Goodbye Duluth
Dear Duluth,
I am sorry to have to let you know this way, but seeing your name is in the title of this website I thought it would good place to contact you. I have spent the last year thinking about our relationship and living situation and there is no easy way to say it but I am leaving you.
It is not that I don’t love you, I do. And most of the past dozen years have been good, but I have to admit I am attracted to other cities.
I want you to know that of your group of close friends you’re a shining star. Eveleth, Gilbert and Virginia–I am sorry to say–I find boring, and they depress me. And as for your sister Superior, well, she is a drunken, dirty whore.
Though there are many things about you that I enjoy, like your beach, your urban wilderness and your downtown, the truth is that you are just so cold most of the time. Sure, when you are in a good mood you are almost perfect, but seeing you that way for only 5 or 6 weeks a year is just not enough to fulfill my personal desires any longer.
I would love to tell you where I am going next but I honestly don’t know. I think I will wander for a while and visit old friends out west. I hope we can still be friends and I will come visit you in the future.
Take care and much love,
Me
P.S. I am stopping to have a three-way with Minneapolis and St.Paul on my way out west. You know I have always had a thing for them. Good times.
I have a feeling this breakup isn’t going to stick. You’ll come crawling back, BmT.
I don’t know if I will come crawling back but I might get drunk and call at 2:30am.
Don’t bother drunk calling, her sister will answer. And I will have you know that since Duluth started drinking late at night, Superior has really cleaned up her act. But, her youth and luster are gone, and her liver will never recover.
Walking along the lake last evening, I was overcome with affection for my love, Duluth. Maybe part of her charm is the beating she takes from you restless, misguided ‘romantics’. You’ll want to come back when you find your new lover too dry, too hot, too stormy, too quakey, too crowded with other suitors.
That three-way with St. Paul and Minneapolis is hard to resist, but trust me, it’ll just leave you feeling used up and empty.
Roam if you must, but come home when you’ve seen enough.
You’ll be back, they always come back!
I was at a party where we decided that Duluth is like an abusive spouse – slapping you around most of the time but when it’s good, baby, it’s soooo good.
Best of luck!
Goodbye California – Jolie Hol…
God speed. Venting a goodbye on a public forum, though, suggests issues other than being too chilly.
Somebody earlier mentioned that you might have a problem no matter where you go. Pick your poison…
Seattle… nah, too wet
Denver… nah, too dry, doesn’t have 4 seasons
Austin… nah, too hot
Alaska… nah, bugs
Canada… nah, those darn French and Inuit people
I was hoping your goodbye would have more mustard.
If you grew up in the Duluth Area, especially certain parts of Duluth, there’s a strong chance you will return.
Pardon my nasty tone.
huitz – I agree that “being too chilly” is a poor reason to leave Duluth. Have people heard of sweaters and jackets?
I think the old saw “if you’re not happy here, you won’t be happy anywhere” originated to keep ’em down on the farm. Small truth. Big lie.
There are limitations wherever you live, just about finding the right compromise, at the right time. Sounds like BmT has re-weighted the inputs, and arrived at a new conclusion. Perfectly reasonable. Just as I wouldn’t fault someone for leaving Texas, cause it’s too dang hot for their liking.
Some places have hidden pitfalls, others are legendary: like the cold weather in Duluth. I know the climate stereotyping makes the natives a bit defensive, but c’mon. It is one the coldest cities on EARTH. Doesn’t necessarily make it a bad place. Adapt to the climate and you’ll find many hidden pleasures to compensate.
BmT- when you find Shangri-La, report back your findings. Every explicit detail. Good luck.
Of all the places on earth I’ve ever lived, and I’ve lived in a number of places, both here in the USA and abroad, I think Carrboro, NC was hands down the greatest place to live. Mild climate (though summers were to be endured rather than enjoyed), great people, progressive politicians to support, amazing farmers markets, great restaurants, used bookstores all over the place, a university nearby that drew lots of smart people. . . Wow, except for the summers, sounds like Duluth. BmT, check out Carrboro. It may be your kind of place.
I, too, lived in Carrboro and it was fun. But I like it in Duluth.
If Superior is a drunken dirty whore, where does that leave Cloquet, Carlton, Hermantown and Proctor?
Two Harbors is the cousin we never talk about?
Twig is our *funny uncle*?
Madison, WI
Sorry, I’m in a good mood.
Quoth pH…
‘I think the old saw “if you’re not happy here, you won’t be happy anywhere” originated to keep ’em down on the farm. Small truth. Big lie.’
Your saw, good sir, has bare teeth. You can’t possibly suggest that keepin’ people on the farm is a subconscious motive. Many from Duluth have traveled, and do travel, extensively.
Quoth pH…
‘There are limitations wherever you live, just about finding the right compromise, at the right time. Sounds like BmT has re-weighted the inputs, and arrived at a new conclusion. Perfectly reasonable. Just as I wouldn’t fault someone for leaving Texas, cause it’s too dang hot for their liking.’
Ummm, common sense. Nothing new here.
Quoth pH…
‘BmT- when you find Shangri-La, report back your findings. Every explicit detail. Good luck.’
Well, I sort of think that one explains itself.
Alright Matlock, you got me. 🙂 I, too, was in a good mood to debate ideas. Now I’m feelin’ easy like Saturday afternoon; maybe livelier after more coffee.
Clarification: myself being a long time transplant, life in Duluth has been interesting, rewarding, and… happy. I only suggest/encourage others to find a place that suits them as well. Even if the naysayers tell you that geography won’t make a difference. What they might mean to say, is that they’re gonna miss you. Or maybe it’s “crabs in a bucket”? Assign your own subconscious motive.
Water!!! The saltless sea!!!
Peace
Water, water, every where,
And all the boards did shrink ;
Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink.
The very deep did rot : O Christ !
That ever this should be !
Yea, slimy things did crawl with legs
Upon the slimy sea.
About, about, in reel and rout
The death-fires danced at night ;
The water, like a witch’s oils,
Burnt green, and blue and white.
Good luck with the threesome! Mpls and St Paul are two of the world’s sexiest bitches! Oh, and they have personality, class, and diversity. You won’t be disappointed!