Yeah, well. I’ll apologize again. And get busy living instead of blathering. I’ll go take a “forest bath” and restore my equanimity. I’m allowed a few mistakes, right? At least you know there’s a real human behind all this. Gotta dump that bag of bricks I’ve been carrying in my psyche. My heart and mind are getting back into alignment. Have a great day, all.

Song of the day, a different version.

Later: Of course, my favorite quiet spots are overrun with MTBs. Still found a good trail.

To Anonymous Emailer: The autograph thing. I have a couple of friends who run into the same situation as well. Seems to run in cycles, and thankfully not often; tourists are searching for any resemblance. UPDATE: Yes, I knew it. There’s a movie being filmed on Siringo Road. Those highway light-up signs are deployed. So some stars are in town.

Oh shit moment: Realized this is not yet the time for me to purchase land. Duh. So I’ll look, but not get my heart set. As is per usual, the one I looked at this morning has some significant negatives, but is very well treed and quiet.

Coffee Shop Tips: I am switching to searching for really good remote work locations with fast WiFi. I’m going to need the flexibility immediately. Surprised I didn’t think of it. Crap. If you’re in SF, let me know the ones you like best. Lena?

People, I just want peace. It’s been a rough week, and it’ll be another coming up. Kind of at the end of my tether. Can we dispense with the overly harsh micro-judgments, the involuntary psychoanalysis? Let my hair down for one night, get crucified? I’ve been writing here for almost 25 years now. I am no better than anyone else. Never claimed to be. I have never demanded worship. I know our culture is going completely narcissist, but I am not hiding any sort of ogres or werewolves in my psyche. They would have been evident years ago. I don’t torture small animals or play mindgames with people. I’ve fed enough narcissist energy in my life; I won’t generate another microwatt. Take your dark accusations elsewhere. Instead of hunting for cracks in my mythical armor, how about you look in the mirror at your own façades? They are likely substantial. Ever read Samuel Pepys? Hemingway? Virginia Woolf’s diary? Melville? “Call me Ishmael.” Egotist! Narcissist! Ridiculous. You jokers need to get out more.

I’m not asking for pity. Leave me to enjoy this pursuit. I don’t want fights. I need the outlet for my mind. I’d rather just practice gratitude in my life, especially right now. You do realize I offer these observations and links without compensation, right? That my joy in life is to give happiness? That I habitually put my energy and love into this project, as I do with people and pursuits in my life? I try to mirror myself accurately. Please just try to appreciate what skills I have and stop with the magnifying glasses and gross assumptions. I’m more into building bridges than nuking people.

Peace?

Later: Thank you, Anonymous (1). The apology is appreciated. Glad you looked up the definition of ‘egotistical’. Look up ‘self-effacing’ and read that same blog entry. Meant kindly.

HAPPINESS IS ESCAPE: Maybe get one used. Osprey Aether 65. Sell at end of summer. REI. Looking in their returns for deals, had to peek at this. I think I might still prefer a Mystery Ranch model (the outfit that used to be Dana Designs). I do love Osprey suspensions. Had experience of Deuter? I’m not familiar with their durability.