A nice big family.

That's what i have folks! a nice big family. We got together tonight for a little potluck. I told them it was great to be able to actually "see" them all again. Even though its for a couple of hours, it leaves me with a new memory of them. If you don't see someone for a long time you start to forget and they start to fade. It's important to me to have new memories. It's important to me that they don't fade away.

If i can make it home to P.E.I. once every year or so, there won't be any major fading.

Good food and family is vital. It's so nice to see all of these new little family members. Such bright little faces. Discovery is the name of the game for them, and they love every minute of it. We all should take a page outta that book. It should be the name of the game for all of us.

I think.

Big fat family love!

Lenny

Old friends....

They aren't really old. But they are friends.
I spent the afternoon at a post wedding get together of my friend Chris. It was great to see the boys again. They usually go over there on Sundays to watch the football games which they flip to one after the other and simultaneously check their fantasy league stats on the computer. It was kind of like they all spoke Chinese the whole time but i did get some good visiting in.
Made me wonder what i would be like had i stayed on the Island. Would I be a football fan? Would I have children? Perhaps I would be managing the Wendy's by the bridge, livin' the dream. Who knows!
Well it sure did make me grateful for the life I do live. Not that there is anything wrong with the Island way of life. I just think that I am in the exact pace i should be. Visiting. I love P.E.I. and all the people that i know on it. and it's nice to have a different life to visit, where my name is Jason.

Big red banana shaped island love.

Jason.

A great visit

Pork tenderloin, taters, veggies, all made by my friend Dennis "I know my way around a kitchen pretty good" Elsworth. Great visit! Got to meet his girlfriend Heather who is the same age as ma ya dia vooshka Heather. We chatted about Edmonton as we used to live there together and worked at the same furniture company. My name back then was "Red". And our mission seemed to be getting marijuana. We succeeded most of the time.
He mentioned to me the whole simple way of life thing was working well for him. And seeing as that is the main theme here, I think this is a sign that perhaps I should do my best to simplify my life in Edmonton. Not that i lead a terribly chaotic life there but there is always something to learn. Everyday.
I am very much looking forward to my return to E-town. my little adventure will soon be finished. This trip has been quite a test for me as I left my new found love behind in Edmonton. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Time to get more visiting in!

Big grateful love bomb.

Lenny

A simple life.

This trip is so perfectly relaxing.

Mom and Dad and I went out to the local pub for dinner tonight, played a game of Scrabble, and it got interrupted by a team of 2 raccoons outside trying to get at the garbage. They did not succeed. However I did at the Scrabble. (even got a Scrabble).

Great little walk down by the beach where my old thinking spot was. It was like all the same stones and shells were waiting for me since my last visit. I used to go down there when my heart was heavy, or when I needed space. Funny how there is now a park bench in the very spot where i used to have to sit in the wet grass. I've had some old memories return in my time here so far, but not one of them is from anything life changing or even significant.

I'm recalling standing by the little tree in the front yard that is now about 25 feet tall. I remember waiting at the bus stop in the cold and the smell of the vinyl seats as i crouched forward on the bus trying to stay warm.

All of these memories hold such a simple feeling. A simple life. I feel like I've jumped right back into it. And I wonder if I can take that feeling with me when I leave.

But I don't think I can.

That feeling belongs here.

I don't.

But I can always return and have it waiting for me.

That I know for sure.

Good night.

Big oceanic love.

Lenny

Back in the swing.

I ventured out of the house and into the world of P.E.I. today as the bug I have is getting it's ass handed to it by my immune system.

I went out for coffee with dad and his friend. Two old coast guard buddies hanging' at the Tim's shooting' the beans about different ice breakers they worked on and how crazy the people they worked with were.

Spent the afternoon with mom going to second hand clothing stores (like we used to). Mom got me some new shirts and a nice lambs wool sweater! We also picked up a new little stereo for her craft room.

Went to get dad at the local pub where we were sent off with homemade biscuits and seafood chowder. Delicious!

Went to see my old pal Stu and his new wife and baby in their new home. Had a great visit and got to see his parents as well whom i haven't seen in many years!

It's great to get to the visiting. tomorrow will be Dennis and Mark and who ever else I can get my hands on.

Writing is going very well (i think)

I think I'm long winded though.....

Night friends!

big fat rainbow love!

Lenny.

P.E.I. Day 2 , Sick but good.

I got something. Yuck. My body is telling me to rest and stay in for a couple of days. It's using subtle hints like sore bones, bad cough, runny nose and headache. I did however make it out a few times today. once to take Mom to an appointment and once to get the new Flaming Lips album Embryonic and once to go for dinner with Mom and Dad to a place called Fritz's. They make great home cooked meals there. I still have my appetite!

I have made some good headway on my writing project so far. Having the Flaming lips as a soundtrack has kicked it up a notch. What a fantastically bizarre album! Waaaay out there! Perfectly out of reach. Love it.

I had a guy lined up to pick Sammy up for a cool hundred bucks today but i never heard back from him so I'll call again tomorrow.

I have a lot of writing to go so tomorrow will be a very big day. It's all coming together. Must make sure i get some visits in as well. Just don't want to get anyone sick.

Talk tomorrow!
Big ol' pancake shaped love
Lenny
xoxo

First day on the island.

Well I must say i needed some sleep. It was mandatory. I got a few pages of writing done today and have some ideas about what direction the book will go in but nothing concrete.

hung out at home here most of the day and only drove as far as the store and back.

I felt a weird kind of comfort when i got in the car toady. I spent so much time driving over the last week that I've adapted to the feel of being in the car and the motion. I will miss that car. Now i have to get rid of him. Anyone want to buy a car? It's so reliable it's magic!

So tomorrow is a big day in the world of music in my head. The Flaming Lips are releasing their new double album!!!! I will be at the record shop early to get my greasy little hands on one! I had a great dream last night that i was hanging out with Wayne and we were playing in some sort of big tube in a huge parking lot. He played a show later and introduced me on stage as a great songwriter and said how much he admired me. When i woke up i was so flippin' happy it was a bit scary!

So!

Big fat balloon love.

Lenny

xoxo

The drive is over, thank you Sammy.

I have the utmost respect and admiration for Sammy the Camry. About 4000 Km and not a peep. Not a hiss or a squeaky belt. He started on a dime every time. Stormy, rainy, windy, pot holey, he went through it all and he never complained once. Find a car these days that will do that. You can't.

Now tomorrow i have to get rid of him. After all we've been through. It will be a sad day.

So i have arrived at my parents house and am glad that the drive is over, although it was a fantastic adventure and i would do it again. Next time i would like to have more time to see some different towns and travel on different highways. What a beautiful country we live in.

I had a great time in Moncton (Monkeytown). Did some voice tracks for a cartoon character named Jeff Sutherland. Hung out at a couple of cool joints. I like Monkeytown.

And today is Thanks Giving. I have much to give thanks for. I live a life full of abundance and happiness. I have everyone in my life to thank for this. So thank you all. From every part of my heart.

All of the love that i have.

Lenny.

xoxo

Monkeytown

OK kids!

I've arrived in Monkeytown and I'm in an attic listening to The Great Balancing Act. What a welcoming sound!

Today felt so long while driving and now that I'm here it's like I just went across. I'm sure that in about a half an hour my body is going to give in and I'll pass out in my bowl of popcorn. But until then I'm going to enjoy the soothing sounds of these Monkeytown minstrels.

I'm so excited to get to PEI! It's going to be so great to see my parents. And of course all of the friends and relatives! If you are reading this any of you please message me as I'm on the Island until the 21st. If you don't message me I will assume that i did something to you in the past, and you hate me.

I don't have a whole lot to write about today cause all i did was drive and all i saw was trees and cars and trucks and grass and hills and dogs and silos and clouds and gas stations and pavement and granola bars and stars and lights and some dead raccoons.

Please check facebook for another vid or two!

Big round moon face love.

Lenny

xoxo

Of Montreal.

Great city. Cool people, great old buildings, cobblestone streets. I got the tour today by Blake. He took me to the old part and the dock, through Chinatown... we saw a ton of stuff.

We started the day off playing a little music and then cleaned up and walked...and walked and walked. We walked in french so we wouldn't look like tourists. Aside from the constant taking of pictures and speaking English all day I think we fit in!

We went to Schwatrz's for a big pickle and fries and coleslaw and of course a smoked meat sandwich. I was blown away by how good it was. It was raining all day and the restaurant had a big leak in the ceiling but they stayed open and fed us. We talked gun's and hunting and icebreakers with an ex navy guy with a wandering eye.

After that we went to see Justin and Will and Lucky! Hung out at Justins and had a great visit. It's great to see they all seem to be doing well. Doing what they love to do. We then retired back to Blake and Tara's place and get ready for the show.

I watched Blake as I'd never seen him front a band and was really impressed! He's a fantastic front man with a golden voice and presence. I got to play some songs with him and then did a little back up banjo. Couldn't have been a better night.

Up early and off to Moncton tomorrow, 10 hour drive so I'd better get on it as soon as i can!

Breakfast and then go!

Here I come!

Big ol' crazy love...

Lenny

xoxoxoxo

Toronto 2 and Montreal.

Holy Smokes!!!!!

I'm in Montreal and it's 4 in the AM. I drove here and am currently @ Blake and Tara's place and we are about to have some curry from a 24 hour indian food and bagel place called DAD's. I'm now having it and it's great!

Toronto was great! So good to see all the old friends although i missed one. We went for a long walk in a great little area and took in the pesticide free valley. It was fantastic! So nice to get out and have a walk as i've been crammed up in Sammy for so many days without any real physical activity (my leg hurts now). I posted a little video where i told a secret that i'd been holding in for a while, so if you haven't already watched it please do. I'd like you all to hear it.

Went to a taxidermy store and the owner said he didn't sell stuff, he just helps people out. So i said oh, so you restore peoples old taxidermy stuff and he said, no, I just like to help people out. I said oh, can i take a picture? He said yes.

I tried to catch Blakes show tonight in Montreal but i missed it. We ended up going to another bar that smelled exactly like the place my Dad used to work in PEI called The Dispensary. It's amazing how a smell can stay with you for so long and trigger memories instantly. I could almost taste the candies that they used to give me when we went to pick up Dad after work.

So I realized that on this trip I've visited all of the musicians that i've played in bands with. It's something that I should pay attention to. The universe is trying to tell me something. Or I've subconsciously planned the trip so I can tell myself something. I guess the key is to figure out what that something is!

Blake and Tara's cat Halo is sitting beside me right now and I think i've found a bed buddy for the night.

Hope this sits ok with you Heather. Halo promised not to try anything funny.

Tomorrow is gunna be great. I can smell it.

Lotsa love,

Lenny

Toronto.

Made it! Toronto, the big city, got a little lost on the way to the Mella's house but arrived safe and sound. Sammy is I'm sure enjoying his stay in the nice warm driveway as i certainly am enjoying a nice bed. I was greeted with Salmon. Fantastic! Got to have a great toung wag with Sheldon and Mike and Pete tonight and it seems like all is well here. Took a couple photos and played a little banjo we did. Caught up on old times and new music.

Talked a bit about what my book will be about. And i told them the subject matter may not have happened yet. And perhaps it has. But I've got to thinking that i can't wait for something to happen, something is happening! This trip is happening! Perhaps it's about the journey, the need to get away, the need for fresh places. What is behind this trip? What is the reason for it? Why did i all of a sudden get in my car? All of these questions will be addressed I'm sure, I just don't know in what way.

Tomorrow is Montreal.

Montreal is new.

I love you.

xoxo

Today was pretty crazy...

So I left Thunder bay early this morning. Had a coffee with the bed head ridden motel owner. I liked him. I saw a dead bear cub on the road on the way out of town, kinda sad. But I tell you people I have never in my life seen such beautiful colours as i did today! The trees ranged from light yellows to blood red and I mean blood red. there were whole patches of roadsides that looked like a massacre!

I got to thinking about how the leaves only show off like that just before they die. They know that the fall is coming and it's like the one last display that they have. The one last hurrah before they fall. It's really breath taking when you see millions of these final expressions covering the landscape. I was wrong yesterday when i said that the magic was "construction". I found it today. (can't tell in the pic).

So then I arrived in Sault St. Marie. It was raining pretty good by then. I didn't stay long, just gassed up filled the coffee mug and bought an energy drink. I shouldn't drink energy drinks. Ever. The rain started to come down in buckets by this time. I skipped the coffee and went straight for my "amped" beverage. within 15 minutes I was yelling at the top of my lungs for God to "SHUT THE TAP OFF ALREADY" "AND WHILE YER AT IT LIGHT ME A SMOKE CAUSE I CAN'T TAKE MY HANDS OFF THE @^%$# WHEEL IN THIS @#*&$ STORM"

And when i was talking to the boys i kept saying "HOW'D YA LIKE THAT?, EH BOYS?" after everything i said. I apologised to God and the boys after i came down from the horrid juice. Never again, unless i get cast to play Hitler in a local production of some sort.

Now I'm in a parking lot in Sudbury. It's still pouring down but I've lost my energy to complain. I like the sound in fact. Sudbury on the other hand i don't like. Everyone wears a hoodie and walks with their heads down and they all have their hands in the pouches and they all have beards and they all creep me out. Ladies included. Can't wait to see my friends in Toronto!

Good Night!

Big Wet Love.

Lenny. xoxo

Oct 5th. Manitoba to Ontario

Well then, today was full of magic! and by magic i mean construction.

I didn't get as far as I'd liked because of it and the speed limit is only 90 most of the way. But the trees are changing colour and i saw some beautiful little towns along the way. I thought that Kenora was great. I had to stop in to get another head light for the front drivers side. Lake of the forest was really nice, (I thinks that's what it was called)It's nice to see water again after Sask. and Manitoba where it's pretty scarce.

Tomorrow will be a very long stretch and i hope to make it a 12 hour day. That will get me close to Toronto, as i am currently in a luxurious motel in Thunder bay. I have a very early start if i am to make it. I've grown very fond of the long conversations I've been having with "the boys" and even Mother is starting to contribute her bit.

The image you see was a quick pull over in Sask. I kept seeing signs for a point of interest. and they lead me to this. A bin. I mean it is red and all but,... perhaps it was the tree i was supposed to be looking at. could have been a rare Italian pizza tree or something.... I dunno.

Anyhow, my mind seems to be wandering well between what it will be like to see my parents (so excited!) and what adventures await me in Toronto , Montreal and Moncton! And I spend quite a bit of time talking to the boys about Heather (who I miss like crazy). It really was hard to leave you.

I shall update you all again tomorrow.

Canada awaits!

Love,

Lenny.

Another day of driving done!

So I woke up in Canada this morning at about 5 am, not a bad sleep, and if it weren't for the pillow that Heather made me I wouldn't have slept at all. (thanks).

I interviewed some locals at the Tim Hortons regarding the rat problem and according to them there are none. Although they do know of a ton of 2 legged rats in Calgary. This ended my research on that subject. Seems a little sensitive right now for them.

First stop was Moose Jaw. When you drive into the city the sign says "the friendly city", so I thought,"I'm not leaving till i find a friendly Moose Jawvian. First stop was the gas station. I went inside and said hello, and the guy behind the counter said "that'll be 40 dollars and 15 centaroonies" With a big smile. He said CENTAROONIES!

I then left Moose Jaw, having found a "friendly". The drive continued uneventfully until the 3 ducks on my dashboard became fairly good conversationalists. I call them "The Boys". Mother was fairly quiet the whole day, a few negative remarks about how long the trip is and how the seat belt is chaffing her neck, but she did manage to sleep for a while as the boys and i chatted up a mini tornado of conversation.

Regina was only a bunch of tall buildings on the skyline as i felt like i should just keep on driving, so i did .

Brandon was next, a bit of gas and coffee and the rest of Emily's cake (thanks). The drive then continued on to Winnipeg. and here i am in a Tim Hortons parking lot trying to figure out what to do next. Sleep is a good idea as the long drive ahead is a fairly boring one i hear. I would like to get to Toronto as soon as i can so I have plenty of time for visiting there and in Montreal and Moncton. I did a little video update that i posted on my facebook page so please refer to that for anything i missed. OK. Sleep it is. Soon. ish.

Big Fat Love.

Lenny

xoxo

(Heather you get 2 more than everyone else. xo)

The search for...

First off i would like to thank you for choosing this note.

I am currently in Swift Current. I'm going to stay the night in my car here at the Husky car/truck stop in the parking lot underneath the Canadian flag so that when i wake up I remember what country I'm in.

I spent last evening in Calgary with some great friends and random strangers.

I brought a white board with me so I can record the trip through pictures of moments. Went to see Jesse and Jacqui play at the Ironwood with Ory Noman and Heather Blush. The music was fantastic and the company the same.

I stayed at Pete and Tara's last night and had a great morning with Aaron and Jacob. I then had breakfast with Ian and Emily and got to see Cedrick before i left (this blog is named after him)

I seem to have acquired a stuffed goose while visiting Ian and Emily, that i will be referring to as "Mother". Mother has been keeping me alert with her nattering and foul smelling excrement.

I intend to do a little information gathering while here. Specifically on the rat. which i am told is a hot topic in this town. I shall gather it in the morning. I don't want to do any night driving really, so i will be going to bed early and getting up early. I would like to see this great country as i drive through it.

Heading to the city that rhymes with fun tomorrow morning after my research. Not quite sure what kind of information they have there so i guess I'll just have to wait and see... Mother wants me to drive right through, as she doesn't want to run into her ex, who apparently moved there after they split and is working at a pillow factory on the East end of town. (personally i think she just needs to relax and forget about him). So! There you have it! the first installment. This will be updated daily so please keep coming back.

I sure do love you all!

Lenny.

xo