2:42pm
Saint Paul
Hey, I spent the past few days in Wine Country, California.
But we weren’t there for the wine or the weather –– both of which were pretty great.
Instead, we flew out to celebrate my brother-in-law’s life.
(It was the second funeral I’ve attended in a week.)
But I’m not here to be down about it.
Hardy’s memorial service included live music, fresh tacos, speeches and toasts, and an hour long “sound healing” meditation.
And more Mary Jane than I’ve ever seen.
Hardy would have loved it.
In the backyard of his home, I watched two beetles wrestling, or maybe mating. I think most people wouldn’t have noticed them in the grass.
But Hardy would have found it as fascinating as I did.
His shelves were lined with Carlos Castaneda novels, cannabis guides, shipbuilding manuals, and Isaac Asimov books about mathematics, and his classic red Volkswagen Thing (the original from the old “Lords of Dogtown” movie, he said) was parked in the driveway.
He was fearless and honest and open with everyone, and always wanted to go deeper.
Truly he was an inspiration to live on your own terms.
And this past weekend was a reminder that it can all end too soon.
Today, please tell your loved ones how much you care.
Make sure to let go of the little things that won’t matter in 5 years, or in 5 minutes.
And go find something small to get excited about.
Love you,
Jeffrey