Sometimes you are just shuffling through your life and minding your own business. Then along comes someone who changes the way you look at the world. They inspire you and infuse your creativity. But life can send that person off to another place. And just as they came in, they leave again. But they have left their mark. You will never be the same.
So tonight I shared a last Vietnamese meal with my friend and tried to put what he means to me into a hug. But I could not convey it. He reminded me that he plans to return in a few months. I hope for it but I also know that sometimes plans change. When faced with the options he may very well choice an alternate path. And for the good of his spirit it is important that he be true to himself. After all these years I still haven't gotten good at good-bye. So Dirk I wish you a safe journey filled with inspiration for your writing. You will always have home here.

I made him a road trip CD to keep him company. Read on for the playlist.

1. Get Out The Map - Indigo Girls
2. Life Is A Highway - Tom Cochrane
3. Take Me Home - Bone Thugs N' Harmony (Feat. Phil Collins)
4. Fast Car - Tracy Chapman
5. Leaving On A Jetplane - New Found Glory
6. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place - Animals
7. Send My On My Way - Rusted Root
8. Six Days On The Road - Ferlin Husky
9. One Headlight - Wallflowers
10. Going Up To The Country - Canned Heat
11. Goddamn Right It's A Beautiful Day - Eels
12. Road Trippin' - Red Hot Chilli Peppers
13. King Of The Road - Big Bad Voodoo w/ Dean Martin & Tony Bennett
14. Cars - Fear Factory
15. I Feel Home - OAR
16. Ryde Away - Eve

Bonus Friendships Tracks:
17. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
18. Drive - Incubus
19. Times Like These - Foo Fighters
20. In My Place - Cold Play