A lost Art?

Have you ever been given advice that you didn't ask for? Have you ever felt that someone has asked you a question with the intent of giving you their advice rather than the desire to hear your answer? I have, in fact I experienced that just a few hours ago. A co-worker asked me a question about my future. When I responded it was clear that wasn't what they wanted to hear and or were assuming I would say. They then preceded to share their input on why I shouldn't do what I shared and I should continue doing what I have told them I am stopping. Now some of you reading this may want to know what they advised, what I said, and the subject matter, but that is of no relevance. What is relevant? Well, to me, it is the fact that rather than supporting me, rather than showing interest by asking questions to learn, they asked a question with a self centered pretense and when I didn't answer their question to their pretense their mood shifted. Now this happens to all of us, and the more I look back on my life, the more I see I've fallen trap to this so easily device. It is hard to ask a question and not respond, isn't it? It is hard to accept other's decisions as best for them and support them through positivity despite our feelings. It is hard to let silence occur. It is hard to not input, not advise, not "help". It is hard to listen. It is hard to actually be interested. It is hard to support effectively. But, if most of you are like I, through experience hard things generally are best. Hard things usually involves me letting go of myself and jumping on the wave of life, the wave of the cosmos, the wave of God. Why is it hard to not respond? Why is it hard to not merit advice to those whom don't ask? Maybe it is hard because it is hard to listen. Is listening an art? Is listening a skill that must be learned, inquired, and or trained to inherit? The more I look back on recent conversations, the more frustrating feelings have occured rather than encouraging feelings. Think about the last time you had a conversation with someone where the topic of conversation has been 'difficult, hard, uneasy, or confusing.' Have you felt the need to give an answer? Have you given an answer, or advice, or your thoughts or feelings? Did that individual ask for advice? Did they ask what you felt about it? Did they ask for your input? Or maybe, just maybe, did they just need an ear? Did they just need someone, who cared enough about them to listen for 5 minutes. Because really that is all it takes right, 5 minutes. 5 minutes to show someone that you care. 5 minutes to hear out someones inner most thoughts. One of my best friends, Aaron Benedetti, whom I respect abundantly, does this better than anyone I know! AB lives in the present moment more beautifully than anyone I know. He is always present in the now, yet without neglecting future responsibilities and opportunities, and with a beautiful balance of remembering the past so that it serves as a catalyst of growth and blossoming within the present! He is not afraid of silence....the unknown! I love this about him and make it a daily ritual of mine own so that I myself can cultivate this into my lifestyle. It is a talent, it is an art-form. It is the ability to clear your mind of all pretense and deception. It is the positive trait of living in the moment, connecting with the present energy and emotions that float around us in the very particles we breathe every moment of every day. Slow down and breathe! Think about it. The oxygen we take for granted every second. The beauty that we miss because we are so worried about where it may come from next, that we don't see that it is already here! I don't have any tattoo's, but the one that I have contemplated getting forever etched on my body for the past 3 or 4 years is the word Peace and or Shalom, but I would like it in the Aramaic script. I read a deeper meaning of this word a few years back that has forever stuck. The author described Peace, Shalom, as this; "The ever surrounding goodness and presence of God." Goodness is all around us, isn't it? I believe it is. Yet, if I'm honest with myself I find it easier to see negativity. I find it easier to see what isn't around me that I want to have around me, rather than focusing on the good that is current. Yet, again, if I'm honest with myself, the less I focus on what isn't around me that I want, and the more I focus on the Shalom that abounds, the happier I am. The more at Peace I am. The slower I am to want. The better listener I become. The more secure with the unknown I feel. The more I see the Shalom of life, the more I believe in others. The more I want to know others, and their interests, and their mindset and their thoughts. The more I want to ask questions and actually listen. The more I want to not give my advice, but rather hear other's. The more I believe in the Shalom that resides in the very ability to move my fingers, in correlation with my cognitive thought process and actually type this very blog is nothing less than Beautiful and Fascinating! Today my co-worker, in my opinion, wasn't very supportive. But, thankfully I believe in my decision. I believe in my life, because I believe in the Shalom of life. I believe that despite not having a fully explainable answer to a question that was posed futuristically (which is mere speculation anyway) all will be good! All will be beautiful. And all will be Shalom. Next time someone comes to you with the braveness, the courage, the vulnerability to share something about their life, I encourage you to listen. Take a breath. Think about the Shalom around you. Think about what they are saying. Listen to what they want, need, and or feel. And please, if someone doesn't ask you for you advice, it is not helping them to give it. In fact it may hinder. I know we all have been in these situations before, because we are all human and we are all striving to exist within this crazy energetic world to the best of our abilities.

Shalom

PDX Memorandum

My distain for corporate-food America grew tremendously today. I was craving a burger so I went to an establishment called Coal Burger. I proceeded to spend $14.79, without tip, on a burger, fries, and water that was mediocre at best. The bun was from a package, the burger thin and compressed, and the fries to big and flash fried. The flavors were skeptical and tasted like mass production. What does mass production taste like? Dull. Boring. Dry. Plastic-'ey'. My lunch today made me miss Portland, OR. It made me miss Killer Burger on NE 46th and Sandy on the East Side where you can't spend more then $10 if you tried and you get a burger that is made fresh with characteristics so controversial they allure you in like an arcades Bright Neon Lighting (which can be found just down the road on Belmont and 19th at the Avalon Arcade!!! Check it out if you haven't!!!) I miss PDX. I miss 23 Hoyt at 10:00pm on a Tuesday night where I could go grub on a Burger and shoestring fries, where the burger is topped with Avocado, tomato, lettuce, onion, bacon, and an Egg over easy for $10 during their Happy Hour times which so conveniently were 4:00 to 6:30 and 9:00 to close! So basically, don't be an idiot and go during the 2 1/2 hr gap they they are open for those with endless pockets. PS...this is a perfect burger to consume after a great late afternoon and early evening of drinking with friends. Mow down this burger at 23 Hoyt and your what would be headache and cloudy mind the next morning is non existent. Despite missing local eateries, I miss much more than just the food. I miss the people making the food. I miss the mindset behind local companies. I miss the moral and way of living life that those in the Pacific Northwest portray so elegantly, yet humble. It's a paradox. Portland is a paradox that I find tough even in this current moment to properly explain. I can't and I won't try. Just go. Experience it for yourself, you will love it as long as you let it love you. Open your mind, go in with no expectations, and ride the city like your making love to her! Allow her beauty to penetrate your taste-buds, your heart, your ears, your eyes, and your soul.

I woke up this morning to rain. That is a rarity in Arizona. I loved it. I still am loving it. It is still raining. It is actually humorous watching people run with their umbrellas frantically outside as I sit in Press Coffee and type. Anywho. I'm over writing for today. I distain Corporate America. I'm an advocate for Local impression no matter the business venture. I miss PDX and all that it embodies. And I miss the people. The people I met behind the bars. The people that actually cared about cooking the burger for me. The people who treated everyone as equal. The people I shared life with, you know who you are. We will be re-united. We will love together again and laugh together again. I miss VanRon Yards. I miss the Gorge. I miss RonToms. I miss Barista. I miss Pumpkin Ridge. I miss the Portland Towers. I miss 21st St. I miss Paper Source. I miss Paradox. I miss Washington Park. I miss Pine State Biscuits. I miss her. I miss her beauty. I miss her allure. I miss her energy. I miss you Portland, OR. Until we meet again, I wait in high anticipation! Much love to all my people who share this love and still currently embrace it daily. Take care of her, for we all know that she takes great care of all who live amongst her!

6.841

As of 2010, the World Population is said to consist of 6.841 Billion people. What? 6,840,507,000 people who live, breath, eat, sleep, play, work, love, hate, give, take, laugh, cry, contribute or consume. The last 10 years of my life have been spent in numerous places. I resided in the greater Los Angeles area for 5 years. Reno, NV for off and on throughout. Portland, OR the last 2 (which have by far been the best) and now Scottsdale, AZ. Every place is quite populated in the worldview of density size per area. However, each city has been incredibly different. Different energy, different conversations, different intellectual structures, different belief systems, values, moral, conviction, different foods, music, art, entertainment, different attitudes, linguists, accents, verbage, different attire, styles, and physical hygiene, different climates and most importantly different people. However, we are all people, right? All 6.841 billion of us are all people correct? All human beings that need to eat, sleep, drink, breathe, work, play, love????? Why if we are all the same at our core, we look so different? Why if we are all human beings, living amongst one another, we try to stand out, almost to my perception of as if we were competing with one another rather than working together with one another for a common goal? The more places I have lived and traveled upon, the greater my soul years for equality. THE WORLD IS ENORMOUS. People are everywhere. People carry beauty. Beauty is perceptual. But the more I live, the more I find that this 'world' (America media and the stereotypical norm) says that beauty isn't perceptual. It isn't 6.84billion people wide. America says their is One Way. One prominent country. One prominant people group. One physical beauty. One way to live life. I'm not going to explain what they say it is. I trust you all to open your eyes and see it for yourself. I trust that many of you already do see it for yourself and ask, really? Is this what I wake every morning for and exhert my energies toward. Is saving for a BMW and House really what I want my legacy to be. Sometimes, check that, majority of times I think I am so important. I think I am bigger or better than the other 6 billion-840 million-5hundred and 99thousand-9hundred and 99 people in this world. Sounds different spelled out right? Put's it into a bit more perspective, doesn't it? Here's the paradox though, you are important! You are beautiful. I am important. I am beautiful. But, everyone is important. Everyone is beautiful. Everyone is a human being. We are all the same at the core. Millions and Billions of us could argue how we all got here and what our purpose is. This is not the point though. The point is that we are all here. The point is that we are all living amidst this giant sphere of cosmic energy someone labeled Earth. The point is that we all have purpose. We all need the same things. So my question then is why do we all look so different. What has gotten us to December 7, 2011. What has tore us apart and made us all look, act, speak, work, play, love, hate, and feel so differently from one another? Should it be this way? Check that, maybe a better question is, do we want it to continue to be this way or is their a more beautiful way? I am one little person amidst this world and I don't know. But what I do know is this. The more I have experienced. The more I have travelled. The more people I have met and actually opened myself up to and been willing to invest in whether it be an hour conversation at a bar over a beer with no pretense or selfish intent or it be someone who I have spent my entire 27+years of life with, they all seem to want love. They all seem to hope for more than they currently have, or at least believe that there is something more and greater than what they currently have. Wherever you may be, whatever culture you are within, here's to being the same. Here's to being human. Here's to being equal. I apologize in advance to my Republican family and friends:) for I know you may disagree. But when I dream, I dream of utopia. I dream of love. I dream of a world where all 6.841 billion people may look different on the outside, but live the same within. May our differences bring beauty to this world and more importantly bring us closer together because far too often through my personal experiences they have unfortunately seperated us apart from that which we all are.

Have you looked in the mirror lately?

Have you ever been faced with a decision? A decision that has no right nor wrong. A decision that holds merit whichever choice is chosen? A decision that has both pro's and con's and despite them looking drastically different can both could teach valuable lessons and strengthen one's character. What do you do in these situations? Do you talk it through with others? Do you go with your gut? Do you go with your brain? Do you choose the easier route? The less risky route? Or do you go against the flow? Choosing the route less traveled, or a bit unkown. Are the voices within clear? Or do they blend together like a night shapshot of a busy freeway?

If you do talk with others, do they truly listen? Do they truly give you "good" advice? Or do they merely give you advice that they would do. That they think is best. I often sit back after conversations and say to myself, did that person even hear a fucking word that I said? My generation is quicker, fuller, wittier, more sarcastic, and impatient than ever before, in my opinion. This is not a bad thing in and of itself. Technology is ridiculously amazing when I slow my mind down and actually think how cell phones, skype, iPad's, GPS, satellite tracking in the everyone's palm, etc, actually function. I have access to any knowledge I may desire in the blink of an eye. I love the era that I live. But, sometimes it confuses me. Sometimes I hear to much. Voices are always whispering and more often or not they are yelling. Yelling loudly, vigorously, dogmatically, pridefully, arrogantly, and in their "mental reverberations" always correctly. If you are anything like me. I enjoy talking through thoughts and ideas. Ideas help produce greatness. However, it takes a special individual to listen and not speak. It takes someone who stops their lives, and truly taps into yours to understand what voice you need to hear. Why is it that when one is faced with a decision of their own, the only voice they can't hear amidst the multitudes is such that, their own. Is it past guilt from others? Is it insecurity or fear of what the decision may bring in the future? Is it a lack of desire? Is it a lack of intuition? Sure, all these could be a player. However, sometimes I think it is that one know's the world and others better than oneself. I sadly find myself here at times, and for lack of better linguistics, it SUCKS! We are all human. We are all unique. Each individual has something to offer, maybe even a multitude of things to offer the world and others. Therefore, why does one not know which route to go? Are too many options just that...too many?

THINK ABOUT THIS SENTENCE: Are too many options just that, too many? Was the church correct when they taught us we had to die to ourself and think of others first? Sure that premise seems nice, but shit, can't it be even more detrimental in the long run? If you never think about yourself, you never take care of yourself, and you then never have anything to give to another. It is kind of an oxymoron the more I think about it. If one is thinking about what other people want, rather than what they want, quite frankly I think one will get screwed over more times than not. Now please don't take me irrationally. I am not promoting selfishness. But I am promoting self love. I am promoting self care. I am promoting self belief. For if one doesn't believe in the voice within, how are they ever going to know which of the millions voices without to believe? One of my favorite bands sings this line: "You better stand for something, or you'll fall for anything." Well my friends, I propose we stand for ourselves. I propose we stand for the betterment of ourselves. And it's sad that I must explain what betterment to me looks like, but it is of such: Health, Clarity, Peace, Openess, Love, Consciousness, Optimism, Honesty, and Encouragement. With that, if you are ever struggling with a decision and don't know what to do. Stop and think, what is best for the betterment of me? Because, whenever you become better, you gain more to give away. But the moment you make a decision that makes another happier than you, is the moment that you begin to lose part of you and frankly, that makes me mad. Everyone is beautiful, and everyone has something to offer. Don't let another take that away from you. Here's to making the most of who we are, so that we can share that with the world around us! And remember, next time someone needs advice, stop and think how to get them to find what is best for them, because most of the time they look different from you. If you don't believe, just have someone, anyone stand next to you in front of a mirror!

I read a quote the other day about Steve Jobs. I can't recall it exactly, but the point withstood. He said: The day you look in the mirror and don't like what you see is the day you change who you see and start doing something different.

SC

Where have all the Purple shoes gone?

I've spent the entire morning reading. Reading my own thoughts within my own blog. Weird? Maybe, but not for me. I'm encouraged. I feel accelerated to continue writing, living, sharing thoughts with others, and experience life abundantly each day! As of my last post, many of you know much is new in my current life. The word new normally correlates with good in my opinion. Currently that is not the case. I'm not saying that the new things in my life are bad by any means. They are different, obviously. But I will say they are much more structured. Now, again, many people when they hear structure they correlate good to it. Call me liberal, but when I hear structured, my eyes, cheeks, forehead and lips close together as I give a look of perplexity.

What do I mean exactly? I am seeing how I am not a huge fan of structure. Why? Because I feel when something and or someone becomes so structured, they loose expression. They loose the ability to change, to grow, to learn, to adapt, to create, and to evolve. Let me further elaborate. Expression is the word that keeps circulating in my brain today. Life is all about expression. Every company expresses their goal and or mission. Every person expresses their personality, belief, and values through their clothes, speech, and demeanor. Every store that we enter, or pass by, expresses their vision through their design of product and logo. Everything we do expresses something. Thus, when something becomes so structured, expression can be stifled. Expression can be looked down upon. Expression can be a hinderance or distraction rather than encouragement or motivation!

Have you ever gone somewhere, encountered someone, or been in a certain scenario where your opinion, your style, your thoughts, and they way you express yourself felt unwanted. Of course, everyone has. Did you like that experience? If you are anything like me, it drove you crazy. It made you want to scream toward the skies and run for the hills. Actually, it makes me want to scream toward the skies and run toward the situation, but that is because I want to change the situation and recreate the structure for better which I am learning despite how good the motivation and desire may be, it is not always the best decision to do so. With that, I've been dwelling upon much today and really the past month since my move.

I'm dwelling upon the country I live in and it's predominate "Structure". I am dwelling upon business's who say you have to look a certain way, dress a certain way, where a certain colored shoe because it is more professional. I am dwelling upon a world that is fully Expressive. A culture that is accepting of all expressions. A culture that not only is accepting of many forms of expression but is promoting Expression in abundant forms because they believe themselves that much growth will come from it. Is it just me, or is it hard to find these people, these organizations, these cultures, and this thought of openness?

How many billion of people live within this world? We say nobody is exactly alike, but do we believe that? Because the more I live, and sit back, the more I see people and places try to make people into a certain structure. We try to mold them into our expressions. As I write it just hit me that I may be trying to do this as well and my expression is openness and acceptance of all forms of expression. That may be the case, but at least what I expressing is expression itself and not some other structured conceptualization of expression:)

Anywho. My mind is quite scrambled and I realize my syntax is currently sloppy. Therefore, may we express ourselve's. May we speak our mind. May we say what we believe. May we show to the world who we are. And more importantly, may the world be ok with that! May we not cringe when someone expresses themselves differently. May we intellectually be curious about expression for the possibility of teaching that lies within it unfolds. I urge us all to wake in the morning and express ourselves from within, rather than letting the structures on the outside become our dictation. Because seriously, who says it is more professional and or you will do better work in black shoes than Purple shoes? I bet I'll rock a purple belt and purple shoes better than a black belt and black shoes any day of the week. And one thing I've found, is when you feel confident and accepted through self expression, great things more often than not ensue. So here's to feeling purple and strapping on a purple belt with purple shoes if that is what it takes to conquering the day! I think it is time for us to start wearing our purple shoes again, no matter what the structures may say!

Hey you! What's NEW?

The new job is underway. I'm 98% settled into the new apartment. Only 2 of the 6 new courses have I played. I've met all of my new bosses. My new address has been ordered on new checks. My new friend Jessica has already introduced me to many new Scottsdale 'hot spots'. New muscles are sore from the best and hardest Yoga class I've ever taken. New feelings are within as I explore my new city. New gas stations are around as I now have to get out of my car to pump my own gas (which I prefer). My skin is taking on a new color and smoothness as my Vitamin D intake has spiked tenfold in just a week. New thoughts abound as I encounter new people and feel the new energy of this city. Get the picture yet? Much is NEW! I don't know how I feel about this, so I'm not going to try to conjure up some intellectual metaphor to expound upon my current state. Thus, today's writing will be more factual than philosophical.

I'm sitting at Press Coffee in the Scottsdale Quarter. It is the only local coffee roaster I've found thus far. It's good. Coffee is strong and was freshly pulled upon my order. Sorry Starbucks, you can never say you do this. It is white and black, modern, chic, clean, and it's energy is current and progressive. I like this. There are no bricks, no wood decks, no vines on the side of the building, and no tattoos...... Portland you are truly missed. I will get use to the bronze skin, flip flops, shorts, air conditioning, sand, cactus, bamboo, cement instead of bricks...no bricks are beautiful, but it will take time.

My apartment is fun. It is about twice the size as my place in Portland, and much more accomodating. But with more space, comes more empty void? More room to be alone. But I do have a kitchen and I've been maximizing that. It does feel good to go to the store and buy vegetables, salad, apples, cheese, wine, eggs, steak, lamb, granola, yogurt, bell peppers and tomatoes, and create a meal. Something that I did not do enough in Portland due to the lack of space. Yet those times I did share and create meals with my PDX Crew are forever etched in my mind. Wow, I miss you all. Love you all, and know I will celebrate with you all in due time!

My job is going to be smooth I'm assuming. The staff is professional, the members polite and energetic, and the facilities are World Class. There are 6 courses with Desert Mountain. I don't believe there is another facility in the world that has 6 private courses for member dispersement! It's an honor to be here. It is not as fast paced as other clubs I've worked within. I attribute that to the number of staff and the professionalism of each. Not only do members travel from all over the world to be a part of the DM family, employees do as well. There is much to be said about that.

I played late in the day yesterday. It was gorgeous. I played with one of the Head Professionals and he taught me a lot about the course and lay of the land. He is polite, professional, and yet genuine enough to be someone who I will look too for personal and professional growth. The sun set as we finished, and the full moon arose over the painted desert. Sunsets and sunrises are quite beautiful here. I played well as I jumped out of the shoots and birded the first 2 holes. We played 12 holes and I was 1 under. It felt good to play poised, calm, and under control. I look forward to many more rounds and many more new days.

With that, I think I am going to try to focus my mind and energy on enjoying what is happening within and around me. I like to create and I like to think. However, I'm seeing that this might be a time for me to intake. This may be a time for me to learn. This may be a time for me to rest in what is new and contribute what I've already created over the years when the situation deems appropriate. I've created, thought, and composed much in my 27 years of life. It might be time for me to give some of that away and enjoy new adventure, thoughts, people, lessons, and energies as I begin life from Scottsdale, my NEW City!

Much love to you all who have contributed to the allowance of myself to experience new things in my new city! May we all look to create something new not only in ourselves, but in those around us all well! Here's to being able to see NEW, and receive NEW, no matter one's circumstance or location.

Irreplaceable

Fall is upon Portland. Summer just began 2 weeks ago and the past three mornings were grey. The plaid is coming out of the closet. The white sperry's are put away on the shelf, and the mixture of shorts with sweaters or denim with T's is fighting this fight as long as possible.

I've been finishing up lessons out at Pumpkin Ridge. It is nice to have your own work schedule. Indubitably, one day that will be the norm. I'm looking forward to my last family dinner tonight, I hope it goes in slow motion. Why are goodbyes so hard? Why, despite excitement, knowledge, hopefulness, and optimism about what my next chapter will be, I don't want to write the concluding paragraph of the current? Is it because of the tough goodbye's I've experienced in the past? Partly yes, but if you all know me, you know what I would say to that. An emphatic word that rhymes with luck. The past is gone, nothing can be done about it. The future is bright. We can dream and imagine all we want, but the present is where life breathes. This current moment of mine at Barista, on a crisp, cloudy, fall day is where my heart lays. And I must say, it is laying comfortably. It's resting, it's calm, its relaxed, in fact it's legs are stretched straight, back is slighty arched up, and if I weren't typing the hands would behind the head until they reached for the Italiano to my right. The brick walls are fitting for the fall day, the people in plaid are making me think of Thanksgiving. Sidetrack...can we skip Halloween all-together and just do a Thanksgiving month! Back on track...I'm going to miss this wooden deck, these cool steel chairs, the white sign that reads beatiful simplicity in a cup. And this is why I hope tonight goes in slow motion. Because I'm going to miss my crew. I'm going to miss my family. I'm going to miss Aaron, Vanessa, Nate, Jeff, and Tanya. I'm going to miss VanRon Yards. Will there be other Yards and people yes. But that doesn't negate the goodbye. Will others fill their role, NO WAY! So much love, so much excitement, so many memories, and so much life was shared together that nobody, no time, and no distance could take away what they mean to me!

Who means this much to you? Who is irreplaceable in your life? Do they know they are irreplaceable? Have you shown them how much you value them? If not, what better time than the present! What better time than the current breathe you take right now. This week has been tremendous for me. This week is only going to get better with the things in store that are planned. Tomorrow's lunch is much anticipated. Friday's gathering/party is going to be Hollywood! Saturday's waking, eating, and exploring will be new and then the packing will ensue. The remembering of what the last two years of my life consisted of. Yikes, where to begin. So much transpired. Words won't suffice. The people within these two years know who they are and that is enough because they were there! They are still there this week! And they will be there in the life to come!

With that, I am going unabashed and non-unique. I am stealing, check that, borrowing words from a girl that can lay it down! Cheers to this Freakin Weekend, I will drink to that! So, Whatever your beverage of choice is, may it be shared with the ones who are Irrrrrreeeplaceaaable!

Look Mom, I'm in the movies!

It's official. The main title of my blog will change in a month. Life is continual. The only constant is change......well, and energy and billions of other things we try to wrap our mind around and can't, but the one change I'm referring to is location. Come October I will no longer be living life amongst the heavy foliage in the Pacific Northwest, but rather the painted desert's of the vast Southwest. Scottsdale, Arizona is where I'm heading. I'll be trading in my North Face Jacket for sunglasses and sunscreen. Is that legal? Sounds like I'm getting the better end of that deal. Did I just trade my bag of carrots for a twinkie?.....although I would trade a twinkie for a bag of carrots any day if we were realistically speaking. However, I am going to miss Portland. I am going to miss it's culture, food, coffee and city-life. I am going to miss 21st street and the Pearl. I am going to miss walking to Trader Joes. I am going to miss the abundant flower shops along the side of the street where I can stop amongst the busy streets that produce energy and anxiety and feel as if I am also in the countryside as I breathe in the tulips. This city has an amazing balance of energy. Too bad it only breathes 4 months a year or I may consider it home.

Portland, up to now, has been the best city that I have officially lived in. Yet, I haven't been happy here the majority of the time. I haven't felt at home. I learned a great amount, met people who will be near to my heart the rest of my days, and probably experienced a bit more than I should....nah, nevermind that, the experiences have been Hollywood! Yep, I just used that word because epic is so overplayed. But, one thing is true. I am going to miss Portland, the people, and the many memories that my time in this city produced. I didn't go to the movies much in Portland, but I made many movies of mine own within this city that I will take with me, and I plan to do the same in Scottsdale. I'll miss the brick's for sure. Architecturally speaking, and "tavernly" speaking! The scenery is about to change dramatically. I will miss the abundance of Green, yet the Blonde scenery I will be amongst I eagerly await. Despite the sadness that usually comes with saying goodbye, I will make the most of my time remaining here in Portland, and eagerly await the opportunity to start a new chapter, a new blog, and new movies of my own in the beautiful city of Scottsdale, Arizona. Life is anew every day. No day should be the same. You never know what tomorrow will bring. The day you do know what tomorrow will bring is the day that today ceases. Life is a continual reel looking for people who are willing to be the lead actor in it's story. Next time you want to go to the movie's, I say you change it up a bit and go make your own. Who knows where it may take you or which role you may land!

Care without Caring

My laptop battery is at 12% and I left my plug at my studio. This post will be quick. Is life meant to be peaceful? There are many translations of 'peace', and it's a question for all, thus I am not going to define peace because whatever it means to you is important. Lately my life hasn't been peaceful. It has been chaotic, fast, rushed, and almost nervously unsettling. Is it because I am busier than normal? Is it because I have much more responsibility in my life than ever before? Is it because I am saying yes to much and no to little. Is it because I'm averaging 4-5hrs of sleep a night (by my choice so I'm not complaining, but am hurting a bit and reaping the consequences). I believe these all attribute slightly. But the main source I am finding is other people. I am not at peace when I worry about what other people think of my actions. I work in an industry that is all about promoting world class services to people. Assisting them, teaching them, selling to them, listening to them, and ultimately making their daily experience better than the day priors. It's rewarding, fun, ever-changing, relatively easy, but damn taxing at times! Some days I go in, I am a rockstar and I don't care what the members and or people think and those days go great. Others however, I worry. I let other people's emotions, thoughts, and feelings dictate my peace. Because lets be honest, no matter how well one does something, if the other person doesn't think they did it well they look at you differently. They treat you differently, and they talk about you and to you differently. This is a sad truth that forces me to learn how to continuously care without truly caring. What a conundrum! I love life's conundrums. Conundrums make the world go round, along with questions, and oxygen, and water...... Ok, 1%....here's to conundrums!

Does Johnny Miller actually know what he's talking about?

I hate to admit this, but of all the people in the world whose words could inspire me, yesterday they came from Johnny Miller. That's right, the brash, abrasive, egocentric (so I thought till after his interview), often rude, and filterless golf analyst shared a lot of insight that got me thinking deeply....shocking right? As I rested, healing from my bodies massive revolt against me saying, "sleep, ever heard of it? You are not superhuman," I watched David Feherty interview Johnny Miller. Miller was arguably the best ball striker of all time, especially in his run in the 70's. What I didn't know was that Johnny's run in the 70's wasn't a lucky time stretch where he got hot and then fizzled out for years to no avail. Quite the opposite. Johnny Miller retired amidst his run, amidst his prime, amidst his glory days. Why? Because of his family, because of his wife, because of his kids, because of his character. Johnny Miller, character? Really? I was humbled, oh how quick I am too judge someone by their initial words without understanding the years and years of rootage that goes deep into the soil of one's soul to produce a current word. People don't just speak a sentence out of thin air. They speak it out of the fertilized soil called their soul, their heart, their mind, their body, their very being! How often do we here what someone says and write them off before inquiring and heaven for bids take the time out of out lives to ask them questions about what they truly meant by their words. Or even better, realize that their life is not exactly like ours, their mind doesn't tick exactly like ours, because life doesn't evolve around you and they way you have lived. You are a miniscule part, one of Billions who have lived life here on this earth, and all are....wait.....have the potential to be as beautiful if not more brilliant than yours. I believe everyone is equal, all are beautiful in their own right, however, why do some stand out more? Why do some names become known while others cease to be read? What makes people Great? If we all have the ability to be great, what does it take within the individual to choose greatness? Can greatness be chosen?

I was sitting on the couch with a good buddy last night. We were talking about future goals, plans, and situations we dream and are working toward achieving. He said something along these lines, "when you get to the certain point as we are, greatness comes by being risky. It rarely comes through a comfortable situation." I couldn't agree more, but is that all it is, risk? Johnny Miller told David Feherty that their were tournaments, the British Open and US Open, where he believed he deserved to win. Deserved? Now I don't know about you, but I was raised and indoctrinated to believe that one doesn't deserve anything but death. Without being overally dramatic, I 10% agree with that statement and 90% believe is it out of context horseshit. If you work hard, I think it is downright ok to believe you deserve to be compensated accordingly. However, that doesn't mean if you don't, you throw a tissy fit or become a 7 year old at a carnival that doesn't get as big a snow cone as their friend and knocks it out of their hand. No, you continue working hard, believing that it will pay off in the end. Believing that just because you may deserve something, doesn't mean it will always pay out the way we expect it to. And if I am honest with my life and it's experiences, moreso than not, my expectations aren't as half as good as what truly transpires through my hard work and dedication.

When Miller said, I deserved to win those tournaments, it was a feeling within himself. A belief within himself, based upon hard work and dedication. The previously shared that as a young man his father had him practice endlessly. He had him hit golf shots from obscure places, under trees, behind trees, buried lies under lips of the bunker, downhill slopes to tucked pins, blind shots, and shots over water...lots of water. What he said this instilled in him was Belief. He believed that he worked harder than anybody else he was competing against. He believed that he deserved to win, not because of Pride or Privilege, but because of Preparation. Because he knew that he could hit any shot, even if he didn't ever have to hit one of those shots in an actual tournament. He believed he deserved to win, because he could if he had too.

Is there something in your life that you want that you currently don't have? A dream job? A new living situation? Depth of Relationships? A significant other? A year on the Nationwide/PGA Tour? A job promotion? A vacation? Whatever it may be, go for it! Be risky. Take a risk and work harder than ever before. Don't look back. Believe it will transpire. Adapt as needed. Believe you deserve whatever your dreaming about and turn that dream into reality. Trust that it will work out, and know that even if the end result isn't exactly what you envision today, that doesn't mean it's not what is best and or meant for you! We deserve what we believe in, what we work towards, what we put our trust into! As tough as it is to admit this, I believe Johnny Miller knew what he was talking about.

Moving Day in Bethesda, MD

It's moving day at the U.S. Open. Like the masses, I find myself pulling for Rory! Do you see how he finishes? Yes, that is right, how he finishes. No, not how he finishes his final rounds but how he finishes his golf swing. He swings through the ball better than most. He finishes high. He never holds off a shot. He is committed, confident, and trusting. I love watching him swing. It is as if he has no fear. No doubt. No second thoughts, even if the planned shot isn't the 'correct' one, you sure as hek couldn't tell from his swing and demeanor. Outside of Rory, I am pulling for Kevin Chappell. Who, you might ask? Kevin Chappell, a UCLA alum. I don't know Kevin personally, but I know him competitively. Kevin and I fought it out on the links a half a dozen times or so. We exchanged shots, putts, fist pounds, and even probably a few glares. But we never exchanged dis-pleasantries. Everywhere from the Carson Daly Invitational at Robinson's Ranch where I came out the victor, to0 the sacred grounds of The Olympic Club; host of the 2006 Pacific Coast Amateur where Kevin not only outdid myself, but calmed the storms the Lakes course tends to stir. I miss those days, and finally feel that I am in a place to regain new days of such in the future!

I love the respect within golf. That is why I am pulling for Rory and Kevin. I respect them. I respect their games. Their styles. Their attitudes, thoughts, and most importantly their work ethic. I've tasted the committment it takes to be good. I've sweated the hours it takes to stay dry amongst the precipitation of pressure on a Moving Day. The days of my 88 at the United States Amateur still haunts me from time to time from 2005. It's hard to get over disappointments and failures. It's hard to let things go. But that is exactly what you have to do within the game of golf. That is exactly what you have to do within the realm of life. You have to believe in the next moment, the next shot, the next read, alignment, aim, and the next putt. All the while staying in the moment. Executing the shot at hand. To believe in the future, be content in the present, and learn from the past is something I'm striving for on both of my courses.

I like words. They hold power. But lately I'm not much of a word guy. People use words to flippantly and abundantly. Is less more when it comes to words? My new favorite word is perpetuity. And no not perpetuity with words, but perpetuity within life and actions. I find that words, allbeit their power, are dis-valued time and time again by lack of action.

Rory is Rory, and he is in the hunt again because he has perpetuity. David Feherty told a story this morning, on the Golf Channel, about his time he spent with Rory the Sunday night after Augusta. David said they sat, had a few beers, then a few cokes, and then spoke. David asked Rory, "Are you ok?" And Rory beautifully spoke, "If today is the worst day of my life, I will be more than ok." Best of luck to you sir Rory! Continue on your perpetual journey. Thank you for inspiring me to live in perpetuity. Why is it so hard for some to live perpetually? Why do we always have to speak. Aren't their words, noises, and voices already happening amongst us? Aren't they more clear and powerful than my own? Would I be farther along if I spoke less and lived perpetuitively? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Since I am writing words on perpetuity, I feel the urge to stop. To perpetuity!

sc

Beard's & Big Belly's on 14th and Burnside

Recently it seems as if I have been encountering old people more-so than usual. Last week, after leaving the gym in the Pearl, I drove my usual route home, down 14th and up Burnside as I came across a bearded old man crossing 14th st. It was the crucial moment, and in my post work out tire, I decided to brake and wave the man across. 2 mins later he had crossed. Ever noticed how much can go through ones mind in 2 minutes? If not, STOP! Seriously, stop reading and just sit for 2 minutes and think............................................................................................................................ Cheater! I know that wasn't 2 minutes. But I guess the man didn't actually take a full 2 minutes either. Count it even!

But seriously, I began to think about the man. He was about 5'8" because of a solid 4 inch slouch due to a seriously overloaded belly. He had blackish grey hair that continued into a solid foot long beard and full stash! He wasn't homeless, I assume, but sure didn't have much to live for probably at home. But I didn't think so much of him. I thought about life. I thought about time. I thought about the infinite Human cycle of age that no matter how healthy you are, how much you work out, how active you are, and how young you stay, it is inevitable that all grow old. I thought, what the hell and where the hek am I gonna be when I become that old? Portland? Doubtful. California? Unlikely. Nevada? Please no...unless I am living in a log cabin in North Lake Tahoe writing, snowboarding still, and playing golf. Fiji? Is that even a possibility? Switzerland? Why does this seem to be the most realistic? But regardless of my locale when I reach 80something, what will I be like? What will I awake every morning too? What will be my passions? Who will be my passions? Whom will I share life with....or whom will want to take the time to share little bits of their life with me?

About an hour ago, as I left my studio, I held the door for assumably close to a 90 year old woman. She was kind. Smiled, and nodded, and was holding about 4 shirts from the dry cleaner down the street. She looked tired, probably because she walked 2 blocks down to the cleaner, and then back 2 blocks. I asked her how her day was and she said ok. She said the dry cleaning was too expensive. Classic! I really hope I never make mention of how expensive things are in 2064. Here's to all that read......if I do, take away my cigar, or my coffee, or my Ensure....whatever my life luxury is at that time and scold me. But anyways. I wondered what floor she lived on in my 12 story apartment. I wondered if she had anyone up in the room she was going home too. I wondered if I was the first person outside of the dry clean worker to attempt to talk to her today. Now I unfortunately only have one grandparent still alive on this earth. Did I take the time I wished I had to connect with my grandparents that aren't around anymore? I think so, and also think not. With that, I realized that part of the reason I didn't was I was too busy, too wrapped up in my world, too worried about my life and the things I needed, no check that wanted to do. Now this isn't wrong, and I'm not guilty'ing myself by any means. Responsibility is crucial for survival in this life. Living true to who you are, and living your life is key. But does our society create a mentality of "too busy". Too Busy to stop and talk to an old lady in your building. Too busy to sit down and write a letter to your grandparents, assuming they are as computer unwilling as mine. Too busy to slow our own minds down, get out of our own worlds/worldviews, and allow ourselves to listen and see the every present world around us. I don't know if that lady even wanted to take the time to say hello and talk for 2 minutes today in my building. But I do know that I don't want to be that old one day, faced with the reality of being tired after walking 4 blocks to pick up 4 shirts from the drycleaners. I don't want to take 2 minutes to cross the street. I don't want to not be able to go to the gym and run at will, lift at will, balance and grind out the core routines at will. I don't want to face the reality of the few who will attempt slow their own busy life down to invest a few moments into yours. But guess what Seth, Life doesn't always unfold the way you want it too! Or does it? Wow, I could talk upon this subject for hours. But I won't...at least not at this time. Paradoxes abound, and this is a big one. We choose, we create, we think, we act, we love. Thus we dictate our life and what we choose to do with the time within. Yet, there are some realms we can't control. Progression in age is one of those. Thus, rather than growing old with the billions of others in this world and looking back wishing I had done more. Here's to making the most of every hour of every day. Here's to taking advantage of your mind! Here's to taking advantage of what you choose to do with your time. Here's to taking two minutes to cross the street if you damn well please. Here's to the old, the wise, and the bearded big bellied man crossing 14th and Burnside.

a BLITZ of a night

A long time friend, and B.I.C, of mine tied the knot a week ago. I couldn't be happier for him. We grew up together. We met around the grammar school years and as time went by, shared experiences grew us closer. This concept is also the same for the group of 'guys' within the wedding party and within the bachelor party. At this current point in life, some of us have moved away, began pursuing new careers, found loved ones, and even added new life to the group through children. All of these things bring new seasons and change. But one thing I noticed during the few days with these men is experiences can't ever take away the bond of friendship. As many of you know, I currently live in rainy Portland, Oregon. My current life looks much different than my first 25 years'ish. But one thing remains the same. What is that? Shared life experiences. No-body, No-distance, and No-time can take these away. I've met many SOLID friends within my year and a half in Portland. New life experiences are unfolding faster than I can plan. I am grateful for this. However, there was a special energy last week when the ten of us came back together. All ten joined the team after different times of life, but each play's an intrigual part as another.

Right now its hard to attribute words to the time spent last week. A few are; refresh, joy, comfort, shenanigan's, youthful memories, brotherhood, Jaeger and celebration. All important life aspects that sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Well, maybe not lost, for I believe these to always be present in life. But rather, maybe hidden. Hidden by our own eyes. Hidden by our own laziness. Hidden by our own self-conscienceness.

So my buddy Ted, he is the one that wedded. He moved to Portland about 5 years ago I believe. We haven't spent much time together due to differences in work schedules and city location. But one thing that always remains is the closeness and bond that will never separate us as friends and brothers. What we did on Ted's bachelor party is not the point, despite the laughs and stories that were created and will be shared for years to come. The point is the time. The point is the commitment. The point is the sharing of life together. The point is the acceptance of all. The point is the intentionality. The point is the giving of who you are to each other. It's about bringing to the table who you are, bringing the talents and qualities that you were made to give away, allowing then the group as a whole to become one big brotherhood of Tom-Foolery and Genuine love.

This got me thinking about the importance of time and relationships. Now we all won't argue that time heals, creates, supports, bonds, thickens, and strengthens all. However, why does it take time? And moreso, is it the time that does this, or is it us, human beings, that need time to do the 'things' needed to strenghthen, support, give, create, heal, mend, pursue, trust? My answer is Yes! Both, obviously. However, I would say the latter, humans that is, has the bigger role. What do I mean?.....bare with me. I am saying that I don't think it is the time itself that bonds things together, creates, and or brings people closer. I think it is the willingness of the individual to be open, free, honest, and unselfish. Since these attributes are not easy for some, this is where the time plays in. But my week with my friends got me seeing that one of the reasons outside the years of camping, sleepovers, high school events, tom-foolery, sporting activities, and nights at Blitz Pearl:) it is more about our openess and honesty with one another, alongside with our acceptance of each other for who we are, despite our flaws, despite our tendencies, and in spite of our Legitness!!!

Let me simplify, or try. Time obviously brings out things needed to bond people together. But can we shorten that timeframe? Or is it an energy within our world that just happens. I say we have full control. What I have found in my short 27 years of life, but breadth of 27 years of life experience is the more I open myself up, the more I am honest both with myself and the world around me, the more I remove expectations and guilt, and the more I live free of fears, the more life unfolds beautifully before my eyes. Thus, back to my 'hidden' life aspects comment. Life happens around us 24/7-365. The question then is, are we being willing to see and be a part of this already unfolding Life? Are we being willing to turn our fears, doubts and self-consciousness off? Are we willing to bust down walls that extend from the sides of our face so that we can see what Life and time is already giving us? It's begging for us to notice and take advantage of. Every moment, every second of everyday is a new creation. Are you utilizing it? If not, may I suggest getting a group of your closest friends and celebrating. Tell stories, hug, play golf, go to your local bar, paint, whatever you are good at, whatever stirs your emotions inside and excites you, GO DO! Go Celebrate one another and Life itself! We did this last week, and it turned into a BLITZ of a night for sure! May we open our lives to the lives around us and the life that is beautifully alive every moment of every day. Much Love to Ted, Matt, Matt, Mike, Mike, Ben, Tim, Joe, Andy, Mr. Jaeger himself and the BLITZ of a night that reminded me of what Life is all about. Love you all......until next time.

sc

Dude, check out the ripples on that chick!

It's been a few days since I have wrote. Partly because my daily schedule and routine looked quite different. I house sat for a good friend of mine and watched her two dogs. Dogs are work, at least hers. It was good though. It got me out of my studio and into a really nice home for a couple days. It's said dogs are good training for kids. Maybe??? I think dogs aren't even close to kids though because they don't respond to you. They don't learn from you. They don't converse back and forth with you. They may love you, but it's an annoying love, its a love where they want to lay on your chest as you sleep at night. I don't want anyone laying on my chest as I sleep at night. Ok, I take that back. A beautiful woman can lay on my chest as I sleep at night anytime! Anywho, I am seeing that I am a creature of habit. I like being organized. I like my studio. I like walking downtown to Barista on my morning's off or late work days and enjoying coffee and time. I am not a rushed person. I enjoy getting things done and doing things promptly and professionally, but in regards to non-task time, I enjoy slowing down as much as one can. I also attribute our Global realities as to part of why I haven't written. A lot has happened within our World the last few days and I don't know exactly how I feel about it yet. With that, I love the country that I live in and am happy that Peace and or Justice is being pursued. This however is not accomplished overnight. It is not accomplished by one man or the lack their of, one man. It is accomplished by You, Me, your Barista, your Spouse, your Children, your Mailman, your Broker, your Clerk, your Golf Pro, your Boss, your Friends, your Pastor, your CoWorker, your favorite Chef of your favorite Restraunt, your Taxi Driver, your Butcher, your Tenant, your Roomate, your Neighbor, your Accountant, your Housekeeper, your Bartender....I think you get the point. One man can't change the world and it's problems, and one man being removed from this world can't either! Thus, to steal a thought of a great man, may we all realize we have the power and PRIVILEGE to "be the change we want to see". This takes belief in you. Now if you're anything like me, their are days I believe in myself and am extremely confident in the things unfolded. But, sometimes doubt creeps in. Sometimes people's voices stir up our direction and make it cloudy. Sometimes rememberance of past failures (which is a word that doesn't even exist to me, because their is no such thing as failure in my opinion) add a weight to our ankles to slow us down from pursuing our goals. Whatever it may be, believe in yourself! Believe that if you choose to, you have the ability to breathe life into your surroundings. Everything one says and does has an echo, a rippling effect. The effect may take hours, days, months, years, or lifetimes, but effect always happens. Reverberations are constant. We remember what was said to us. We remember how people looked us in the eye during a conversation...or how they checked their twitter account on their phone as we shared with them a moment of our life, which ultimately says; Yea, Yea that's great, but I really care more about what Kim Kardashian and Lamar Odom ate for breakfast this morning than what you are taking the time and courage to share. Seriously, we all have encountered this. But it doesn't have to continue. It doesn't have to keep heading down this road. A new city is being developed called intentionality and it is going to need an off ramp. Somewhere, right now, someone is probably skipping a rock on a surface of water. They are watching it skip across and create ripples. After the rocks momentum stops and sinks, it's ripples don't. They continue! They expand, they grow, and they eventually collide with the other ripples. Sometimes change happens immediately, and sometimes in a lifetime beyond our own. But the constant are the ripples and we have the power to choose what kind of nipples, i mean ripples, we want to flash to the world!

Did you put on your pants today?

It's every golfers dream. A well deserved opportunity, yet everpresently unexpected and honoring moment! Who would have thought that as a child, a fun activity, sport, and passion that passed the time or better yet made time non existant to my adolescent mind, would begin to blossom into a career? Last Monday, I officially joined PING staff! The honor and ability to not only play PING product but represent what Mr. Karsten himself has created is a dream come true! Years, endless evenings, dawning mornings, thousands of buckets, millions of balls, dozens of thoughts and philosophies, acres of sawd, gallons of seed, boxing matching within the soul and mind, critics, supporters and copious rollercoasters of emotions are merely a few of the characteristics that I attribute to this accomplishment! I spent two hours yesterday with a great pro named Nicholas at RedTail getting 'dialed in'. Me, really? I get be a representation of a company!? As amazed and honored as I am, I am also going to say I knew this day would come! I knew that I would work hard enough, and represent appropriately a product of PING's stature! No, not because of pride, but because of belief. Because of passion. Because of Love and Trust! Because when I lay a grip in the fingers of my hands and roll that palm over to form a human lever around a tool of titanium and steel, I forget about everything else and just want to rip my Titleist farther than ever before! All the doubts, all the voices, all the duties, all the fears, all the hopes, all the stuff that goes on in the 6 inches of powerful ocean waves we call the brain suddenly ceases! Everything slows down and art begins. Visualization of painting a shot starts. Feeling from the fingers, to the toes, to the back arch, to the takeaway begins. It takes about 2-4seconds to swing, yet it seems like an eternity begins and is created within every swing path taken. And as I pull that club back and turn my core, I feel the energy and power create, just waiting to get set at the top, begging to be dropped into the slot and released. Let it go, trust that what was envisioned, what I started, what I created, will be painted and shaped perfectly toward the target pursued! This is a must, within golf, but more importantly within life. You must trust it, you must believe in it, you must let it go so that it can transpire and happen! We see it, we feel it, and then we trust it into existence! That is what golf is. A beautiful game that mirrors so much more for those willing to play! We approach a solitary and still ball. We create a position for ourselves within that ball's world, the course. We imagine and or envision what we want that ball to do. We transpire thoughts to figure how we can get that ball to act accordingly and create the motion needed to propel the ball forward. We work towards creating that action and then release the energy and let it unfold! What then? We watch, we evaluate, we learn, and we do it again, and again, and again! There are many parallels between golf and life. Sport and life. Cooking and life. Shit, just living life and life:) I once asked a wise man, named Stan, this;"from your life and successes within it, what would you say is the upmost important advice you have for me?" He replied; "Seth, success comes by getting up every morning and putting on your pants." Ingenious! It's the same with golf. There will be hard times. There will be doubts within, and doubters around. But the beauty of golf is no matter how good, or bad one round is. The next day you get to play another and do it again! Here's to putting on your pants, whatever they may be, everyday. And for what it's worth, my preference of pant is Seersucker :)

Stand alone bookshelves can be inspiring

As I sit in Barista, contemplating what to write, all I can think about is rearranging! Is the cliche Spring Cleaning truth? For me it is right now. The sun was finally out this morning and the trees are blooming beautifully! I mean, shit, come on. It's April 28th, about time right! I threw on my J.Crew shorts and Vneck and headed to my spot in the Pearl. However, this sun has now motivated me to clean! To throw away excess. Throw away things stored up from the winter. Paper, boxes, clothes, cards,...even dishes:) It's time to get rid of it and Spring forward! Time to rearrange the furniture. Time to spit shine the floors, time to change, again. An endless cycle right? Change is innevitable, but stability is desired, right? Routines are important but lack excitement. Cleaning is a pain, a chore, a bore, but is all that I can think about doing on this beautiful day? What, why? The sun is out, I should want to go for a run, head to the course, walk amongst the city, shouldn't I? Nope! I want to evolve, I want to deck out my studio with screwed in stand alone bookshelves in my wall. I want to throw my desk away and find a new one! I want to buy a gathering table and get my dishes clean so that I feel new. New weather breathes new beginning. But shouldn't ever day breathe this into us? Isn't every day new. I mean we have structured our lives into 24hr intervals. When did that start? Do we truly view as life starting over every day? We can't stop time obviously. Change is the only constant! Correct? Yes. Then why if change is the only constant in our world, we have such a hard time in believing that every day is new. A new opportunity to accomplish. A new opportunity to change something current you're not fond of. A new opportunity to make yourself the best breakfast you've ever tasted. A new opportunity to give to someone something needed. A new opportunity to pursure your bliss. A new opportunity to dream a new goal, a new thought, a new friend, a new adventure. Why if time is innevitably continuous, it never stands still, and definetely never goes backward, is it so hard for us to eb and flow forward with it. Maybe it's just me, but often I wait for time to pass so the next thing comes, rather then create that thing in the present time. Thus, as I sit and finish my Italiano, I am gonna move my ass from this beautiful wood bench and rearrange my life...or at least my studio apartment!

This year...I want to be Tied up!

Ok world, I am admitting a fetish of mine........ready........I love Ties! Yep, that's right. The more dangerously colored and patterned the better, pending the occasion deems appropriate. I'm not sure why I love ties, thus I did my research and soon it all made sense. The tie is said to have originated in Croatia! Seriously...Croatia is hand's down the best place I've traveled. The people, culture, atmosphere, food, energy, and countryside itself can't be beat, yet:) The tie was worn by Croatian mercenaries during the "Thirty Years' War", and quickly aroused the interest of the Parisians....I'll let you read for yourself...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necktie#Origins

One day, when monetarily I can swing it without feeling wasteful and irresponsible, a Tie a day may become a part of my repertoire. You all know my passion for golf, and you all know that I am a bit old school in nature. Thus, it all makes sense when you trace back the lineage of the beautiful game as well. Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Walter Hagen, etc...all tucked their ties into their chests and under their twill vests right before the inaugurated the first teebox.

What is it about ties? Is it the morning process of meticulously sliding it up and down your shirt before the first fold over in order the length reaches the tip of the belt perfectly? Is it the abundance of options one could match and pair? Is it the creative process of finding the shirt behind the Tie that truly makes the Tie alive? Is it the tightening of the knot upon your neck that says, Yes Sir, this day is yours for the taking? Yep! Is it the history and context behind the Tie that subtly screams to the world who you are without you having to say a word? There is much culture behind every Tie. The Tie speaks volume of yourself, your society, your caste, your personality, your thoughts and your feelings. As a man, I am equating my Tie's to how women feel about purses or shoes......I haven't done my research however, so take that 'beachy'.

Next time you are in a funk, feeling down, bored, and or just are lacking the creative juices that we all have within us but struggle to release.....Tie yourself Up! And remember, Cultures change and ours is as casual as ever. Thus, Ties aren't limited to suits. They aren't limited to slacks or khakis. Jeans rock Ties better than the Croatians themselves. Ties aren't bound by pants at all....wear them with shorts and Jack Purcell's! Whatever your style may desire, this is they year to Tie yourself Up!

sc

Going back isn't the same as Going Backwards

First off, Mexico was great in many ways! I spent the first day in San Diego with my good friend Joe Chally. We played college golf together years back and have remained bro's since. We spent the day playing Coronado Municipal and catching up. We then ate at a Gastro Pub in the Gaslamp district of San Diego. What a city! I then topped the evening off at Hotel Andaz in the Gaslamp with a dear friend whom works out of Chicago, Todd K. Him and I hadn't seen each other since last year's Mexico outing. We caught up, shared wine, enjoyed the amenities and scenery and capped the night off with a Woodford atop the Hotels outdoor rooftop bar. Not only was it beautiful, warm, and swanky...my friend whom is respect and look up too, dropped knowledge on me for hours. I was truly refreshed and energized despite the lack of sleep!

From there I met up with the 10 others the next morning including My dad, my Uncle, and another brother/friend of mine named Tommy. Five days wearing shorts, playing golf, enjoying commraderie, cervesa's, authentic mexican food, cigars, outdoor candy stores, and most importantly the Sun, was a much needed break! Good golf was played, good convo's were had, and more importantly good energy's and hopes were had by all with the anticipation of next year when we can all do it again, God willing! I needed this incredible week as I had no idea what was in store for me as I returned back to work in Portland. Without getting into much, I have decided to, and already have started working back at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club! Smiles abound both on my face and in my heart! Last October when I left Pumpkin, it wasn't because I wanted to. Thus, despite me physically leaving Pumpkin 6 months ago, Pumpkin Ridge and the people of it never left my heart. At times our society tells us we have to always go forward and never turn back. Although I agree with this premise, I want to write that sometimes going back is actually moving forward! Sometimes remembering what we have or use to have, is actually gaining more for the future. Who knows what the future holds, but what I do know is that my current choice to head back to a place I love is exactly what was needed to push me toward the bliss that I am following for my future:) Thanks to all who allowed me to Move Forward by Coming Back! Love to all, you know who you are.

Much needed Vitamin D

The rain is back and hasn't stopped since last night. I eagerly await my flight to San Diego and then Mexico tomorrow morning at 7:30am. The sun is a powerful energy. The world itself is a powerful being. As I sit at my favorite coffee shop in Portland, Barista, I am overwhelmed at the beauty in mother nature and things that currently exist/existed before man began creating. I've had some great conversations with my crew as of late. One of the last was about staying centered upon who we are amidst life's distractions and society's ideals. My buddy Nate and I align completely. We are adventurists and nature lovers. Nothing centers us more and or energizes us more than to get a nice sweat going as we take in the ever surrounding beauty of Mother Earth! This is done in mountain biking, snowboarding, running, shooting some hoops, playing tennis, golf, hiking, etc... I hope I can add kayaking to this list this summer. With all that, Simplifying life to what life is truly about is a difficult but vital must. This earth provides all the energy, optimism, life, joy, love, happiness, and excitement one could ever need. So next time you need a jump start or refreshment, rather than complaining and or trying to create something new, try opening up your eyes, heart, and mind to what is already present and be prepared to experience a feeling unlike any other! I eagerly await the sun, the ocean, and the commraderie of family and founds to give me a week that will re-center and rejuvenate my entire being!

The Year 2011

2011 is already a month deep. I returned home last night from my what I will venture to say the best weekend since I moved to Portland, OR on September 25th, 2009. I embarked to Sunriver, OR with eight other good friends for my buddy Nate's 30th Birthday Bash. We rented a home and celebrated life together! I rode down to Sunriver with my friends AB and V! It is difficult attributing words to them as people. I am blessed to call them friends! From the moment we left Thursday evening, to the time I arrived back at my studio apartment in the city Sunday night, time didn't exist within any of our conscience's. We ate and drank whenever we wanted to celebrate one another, life itself, a positive thought and the abundant energy's that abounded within the peaceful yet powerful Eastern Oregon countryside. We didn't know the time when we went to sleep, nor the time when we arose to tackle the day. Agenda's were thrown away and openness to life, one another, emotions, and snowboarding:) were taken in as they came! We snowboarded at Mt. Bachelor on Friday and Saturday. It was therapeutic to my soul to become one with the mountain for two days in a row. There is something powerful about picking your line down the hill and carving it into existence! I truly felt as if I became part of the mountain as I squatted low, kicked my right foot behind to turn toeside and caress the snow with my fingertips and I boarded down the slope. Mt. Bachelor has vast terrain. Despite boarding it two days in a row, I only covered half of its terrain. I never reached the summit due to icy conditions, and eagerly await the next opportunity to experience her again in new ways I probably can't imagine! It was also refreshing to board with great friends whom shared the same energy as you. We all glided down the hill together, as if we were creating a force-field of energy, excitement, and power together! We ebbed and flowed beautifully. One would lead the pack as others caught up and passed. Mt. Bachelor's Lodge is accommodating to all. Both the rider and spectator. We met a couple friends after they days ride who passed on boarding for some great food, drinks, stories, and laughs. The outdoor patio was perfect for the occasion. Heated lamps allowed you to soak in the beauty and grandeur of the mountain. There is something special and calming about seeing such a large structure covered in a pure white coat of snow! I made the comment of how much I loved to board and couldn't believe it had been over a year since my last time when Aaron said this, "and you know the great thing about a mountain is that it is always here, it will never go anywhere." For those who know AB, you understand the love and appreciation I had for this comment. For those that don't, my friend AB is the most optimistic and hopeful person I've ever known. He turns life's commonalities into beautiful images. I learn much from him every time we spend time together. The trip was filled with many more adventures and excitements. Things from steak sandwiches at 3am in the hot tub, half court shots being drained like lay-ups, football, dancing, experiencing Bend's best breweries and bars, meeting Bend locals at 10 Barrel Brewery named Valerie and Erica, inspiring conversation, and yes even a driving range session at Tetherow Golf Club en route back to Portland. Despite the multitude of fun events and joyful memories, this weekend spoke to me in regards of what life is truly about and who I, Seth Cotter, truly am. I am a man who loves sharing thoughts and conversation in nature. Snowboarding and golf are my favorite activities. I love sports. I love being in nature, listening to the voices that echo from it and becoming part of the ever-present energy's that abound in their purest forms! More-so, this weekend reminded me of home. It reminded me of Lake Tahoe and Truckee specifically. It created a new goal and passion within me. It inspired thoughts to become a Head Golf Professional in a smaller country town where I can create a life with others whom share the same energy's and passions as I. It inspired me to continue to grow in this life, believing in who I am, pursuing what I enjoy, sharing those attributes with others and trusting that all will transpire as so. Thus, Thank you to Nate, Cym, AB, V, Sarah, Mike, Brandon and Shane who made this weekend one of the best ever! Much love to you all!

-SC