Bard of The Midwest Speaks Tonight

Tonight, at the Broadway Center for Performing Arts, a good friend of Norway, radio talent and now movie star, will be spinning his tales of Norwegian immigrants and second and third generations as they go through life in Minnesota.

Garrison Keillor has been to Norway. He was there just last year. I did not get the opportunity to see nor hear from him at that time (I was getting ready to leave China to come here through Los Angeles International Airport), and will more than likely not have that opportunity today.

But I heard a story from an old timer. Mr. Keillor visited Tacoma four years ago on one of those crisp October days.

One of those days that tell you early on that fall is year, but summer desperately holds on, coaxing the sun to come out and warm old joints, and heat the asphalt once again.

It was one of those days that Mr. Keillor visited Tacoma as part of the warm up for one of your presidential candidates. (I was obviously preparing for winter in Norway at the time, as by October the chariot of Sol is preparing to set for many months, and we gnomes need to be ready. -TG)

They gathered at the Tacoma Dome parking lot, nearest East 'D' street, thousands upon thousands of supporters, many completely unprepared for the sunburns and heat that would plague them come supper time.

Mr. Keillor arrived and shared stories with the crowd. No, more like moral anecdotes about the value of community and how each of you pitch in to help, and you all own bits and pieces of it, and that it is important to 'be well and do good work'.

He reminded people back stage that there was a delicious feast of sandwich makings in a tent. And as he made himself a roast beef sandwich on wheat bread, with the mustard attempting to slowly escape in tiny, yellow drips to the asphalt below, he reminded the volunteers that it "would be rude not to" partake in such an opportunity.

Many obliged by taking a hot cup of coffee.

Towards the end of his time in Tacoma that day, he was offered to have a car come and pick him up. But he, in his red tennis shoes, khaki pants and light colored shirt, extended the handle on his suitcase, pivoted on one foot towards the exit gate, and took a step while saying, "I'll just head this way to East 'D' street and hail a cab."

Some volunteers thought that perhaps he was mistaking Tacoma for New York City, but his mind was set.

Then, with his head held high, senses taking in the atmosphere of the day, and what would surely not be his last visit to Tacoma, he strolled down the hill, past the protesters ... eventually back to St. Paul ...

If you happen to attend, I hope it is an enjoyable event for you, and please report back!

Until Next Time,
TacomaGnome

PS, Thank you Mr. Bobble Tiki for the wonderful gift! I'll share with the community as the photos come in.