i'm lost without you, can't help myself

You guys have all heard a lot about my mostly companion Nicola. You might, however, be shocked to learn that she is not my only friend. I also have a sensational friend who has been mentioned on this blog before named Michele. The fact is, Michele really deserves her own post. Let me tell you a story that sums up Michele. After a Neil Young concert, Michele and I were sharing a room at Nicola's grandmother's house. We'd talked for a bit (i.e. she'd forced this terrible story on me how this creepy doll in the corner with a piece of tape on her forehead saying "My name is Heidi" was going to kill me in my sleep) but had been quiet for a bit as we (or I guess just me) were falling asleep. All of a sudden, Michele goes "Imagine riding a monkey through a vat of corrosive acid."
I am truly blessed by her friendship.
For a long time, Michele worked at Value Village. (This was a tough period for everyone, as she was too busy to spend time with us, resulting in everyone becoming moody and withdrawn) One day she found the above picture (a childish drwawing with "Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha" written all over it). For a brief period, whenever Michele found something amusing, instead of laughing, she would simply hold up this picture.
Michele surprises me every day. For example, when we took a leisurely bicycle ride through the country and the chain fell off Nicola's bike, Michele fixed it easily.

There are also many joyful moments when I return to an unattended MSN conversation to find Michele has drawn me a stunningly beautiful picture.
Michele's natural artistic sensibilities are not limited to MSN Messenger's draw function! Michele is creative with a camera, a genius in the "taking pictures while holding things in front of the camera" field.
Michele is a treasure that I hope I never lose.