Last week I had to travel to the East Coast for business. I was in Waltham, Boston and in Bristol, Connecticut to meet with my client ESPN. Getting there meant I had a long drive ahead of me on the one day, it was so very pretty. This time of the year the leaves are in their full autumnal glory. I felt really blessed to see it all especially since it was such a sunny day out there...these are rare this time of the year. On the way home from Boston we were delayed on the tarmac for about 20 minutes because of the arrival of air force one, we got to see the plane from the window and I thought to myself that this may be the closest I would ever come to President Obama in person. That was pretty cool.
Back at home in a very sunny San Francisco, this weekend I attended the West Fest in Golden Gate Park – this was the celebration of 40 years since Woodstock. Even though this was not my era, it was great to see so much tie dye and so many people still living the vibe of that time.
I was observing people and wondered to myself how easily we judge people by the way they look. This thought occurred to me while I was watching some of these wasted old hippies running around somewhat intoxicated by whatever their pleasure during the day. I thought of how they looked like they were having so much fun and although we may look at some of them and think how wasted they look, these people may well be very respected in and successful in life since otherwise they might not have the freedom to do the things they do. How do we know unless we engage. So, live and let live and do not judge unless you want to be judged yourself.
Our past does not define us; it is a part of what makes us who we are today and we have the power to choose out future.
Life is full of limitless possibilities.
October 26, 2009
October 12, 2009
Tales of the Journey and Homecoming
I just returned to San Francisco after being away on vacation in Europe for almost three weeks. It was great to get away and see old friends and it was also very good to come home. I had some very interesting experiences while I was away, mostly a realization that my life has changed and very possibly that I am growing up.
Firstly, I was in Ibiza for a week and had the pleasure of celebrating my 42nd birthday there. I realized while I was out with my friends and as they were planning to go to the season closing party at Space, that I simply did not have a burning desire to be inside a night club and opted instead for a leisurely stroll through the old town. I found this very gratifying. I also realized as we were drinking copious amounts of beer every night that I am very thankful for the healthy lifestyle that I am exposed to and embrace here in San Francisco. Don’t get me wrong, I love beer and wine and a good party, but with some moderation. (I hope I don’t sound like an old fart here)
Every year since I had left London, I have felt somewhat obligated to visit, to check on my friends, and my ‘affairs’. After this visit though, I feel this is no longer necessary – again, don’t misunderstand me, I love to see my friends, but the London streets exhausted me. The people all dress the same and there is very little color. I saw a girl on the tube one day wearing red shoes and it struck me as so unusual in the environment. I also noticed how many foreign languages are spoken in London and I found this a little disturbing. (I suppose I was expecting to hear more English)
Having said all of that, what I do love about London is the access to art and all the wonderful old buildings that are steeped in history that is incomparable to anything here in the States. I visited the Tate and the Tate Modern, as well as the Royal Academy of the Arts and I stumbled across Leake Street – an amazing street filled with very good graffiti. These were all wonderful experiences that left me feeling enriched.
I will go back to London, but perhaps not too soon and perhaps also for other reasons than I had before. During this trip, I have confirmed again that I am at home in San Francisco and that is what matters more than anything to me.
This is where my heart lies. (for now, because, who knows what the future holds)
Be well.
Firstly, I was in Ibiza for a week and had the pleasure of celebrating my 42nd birthday there. I realized while I was out with my friends and as they were planning to go to the season closing party at Space, that I simply did not have a burning desire to be inside a night club and opted instead for a leisurely stroll through the old town. I found this very gratifying. I also realized as we were drinking copious amounts of beer every night that I am very thankful for the healthy lifestyle that I am exposed to and embrace here in San Francisco. Don’t get me wrong, I love beer and wine and a good party, but with some moderation. (I hope I don’t sound like an old fart here)
Every year since I had left London, I have felt somewhat obligated to visit, to check on my friends, and my ‘affairs’. After this visit though, I feel this is no longer necessary – again, don’t misunderstand me, I love to see my friends, but the London streets exhausted me. The people all dress the same and there is very little color. I saw a girl on the tube one day wearing red shoes and it struck me as so unusual in the environment. I also noticed how many foreign languages are spoken in London and I found this a little disturbing. (I suppose I was expecting to hear more English)
Having said all of that, what I do love about London is the access to art and all the wonderful old buildings that are steeped in history that is incomparable to anything here in the States. I visited the Tate and the Tate Modern, as well as the Royal Academy of the Arts and I stumbled across Leake Street – an amazing street filled with very good graffiti. These were all wonderful experiences that left me feeling enriched.
I will go back to London, but perhaps not too soon and perhaps also for other reasons than I had before. During this trip, I have confirmed again that I am at home in San Francisco and that is what matters more than anything to me.
This is where my heart lies. (for now, because, who knows what the future holds)
Be well.
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