Last June Mat Kearney handed me a small box someone had given him to give to me.
Inside was a large metal rivet.
My favorite place in the whole world is Canal Park in Duluth, Minnesota, and possibly my favorite thing in the whole world is the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge perched on the harbor. The view of Sydney Harbor from inside the dentist’s office in Finding Nemo is a spitting image of Duluth, but perhaps a bit more “industrial” and a lot more Midwestern. Duluth is my safe haven, my sanctuary, if you can call it that. There’s a certain flower garden in the hills overlooking Duluth I might attempt to convince my future bride to marry me in (if she’s not into Howth, Ireland). But that’s another story.
What was this mysterious rivet? It didn’t dawn on me until I read the handwritten note included in the box.
A very sweet girl from Virginia somehow knew of my love for the bridge and actually took the time and energy to contact a local Duluth gift shop to purchase an ACTUAL rivet taken from the bridge during maintenance (the last one the shop had), and ultimately place it in my hands via the hands of Mat Kearney.
Totally amazing. I screamed like a girl.
She also included this:
I now own a piece of my favorite thing in the entire world. How many people can say that?! How am I supposed to talk about this without smiling from ear to ear? This is a big deal.
Dear Ashely from Alexandria, Virginia — thank you from the bottom of my heart for the rivet. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and am honored to be the recipient of such a treasure. You have the gift of encouragement.
Hugs,
Adam
First comment :D
That’s such an interesting story, I never knew Minnesota had places like that, either. I should study more. How thoughtful of Ashley though :)
Awwwww that’s so special!!
I love Duluth! It’s so gorgeous. Cool story :)
I love you Adam! I think we have a lot in common. Check out my blog http://saaraajuddha.blogspot.com/ :)
That is the sweetest thing in the world. Way to go, Ashley! :]
My day has been made, and I didn’t even get a rivet. ^_^
I remember reading one of your tweets about this. That is a very special gift. See how much your fans love you, Adam?
I think it`s hilarious how fast you get comments. But look who`s talking! ;-)
And BY the way, why did you make me so sad by not posting last week?
That is unbelievably cool. If I ever get tired of Massachusetts, I’ll be sure to move to Duluth, Minnesota, because that looks like a totally beautiful town. Then again, I like where I live- five minutes from the beach. I uploaded a picture on the Mainframe, by the way, it’s the notebook paper with daisies, a spiderweb, and polka dots. I am working on a tribute to Plant Life, I hope I can get it up there. It’s a flipnote.
That’s so awesome! What a cool gift! :D
Whenever you talk about Duluth it reminds me of my own favorite place in the world, a little gated community on the shores of Lake Erie known as Lakeside, Ohio. In fact, I just returned from a weekend there yesterday. You should go there sometime. It’s a lovely place. :)
EEEK! That is just amazing!
You should really come to Norway. So many beautiful things to see; fjords, harbours, mountains, islands, boats, amazing cities and a breathtaking countryside. Ok, that is pretty much all that I came up with for now. Oh, yes! THE best chocolates, ice-cream and candy in the world! Very important. You’d never wanna leave!
We love you, you know.
That was a very kind gesture, both of you :)
Dear Adam,
Really? Duluth is one of my favorite places too! There’s something amazing about such a large expanse of water that captures my mind and imagination. I adore beach walking and searching for sea glass. There is almost nothing that can compare with lying on the beach and counting stars. God created some truly amazing places. He is my favorite artist ever.
Juliette
I’d never even heard of an aerial lift bridge. That’s even better than the locks on the Erie canal!
That’s great:D
You can build yourself a bridge now.
Your favorite place is quiet interesting.. I should go there during my summer vacation.. Hope to see you there :))
The first picture reminded me of the movie “Iron Giant” I love that movie and that picture of you holding that rivet looks like when the kid in the movie holding the bolt that goes to the Giants mouth. Such a touching movie.
If I had a piece of my most favorite thing in the world it would be a lock of your hair, and hide it away so no one can see it. Hahahaaa, that sounds so creepy cuz it is. But it still would make me happy to have something, like maybe a mic you used in a performance and signed with your name. That would be awesome!
That bridge was really pretty with the lights on it like that. Maybe you’ll have enough money to own it one day :D Love you!
Cool post, Adam! That girl was so kind! Glad that you’ve finally got part of your favorite bridge in your hand!! :D
That girl deserves all the awards! That’s amazing :) Oh and babe,you won’t need to “convince” your future bride to marry you,because she’ll say yes no matter how much you blush :)
Dear Adam,
As per usual, Minnesota looks like and is a beautiful state. With such a lovely landmark as the Aerial Lift Bridge at Duluth, where could be a better place to live?
I am thrilled for you to have such a meaningful gift thrust into your reality. I bet you were excited like you wouldn’t believe when this was placed into your keyboard-playing hands.
As a seaside-dwelling guy from West Sussex, Great Britain, I am eagerly awaiting your presence on Worthing’s local radio station on Tuesday (tomorrow) night. I shall be listening intently.
Tom
I love bridges, too. Lift, draw, arch, cable-stayed: they are all amazing feats of engineering. There’s something special about the ones near harbors, though.
I grew up near Lake Ontario and almost every Sunday after church, I would walk down to the Genesee River inlet to Lake Ontario and watch the boats go in and out via the draw bridge. It was peaceful down near the water and I spent a lot of time thinking
Good memories. :)
It’s funny how I lookes at the time you posted and was like ” what thats in 2hrs.lol. I forgot the time difference
Owning a piece of your favorite thing in the world. Love it. Now if I could just get my hands around some of the Parthenon structure atop Edinburgh, Scotland…
Haha, I see the clever use of the title for the post. ^_^
That is such an awesome story. I would love to own a piece of my favorite thing in the world.
Your such a lucky guy Adam! God has given you so many blessings and I am sure there are many more to come. :)
This was such a delightful story for me to get to read today. I’m from Duluth, but I go to college outside of LA. In the last few days, I’ve been especially homesick (mainly due to college hockey starting), so it put a smile on my face to see a little bit of home.
Oh my. Now I have to find some sort of special present to give you. And a means of getting it to you. Just so that I can say that Adam Young actually knows I exist! Although most of the people I’d say that to would have no idea who that is and I’d have to explain it all beginning with Fireflies.
I know that this is probably just a wistful daydream, but if I could ever meet you, that would probably be one of the best days of my life. (Well, maybe aside from my wedding day. But that will be awhile yet.)
I don’t know if you ever even read all of these comments. But if you do, know that you have the ability to make a girl in Rhode Island smile very much.
You are so lucky.. I wish someone had such a thoughtful gesture to me… Well, it’s not luck, it’s just that you are so amazing that you make people want to give back some of the happiness you give…
I wish I could see that place on day.. There are so many places I’d love to visit!
Keep being the way you are!
Love from a little town in Argentina
I live in Duluth, it is definitely an awesome city.
Proud that someone like you notices that.
You should come here, we can have ice cream while walking around Canal Park or have a Taco John’s picnic at Engar Tower. ;)
What a great story, Adam. It made me smile, as did your comment admitting that you ‘screamed like a girl.’ Now THAT’S authenticity. And transparency. One of the many endearing things about you.
God’s blessings on you,
Pam M.
Awwwww!!! That is soooooo sweet!!
I laughed when you wrote “screamed like a girl”.. See that’s the cool thing about you (well one of many things) you have like this childish yet mature way about yourself! I love it! Lol.
Hope you get another piece of the bridge soon ;p
God bless,
love Laurianna
Thats sweet… made me smile:D not surprising though… this blog tends to do that to me. Clever title :) And your right, how man people can say that they own a piece of there favorite thing in the world? Certainly not me. Anyway, I am very happy for you ^_^
What is the other story… Big happy smile!!!!!
what a RIVETING story, it NAILED me when you said you screamed like a little girl. i laughed and laughed until things got SCREWY. but my eyes BOLTED back to the screen and i kept reading and reading. After it was over i went NUTS cause of how sweet it is.
You rock Adam! This is a cool story. You should write something about piracy; you always have a unique angle on things.
Absolutely riviting, Adam. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go fight off the octopus outside my front door in landlocked colorado.
What a sweet gift! Duluth is now high on my Places To Go list. I’ll get there one day.
Awesome photos! :D
I posted some pictures of one of my favourite places in the world on my blog last month.
http://orangeintheovercast.blogspot.com/
Giant panda bear hugs!
Madd :)
That’s so incredible! Way to go Ashley!
If only I could take a piece of the state of Colorado with me wherever I went…next time I go up there I’ll have to get me a jar of CO dirt. :P
I love that bridge. I remember when was watching a large boat floating on the water. It started beeping and it bursted my eardrums since my ears are sensitive to sound. I jumped two feet in the air. It was the best time of my life. <3
This made me smile. :) Thats so sweet and that girl who gave it to you is really thoughtful and it really sweet you did a blog about it. I wish I could give you something like that. Thank for being such a huge happiness in my life with your music and blogs and everything. Your a awesome guy! p.s. I have been love all thing bright and beatiful. Right now a friend of mine is borrowing it. I’ll do anything I can to share you with the world. Have a amazing, God blessed day! Love , one of many Hoot Owls.
I only wish I could give something to you like that, or be the cause of a single smile on your face because you’ve caused so many on mine. :)
That is the coolest dang bridge ever. Funny how little trinkets such as the rivet that you got can mean so much. That was very nice of Ms. Ashley to give it to you!
I find it interesting that we both know of and like a type of garden spot that overlooks a neat view. Then again, that probably applies to a lot of people. :)
Awwww! So thoughtful!! Ashley is a unique friend! :) Go owl city!! :D
hi
u
r
SO
coooooooooool!
i’ll write more later…………….
-J
by the way………………i wrote this @ 7:35PM in Washington!!!!!!!
NOT 2:46am!!!!!!!!!!!
bye,
j
what a lovely story
You have nice hands. :)
I appreciate your heart a lot, Adam. Your thinking patterns and Godly attitude are truly inspiring. Thank you for being very real. I know that God is touching people through you in incredible ways, but I’m also sure that He will bring you someone equally as incredible as you.
Enjoy your bridge piece!
Katie
I love that you blogged about this, and publicly thanked the sweet girl who took the time to get the rivet for you!! :)
And by the way… The first picture coupled with the title made me laugh. XD
Anyway… Have an absolutely marvelous week, and treasure that piece of your favorite place!! :D
Your Sister in Christ,
HP
jee I hope the bridge doesn’t fall down without it. That would be a load on your conscience :P
I’m sure I had a dream with the third picture in it once.
Mr Young, I think
your soul is a rainbow and your thoughts are drops of gold
Proof that he gets the presents we give him….. Adam, this story is so sweet, and you seem like such a great guy for being so happy about a present.
i never thought someone could love a present so much they blog about it, well, i never thought you would blog about a present like this…
either way, it sounds like you love it and i hope you like the kind letter ive written that you will get at a concert soon…… :p
enjoy your bolt,
AOC
Ashely, the lady who gave you the rivet, is my daughter, and YES :-), she does have the gift of encouragement! We’re proud of her.
Favorite bridges of mine that you must see: The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston; an incredible example of a cable-stayed design. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransico and Brooklyn Bridge in NYC; classic suspension bridges. The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge in Williamson County, TN; a beautiful, minimalist arch design. And my current favorite: The Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge that spans the Colorado River downstream of the Hoover Dam, connecting the Hoover Dam bypass between NV and AZ. It is a delicate looking arch bridge that just seems to float in the air. Lovely.
In addition to the drawbridge on the Lake Ontario inlet, I remember now that there was a swing bridge that would rotate 90 degrees to let boats through. Pretty cool to watch.
It is wonderful to have a part of something that’s special to you. I know the feeling. I’ve got some things myself. For example a stone from a school camp about 7 years ago.
I was about 11 years old and we had a camp that took us back to the Prehistoric life. We had to wear funny, itchy clothes and all we had to eat was soup (with meat of course) and bread. We had to walk with the sheep make food, cut the wood and everything. The camp taught me a lot. Especially how precious life is and how special. Back than it could be over any minute.
One of the days there, I found a beautiful stone near the fireplace. It was a part of the stones from which the fireplace was built and it had clearly fallen off. I picked the stone up. The stone was partly black, because of the fire, and partly it’s original colors light brown and grey.
I still have the stone. And whenever I’m feeling down and don’t know what to do, I take the stone in my hands. Than I think of everything that camp taught me and I thank nature for making me who I am. Although I’m not happy at all with the person I am, it is hard for me to change, and then I’m just happy and thankful for being someone at all. For, being alive, I am able to share this and many more stories with everyone who wants to hear it, mostly by writing.
So if one of you wants to read the entire story, or read other stories, please visit my website:
http://justmebronwyn.yolasite.com
I hope to see you there!
Ashley from Virginia is the luckiest girl on the planet. And you are the luckiest guy. ;D
SO FREAKIN’ COOL.
<33333
BTW-I wrote you a letter-
http://orangeintheovercast.blogspot.com/2011/07/dearest-adam.html
UR DA BEST MAN.
Aww…That’s so cute! The bridge is beautiful. I love it! *hums to If My Heart Was A House”
That is SO sweet!
That is awesome. :D
It’s fascinating to me that something so small can hold so much meaning. Now you have a little piece of your haven to ground you when you feel like you’ve lost touch.
I’ve always been a fan of things that contain a great deal of sentimental value. There’s so much thoughtfulness there.
What a wonderful gift! :)
… and especially because it was received with an incredible amount of appreciation.
<3
A
Adam,
That was pretty cool! She must be a very nice girl!
:)
Keep writing!
Livy
wish i could do something like that for you. i love you more than her.
(B!TCH FIGHT!) Joe King.
p.s WHAT may i ask you is wrong with ireland?
That is so sweet! :) Wonderful of you to thank her!
Aww thats sooo cool. It so nice that you thanked her too :D
Can´t believe that you know Howth :).
Howth was one of my most favourite place when I studied abroad in Dublin. It´s such a dreamy and beautiful place where you can forget everything around you.
Oh that’s so wonderful :)
Such a blessing from Ashley!
As for the marraige in the garden, yes…how lovely!
awww that was sweet of her :) if im ever in Minnesota i will think of checking out the Duluth bridge as well. yeah not many people can say they have a piece of their favorite thing in the world :)
i must say though, i wish i could do something like that for you. but still i am very happy for you :)
Dear Adam,
That is the sweetest, most thoughtful thing ever! Way to go, Ashley! I must go check out the Duluth bridge for sure, it looks magical. What an awesome experience, sometimes I truly and honestly envy you. God has blessed you as I’ve asked, and I’ll continue to pray for you no matter what. He is doing great things with you. God bless, and enjoy your vacation from touring by chillin’ like a boss. :)
Love,
Madeline
ashley, you’re so sweet!
Wow. Ashley is so thoughtful. :)
It must be an awesome feeling to own a piece of a bridge that is your favorite thing.
I remember the time I went to Minnesota for a business trip.
A colleague and her family were super nice to take us, a bunch of Asians, to Duluth.
The moment I saw Lake Superior, I totally fell in love.
Duluth belongs to the list of my favorite places, too.
It’s amazing the kinds of things people will do when they find out you like something. I commend that girl on her creativity, and I do sort of wonder how many people own a piece of their favourite thing.
I’m not sure what my favourite thing or place would be; maybe somewhere up in the Blue Mountains in inland NSW; lots of forest, and less stuffy than the city.
Ashley, you have quite the heart to think of doing this! I just feel like I should congradulate you for such an acomplishment and such a sweet heart!
God bless!
When I had read the first few lines of the blog and saw the picture, it reminded me of the heart-touching cartoon, “The Iron Giant.” =]
A great bridge ! All the things you love is so delicate.
How I envy the promising bride !!
THAT IS SOOOO COOL.
The bridge is so pretty too!:)
SEE YOU IN 29 DAYS!:)))
Thanks adam for being there for me
I like that. Very cool and sweet.
So awesome. Aren’t Owl City fans just the best fans in the world? ;)
hugs,hugs,i can say that I now own a piece of my favorite thing in the entire world.
I used to live in Duluth and would walk/ride over that bridge when that rivet was in place. That is now in your possession.
Last time I checked, besides being incredibly awesome, that bridge is also the largest lift bridge in the world.
So so cool!
The very root of your writing while appearing reasonable in the beginning, did not really settle very well with me after some time. Someplace throughout the sentences you managed to make me a believer but only for a very short while. I nevertheless have got a problem with your leaps in assumptions and you might do nicely to fill in those breaks. In the event you actually can accomplish that, I would undoubtedly be impressed.
Hmm… my favorite thing would have to be my polar bear hat. It represents my family because I got it at a Riverfest here in Wilmington, North Carolina with my dad. Plus, I just love walking by and seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they see it. Especially little kids! :P
That was such an exquisitely unique gift! Way to go Ashley! :D
Would you like a rivet from the London Bridge as well? :D Haha.
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Wonderfull…
Really a beautiful place…
I wish to express my love for your kind-heartedness for persons who must have help on that matter. Your very own dedication to getting the message all through appears to be certainly practical and has specifically enabled guys like me to attain their goals. Your own important guideline signifies much to me and substantially more to my colleagues. Thanks a ton; from all of us.
Adam.
Adam, Adam, Adam.
I am typing this from the Canal Park side of the Aerial Lift Bridge. Even though I live in Cleveland. I was visiting family and was unable to go to your ATBAB concert last night. *cries* I just wanted to let you know that you are one of the best, funniest, most awesomest artists in the world <3 I have a friend, Rebecca, and our goal in life is to have a tea party with you at a Taco John's. Whilst wearing top hats.
Love Ashley
Duluth is my all time favorite place in the world. There are few things more amazing than an early morning on the pier with the sun rising above the lake. Wow God! :)
Have you ever laid down on the ground while the bridge is lowering? It feels like it’s going to crush you. (Honestly. Try it. You’ll look like a dork but it’s worth it.)
All of my friends know my obsession (one friend got me a “I <3 Duluth" shirt when I left on a year long mission trip and now I have a Duluth wall in my apartment) so a friend of mine sent this post to me knowing I would love it.
I think I need to start listening to your music more (Sorry to say I've only heard a couple songs…). :)
Haha! Is it a coincidence that my name is Ashley, and I am in Virginia as well?
I’ve always loved bridged as well; more in the sense of Victorian-age bridges though. Lady and the Tramp is precisely what I’m thinking of right now.
Two lovers, arms crossed gracefully along the edges of the curling bridge, the moons soft glaze hovering over their still forms. Water below them gently singing its dazzling chime as waving ripples smooth the jagged edges of the flowing current. Cherry fireflies flittered every which way, lighting the night with their jovial glow.
The lady shyly glances up at the handsome figure beside her. His delightful cologne drifting through her nostrils, comforting her fluttering heart. The man catches her gaze and smiles affectionately. Not a word was spoken, for none was needed. All the lady could imagine to do was to lean on his strong shoulder and lay away life’s worries for at least one moment. And that’s exactly what she did.
Ah, but I am getting carried away. For dreams are struck cold by the hard knife of reality, ending bitter sweetly with the thought that once you had that dream. And your mind gets carried away once more.
May God bless you, Adam Young. =)
I wish to point out my respect for your generosity giving support to people who should have help with this question. Your real dedication to getting the message up and down had become especially useful and have in every case enabled somebody just like me to get to their dreams. Your warm and friendly help and advice entails much to me and additionally to my colleagues. Many thanks; from each one of us.
That is so sweet. :-) I like how in the picture of the certificate, when I look at the creases, I can tell you’ve folded and unfolded it many, many times.
hey adam,
i’ve been there, that is also my favorite lace in the world
Dear Adam,
Do I find it more than ironic that my grandparents got married in that garden? Yes.
Wisdom, Understanding, and Love,
-Paige-
That’s so cool. I had a railroad spike once, but my mum threw it away when she went through my stuff as a kid. Apparently she thought I didn’t need it. lol Well DUH, but 9 year olds keep things for much more important reasons, such as, IT’S AWESOME. :P