Lessons from Mom
With Mother’s Day upon us I was thinking about some of the lessons my mom taught me. She’s been gone a few years now, but the reminders of her presence are never far. Some are physical, like the plates we use daily,…
Lessons in Generosity from my Journey into Minimalism
Ultralight backpackers inspire me. In fact, it is something I wish I was better at. A minimalist in life? I try my best. But I must admit, if you’ve ever seen me hiking, you would probably not confuse me with…
Your Unique Abilities
25 years ago I started a backpack gear company, Gossamer Gear. While it literally started in my garage, we now manufacture some of our products overseas. I get emails periodically from manufacturers in China wanted to sew backpacks or tents…
Seen by the President
I was 16 years old, standing in a long line at Amherst Savings Bank. Then a man in a suit walked up…
Service with a Smile
When the boys were young, and we would be visiting their brother Derek at Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa, we would often stop by Ruby’s Diner in Mission Viejo on the way home. Ruby’s is styled on a classic…
Thinking Like an Engineer
“I’m always spending time with a bucket and hose in the driveway, trying to keep this doggone car clean,” my wife Francie commented. Her commute to UCLA, where she worked at as a nurse in the NICU, left her vehicle…
Say Yes
In 2016, I was lucky enough to join a Hood to Coast relay team. For those of you unfamiliar with Hood to Coast (HTC), it’s known as the Mother of All Relays. Its 198 mile course winds from Mount Hood…