Looking back, I consider my final stop in Bloomington, IN a necessary transition between the constant movement and work of the summer back into being home. I didn’t work, was functionally out of money, and did quite little while in good company. I chose Bloomington for its reputation as a punk haven of the Midwest and because of the many bands and people I’ve connected with during my time hosting shows with my sister and other housemates who have some connection to this place. Possibly only because of my friend Mitch, who built many of those connections, a sort of sister city relationship exists between our cities, at least in my mind.
I didn’t even take any photos during this final stop, but I loved Boxcar Books, where I browsed zines and drank coffee both full days of my stay. Thanks to Mitch for the hospitality, his band for cheering me up by jamming on the Democracy Now! theme song during practice, and my sister Ryan for sending me money for my final bus ticket. I flew back to Spokane from Indianapolis and was greeted in the best way, by my mom, sister, and the untouchable grit comfort of the one and only Satellite Diner. Grilled cheese, fries, and gold sauce never tasted better.
Stay tuned for a more organized, less stream-of-consciousness, and thematically organized sum-up of the trip, along with full interviews and reactions/updates from the Spokane activist communities I shared this trip with over dinner during the fall. Thanks again to all financial, emotional, and logistical supporters of this project–too numerous to list, and very important to restoring my faith in people and keeping my spirits high. Until next time!
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