Stokes in Bali 2023

Starting off with a thank you to cousin Suzi Cook and fam for the much needed lip balm and sunscreen lotion, and additional premium face sunscreen from aunt Brenda and uncle Court.  I don’t need more wrinkles than I currently have.  Additional thanks to sister Kelsey and brother-in-law Kevin for the top notch writing pens and travel journal. Been putting both to good use while capturing stories and memories to share.  Lastly, hearty high-five to my friend + work colleague, Ann Marie, for the stack of UX Catalyst stickers I’ve been plastering across Bali. Everyone needs a spark, even in Indonesia. Today’s post is a big one. Too many stories to share, but will take a shot at sharing the highlights. Leah and I visited a “healer” on Monday.  Sounds pretty out-there, and it was.   His name is Martin and explained the history behind the merging of Hindu religion with the Balinese culture + customs. What is practiced today is more of a mash up over time, with a focus on nature and community.

Written in 1856 by Walt Whitman, perhaps my favorite poem. It’s long, and I won’t recite in entirety.  Walt is encouraging us all to find moments to break free, explore and step away to travel. And he concludes by inviting … almost pleading … that we join him on the open road.  Count me in. Song of the Open Road (modified and shortened version … apologies Walt) Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose. Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good fortune, Henceforth I whimper no more,  postpone no more, need nothing, Strong and content I travel the open road. You road I enter upon and look around, I believe you are not all that is here, I believe that much unseen is also here. Here is realization, Here is a man tallied —  he realizes  here is what he has in him, The past, the future, majesty, love If they are vacant of you, you are vacant of them.  Gently, but with undeniable wil

Arrived in the town of Ubud, here in Bali. Long flight from Denver to SF, from SF to Singapore, from Singapore to Bali. Pretty smooth travel overall, and had plenty of time to catch up on TV/Movies that we had on our to-watch list (Ex: Veep with with Julia Louis-Dreyfus is funnier than I remember).  Here’s Leah geared up ready for the long 17 hour leg to Singapore.  We FaceTimed with parents and sister today to let them know all is well.  Frankly, I don’t know how it could be better … weather is nice, high 80’s and light breeze … and Balinese people are super friendly and willing to share stories from their history, culture and local events. One event that is on the horizon is Nyepi (pronounced Nep-yee … I think) on Wednesday March 22.  It’s translated into “Silent Day” where the airport is shut down, internet is shut down, supposed to only use electricity for emergency … the island will be “dark.”  And despite the perceived inconvenience of stepping away from gadgets, this is a good t

Spent the first week preparing for the trip to Bali.  But it wasn't all packing suitcases and tracking down our passports.  Parents flew in for a Memphis Grizzlies vs Denver Nuggets with some of our favorite peeps, Uncle Court and Aunt Brenda.  Did some BBQ-ing too in preparation for a small 50th birthday bash that Leah organized.   Headed to Steamboat for few days to visit good friend, Drew Peternell and his family.  Pretty sweet weather, and mellow days on the mountain.  Then, Leah organized a get together at our house with Mark Peternell, his son Clay, large gaggle of dear friends and family.  Thank you Leah.  You set the bar high for when I need to coordinate a big celebration for you in the not-so-distant future. Great night, darn good food, and nice way to celebrate without getting too rowdy.    And as I reflect back on the 35+ years with Drew and Mark Peternell, found some photos that will take you way back and recent snap shots reminding me how lucky I am to have these 2 br

Turning 50 on March 6.   Reached my 5 year mark with Charles Schwab, which comes with a fabulous perk to take a sabbatical + explore + learn + see + do ... find an adventure. It's a truly special benefit that Schwab provides to employees every 5 years. Wasn't sure what to do with the lengthy time off, but knew I wouldn't sit around the house reorganizing the garage. Options ... Head to Argentina to fly fish, Rent a boat off the coast of Thailand and island hop, Explore Panama or Colombia, Bounce around Colorado + buy a camper + get to know my backyard. Decided to spend time with friends and family to celebrate the big 5-0, snowboard a bit, hike with our dog Ruby ... and then head to Bali for close to 5 weeks. So here we go.  We'll pack and prepare.  We have our travel docs. We have our lodging sorted. We have flights booked to the other side of the globe. We have our shots and vaccines. We have bug spray and sunscreen lotion. We have our music play list loaded ... and I