Home of the Free and Land of the Brave

This weekend has reminded me several times with examples at both extremes that if we are fortunate enough to live where most of the world is saving, applying, and praying to be we should be willing to make choices that allow us to live both free and brave.

I'd rather die on my feet, than live on my knees.

Public Service Announcement

The past few weeks have been abnormally littered with people saying mean and stupid things to my good friend Claar Runyan. It makes me laugh to think of the poor souls and either their complete ignorance or death wish. I am somewhat proud that I have not leveled them, but in retrospect fear I have set them up for a much greater fall. Perhaps I should come with a warning... Caution: possesses on-the-spot perfect mix of poetry and meanness.

It's a blessing, and a curse.
- Monk (man I love that show)

All I know is this is all the warning the world is getting.

Maybe that bunny on Bambi should have said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't make the mistake of saying it to a Jackman".

Random Thought of the Day

I try to always hold the attitude toward the actions of others that they are doing the best that they can. For me however I think that is the quickest road to an unfufilled life. I was once told that we were basically peeing our pants and because we have surrounded ourselves with others doing the same thing we think it is acceptable.

I hope to always be an understanding and supportive friend, but I believe part of our role is to help each other reach our God-given potential. It's not about what we feel like doing, it is about doing what we know we should. I of anyone know that any moment the last page of this mortal probabtion could be written and as we kneel at the feet of our Creator I hope it is joy not regret that fills our heart.

The point is it's time for Claar to push harder, to spend more time on the things that matter and less on the things that don't. As cool as the world may make this or that seem when it really comes down to it, regaurdless of what anyone else is doing, it is still peeing your pants.

No Shoes, No Pants, No Parents... No Problem

Powell 2010

Superior Sunday

My good friend Genevieve was married yesterday, everything was beautiful. I loved catching up with my dear friends. These ladies always had the right answers in ELP (nerd's equivalent of Jr. High) and high school... they still do. My mom so often made comments to me about different people my age and how they seemed to be doing because of the choices they were making. It is interesting you can see their happiness or the lack of so quickly. During the ceremony even before talking to any of them you could tell they are happy. They are bright and beautiful, and just in case anyone couldn't tell since we were 12 they embody so much of what is right about the world. I was overwhelmed for a minute at how good of a feeling it is to see them all successful.

Jon Whipple used to always try to talk Genevieve and me into fighting. She is so tough he and his cronies thought it would be a fun thing to watch; needless to say it never happened. I thought it appropriate that now this group of awesome women is taking the world on instead.

I often think of Mahatma Gandhi's challenge to be the change you want to see in the world... they get it.

Genevieve & Claar 1999 Sausalito

Mother's Day

Forever My Example

Always My Friend

Eternally My Mother