Life 2.0

Remembering John

Twenty-six years ago today, John Denver perished in a plane crash in Monterey Bay, California. Every October 12th, I take time to honor and remember the man who helped me discover my voice, my calling, and my divine assignment.

"While the singer is silent, there still is the truth of the songs."

Amen, brother.

Band of Brothers and Sisters

On the heels of our 35-year-plus reunion last Saturday for Coast Guard Air Station Chicago, I was ready to do a short, 45-minute recap and call it a day. Then, I had an idea. Instead of me yakking it up solo, how about I have a few of the guys on to share their thoughts about the reunion, what it was like to reconnect after so many years, how their lives turned out after they left the United States Coast Guard, and share the laughs and love that only comes with serving together in the military. DISCLAIMER: There was no way to edit this down for time, without losing the essence of the conversation with Wally, Doc, and Artie, so be forewarned it's 90 minutes long. Grab a bourbon, or liquid of choice, sit back and enjoy. 

Back to the Future

It's a big day for this kid. I'm getting ready to reconnect with the men and women I served with in the United States Coast Guard 40 years ago. While I am feeling really good about that, the other side of the coin has me at odds with those who think a government shutdown is a good idea, and maybe I need to get with Marianne Williamson as her VP and run for office in 2024. Then again....maybe not. Music this week from the highly talented Heidi Newfield. 

Homecoming.

Homecoming as defined by Webster "is the tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organization to celebrate the organization's existence." So, when 30 alumni returned home to our alma mater for a high school football game and BBQ we were welcomed back to a time that in many ways no longer exists. Once again the lessons of perspective were front and center. 

The Yellow Brick Road

As another week unfolds in so many interesting ways, the messages from The Wizard of  Oz come to mind. At some point in my life, I've been just like every one of the characters in the classic movie. There have been times I questioned my smarts, heart, and courage, but in the end, as in the beginning, it's all about remembering to "Follow the Yellow Brick Road." Had to add one of my favorite songs from David Stoddard to close out the show. 

 

Buy The Book!

It's another literary milestone, as IRONMAN was cleared for retail sale today. It's the 9th book I've written and released it's been released on 9.9.23 and Randy Hundley wore #9 for the Cubs! I'll take it! In other news I had the opportunity to sit in on live radio again last week, and the reminders of  "right" vs. "left" leaves very little room for middle ground, where most people live. If you are still upright and breathing, you've won the lottery of life...again!

Come Monday.

Last week I had the opportunity to sit in "live" on the radio here in Chicago. It's been a few years since I did a three-hour show, but much like riding a bike, I found my balance in just a few pushes of the pedals. I didn't spend any time on politics, but rather on more important things like health care for veterans, the good and great things going on in Chicago, "Earth Matters with Bill Kurtis" and...cicadas. Had to include the recently departed for warmer waters Jimmy Buffett of course...right in time for the Labor Day weekend show.

Memories & More

I'm still in recovery mode from the book launch of "IRONMAN" the autobiography of legendary Cubs catcher Randy Hundley. It's one thing to write a book in a defined space of time, quite another thing to experience the effect our efforts on the book had on a roomful of people. As if I needed another thing to be focused on, my trusty, dusty Dell slowed down to a crawl (it worked hard too) and my computer wizard Zack explained on memory (or lack of it) plays a role in the efficiency of the machine-which is not unlike how our minds work. 

Play Ball!

On the eve of a major book launch party for "IRONMAN!"-The Autobiography of Legendary Chicago Cubs catcher Randy Hundley-I've had an interesting week watching all the puzzle pieces come together on this project. Add to that a new wrist-watch (not unlike my old one) as well as some thoughts on watching the 81 year "Rebel" signing books and I cannot help but think about how fast our timelines seem to evaporate. Then, a late night text message from country music superstar John Berry seals the deal, and it's another attempt at audio excellence and podcasting possiblities.

Be Like Water

There is an old saying..."You can't push the river" but we try to anyway. As humans, we are often more like a stone, firmly entrenched in our opinions, beliefs and experiences in the river of life, than the waters that flow around, over and under the stones, eroding, polishing and refining them. This past week, I’ve had a few reminders of perspective, and the power of asking better questions, and how much I enjoy getting my quills cut at the barbershop-all of it an invitation to “be like water.”