Tales of the Road

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2010-04-25T08:50:00.001-05:00

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Money Money Money!

2010-04-23T07:51:00.002-05:00

Money is always in short supply if you make documentaries or are a budding feature filmmaker. I hope to learn more about raising cash for future projects tomorrow (April 24th) during a class with Erika Johnson of South Shore Productions in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

http://www.southshoreproductions.net/

We were moving so fast trying to get the "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" book and documentary done that fundraising fell short but all bills were paid as I dipped into personal funds. It happens. I've learned a lot from that experience and don't plan to repeat it. I'm hoping Erika has some new ideas.

On a different subject, we are tweaking our website. This blog will be down for a bit but will be back. I need your ideas for links we can add to the "maps" section of the website. Maybe you've seen it. http://www.talesoftheroad.net/maps/index.cfm
I'm looking for new ideas for links/photos for those sites on the map. Drop me a line with your ideas: cathy@palisadeproductions.com

Happiness is a two lane highway!

2010-04-19T10:23:00.004-05:00

And happiness for me is digging around and finding great information on some of the really cool sites and stories along those two lane roads. I pondered this while sitting in a day long conference, on a Saturday, at the University of Minnesota while birds were singing and flowers blooming outside.

The conference centered on the aging brain. Research shows that exercise and good nutrition are keys to bolstering the brain, but the keynote speaker (Todd Kashdan of George Mason University. http://www.toddkashdan.com/) also focused on how the brain loves novelty. That doesn't necessarily mean leaping out of planes or bungee jumping, but something as simple as getting out and enjoying new places, people and experiences.

After Todd's speech, I sat there thinking about the joy (and sheer terror) that TOTR has given me in the seven years since we started the project. It has been a fantastic learning experience and I can't wait to see what happens next as I continue to head down the highway!

Johnson Boatworks Bon Voyage

2010-04-12T16:32:00.004-05:00

There are few places in White Bear Lake, Minnesota where 400 people can mingle with history. On Saturday, April 10th, that is

what happened at the former Johnson/White Bear Boatworks, an old place profiled in "Tales of the Road-Highway 61." (Both the book and the film.)

The occasion was the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society's annual fundraiser and the venue was appropriate because (sadly) it appears the boatworks will soon be lost to history. There have been valiant efforts to save it. The future is unclear. It could make way for condos, or (fingers crossed) it might be the site for a community center/sailing museum.

This is Steve Johnson, a descendent of the founder of the Boatworks: John O. Johnson. John O. was a quiet guy but brilliant. I would think John O. would have been bemused by all the fuss the event created. Steve and the rest of the Johnson family seemed to enjoy themselves. Check out Steve in the movie. He's the skipper of the last racing scow of a specific class made by the Boatworks. The boat is beautiful and as fast as the wind itself! I was at the event to talk about why we included the Johnson Boatworks in TOTR. The story is such a good one. It was a no-brainer for inclusion.

I also had a surprise for the director of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. A check for $1,500. Part of my proceeds from the book that I promised I'd spilt with the ten different organizations along the highway that helped make TOTR possible. Now, if the Boatworks, or at least a part of the Boatworks could be preserved...that would be money well spent! For more photos of a lovely night check out our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101915670064

Hanging at the MOA

2010-04-05T15:59:00.002-05:00

That would be the "Mall of America." Bloomington, Minnesota. I remember when we (in the media) dubbed it the Mega Mall. It is still quite a place. A shrine to consumer consumption. I was signing books and DVD's at the quaint Minnesot-AH! store: a place dedicated to all things Minnesotan. "Tales" fits in well.

I was at a small table in the store's entry with a view of "Lids": a store dedicated to baseball caps. One of the perks of hanging out at the mall on a Saturday afternoon is the great people watching. It is a free show. The parade of humanity was incredibly entertaining. I learned that the mall has great cell phone reception. No dead spots. Nearly every person who passed me had their cell out. Four guys in a group five sauntered past. All four on the phone. I wonder if they were talking to each other. It wouldn't have surprised me.

I marveled at the impeccably dressed woman with the runway walk who teetered on impossibly high heels. Those pencil heels must have been four inches high. Impressive considering she was also carrying several bags. I learned you can shop and still look great at the end of the day, a feat I've never achieved.

An engaging, older man stopped by to chat. He has heard of "Tales" but begged off buying a book. He has too many he said. (Now, how can you have too many books! :)

He told me a story that I'm going to have to check out. It deals with a former DJ in the Twin Cities who worked at the venerable Top 40 station KDWB. This was in the 1960's, and "Donald K. Martin" (who was a friend of this gentleman) was driving to Duluth to see his girlfriend. The radio announcer was a pretty plugged in guy--he knew the local music scene--so when he saw a scruffy young man, with a guitar on his back, hitch-hiking on the shoulder of Highway 61, Martin stopped the car and said "Zimmerman! Where are you going now?" The young musician said "Out to New York to play a few songs." Martin gave the guy a lift. I wonder if Bob Dylan remembers that moment? Donald K. Martin does.

A story for the sequel don't you think? The lesson? You just never know who you are going to run into either by the side of the road or in a shopping mall.

R.I.P trusty (rusty) friend!

2010-03-16T15:07:00.009-05:00

In order to do a documentary/book on an iconic highway you need a car that can go the distance--literally and figuratively. Said car needs to be tough because, in the case of Highway 61 in Minnesota, it's a good 440 miles from the northern tip of Minnesota to its southern most point and if you multiply numerous trips, over six years, we're talking about an eye-popping (piston popping?) number of miles.

It is with great sadness that I say "goodbye" to the car that took me on the road trip of a lifetime. I know she doesn't look great in this photo. I lost the left rear hubcap somewhere between Hastings and Winona in year five of "The Project." I never did replace it. I think it gave the old car a kind of "road warrior" look. (Enhanced with the layer of salt/dirt/grime over her many dings and dents.)

She (and yes---I give cars gender specific designations) never once left me on the side of the road although she'd burn through a quart or two of oil during most our of forays. What the heck. The car was burning oil and I was leaking oil by the time we wrapped up the book and film. We forgave each other our foibles.

So when the "check engine" light came on (and stayed on) and the diagnosis of a clogged catalytic converter and old age was made it became clear something had to be done. But, with 215,599 miles on her and a clutch that slipped just a little, it seemed silly to think that she could be traded in. Besides, a trade-in seemed beneath her somehow.

Thankfully, the 2002 Subaru with the missing hubcap, the leaky pistons and the nearly shot clutch ultimately found a home. She was donated to the Newgate School in Minneapolis to be used in their automotive training program. It is a great non-profit effort. With a little elbow grease, a few new parts and some TLC, she may end up being given to a family in need of reliable transportation. I hope so. She's still got a few good miles in her. Now, if I could say the same thing about myself...

A sweet surprise!

2010-02-24T16:25:00.005-06:00

Go figure! "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" has its own official cookie!

Cookies like this tasty little morsel were on hand when White Bear Lake kicked off their first ever city-wide reading program and "Tales" is the book that young and old will read and discuss.

We began the discussion with a short talk by yours truly at the White Bear Library, which was rudely interrupted by a tickle in my throat that made me cough without relief for what seemed like a lifetime. Actually, as I write this, I'm sidelined with a cough and laryngitis. The White Bear event may have been the precursor to what has bloomed into quite an illness. Want to see more images from the event? Head to the Tales of the Road group site on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=101915670064

As I sit, snuffling and hacking, I have had time to think about next steps. The original plan was to kick back and relax in 2010 but that ain't gonna happen!

We will interview three survivors of the 1918 Moose Lake Forest Fire the first weekend of March and at least get their stories on tape because each person is well into their nineties and let's face it: once these folks are gone, their stories are gone too.

I'm a member of the Red Wing Pottery Collector's Society and their latest newsletter had a wonderful tidbit about a garage in Red Wing made up of clay bricks that has a tie to the pottery. The garage is supposed to be torn down soon so that means we have to hightail it to Red Wing to get that shot before the building is gone for good.

Speaking of another endangered site--the Hastings Bridge is also set to be dismantled and we'll have to make sure this spring/summer that we have that "in the can" (as it were) so we can do a story about the original Hastings bridge. It was a marvel! A spiral bridge that people still talk about today.

So you see, I can forget about resting on any laurels. Maybe that is part of the plan. The highway and time wait for no one.

Here, there and everywhere!

2010-02-15T12:16:00.002-06:00

It's been a long few weeks. Long but satisfying.

These are photos from the Frozen River Film Festival in Winona, Minnesota. "Tales of the Road" was a featured film.

I did a little presentation afterward to a very

responsive audience. There's no small amount of satisfaction when viewers laugh at the "right" times or let out a collective "huh!" when some key piece of information is revealed.

Books were sold by Chris Livingston who owns the local bookstore. I'm pleased that so many people liked the movie and then wanted to read the book. Which is better---book or film? I'll leave it up to readers and viewers. I'm wondering if doing another book, an updated book, is worth it. There have been a lot of changes along the highway since the book was published in October of 2008. I'm smitten with the old road guides that include advertising from the twenties and thirties and wonder whether something like that would work today. Something else to ponder.

A final note: Look at the below photo. Note the gentleman in the beret over my shoulder. That is Coffee John. A fan of TOTR and quite a guy. A shout-out to John!

A wonderful honor

2010-01-26T16:50:00.009-06:00

I know the book "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" has been read by many people but now, a whole city is reading it! It is a humbling experience.

This is Jo Emerson, the mayor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and yours truly with a proclamation recognizing the first ever "White Bear Reads" program, and the inaugural selection: "Tales of the Road-Highway 61"!!!

The "White Bear Reads" program is based on other successful efforts across the country where a book is selected and the community comes together to experience it.

I'm so excited that "Tales" has been selected for this unique program in White Bear Lake. What an honor!

White Bear Lake is a lovely town on Highway 61. I wrote about the Johnson Boatworks, a historic place that unfortunately will be leveled for townhouses sometime, and the old White Bear City Hall, purported to have been designed by the great Cass Gilbert. The Boatworks was also a key site in the documentary. Isn't this a cool, old photo of the craftsmen building one of the racing scows??

White Bear has great history, and I'm hoping that the community acknowledges that and works together to preserve what is left and not only some of the sites in "Tales of the Road" but other meaningful places as well. The book's underlying message is that history is important, no matter where it is found, and we found a lot along the highway!

The kick-off event is at the White Bear Library February 2, 2010. I plan to talk about "Tales" but there may well be some surprises too.

You just never know---

2010-01-18T03:13:00.002-06:00

Who'll use "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" or where they'll be!

Thanks to Stuart and Lisa for taking the book with them and exploring the Hovland Dock which is just off Highway 61 a few miles up the road from Grand Marais, Mn!

It would be fun to see other photos of the book being used on the road. Send 'em in! We'll post them!

2010 has gotten off to a quiet start. I'll be sitting down and doing some research this week.

I've posted an inquiry on the Facebook page for Bloedow's Bakery in Winona. ("Doughnuts of the God's" is their tag-line. Kind of makes you want to buy some and see just how good they are. ) Check out the Facebook group site for TOTR and either leave suggestions there for story ideas or send me an e-mail!

Take care!

Cathy

Tales of the Road Curse??

2010-01-07T18:32:00.002-06:00

My heart goes out to Mike and Cathy Anderson of Hugo, Minnesota. They are the owners of what was Carpenter's Steakhouse: a very well known restaurant on Highway 61 in Hugo. Carpenter's merited a spot in the book "Tales of the Road-Highway 61."

This is what remains of the old place. It caught fire Sunday, January 3, 2010. What an UNhappy way to start the new year! Fire investigators are looking into what caused it, but the fact is another piece of Highway 61 history is gone for good, much like the Whispering Pines Motel in Illgen City, Mn, and the old Two Harbors High School. The motel burned last fall (see the blog entry on that) and the high school fell to the wrecking ball. I'm so glad we included all three sites in the book so the history behind each is available for future generations.

Carpenter's was nearly 120 years old. It was a general store made into a bar and restaurant. And it had been a focal point of Hugo for generations. Not much of the original, old-time Hugo remains. What a shame.

Mike Anderson was kind enough to let me use an old photo of the bar which didn't make it into the book, but I still have it and a menu. Carpenter's was a place that still had wood floors and a tin ceiling. Mike and his mom Cathy had permission from the city to tear the old place down in due time and build a new restaurant nearby, but not after taking some of the fixtures from the old place into the new. That won't happen now.

I haven't talked to the Anderson's. They are said to be in shock. I feel for them and their employees and really... the town of Hugo. Everyone has lost something in the fire.

More accolades

2009-12-29T17:53:00.004-06:00

I'm a big fan of documentarian Ken Burns. I would love to follow in his footsteps so you can imagine how proud I am to tell you that "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" has won a national award that Burns has won in the past: the CINE Golden Eagle.

Other award recipients this year include NBC, CNN, WGBH in Boston and the Smithsonian Channel. We are in good company and I'm shocked (but thrilled!!!) Seriously, when I set out to do "Tales" I figured it would be a nice little documentary, done with the help of some friends, and it would run on Minnesota Public Television stations and that would be that! I didn't foresee two Emmys, a national CINE award, a Midwest Independent Publisher's book award, inclusion in a film festival, and other good stuff happening with this project. We broadcasters tend to do a story/documentary/etc and then move on to the next thing.

When I tell groups that this has been the road trip of a lifetime, I am not lying! It really has been amazing.

I wish you and your friends and family a great 2010. Thank you for following our progress down one of the most interesting highways in the country. Don't worry. We aren't going away. In fact, there's more work to be done in 2010. We need to park that old Cadillac for a little bit and take a rest and then decide which tales to tell for our encore!!!

Happy New Year from all of us at "Tales of the Road-Highway 61"

Odds and Ends!

2009-12-10T13:12:00.006-06:00

I figured that once the documentary "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" ran on TV that I'd be all done with most of the public events surrounding the book and the film. I was (happily) incorrect.

I have been a little less busy this holiday season with "Tales" than I was last year at this time. Last year was a mad dash between bookstores and we wound up selling out of the book just before Christmas which wasn't exactly the best timing, but it happened.

This year, I am doing book signings and talks in support of the book and the film with one of the final events happening at a local car dealership. Appropriate because it was a Cadillac dealership and my favorite Caddy (the "Star Car"--the 1946 Cadillac I drove in the film) was in attendance for admirers to "ooh" and "aah" over. The event was sponsored by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Classic Car Club of America. We had a nice group of old car collectors and lovers of road trips.

She is a classy car. She's also a rolling PR machine and the documentary's mechanical mascot. People always ask about her during public events. The photo is of me and her owner, Winston Peterson. Someday, when I win the lottery, I'd love to buy a car like that Caddy!!

More on Whispering Pines

2009-12-02T13:07:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my friends Tom and Linda who were on the North Shore and took these photos of what is left of the Whispering Pines Motel.

I do hope that the owner rebuilds but I haven't had the chance to talk with him yet, nor the son of the original owner--Rudy Illgen.

I've heard from many people who stayed at Whispering Pines and really hope that the site won't be used for a chain motel or yet another townhouse complex. The land obviously is extremely valuable, but after talking with the owner several times in the past, he has a sense of history and loves the "old" North Shore so we'll see what he ultimately does.

We are close to wrapping up what has been a LONG road trip!!! This weekend, I'll be in Moose Lake for the Moose Lake Area Historical Society's annual book sale. It is at the Blacklock Gallery. After that, I'm signing some books for the Duluth Aquarium (their otter was a STAR in the documentary. If you haven't seen it--you should. It is one of my favorite stories!)

My last event for 2009 will be at the Bibelot Shop on Grand Avenue in St. Paul on Saturday, December 12th. If you need a "Tales of the Road" book or notecards--stop by and say "hello."

Stay tuned for more information on TOTR--The Sequel and several big events in 2010!

A piece of history goes up in smoke

2009-11-12T07:23:00.003-06:00

How sad.

How ironic.

What remained of Rudy Illgen's tourist empire on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior, on Highway 61, caught fire the morning of November 11th, 2009.

Check out the link to the story http://www.twoharborsmn.com/event/article/id/19260/

The Whispering Pines Motel was built after Illgen's Aztec Hotel burned. That is the irony. The motel was built pretty much in the footprint of the old Aztec. The original alignment of Highway 61 is the motel's driveway. How cool is that? Check out this great photo of the hotel. It was quite a landmark on the North Shore for early tourists.

Who was Rudy Illgen? A dreamer. A visionary really. An inventor and a builder. Early on, in the 1920's, Rudy figured the North Shore would be a tourist magnet once a road came through.

He was right.

He built the Aztec on land that was right next to what became Highway 61. It was an odd looking building. He patterned it after an Aztec temple he saw as a young man while traveling in Mexico.

Along with the Aztec, Rudy brought the concept of tourist cabins to the North Shore where motorists could park their cars next to tiny, almost doll-house like accomodations with a bed and a small bathroom inside. He called his creations "Cabinolas" and patented the design.

Rudy had quite a business. Too bad the last remmant of it went up in smoke. I hope that the current owner rebuilds. I know he appreciates North Shore history and the Whispering Pines Motel was/is a part of that history.

The countdown starts!

2009-11-02T16:29:00.002-06:00

My calendar says it is now November, but in my mind, I'm back somewhere in--oh--say August?!

Looking back at my previous posts, this appears to be a chronic problem: losing track of time.

My calendar also says I have seven more public appearances to make in support of "Tales of the Road-Highway 61." This photo is of nearly 300 people at a gathering of alumni of Minneapolis South High School (my alma mater!) and instead of having my picture taken, I wanted to turn the tables and take a photo of the whole group.

All the events have been great no matter where they've been and they've been all over Minnesota. I end up my tour December 5th in Duluth on WDSE-TV.

Thanks to TOTR web fans "Ouch" and John S for dropping me a line. John liked the photo from the Czech Republic of the Highway 61 restaurant. He has some dandy Highway 61 photos on "Flickr". Check them out.

Other TOTR followers were as upset as I am over the loss/theft of the old, iconic Highway 61 sign that you see in the book and at the end of the documentary. This is all that remains. We now have a substantial amount of money available for a reward leading to information and its return. Any ideas on how to get the word out??

Highway 61 goes global!

2009-10-13T15:53:00.002-05:00

I love this photo!

A TOTR fan was recently in the Czech Republic and saw this sign. The Highway 61 Restaurant.

See? The mystique of Highway 61 knows no boundaries!!

We are still traveling. A lot. Not overseas (sadly) but throughout Minnesota. Tomorrow it is St. Cloud and the Minnesota Library Association's annual convention. Minneapolis, Anoka, Owatonna, Chisholm, White Bear Lake, Oakdale, St. Paul, Roseville, Moose Lake and finally Duluth round out the remainder of the road tour. WHEW!!!!!!

If you see cool photos that are Highway 61 related, or even interesting sites along the road, PLEASE send them our way. It would be great to post them on the TOTR Facebook site or Flickr.

We WON!!!!

2009-09-29T20:12:00.004-05:00

I'm just so thrilled and proud to tell everyone that "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" won two regional Emmy Awards! How cool is that?!? All the work we put into the film was recognized by our peers in the field of broadcasting as being top notch.

This photo is of Lisa and Robert, yours truly, and Denny (Joe didn't attend the ceremonies) and the Golden Girls that signify "Tales" is a quality documentary created by some of the most talented professionals in the field. I've been blessed to work with some amazing people.

Here are some of the other TOTR team members and spouses. (We clean up pretty good don't we?)

It was a great night. All the work was worth it.

Time to kick back and relax and think about TOTR #2!!!

(Yes--there WILL be a sequel!!!!!!!)

Teaching "Tales"

2009-09-16T18:59:00.002-05:00

Much to my surprise, "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" continues to draw a crowd almost a year after its publication.

This was the audience at the kick-off event for the Senior College at Alexandria Technical College. 225 people! That is one of the largest crowds yet. They heard how we managed to not only write a book but shoot and produce a documentary in less than two years. Pretty crazy stuff.

It is fun to hear how Highway 61 has affected people. One woman bought a book and had me sign it to commemorate her 43rd wedding anniversary because she and her husband honeymooned on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Highway 61 hugs the Shore. She mentioned an old, kitschy tourist "trading" post near Split Rock Lighthouse where she bought a cuckoo clock. Wouldn't you know, that place is in the book and she nearly fell over when I pointed out the photo. She still has that cuckoo clock!

I brought along Denny--the ace photographer--who did the photos for the book and much of the videography for the documentary. He did a great job showing some photos and explaining what he looks for in a good shot. His was a very entertaining part of the lecture.

The Tales of the Road Trip continues with a visit to La Crescent nearly a year to the day we shot the story of how the apple industry came to be in that part of Minnesota. I can't believe how fast everything has gone.

P.S: No one has responded to my last post about the missing Highway 61 sign near Kellogg. We ARE offering a reward for information. Please contact us if you know anything!

Have you seen this sign?

2009-08-26T13:40:00.003-05:00

Boy. I'm really miffed. I received a tip from a fellow highway historian about the nifty, old U.S Highway 61 sign that we used in the book, "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" and in the closing shot of the documentary. Isn't it great?!

Maybe I should say WASN'T it great? It is missing.

That sign was a remnant of an earlier time and now it is GONE! I called the Wabasha County Highway Department, both townships that have jurisdiction of that stretch of road and MnDOT and no one in an official capacity took down the sign.

I am heartsick that our efforts to chronicle the highway resulted in the THEFT of this wonderful old sign. We realize that the temptation to take what isn't yours and either keep it for yourself, or use it to make a buck just is too much for some people, so we deliberately didn't say where the sign was.

We are offering a reward for the return of the sign so it can be placed at either the Winona Co. Historical Society or MHS.

If anyone has an idea of where that sign is, or whether it was sold, I hope you'll contact us! We'll attempt to check with EBay to see if it was sold at auction. We will also run newspaper ads in the general area of Winona/Kellogg/Wabasha, Minnesota.

While I understand that offering a reward for an old highway sign may seem stupid and silly, it really sickens me that this piece of highway history is gone.

Please spread the word about the missing sign. If you have ideas on how to track it down, do contact me. I really appreciate your help.

A return visit!

2009-08-03T14:14:00.003-05:00

When we set off on this whirlwind of media interviews, signings and talks for the book "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" and the subsequent documentary, it all began on October 15th, 2008 in Grand Marais. It was fun to go back to that harbor town August 1, 2009 to sign books for a huge crowd at Drury Lane Books.

This is a photo of my youngest soon-to-be reader. This is Clara, who is not yet a year old. Her Mom and Dad bought her a copy of "Tales" and had me sign it to her. How sweet. I wonder what she'll think of it when she finally reads the book someday!

On the flip side is a "seasoned" more mature reader. This is one of my favorite people. The famed Joanne Hart, poet, author, wry observer of life. Joanne and I met, by chance, at the original border crossing at the Pigeon River between Minnesota and Canada where there is still old Highway 61 alignment. Our meeting is detailed in "Tales". (page 12) I think the world of Joanne who is a brilliant poet and a wonderful supporter of mine. She wrote a revealing poem about the day our camera crew came to shoot the beginning of the documentary at the old border crossing. I may have to ask her if I can let the rest of the world see it. It really struck me.

The day in Grand Marais was so gratifying because so many came by with books to sign and kind words to say. It makes the long trip well worth it.

I also paid a return visit to Bear Books in Isanti (see one of my past posts about Bear Books) to sign some books for the store's gregarious owner. The small, independent bookstores like Drury Lane and Bear Books make me smile. I'm glad they are around.

I'll be around---actually back up on the North Shore--- August 8th at the Sugarloaf Cove Interpretative Center for a talk. I might even try and catch a nap before then! :)

Still on the Road!

2009-07-19T08:43:00.003-05:00

The "Tales of the Road" juggernaut :) continues!

This time it was Heritage Days in Two Harbors.

Enjoy the video! I'm on my way to a well deserved vacation.

Aloha!

Cathy

"Collecting" New Friends!

2009-07-14T15:39:00.003-05:00

I keep having these amazing book/DVD sales events where I meet the most fascinating and fun people. Take Red Wing, Minnesota for example. Red Wing is the home of the famous Red Wing Pottery and each July, nearly two thousand people from all over the country and world, descend on the city for the Red Wing Pottery Collector's Society's annual convention.

This is a photo of my friends Steve and his wife Barb, who are absolutely walking reference books when it comes to Red Wing pottery. Steve was a HUGE help in making sure I had accurate information about the Pottery's history.

The reception I received at the convention was so warm and welcoming that I will have to come back next year. I was the keynote speaker this year and used the opportunity to ask members about nifty things they'd like to see in a more comprehensive story about Red Wing Pottery for "Tales of the Road-Highway 61"---The Sequel. I'm glad I held off on including the famous pottery in the original show. It just wasn't complete for me, and I want to include more information on the people who made the pottery---talented people who are largely nameless and faceless individuals to those of us who admire their handiwork, even years after the Pottery stopped operations.

MANY books/DVD's were sold, which is gratifying. Up next: Two Harbors, Minnesota for Heritage Days. Happy and safe travels to you this summer!

The friends you meet along the highway.

2009-06-16T15:42:00.004-05:00

Throughout this whole process, I have been utterly amazed at the people I've met along the way. If I look at my life as a grand painting, with each person in my life signified by this brush stroke, or that smear of color, than my life canvas is pretty darned vibrant and interesting.

Take these two gentlemen. The guy holding my DVD is Mark. He is the owner of Bear Books in little Isanti, Minnesota. (Never had ever been to Isanti until last weekend.) Mark is a guy who doesn't appreciate cell phones or e-mail. Doesn't have a website for his store. It is full to the brim with great regionally produced books. It was an old saloon, so there is a vintage wooden bar that serves as the business' countertop. At any rate, Mark asked me to sign some books for him if I had time. I'm glad I stopped. What an interesting guy!

This is Walter. Walter painted this mural of an old street scene in Isanti.

Walter not only paints, he is a stained glass artist and is wonderfully talented. Walter and Mark are both DELIGHTFUL people.

Walter, Mark and people like Joanne Hart (see the book for details on the joyful meeting at the original Highway 61 border crossing that I had with Joanne) have all left indelible marks on me and I'm a better person because of them.

The DVD just came out and is being distributed across the country. Last week, I entered the documentary for Emmy Awards, and will also enter the documentary in several film festivals. I'm also scheduled to be at several civic events up and down the highway this summer so it promises to be busy. That is a good thing. I guess the trip isn't over with yet!

Up and Running!

2009-06-11T14:21:00.004-05:00

I'm really proud of my good friend Richard. Richard not only created our website, but also the new on-line "Tales of the Road" store which is now LIVE!! He did a great job and I couldn't have done it without him.

Now, feel free to order as much merchandise as your budget allows! :)

Thank you for all the great e-mails and excitement over "TOTR". (As the crew affectionately calls it) I'm booked solid with speaking engagements and book signings this summer and well into the fall. I never knew what kind of journey this would be, but it has been incredible so far!

I'll see you down the road!