Good morning, all fantastic, all hungry, all plain and tall. Welcome to the fourth installment of my three hundred and sixty five part series, Words From The Midwest.

It’s possible I could be over or under estimating how many of these things I’ll do. Maybe I’ll go until I don’t know the roman numerals anymore. Maybe I’ll just look it up. We’ll have to wait and see.

Today is my birthday. Number twenty-six. As I’ve stated, I think it’ll be a good year for me. I have a book and an album coming out soon and then another album coming out after that, I’m writing two novels and they’re both coming along quite nicely. Yes, I think twenty-six will be a good year.

Last night was splendid. I and a group of former Jesuit Volunteers and general friends in the neighborhood greeted the new Volunteers, shared a meal together and then sat around the fire sharing jokes and stories and generally enjoying each other’s company. I couldn’t be more excited to have these new faces around.

Currently, I’m listening to Big Star’s album Third/Sister Lovers, one of my most favorite albums ever recorded. I used to have Third on vinyl. I wore out the grooves. If you’ve never heard the song O Dana, I very much recommend you looking it up. It’s one of the best songs ever put to tape.

I say that about a lot of songs, though, I admit.

I will be going over to my sister and brother-in-law’s soon for a day of family time and a delicious birthday dinner. I think I told you about that before. I won’t go into it again.

Big Star has shuffled to Julian Casablancas’ first solo album, Phrazes For The Young. I’ve never before listened to it but I do love The Strokes (he is the lead singer).

Not much more to say today. I hope you have a good My Birthday day.

Godbless.

Michael