Category: Good things

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What if…?

Daily writing prompt
What’s a quote that perfectly describes your outlook on life?
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I saw this writing prompt today and immediately knew what quote I’d share, even if it’s not strictly a quote, or at least one attributable to some wise wordsmith. Maybe it’s more of a credo or a mantra. I know for Joan and I during this change in out lives have leaned on this repeatedly.

What if it all works out?

Selling everything, pulling up roots and moving to a new country is not for the faint of heart. The architecture may be charming. The food and wine can be amazing. But the effort required to start anew in a different country, particularly when you don’t speak the language, is non-trivial.

It’s easy to dwell on the enormity of the task — learning a new language, navigation a different culture, working through a bureaucracy that runs (walks) at a pace that demands deep breathes and patience.

It’s easy to worry over what might go wrong. What if our visas aren’t approved? What if we can’t find a suitable apartment? What if we struggle to set up utilities, or buy groceries, or get a haircut?

And so, our mantra during this transition has been a different kind of ‘what if.’

What if it all works out?

The statement doesn’t mean blindly wishing for smooth sailing, but acknowledges that everything working out is a very real option. It may test us and exercise muscles that have been dormant, but (knock on wood) it’s working out.

We got our visas. The dogs made it to France safely and have adjusted nicely to life here. We found a great apartment (with A/C!), and have made friends with other expats. We’re settled into our place, and now building new routines that include which market to visit, and when to get baguettes at our favorite boulangère.

We’re now setting our sights on travel plans, including hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, our first trip to Estonia and Finland, and some time in western France in a language immersion program. It feels very much like the chapter on moving to France is coming to a close, and we’re starting the next chapter.

What if it all works out?

There’s always the chance that something doesn’t work out. We may have to adjust our plans or correct our course. But this mantra has been really helpful for keeping us moving forward.

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Tectonic Shift Ahead

We’ve been sitting on this one for a while.

After a lot of conversations, long walks, and asking ourselves what we want the next chapter of our life to look like, we’ve decided it’s time for a change. This May, Joan and I are moving to Dijon, France.

Bend has been our home for the past nine years, though we’ve bounced around between LA and the Bay Area for work, it’s here where we’ve built community, friendships, and a life we’re deeply grateful for. Leaving Bend doesn’t mean we’re closing the book on this place or the people here. We’re just turning the page.

This move isn’t about running from anything. It’s about curiosity, a different pace of life, and choosing new adventures while we still can. Everything that matters most to us — connection, time outside, shared meals and good conversations — all come with us.

We are excited. And more than a little nervous. And very aware of how lucky we are to get to do this.

And yes, our door is always open to friends. Burgundy hikes, bike paths, wine, and long, leisurely French lunches are officially on the menu. ????

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The Teton Crest Trail: Will the Second Time Be a Charm?

Grand Teton National Park

Five years ago in October of 2016, I flew from Seoul, South Korea (where I lived for a year) to Salt Lake City. From there I rented a car and drove to Jackson, Wyoming where I was speaking at a conference. I got there a few days early, planning to meetup with another thru-hiker traveling from Germany. Our goal? To hike the Teton Crest Trail in three days.

That attempt was thwarted by an early snow storm that meant winter mountaineering. We weren’t equipped for that, and because it was shoulder season, the gear wasn’t available to rent or purchase. We hiked up Granite Canyon to an elevation of about 9,000 feet when it because obvious we needed a new plan.

So we camped on the snow for the night, and in the morning made our way back down to the valley trail which skirts the eastern flank of the range. It was still a pretty spectacular trip.

This year, I’m finally getting another crack at the Teton Crest Trail, and it’s coming up soon.

Countdown to the Teton Crest Trail

Day Hour Minute Second

I’ll be posting details of the planning and the full trip report over at SoCalHiker.net if you’d like to follow along.

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10 Albums That Made an Impact

You’ve seen the challenge. It goes like this:

The rules: In no particular order, choose 10 albums, one per day, which made an impact (at some point in your life) on you. Post cover, no explanation, and nominate someone each day to do the challenge.

My friend Jason tagged me, and the result is this blog post.

I’m nominating you, since you’re reading this.

Post your list in the comments.

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Acoustic Ninja – Trace Bundy

Acoustic Ninja - Trace Bundy

I first heard Trace Bundy on Pandora, and really enjoyed his music. Since then, Joan and I have seen Trace twice — in Hermosa Beach and again in Seoul, South Korea. Later this month, we’re seeing him again in Berkeley.

It may be difficult to imagine how an acoustic guitar concert could be so good, but this short 7-minute documentary gives you a sense.

Enjoy.

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All That We Share

There’s a lot shit going down in the world today. On Facebook I’ve seen lines drawn and names hurled between people that I consider friends. I’m enthused that people are more engaged than ever in the political process, and hope that action goes well beyond spouting off on FB and putting everyone into a neatly labeled box.

And then my wife shared this beautiful three-minute film from director Asger Leth in Denmark.

I’m hopeful that we will remember all that we share in common.