A Recent Chat

Pete, Gabe, and unidentified fella in Portland, ME, August 2009

Pete and Mom at "Bill's" Coffeeshop, 2002

Recently our (adult) boys were up in Vermont/NewHampshire/Maine for 10 days of hiking and camping. On one of the last days of the trip we found ourselves online at the same time, and the following chat ensued:

Gabe:
"pete wants to know if youll buy us kayaks for half day since youre an aficionado of the sport and want your children to enjoy it in its most pristine setting"

Me:
"money buys love"

Gabe:
"the love was there before the money but it loosens the tongue"

The end result was they did go kayaking, they had a wonderful time, and their tongues were loosed. Boy Howdy, are we the best parents in the world?

Money well spent.

Cosmic Connection

Two of my favorite people share a birthday today.

Our son Peter Sebastian turns 21 today--Congratulations, Pete--Happy Birthday! From Mexico to Iceland, Yosemite to Europe, you have expanded your horizons in 21 years, and I know you'll continue to.

Pete in Iceland, 2006

Bill Holm was born 66 years ago today, in Minneota, Minnesota. He passed away last winter, leaving friends around the world, and a legacy of varied and wonderful books. He expanded my horizons, infecting me with Iceland on the Brain. Pete, Gabe, John and I were fortunate to meet Bill in Hófsos, Iceland, in 2006. I'll never forget the bear-like warmth of his hug, or the passionate nature of his discourse. Thanks for sharing my son's birthday, Bill; thanks for sharing your life with all of us.

Still my favorite picture of Holm

Do you want to read one of Bill's books? Do you want to catch Icelandic Fever? I suggest starting with Coming Home Crazy: An Alphabet of China Essays, Eccentric Islands: Travels Real and Immaginary, or Windows of Brimnes.

Pete last Christmas