I was curious enough to do the math. — I live in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. I have a cute little black rescue dog named Rue Billy King. We go cruise on the beach around sunset most evenings. Many evenings, I’ll stop and buy a Victoria tallboy (my local beer of choice) for the walk back. I watch the sun…

It’s hard for me to clap when I observe any of these 5 things — As a writer, reader, and Medium community member, every time I open an article I want to clap. I want to pound that clap button with joy and spread the virtual love that I hope to receive back in kind. But, when I notice any of these five things, it’s…

Reflections from a 52-Hour Train Ride Across the United States — Preface: Before I started writing my book, before I knew I could actually write, I wrote this. A reflection about an interesting time on a very long cross country train ride. When I finshed the first draft, I passed it to a few magazines and got a few kind rejection…

Fascinating Words That Only Exist In The Language They Were Born — After learning the meaning of Puhpowee (see below), I brought it up in conversation several times over the next week. Every time I mentioned that I had a new word — a word unknown to those with me — the group leaned in, closing the circle. New words pique curiosity.

Learn about all three levels of fun and why the guidebook does more harm than help on a proper backpacking adventure. — The guidebook biz is still booming, and more travel advice is being published every minute. My travel advice for the day is to leave the guidebook at home, and here are my top 7 reasons why. 1. You’ll leave more room for magic. My favorite travel word, favorite travel feeling…

Delights and Pleasures That Have Stood the Test of Time — Creating this list brought me a deep well of peace. In our quickly changing world, considering what has lasted gives me a sense of security. …

The Storyteller by Dave Grohl fails to be vulnerable, and I don’t understand why it’s getting such rave reviews. — I like most things. I like most movies. I like most books. I like Dave Grohl. I really like Nirvana, and I love memoirs. So, for a memoir written by Dave Grohl, two stars is a really bad rating for me. …

Five Mantras that Help Me Live a Better Life — I still remember 5 years ago when I first heard the Rumi quote, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” For the next week, my internal voice would quietly and constantly remind me There is a field. I’ll meet you there. …

Trials and Triumphs in Breathwork — Right now, you might be eating cereal. You might be avoiding work. You might be practicing the spoons. You might be practicing the spoons while eating cereal, which is probably pretty messy. One thing you’re doing for sure is breathing. Last year I read Breath, which I highly recommend and…