Beautiful post. On the tarmac headed to Tonga as we speak. I understand the pull and needing to follow it without knowing what it is or why you must. That comes when we surrender and let life take us where we are supposed to be
It need was magic. And while I've had many opportunities and experiences in travel and life, that cup of coffee remains a highlight in my mind--and the brief engagement with Ibrahim. Human. Caffeine. :-)
My senior year of college, I did a study abroad in Jerusalem (1992). On Thanksgiving (celebrated as we were all American college students), two friends and myself started early that morning by walking Jesus’ last night and reading the gospels aloud of what happened in those places. It took us all morning and we got back to the college just as a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with Middle East flair began. We were exhausted but changed and marked by the experience. These thresholds stay with us, as open rooms we passed through long ago.
What a beautiful meaningful experience you had. And to study there as a college student. I've had a lot of amazing opportunities and experiences with travel, but I'm a little jealous at the thought of spending part of college in Jerusalem. I bet you were changed forever. Thank you for your words here.
Your article brought so much back, the sights and scents (especially the Turkish coffee). There, as you know well, many spiritual places on the globe but there is something about Jerusalem that carries so much meaning ... you can feel it in the very stones of the old city walls.
Thank you, Emily. I continue to follow and love your reports from Mexico. You're a fellow traveler on this path of life, I know. If you're ever back in Colorado, we should catch up over coffee.
Brad - I remember you as a high schooler and then in college . My heart was open to you then and now. I know few men who open their hearts and souls as you do. You were hurt as a young boy/man but look where it took you - still opening your heart and soul to continue to grow spiritually, emotionally in your path.
I'm thinking of all the wars, pain and suffering in the world and wonder IF our world was being controlled by men/women with loving hearts / would it be so so different? While I wouldn't wish on anyone the experiences you endured as a young boy/man, I feel it developed in you a healthier look at life with your eyes open to good things in your future. Sending love to you. dm
Good morning, Dee. I’m so moved by your words here. I remember you so well. And you were always a bright light when I entered your world. I love hearing from you here. I’m sorry if I haven’t always had the time to offer you full responses to your notes. You inspire me the way you’ve shown up here, and I’m sending you love from Tommy and me in Boulder.
That would be nice! Fabi and I are in Türkiye for a few weeks, nine hours ahead of mountain time. A good window for me is 16:00 to 19:00 my time, which is 7AM to 10 AM your time. Let me know via WhatsApp some good times for you and we'll make it so!
This Friday (tomorrow) I’m doing a solo “Ask Me Anything” Live at 2 PM Central. My discussion with Brad is actually next Friday, 9/12, at 1 PM Central; join us live via this link: https://open.substack.com/live-stream/49259
Thank you, Valerie. Yes, it can be hard to see the beauty in some of our deeper valleys, but I do believe the beauty is still there, waiting to blossom. Thank you for being here.
Beautiful post. On the tarmac headed to Tonga as we speak. I understand the pull and needing to follow it without knowing what it is or why you must. That comes when we surrender and let life take us where we are supposed to be
Surrender. Let life take you. Yes ✨ living that part with you. Tonga. Fabulous
that coffee sounds like magic 🤍
It need was magic. And while I've had many opportunities and experiences in travel and life, that cup of coffee remains a highlight in my mind--and the brief engagement with Ibrahim. Human. Caffeine. :-)
Thank you for sharing your book
You’re so amazing 🤩
:-)
My senior year of college, I did a study abroad in Jerusalem (1992). On Thanksgiving (celebrated as we were all American college students), two friends and myself started early that morning by walking Jesus’ last night and reading the gospels aloud of what happened in those places. It took us all morning and we got back to the college just as a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with Middle East flair began. We were exhausted but changed and marked by the experience. These thresholds stay with us, as open rooms we passed through long ago.
What a beautiful meaningful experience you had. And to study there as a college student. I've had a lot of amazing opportunities and experiences with travel, but I'm a little jealous at the thought of spending part of college in Jerusalem. I bet you were changed forever. Thank you for your words here.
Your article brought so much back, the sights and scents (especially the Turkish coffee). There, as you know well, many spiritual places on the globe but there is something about Jerusalem that carries so much meaning ... you can feel it in the very stones of the old city walls.
What a beautiful piece. I loved this line "it leans in and reveals itself to us through coffee steam and cracks in stone."
Thank you, Emily. I continue to follow and love your reports from Mexico. You're a fellow traveler on this path of life, I know. If you're ever back in Colorado, we should catch up over coffee.
Thanks, Brad. Sounds good— I’ll keep you posted.
Thank you, Emily. It’s good to hear from you. I enjoy following your journey in Mexico and life.
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. - Cohen.
Thresholds to beauty.
Thank you for this liminal. And it's hard to believe I didn't quote Cohen in this piece. The master of shadowy beauty. It's good to be here with you.
Brad - I remember you as a high schooler and then in college . My heart was open to you then and now. I know few men who open their hearts and souls as you do. You were hurt as a young boy/man but look where it took you - still opening your heart and soul to continue to grow spiritually, emotionally in your path.
I'm thinking of all the wars, pain and suffering in the world and wonder IF our world was being controlled by men/women with loving hearts / would it be so so different? While I wouldn't wish on anyone the experiences you endured as a young boy/man, I feel it developed in you a healthier look at life with your eyes open to good things in your future. Sending love to you. dm
Good morning, Dee. I’m so moved by your words here. I remember you so well. And you were always a bright light when I entered your world. I love hearing from you here. I’m sorry if I haven’t always had the time to offer you full responses to your notes. You inspire me the way you’ve shown up here, and I’m sending you love from Tommy and me in Boulder.
Magical writing Brian. A pleasure to read, and to feel. It’s also nice seeing photos that compliment the stories from your wonderful book.
Thank you, Brant. I appreciate your words always. Where are you now? I’m looking forward to connecting on Whatsapp eventually.
That would be nice! Fabi and I are in Türkiye for a few weeks, nine hours ahead of mountain time. A good window for me is 16:00 to 19:00 my time, which is 7AM to 10 AM your time. Let me know via WhatsApp some good times for you and we'll make it so!
As I wrote when I restacked your post on Notes, I love your definition of beauty and look forward to our Substack Live on Friday, September 12!
Thank you, Wendi. I’m so looking forward to our discussion tomorrow!
This Friday (tomorrow) I’m doing a solo “Ask Me Anything” Live at 2 PM Central. My discussion with Brad is actually next Friday, 9/12, at 1 PM Central; join us live via this link: https://open.substack.com/live-stream/49259
Just DM'd you to clarify whether our live is tomorrow or 9/12. Either way, I'm looking forward to it!
My Dad used to always tell me that
We can’t have the peaks without the valleys. It makes so much sense to me now. I love your writing. I will buy your book. 🥰
Thank you, Valerie. Yes, it can be hard to see the beauty in some of our deeper valleys, but I do believe the beauty is still there, waiting to blossom. Thank you for being here.
Sometimes things break to create space for new growth to emerge 🙏🌱
Truth, Silvia. Thank you for being here.
Real beauty carries weight, yes - yes indeed. ✨
Your writing is like music to the soul. I felt all of this, even the crack in the stone. Just beautiful! I will be seeking out your book.