Wohl Across America Day 1 & 2: Thin Places

(TL;DR: I went from SLC to Denver in the span of nearly 36 hours, had a lot of car trouble, and saw some wonderful friends and strangers along the way.)

By the way: There are a few photos at the bottom of this post

  • Goodbye, Salt Lake City. 

On Wednesday, when I was perusing the shelves of a neat local bookstore in Fort Collins, Colorado, I asked my dear friend Glen for advice when it comes to writing and finding a creative spark.

“Thin places.” He said that someone had told him to write about thin places, but he didn’t explain what that meant. And honestly, I’m not sure of how to interpret that advice, either, but when I think on where I’ve been in the last 48 hours, I think I’ve got an idea.

It feels good to leave Salt Lake City, which, in my mind, constitutes as a thin place. Making friends and fitting in there was such a difficult experience, and it never felt like home. I was very lucky to have a few close friends that took me in and made my time there feel somewhat special, but I am glad to be gone. Unfortunately, Salt Lake City, and the state of Utah, weren’t ready for me to go.

Since leaving the state, my car has broken down twice: once in Arlington, Wyoming, a “census-designated place” with a population of 25 just outside of Laramie, and once in Fort Collins, Colorado, the town with 20 breweries and where a dear old friend currently lives. It’s strange–this little too-small-to-be-seen-on-a-map outpost had some of the most helpful, selfless people I’ve ever met, and Fort Collins made me feel right at home from the very moment I drove into town. To me, in spite of their size, these places have so much to offer, whether it be peoples’ generosity or killer beer, that they’re too dense to be considered a thin place.

Now, I might be way off the mark on “thin places,” but while I’m on the road, this is what I’m contemplating. A friend of mine from Salt Lake who had spent a lot of time in Laramie had always told me how special of a place it is, and with the way I was treated by a state highway patrolman after my car broke down, I know he was telling the truth.

I’m currently in Denver visiting my wonderful cousin Katie, and she’s doing great out here. On Thursday, I’ll get back on the road, and hopefully be back in Michigan by Friday night, as I rest up for the final leg to New York.

 

Edit: Below is my original post, which goes into greater detail about what happened. It’s probably garbage but I thought it had some valuable content and decided not to delete it after I rewrote my post.

Goodbye Salt Lake City. 

It was inevitable that I would leave Salt Lake City; I never really loved the place, and while I made a couple of friends that I hope to remain in touch with(all of who made my final week in SLC unforgettable), my experience in Utah wasn’t ideal. It never felt like home, and as much as I wanted to pretend it did, my heart was always stuck east of the Mississippi. 

So, while I was ready to leave Utah, Utah wasn’t ready to let go of me. 

On my way into Wyoming, I noticed my car was starting to act a bit funny. The battery was not working properly, and the car slowly but surely started to die. About halfway between Rawlins and Laramie, Wyoming, in a little town called Arlington(actually it doesn’t even constitute as a village, it’s a “Census Designated Place,” or CDP, with a population of 25), my car completely died. I couldn’t get it to start, and a jump didn’t help either. Night was beginning to fall, but luckily my car decided to crap out in front of a public works building, where a Wyoming State Patrolman was sitting in his car. This fine gentleman, Kaycee, an honorable lawman in search of drug and sex traffickers, called a mechanic who happened to live in this “CDP” of 25, who diagnosed my problem. The officer drove me 45 miles to Laramie, we bought the part, and the mechanic installed it. I tried to offer him financial compensation and he politely refused me. The two of them saved me from some “Hills Have Eyes” scenario, and saw me on my way, and of that I will be forever grateful. 

Fast forward 90 miles to Fort Collins, Colorado–I stop at a gas station to use the bathroom and when I get back in my car, it’s completely dead. A jump doesn’t help. The gas station attendants let me keep my car there over night, but in the meantime I needed to find somewhere to stay. Luckily, my dear friend Glen, with whom I played in bands and went to school, lived in the same town and offered to let me crash at his place. We had a wonderful time catching up, playing FIFA, and exploring Fort Collins on Wednesday when my car was in the shop. Visiting with him was a joy and long overdue.

In the evening, my car was ready and I took off for Denver to have dinner and a brew with my cousin Katie. She’s making a living for herself in this amazing place, and wanted to share it with me. In the morning, I’m going to attempt to cover a lot of ground, but I’m not thrilled about driving through Nebraska. 

 

Some friends of mine sent me music for the drive! Thanks guys! (I don’t love the title of that second selection.)
Glen and I while I waited for my car to be ready
Shameless Rest Stop Selfie–Wyoming
Shameless Rest Stop Selfie Pt. II
My favorite view of SLC on my last night in town
Fort Collins
Somewhere in Wyoming on I-80
Candid Camera Strikes Again
Wyoming Reststop View
Evi, a Greek Goddess, at breakfast for my final Utah meal. She’s a sweetheart.
Fort Collins
Somewhere in Wyoming

 

Music in 2015

I think it’s unfair for me to put together a “Best of” list for music in 2015. I can’t say that music wasn’t good in 2015, because the industry dished out some very memorable albums that will surely stick with me for years to come. However, a lot of this year’s gems were lost on me. In the last 7 months, I finished college, I got a job, and I moved 1,649 miles away from home to a place surrounded by mountains and Mormons. With so much change on the horizon, I grasped onto everything that was familiar, and that included all of my old favorite songs and albums, going out of my way to watch every Red Wings game,  and non-discriminately swiping right for every single Michigander on Tinder, etc. etc. So, as much as I’d love to offer my favorite albums of the year, the truth is, I really only spent any time with these albums this year:

To Pimp a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar

Carrie and Lowell – Sufjan Stevens

Star Wars – Wilco

Goon – Tobias Jesso, Jr.

Strangers to Ourselves – Modest Mouse

Jr Jr – Jr Jr(FKA Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.)

I really enjoyed most of these albums, and if you know me at all Sufjan is my favorite man in the world(not an exaggeration). But the albums and songs that meant the most to me this year are as follows:

Everything All the Time – Band of Horses(specifically “The Great Salt Lake”for obvious reasons)

All of Sufjan Stevens’ discography

All of Animal Collective’s discography

“America” – First Aid Kit(Simon and Garfunkel cover)

High Violet – The National

“Life of a Match/The Crucial Comeback Song” 7″ – The Matches

In Evening Air – Future Islands

Twelve Towns – Into It. Over It.

I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, but 2016 is right around the corner. I think I’m ready for it.

But in the meantime, instead of holding your breath for a truly definitive list from me, read my buddy Alec Hillyer’s take on music in 2015 right here. And if you want more where that came from, check out my friend Luda’s project(curated in part with Alec), In Bloom, for more great content.

 

 

Year of the Fish: An Open Thank You Letter to The Toledo Walleye and Fans

Tonight as I drove home from the Huntington Center, gutted from watching Our Fish fall in a heartbreaking Game 7, I was bombarded with a swirl of emotions; I nearly had to pull over because I lost focus on the road while images of Cody Lampl’s beard, and Tyler Barnes’ masterful skating clouded my head. I thought of all the great memories I’d made throughout this year–the greatest year of my life–and I knew I had to reach out and thank all of those who played such an integral role in it.

First of all, I would like to thank the fans for sticking with this team through it all, and setting all kinds of attendance records along the way. As someone who had spent twenty years of my life playing hockey, I’ve seen a lot of great hockey and great fans. Well, our fans have to be the best, most dedicated hockey fans I’ve ever come across. When the Toledo Walleye clinched the Brabham Cup in a stellar final game against the Kalamazoo Wings, chills came down my spine as the entire team was welcomed back to the ice for the 1st Star announcement. The fans showered their team with praise that was well earned, and the players showed their appreciation, applauding the fans with claps and stick-taps. And when the playoffs rolled around, you were ready to go into battle with your Walleye.

To the players; thank you, too. You boys gave everything you had, and then you dug deeper, and found a little something extra to give us a season no one is soon to forget. You battled, and you have the scars to prove it. No one will forget when Mike Leone took a puck to the face in the Wheeling series, or when Neil Conway went down, adding weight to Jeff Lerg’s broad shoulders. But this team didn’t quit—and even with guys being called up to the AHL, the team never waivered. Unfortunately, time ran out, but I’ll never forget watching Kyle Rogers lay out to clear the puck on a penalty kill, losing my mind after Frk’s game-winner against the Rays in Game 5, and when Bonis had the nifty toe-drag, top-shelf snipe(shorthanded, to boot) to eliminate the Wheeling Nailers in seven games. Boys, you sure were a fun bunch to watch, and you always acted with such class on and off the ice. When the second Winterfest game was postponed, and you waited at the gates to thank the fans for their support, there was never a classier move made by a sports organization. Thank you for representing our city so well, and good luck on your journey—I hope you all continue to live out your dream of playing the greatest game on earth.

And finally, I would like to thank those involved with the Toledo Walleye organization: Kim McBroom, Emily Croll, Anthony Bellino, Andi Roman, Greg Tye, Mike Keedy, Tony Bibler, and Joe Napoli. I just finished my undergrad career in May of this year, and my focus will shift to finding a full-time job, but know that I’ve never felt more valued and happy at work than I did when I was working for all of you. I felt that we really came together, especially during Winterfest. Whether the team was winning, or we were having crippling technical issues on the production side of things, the atmosphere never turned hostile, and there was nothing I looked forward to more than driving up Highway 25 to the Huntington Center to be around all of you. Thank you for everything, and I’m grateful to have worked under(or with) you all. I’ll be lucky if I ever find a job that I enjoy half as much as this.

Thank you, Toledo.

Sincerely,

Alex Wohl
IMG_1799_2 IMG_1802_2 IMG_1803 IMG_1804 IMG_1806

Posted this to look cool and credible, because, ya know, hockey.
Posted this to look cool and credible, because, ya know, hockey. Crying after the final game of our careers. Pictured: Me(Left), Andrew Savage
Super flattering photo of me in the Swamp Shop
Super flattering photo of me in the Swamp Shop. Photo credit: The lovely Taylor Wycoff
IMG_2076 IMG_0067 IMG_0068 IMG_0204 IMG_0206

After the Game 7 defeat, with my sister, Izzy, and her boyfriend, Jeremy.
After the Game 7 defeat, with my sister, Izzy, and her boyfriend, Jeremy.

Album Recommendations for Spring

Today is a beautiful day, and as I walked to class, I was rummaging through my iPod to find some great albums that complement the wonderful spring weather.

Here are my recommendations:

Animal Collective – “Merriweather Post Pavilion” 

This is one of Animal Collective’s best albums, and certainly one of their most eclectic as far as instrumentation and sound. It has peaks and valleys, as it weaves its way from a bustling, up-beat jam to a more melancholic tune and back again. Definitely give it a listen.

Avi Buffalo – “Avi Buffalo”

Avi Buffalo, unfortunately, no longer exist as a band. Lucky for us, they gave us one of my favorite debut albums from any artist, and this whispy, dream-like, surfy experience is one not to be missed. I recommend this one with the windows down as you cruise through town.

Days Away – “Mapping an Invisible World”

Another band gone too soon(although the better half resurfaced in Good Old War), but they made their mark with this album. This album was released on Fueled by Ramen, the label famous for putting out Fall Out Boy and Paramore records, but they had a much different sound. There were pop-punk influences, yes, but these Philly boys created a beautiful record that set them apart from their label-mates. There is a lot of emotion packed into these songs, too, and whether you’re feeling blue or feeling like you’re on top of the world, this is a great listen.

Jonsi – “Go”

All you need to know about this album is that it is one of the most uplifting things I’ve ever listened to. Well, that, and the fact that Jonsi is from Sigur Ros–that should lure you in, too. Get spirited away with any one of his songs on this album.

Vampire Weekend – “Modern Vampires of the City”

Vampire Weekend’s third album mixes things up a bit, but it captures all of the Northeast-Preppy-Sperry-Pop sounds that made me a fan in the first place. In a lot of ways, I think this might be their best album yet, and that is saying something considering how much their self-titled debut meant to me in my formative years. Do yourself a favor, and listen to this bad boy front to back.

Yeasayer – “All Hour Cymbals”

Okay. Yeah, this album is a little more on the depressing side, but sometimes you’ve got to be reminded that life sucks sometimes. So listen to this, and focus on the standouts “Wait for the Summer,” “Sunrise,” and “2080.”

Happy Sufjan Stevens Day

Happy Sufjan Stevens Day everyone. But is happy really fitting here? I certainly am pleased that my favorite musician has released a new album–an album some would say is his best work ever, and is definitely his most revealing and personal work–but today as I listen in my room on this gloomy Tuesday, I feel drained. Listening to this album is taxing.

Sufjan has been my favorite musician for nearly a decade(which is a good chunk of my life), and I’m unapologetic in my love for him. During my senior year of high school, I performed “Casimir Pulaski Day” before a full auditorium of people who were there to see a Mock Male-Pageant(Mr. Monroe, where all of the “cool” kids lose their dignity on stage for a couple of hours). The reviews were mixed, but I didn’t care. I’ve probably shared more Sufjan on Spotify with love interests than any other artist, and usually, also, to mixed reviews. But Sufjan always has filled me with so much joy, and love, and pleasure. Go listen to “Come On Feel The Illinoise” and you’ll understand why.

But this new album, titled Carrie & Lowell, takes a lot out of me with each listen; from the first listen in my dear friend Alec’s car on our way to Cincinnati, or sharing the album with a lover while we paint each other pictures, I always feel less than whole. And today, on the proper release date, I listened to the record in my room, alone, with the curtains open to reveal a darkened overcast sky. Today, the themes of love and loss and redemption all hit home, and took their toll on me. The album was written about Sufjan’s mother and step-father, for whom the record was named.

Sufjan always has been, and will likely continue to be, my favorite artist, but this new album is wearing me out.

Check out the song “Should Have Known Better” from his new album, Carrie & Lowell.

Letter to Myself

Dear Alex,

It’s me, You. It’s been a while since we last spoke. I think the last time you wrote to me was in January 2013, right around your birthday. If I remember correctly, you wrote to me about how hurt you were after your last relationship had ended. Man, those were dark times. I never doubted you’d pull through, but I have to admit, I was a little worried. But this feels different. Last time you wrote me, that was one of the lowest points I’ve ever seen you in. This, though…this feels better. You seem happier. Is it a girl? It is, isn’t it. Tell me about her if you want, but, I think we have some longstanding issues to take care of first.

So that last note you wrote me, that was in your Moleskin right? The one you bought in NYC at the United Nations in oh-nine? Yeah, that’s the one. Okay, well, Alex–burn that note. I know you have been holding onto that for a couple years now and for what? Do you like being miserable? Well, you were always a bit of a masochist ;). That note has hung over your head for a while now, and I think it’s time to let go, pal. You’ll thank me for it. Hanging onto that thing is only going to bring you more pain and remind you of a poorer time. Live for today, and live for tomorrow. You’ve got a lot going for you right now. You’re about to finish college, you’re seeing an amazing girl, and you’ve got your health, a great ass, and a great core of friends around you.

So go ahead and get rid of that letter, and you’ll thank me later. Take it outside. I know you’ve got a lighter in your closet somewhere(for lighting candles, obviously, what else?), and go burn that thing. Okay, now how good did it feel to watch it crumble up and blacken? No, I know your soul is black, that’s why this feels so good! You devil, you.

Okay, now get back to living.

Love,

Alex

P.S. You suck at sports

Reading the Noodles in My Macaroni: A True Story

As I am eating my macaroni and cheese, and trying to read the noodles at the bottom of the bowl, I try to predict what lie ahead. Unfortunately, I can’t get a good reading because because I don’t know shit about reading Mac and Cheese. Professor Trelawney could probably do a number on some tea leaves, but this is a rare skill, one which I do not possess. I’m concerned because today, I am faced with the imminent departure from this life–that is, this undergrad life. I will finish my degree at Bowling Green State University in May, and I am still unsure of what I’ll become at that time.

Last night, I went to a film screening at the local coffee shop Grounds for Thought, which, as an aside, has the BEST BAKLAVA EVER(I’m the authority because I’m Greek). Anyway, we saw a film about Jacques Derrida, the famous French deconstructionist(don’t worry, I haven’t got a clue as to what that means, either). He left me with this little quote:

“In general, I try and distinguish between what one calls the Future and “l’avenir” [the ‘to come]. The future is that which – tomorrow, later, next century – will be. There is a future which is predictable, programmed, scheduled, foreseeable. But there is a future, l’avenir (to come) which refers to someone who comes whose arrival is totally unexpected. For me, that is the real future. That which is totally unpredictable. The Other who comes without my being able to anticipate their arrival. So if there is a real future, beyond the other known future, it is l’avenir in that it is the coming of the Other when I am completely unable to foresee their arrival.” – Jacques Derrida

Clearly, it’s a load of bullshit, because someone has to know what lies on the other end of the rainbow right?

The answer is yes. I know. The color of my macaroni and cheese indicates that gold awaits me at the other end of the rainbow.