On The Fly

In this episode, from Pedals to Hiking Trails. Normally, today would be a day for the roadway—the gears, the cadence, the 30-mile push of a cyclist. But today I’ve stepped off the bike and descended into a creek-side trail, where the thick brush effectively erases the neighborhood’s roads. In this concealed corridor, I walk with an old neighbor, Henry David Thoreau, and his words resonate through the limpid air like a frequency I’m finally tuned in to hear: “I am convinced, both by faith and experience, that to maintain one’s self on this earth is not a hardship but a pastime, if we will live simply and wisely.” — Walden There is a specific kind of magic that reveals itself only when you are below the asphalt. By blocking out the sight of the roadways, I’ve also blocked out the noise of the social grid. Today, I once again realize that wisdom and knowledge aren’t things we collect like toys or miles. Instead, they are part of a universal energy—a living spirit that flows through the la...

In this episode, why "Cool" is the Enemy of Growth Last night, Lori and I joined our friends (team #1) in a professional kitchen at Sur La Table in Carlsbad, CA., for a "Date Night in Southern Italy." On the menu: Steak Tagliata, Sautéed Shrimp with Fried Capers, and handmade Garganelli. The experience was amazing, delectable food and an exceptional highlight: the Amalfi Lemon Gelato, complemented by the barrage of questions. When I’m with someone like Chef Gaetano, who’s incredibly patient, I tend to ask a lot of questions quickly. “Why use a fork to whisk the eggs and not a whisker?” “What exactly is the chemical transformation of a fried caper?” “If I roll this Garganelli a half-inch wider, does the sauce-to-pasta ratio collapse?” I could see the look on a few other students' faces: Is this guy for real? Just eat the shrimp, Patrick. But here’s the wisdom I’ve gathered after nearly six decades of being the annoying guy in the front row: The quality of your l...

Doctor Don, at ninety-one, a mind so bright . . .  With a keyboard at hand, you chase away the night. Your stories, like rivers, through books and blogs – they flow. Keep a youthful spirit – plant wisdom seeds to sow. Here's to many chapters, laughter and good cheer. Here's to Dr. Don , at ninety-one a friend so dear.  May your words keep flowing year after year!