by the warm welcome I received. I really liked so much about the ritual. I admired that Trillium has a ritual arc/theme for the whole year, and was excited that it happens to be the Feri creation story. I loved the invocations, which were short and connected, and I realized yet again that I sometimes chafe at very heavy emphasis on ritual arts. I was also very glad (and nervous) to be given an opportunity to push a personal edge as I stepped into drumming for the ritual (which outside of trance drumming, I never do). Folks were very supportive of me and not one shoe or horse patty was thrown my way. I felt it was good work, and I felt honored to connect (and in some cases reconnect) with these bright ones.

The weekend also featured a visit to Dragonmead a local microbrewery (mmmm...mead), as well as The Inn Season Cafe, a fabulous vegan/vegetarian restaurant (who put J's kale eating abilities to the test!).

Some of my favorite moments though came when spending the afternoon with J and M at the The Detroit Institute of Arts. Art museums are among my most favorite things to experience, especially with I can share them with others who like to discuss the works and the emotions and thoughts they evoke. I was especially pleased to get to see two works I have always hoped to view live: Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry fresco cycle and The Nightmare by Henry Fuseli.

I could babble on about those pieces...particularly Rivera's work, given how much there is to it and how much it seemed to speak to issues that are core for me...but I won't bore you. I will however include some visual links below in the hopes that you'll take a peep.

( This is the north wall of Detroit Industry with subsequent drill downs for detail. )

( And here is the south wall of Detroit Industry. )

( Also, here are some details from Detroit Industry. )

( Fuseli's, The Nightmare. )

( And one I did not know but loved, Thomas Wilmer Dewing's The Recitation, whose ethereal quality really cannot be captured here... )

I'm not sure how I've met and filled my life with such smart, beautiful, fun, aware and magical people...but I am one of the truly blessed.