Reconnecting
A long, long time ago, when I first started this blog, I talked about the reasons I wanted to get back into music. More specifically, I discussed the reasons for doing my current project – I wanted to write songs on my own (good or bad), I wanted to have a good reason to play music in front of people again (because I’m a big ham, and love it when people pay attention to me), and because I really wanted the opportunity to reconnect with some old friends who I had sort of lost touch with a little bit over the years. Today, I got the chance to put a really good dent in that last one.
Kymberlie Birkenkamp and I first met each other in a Mass Communications class at Meramec Community College sometime in the early 90′s (I can’t remember exactly when, I’m getting senile). A small group of us – Kymberlie, myself, Deidra Dunlap (now Grossi), a few others – started hanging out after class at the old Denny’s on 44 and Lindberg, and we had the most fascinating discussions about every topic under the sun. It was a great time. We were all young and still trying to figure out what we wanted to do with our lives – the world was out ahead of us, just waiting for us to make our mark. Eventually, the class ended, but the core group of three – Kymberlie, Deidra and I – weren’t prepared to let it end there. We stayed in touch, and became a part of each others lives. We hung out at clubs together, played D&D together, Deidra and I even dated for awhile. As the years went by, we shared our lives with each other. Kymberlie looked stunning in her gown when she and Mark married. We all rented a van and drove to Connecticut, with our good friends John and TC and my wife Michelle, for Deidra’s wedding. But, as so often happens, we drifted apart a little bit over the years. Deidra moved to North Carolina, I had gotten married and suddenly had a large family that I had to try to learn how to handle. We all moved on to those lives we had been trying to plan. We still touched base once in awhile, but it got harder and harder to stay connected.
Well, thank goodness for Facebook, where it’s ridiculously easy to reconnect and keep up with lost friends. Kymberlie and Deidra had done a much better job than I had of keeping in touch, so when I found one the other was not far behind. We’ve reconnected over the last couple of years, and it’s been awesome to know what’s going on with them again. When this project came up, I was already familiar, and in love with, Kymberlie’s photography – her new passion. There was no question that I wanted her to do my promo and album cover shots. I’ll admit, I was nervous when I first asked. Kymberlie always has a million projects going on, I just wasn’t sure that she would be able to fit it in. But the awesome thing about true friends is that, even if you haven’t seen each other in a long time, when you do get together it’s just like old times. She knew I needed her, and she said yes.
Kymberlie and I got together and did that photo shoot today. We almost didn’t get to it, because the lunch conversation was just like one of those old time Denny’s late nights, and we lost track of time catching up with each others lives. But we did get to the shoot, and Kymberlie spared no time reminding me why I chose her. She was vibrant, and full of energy. The ideas kept flowing, and for just a little while, she made this worn out old man feel like I was a rock star. That’s just how amazing she is.
It would be a lie to say that I wouldn’t do this project without some of the friends that I am reconnecting with. I need to do this project, and I would figure it out, even on my own. But the chance to work with, and to reconnect with, friends like Kymberlie on this project are what makes this project something that has truly inspired my soul. I am honored to have her on the team, and even more honored to have her as a friend. I can’t wait to show you the fruits of her talent.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope all is well with you and yours. If you can, please take a moment to “Like’ my fan page on Facebook. You can do that easily with the little link to the right. I’d appreciate it.
I’ll see ya’ down the road….
Brian
