Something Like a Sign

Another short one this week. I’ve been dealing with a family emergency the last couple of weeks, and the podcast has taken a back seat because of it.

I did get out for the hike I mentioned last week. Not going to get into the physical details here, that’s for below, but it ended up feeling like something closer to a pilgrimage than a hike. I spent parts of the hike just talking to Don and it was really powerful in a lot of ways.

I’m not certain if there will be an episode next week at this point. There are calls ready to go but just not sure what my capacity will be. Thanks for sticking with me on good weeks and bad weeks.

READING

I think I finally hit a reading wall. I’ve been reading at a pretty ridiculous pace this year and right now have been bouncing around from one book to the other trying to find something that feels right for my mood. I’m putting the brakes on East of Eden and The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying for the moment. I know I’ll come back to them at some point but just couldn’t really get myself past the hump.

Earlier in the year when I was in a similar place after Don died, I got fully engrossed in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. And, I’m trying to remind myself that sometimes reading is about learning, educating, pushing myself, and sometimes it’s just about entertainment. Up for any recommendations any of you might have!

Just finished: Nothing finished this past week

Currently: My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

On deck: Considering starting Red Rising by Pierce Brown or The Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett but really not sure at this point.

(And if you are really curious you can always check out what I’ve read recently here)

THIS WEEK’S CALL

Anonymous #45 — How Would You Know If a Message From the Dead Was Real? (Listen Here)

Episode Type: Belief & Mystery. For more info about what this means check out the Episode Guide (link)

SMILE

As mentioned at the top I did get around to doing that hike in honor of Don and he kicked my ass! At his celebration of life numerous people spoke about how they got dragged on a hike with Don and were part of a one and done club. I will say that Don remained undefeated BUT I would have gladly gone on another hike with him if I had the opportunity.

The hike was basically straight up for 3.5 miles. You gain a little over 3000 feet in elevation and get a wonderful 50 feet decline during that. So yeah, I’m not lying when I say it was straight uphill!

There were multiple times, especially towards the end, where I wanted to call it good. I thought, “I’ve made it far enough. This counts!” But I pushed on and ended up finding this little memorial plaque at the top. And as I read the message I couldn’t help but think about Don and wonder if he sent me on this hike because he loved this hike or maybe also to see this message:

“Walk gently, friend. You are walking in the path of those who went before.”

Have a good life.

— Z

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