the return

I'm back in New Orleans. I realize now that I went into this trip with vague and impractical goals. I doubt that I would have changed anything had I realized this first. I might only have avoided my present feeling of disappointment. The sky did not open up and present me with a fully baked plan. So I'm back and getting reacquainted with all the great things about being here (especially my friends), and the nearly intolerable climate.

For years I looked forward to this new phase of my life where my responsibility toward my son has changed and options open. What I avoided considering, and must now confront, are the costs associated with these options. Perhaps I will yet find another informal lease arrangement like I have enjoyed here and keep on the same low profile path, or I will try and build a financial identity that will enable me to join the grown-up world. Save me from that fate! Who out there has or knows of a shop space of about 500 to 1000 square feet where I can set up my 5 or so tons of printing equipment and just do what I do. I don't want it for free but I don't want to sell my soul to CitiBank.

I know it's not practical. And I imagine that people who feel trapped by this rotten system will feel no sympathy for me wanting this indulgent escape. Perhaps if I can create this utopia for myself, and link it with others, we can continue to expand this alternative universe to include you and all who with to join. What else can we do?