Hello,
I know the "Secret of Life". Like to know? I'll share it in a moment (some promise, huh?).

But, first, a word from our sponsors-brought to you by a thumbnail sketch of my past.
My life has been magical, full of love, adventure, humor and foible. A peaceful person and a confirmed lover of life. Here's why.

Grew up in an inner city of N.J. (but, have no accent & never use the word yo). Then obtained degrees in large animal husbandry sciences (horses, cattle etc.)- Oy, such a juxtaposition.
Managing over a half ton of aggressively determined stallion in breeding mgt. or delivering range calves from wild cows during problematic births on rainy nights. Embodied in these kinds of experiences, is don't hide from the storm, learn to dance in the rain.

Was a high school teacher-worked with convicted teens in juvenile probation, teaching at a school ranch in the Sierras: or, reading between the lines, taught 'gang bangers' how to be cowboys. Large animals are like people, they fear what they don't understand and react, perhaps with perilous behavior. While teaching teens anatomy to welding-the ethics of understanding, tolerance, patience and kindness were always the subtext. Was a super cool job. One does not go into teaching to get rich, but seeing a kid turn his shattered young life around is real wealth.

On this slant/, in even bad times, I feel 'To know you have enough,'says the Tao, 'is to be truly rich.' And everyone is fighting some sort of battle. So I try to be kind. A well crafted but learned trait.

My own children, whom I love with all my heart are grown.
Taught them to: surf, rock climb, camp, skate hills, grow a garden, ride horses, sail, do tool stuff and most importantly, be kind, self sufficient and smell lotsa flowers. But, my paternal advice has shifted over time. I used to recommend they be oh, so smart and pleasant. For years I was so smart. Now, I recommend oh, so pleasant.
As they are. I think my kids taught me more than I ever did them.

Am fairly fit, have Richard Gere's hair, however, I am not giving it back,... it's gone to my head. I embrace my introverted, reflective side as well as my raconteur nature. However, I do have faults-I am more comfortable with a fork than chopsticks, but I can fake it, glad that's on the table. I just have to be myself...every one else is taken.

Oh, religion...I believe in God as much as the Pope does, but not so much the dogma and theologies. But, you and I are miracles on the grandest scale.

Um, philosophy?..."You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." Christopher Robin to Pooh.

Politics- \_eft \_eaning.

We all live somewhere between the fabled heaven and hell, and experience both. But, humor and beauty are everywhere, do you see it?

Recently, I found myself close to death for some weeks and I've been having the internal life evaluation conversation with myself.
I like me even better. Adversity doesn't define me.
Having time to reflect, feel gratitude and be in the moment are precious gifts.
I suppose the med 420 does not hurt either. I have slowed down but am on the mend-I was too much a whirlwind anyway. And It's nothing lasting or communicable.
Life is short, though I am not and I anticipate pleasure everywhere. And find it, too.

I can be found on Mt. Tamalpais, an art auction, a boat, the gym, a stable or chatting up interesting strangers.

So, if you are a positive person and not the type that feels the best way to a man's heart is through his shirt with a steak knife, metaphorically speaking, well:...Tag, you're it.
Can you come out and play?

Are they seriously asking about my first date ever? It was sweet and sticky, and tasted great. They mean dates, the dried fruit, right?

First meet? Walk, talk and laugh. Like what friends do. The next time, perhaps:
Near Bodega Bay on the majestic coast are large rock formations, a mile or two hike from HWY 1. Archeologists found numerous large glacial like polish spots on them, caused by mammoths, camels, saber tooth cats and giant sloths that used them for rubbing posts tens of thousands of years ago. Like to come on an adventure of hiking, beauty & awe?

Colorful quick tidbits:
Saw Etta James bust up a bar; Pulled an unconscious person from a blazing car wreck; SCUBA'd unintentionally with a circling 20' great white shark; Danny Glover read a story of mine to consider making it into a film; Talked down a violent student that pulled a gun in my class; Adopted a dog in Tahiti; Surfed Nor Cal and Baja; Solo sailed the day the G.G. Bridge was closed by storms; Calmed paniced passengers around me on our jet that was in danger of crashing.

When I was a kid, an elderly Irish lady said I have 'lucky face.' Dunno why, I'm just sayin'.

Never cheated on a partner; Pulled a drowning woman from heavy surf; Was sole caregiver for my elderly Mom; Rescued a number of abused horses over the years who often had become dangerous and re-trained them for health/safety and then found them good homes; After a big quake, I brought food & tents to a collapsed and chaotic migrant shanty town and was nearly attacked by a mob of frightened 'illegal' farmworkers (they thought I was INS); Did CPR on a stranger; and my kids and I brought children's toys to poor villages in Mexico.

Why so many details? To illustrate character traits. Showing empathy to others, you also enhance your own soul.
And when everything seems lost, you always have one thing left-your attitude, I know life is a gift.
Resilient people use their optimisim, resourcefulness, patience, instincts and adaptability to bounce back from adversity-and then laugh at it.

Have you:
Seen strife and grown; connection to the Earth and the intangible; wonder and kindness in your soul; blessings in your future and presence in the now?

Can you laugh easily, kiss slowly, forgive quickly and love loyally? Do you believe the beauty of being imperfect is that there is always room to grow?
Find that clean living and dirty thoughts are not mutually exclusive?
Hey, laughter is internal jogging, pop a giggle.

Do you use your instincts in finding the good in people? It rarely fails.
Um,...and neither of us are dazzled by our own b.s.

Oh, the promised, "SECRET OF LIFE"? Cherish that you are alive, be kind and enjoy time as it passes.
Wanna pass some time together?