01/10/2020
In one way or another, you know this Dirtbag Diaries story. It's mine as much as yours. I teared up a little.
In 2009/10, I created a business plan to open a shop of my own. The math was buggered. According to what I knew, what I projected, it was a flop. A sure fire way to lose money. I was floundering, in my own career, in life in general. I hadn't gone anywhere, really. Hardly traveled. I felt stuck. I wanted to recreate some of the best times in my life. Start a business. Times were tough for many in Michigan. Folks weren't spending on recreation, many were spending only on surviving, or even leaving. Then, I had an injury, which led to losing my job. It was time to put up or get out.
I got out, it was 2011. I left Michigan. I packed what I could in a bus (a school bus! Cliche) and went West. That is a whole other story and adventure.
But what did I give up? Feels like nothing at all. And everything at the same time.
I shelved some big ideas, and pulled the cord on some new ones. What's followed so far is nine years of great adventures, new friends, epic everything.
But what about that shop? It still exists, in my mind, in an alternate universe maybe. In my heart and dreams.
Well, here's something to listen to anyway. It's a familiar story, in some ways.
For those of you who worked in the E. Lansing store, you may hear some similarities when they tell of the hole, though ours was the attic. And the couches. And, well, you'll find your own touchstone I think.
And if you don't know Dirtbag Diaries, you're in for a treat. Listen to as much as you can. So much feels and sounds like home, wherever that is.
Additionally, I tried to post as myself, Michael Ramsey, but darned if I could figure it out on mobile. Haha!
And please, go to your local shop this weekend, if you have one. Buy something you've been meaning to, if you can. It could save something small, which means everything to someone.
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