Global Wandering

Liking:

1. Ron Carlson’s novel, Five Skies. I spent a week several years ago at a writers conference learning from Carlson. Not only is he a superb novelist and short story writer, but he is a master teacher. It has been a pleasure reading and studying this novel to see how he applies the principles he taught in class.

2. Juan Gabriel’s classic Mexican Ranchero CD recently released on iTunes Latino. I admit ranchera music is an acquired taste, but there is no better language than Spanish to belt out anguished lyrics such as these:

I am going to forget you,
Even if it cost me my life,
Even if it cost me weeping,
I swear to you I have to forget you.

3. The thought of leaving tomorrow for a week away with my family in Park City, Utah. Idaho is getting smoky, hot and dry. It will be nice to escape to the mountains.

4. Welcoming my son Bret home from Scout camp. This is a kid who doesn’t need The Dangerous Book for Boys. He already lives it.

Disliking:

1. Being told yesterday by a resident of my little Idaho town that we do things different here, and if I had grown up here I would have known that. Attitudes like that make me want to flee Idaho.

2. People such as the resident above who make a point of implying how much money they have and are spending. I have many wealthy clients and rich folks with class just don’t hold out their net worth for all to admire. Just as those who are poor don’t make a point of showing off their poverty. In fact, those with true wealth are usually too busy trying to relieve suffering and better the lives of the less fortunate to worry about telling others how much money they have.