Cascade Lake, Moran State Park, July 27, 2023
reading:
Yours Truly by James Hagerty makes a great case for telling your own story by writing your own obituary. I have long said that every life would make a great movie or book, if the right person could tell the story. You are most likely the best person to tell yours.
Banana Ball I tried really hard to not like this one. Seemed it would be too cheesy. But Cole won me over with his unending energy and creative thinking.
Magic and Loss, The internet as art by Virginia Heffernan. How did I miss this for so long? Great on so many levels. Technology, culture shifts, art, expectations and assumptions. Thanks to Dave Wheeler for the recommendation.
NERD ALERT: I read Centennial Churches of Washington's Fourth Corner, by Keith Murray (link to Bellingham Library) The book focused on churches that marked 100 years of life in Whatcom County in the early 1980’s. I came here in 1979 and have watched and been involved with may of the identified churches as they entered their second centuries. The focus churches were noted as flourishing and regional pace setters going into the 80’s. My current observation is that 1 has closed, a couple are treading water, a couple are stable and 1 is flourishing. Fascinating reading.
GUILTY PLEASURE ALERT: All the Demons Are Here by Jake Tapper. A bit over the top. Set in 1977 and a lot of important things happened that year and the book plays it up well.
listening (music):
Jimmy S mid-2023 playlist Thanks to CJ for suggesting I include a playlist. I hope you enjoy the flow and story of these songs.
My 12 year old self still geeks out to Summer in the City by the Lovin’ Spoonful. Still my perfect summer song. John B. Sebastian Spoonful co-founders self-titled 1970 solo album is also, one of my all-time favorite hidden gems.
New Buddy & Julie Miller album, In The Throes, coming 9.22.23, and I am very excited!
After years of waiting and hoping Connie & I finally saw Nickel Creek live this month at the Woodland Park Zoo.
viewing:
The Bear: Season 2 (Hulu) The definition of workplace and relational intensity. Episode 6 is so close to reality and pushing the envelope at the same time. Keep breathing.
Took the granddaughters to see Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at the Blue Fox Drive-in. Nice to be able to keep the drive-in experience alive.
Honest opinion. Season 3 of The Righteous Gemstones has been a disappointment. I loved the first two, but 3 seems so flat. I will watch to the end with hope of resurrection.
GUILTY PLEASURE ALERT: The Lincoln Lawyer, season 2 Beautiful people in SoCal caring deeply for those in unjust situations while manipulating the rules of laws for themselves and their close connections.
Reservation Dogs, season 3 drops August 2. I have loved every minute of Reservation Dogs seasons 1 & 2 and anticipate an amazing season 3, the final run.
listening (pods):
The 13th Step An investigative journalist breaks a story of corruption in a substance treatment corporation. Everything flips when the journalist becomes the story.
Blazer Focused thanks to @AaronJFentress & Craig Birnbach for helping me keep up with my Trailblazers (see more below).
The Political Scene - The Dark-Money Supreme Court Where is SCOTUS going, who is it serving, and what does it matter?
random (f)acts:
Damian Lillard leaving the Trailblazers is a big deal (at least for me). His 11 years in Portland have kept me and other fans on the edge of expectation. It has been a constant journey of somehow, maybe, will this be the year? It appears to be over. There is sadness in the loss of what could have been, but always hope for the future (That’s sports!).
This was year 37 of (tent) camping at Moran State Park on Orcas Island (photo above). We started as a family of 4 with Kyle & Michael and have been joined by other family and friends over the years. Many of our life memories and relationships have touchpoints at Moran.
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