"I Don't Know!"

Last night I browsed through some of the RU Fun pictures on the Flickr site. I love seeing these pictures along with my own because I get to see the retreat from other's perspectives. We may all be looking at the same thing but it changes through different eyes. 

In going through the pictures, I ran across a couple of one of my new buddies. I talk and write all of the time about the significance of paying attention to those with whom we connect but some people have more of an impact than others. This isn't good, bad, or otherwise it just works out that way. I make an effort to appreciate all relationships that I develop. Some people make it very easy to do. 

Anyway, after being at the retreat for a couple of days, talking and playing I became progressively more comfortable. I was approached by a little girl who kept challenging me with physical feats such as spinning, jumping, and tumbling. At 39 these acts are a bit more challenging than they once were but I pulled it off. This continued for a while and we wound up hanging out the rest of the afternoon and evening. Me and my new friend went and helped my wife and daughter, we walked around the campsite saying hello to people, and we jumped on inner tubes. At one point I asked her how old she was and her response was "I don't know!"

To me that was the most brilliant response to a quintessentially adult question that I had ever heard. This little girl never stopped laughing or having fun. She brought joy and happiness to everyone with whom she made contact. For me, to be reminded that it makes absolutely no difference what someone's age is, what their level of education, or their "future aspirations"is of undeniable value. My life is fun and free when I am able to answer questions like "How old are you" with a care-free and enthusiastic "I don't know." When I am grateful and appreciative not only do I not know but I don't care.

Thank you, Mia!

Oh, Canada......

Tis not my home, nor my native land, but I did have a wonderful week in our neighboring country to the north. When my family and I first heard about the RU Fun week we couldn't wait. For Shelby and me it provided us our first opportunity to leave the country. For all of us it provided an opportunity to meet some families we hadn't met before and become closer to some others we already knew. 

Within this simple week we accomplished all of these goals. Not only were we able to reconnect with some familiar faces from past Live and Learn conferences, we also got to meet a lot of the Northwest and Canadian crowd. What a fantastic group of people. I don't know if I have the words to describe how truly wonderful it is to be able to spend a week with such a beautiful group of people in such an amazing setting. For my family I know that this event has not only brought us closer but it has enriched our lives in so many other ways.

I am a firm believer in that the more people we are able to lovingly connect with, the better the world in which we live. Regardless of what common interest brings a group together, when the members of that group are able to drop their walls of self-protection and truly connect, everyone benefits. The laughter of children, the embraces, the dancing, and the conversations all provided an air of safety and security that most people yearn for.

I am reminded how important it is to have these types of relationships and how I need not take them for granted. Far too many people sabotage their own lives as a result of isolating themselves out of fear or judgement. I refuse to miss the precious moments of my life and the celebration of spirit that comes from human connection.

Thank you Craig and Gillian and everyone else who was at Salt Spring Island last week. My life is truly better as a result.

....I Was Just Thinkin'......

Recent days have brought on many joyful experiences, which of course will create many more. This summer has been a whirlwind of activity. From Shelby piercing her ears, to the events that led to the Traaseth family moving to Georgia, my trip to St. Louis, and the Meehan's trans-Atlantic cruise aboard the Queen Mary2 , wonderful events have taken place in my life and the lives with whom I am intimately connected. In the past couple of weeks I have found out about the Liebermann's and the Schendel's being pregnant. Recently, Steve and Heather have gotten engaged. Finally Mike and Morgan Pierce were given the opportunity to move to Kansas City to further their personal and professional lives and they took it.

With many of these situations comes a feeling of pure joy. I love being connected enough to people to be able to share in their excitement for the wonderful things that happen in their lives. Because of these relationships I am able to learn and grow not only from my personal successes, but also from the successes of others. How awesome is that?! I know that I either choose to involve or exclude myself. IT IS ALWAYS ME WHO MAKES THAT CHOICE!

As I go into this upcoming week, the event I am looking forward to is the Are You Fun un-schooling non-conference in Salt Spring Island, B.C. I absolutely love any event that involves the un-schooling community. The kids are pure joy. The families are in touch with what is truly important. Their shared love and experiences. That is also true in the programs in which I am involved. When my priorities are straight, it is pure joy and love. Even when scary or sad circumstances arise, I am empowered by the connections of love and understanding I have as a result of my relationships. 

The bottom line is that my life is unbelievably good. I am grateful for my beautiful and supportive wife. I am grateful for my thoughtful and exciting daughter. I am grateful for my patient and understanding in-laws. Finally, I am grateful for all of the people with whom I GET to share my life and who so selflessly share their lives with me.

I hope that is how YOU roll.