Happy New Year! My Top Ten Moments of 2010

I can hardly believe that an entire year has gone by since I've been back here in Minnesota! And what's great is I have this blog to serve as a year-long documentary about my life. I can most definitely say this past year was much better than 2009. This year has meant so many different things to me, but I feel it was primarily a year of recovery and soul searching. I'd like to share my most memorable moments of 2010 with you here (in no particular order):

1. Being invited over to Alan & Mimi Sparhawk's (from the band Low) basement to hang out and watch them rehearse for an upcoming show at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis. Having never really heard their music, it was as though I was given a private show and instantly could see why so many people love them. It was really special to get such an inside glimpse of their talent.

Alan Sparhawk sings his heart out with bassist Steve Garrington.

2. Pulling together a 5-day festival in a new community on a shoestring budget. The fact that we booked some of the Twin Cities best talent (music & filmmakers), flew in filmmakers and gave most of these films MN premieres is quite amazing. We've got a long way to go, but the fact that we did this in 6 months was a daunting task.

3. Driving over to Missouri for my family reunion in the spring time. It's been a really long time since we were all together, so it was really fun for all of us to eat, laugh and just hang out. My family rules.

4. Attending closing night of the San Francisco International Film Festival. We were treated like VIP's and I thoroughly enjoyed the Joan Rivers doc and hearing her do the Q&A afterwards. Thanks again, Graham!

5. Meeting my new beau Mr. Dylan Henry Ryan. I was very reluctant to date again so soon after my last relationship, but with his patience and care I found that my heart still works after all. He's honest, full of integrity, has some of the most interesting analogies I've ever heard in my life and makes me laugh. He's not perfect, but neither am I. He has made my year here much easier, more enjoyable and has renewed my hope towards men.

6. The hot summer afternoon at Lebanon Hills in Rosemount, MN where Dylan and I rent a canoe and some fishing poles. We row out to the middle of the lake just as a storm rolls in and a warm rain starts coming down and drenching us. I was having the time of my life!

7. Seeing one of my oldest and dearest friends (Drew Munson) get married this summer in California. It was nice to be invited to share this special day with such good friends. It was a perfect day and they make such a cute couple!

8.  Best concert of the year was Chromeo at First Avenue. In my opinion, one of the best dance duos to come out on the scene in a long time and they played at my all-time favorite music venue. The entire place was dancing, which you know takes a great act in order for that to happen.

9. Rediscovering the music scene here. Some of my local favorites include Solid Gold, Lookbook (now defunct), Estate, Gay Witch Abortion and Bight Club. We also have a kick-ass radio station (89.3 The Current).

Zach Coulter of Solid Gold. Photo by Kristina Perkins.

10. Being welcomed back with open arms by an old community of friends here. It's nice to return and still be treated with kindness, respect and gratitude for who I am and the work I've done here in the art/film/music community. I love you, Twin Cities!

Yours truly outside the Guthrie Theater in DT Minneapolis.