Occasionally, I get something right.
This is one of those times.

My good friend KK called recently to update me on the family comings and goings.
Amongst the lesser news, she told me that her former boyfriend's daughter, Kelly, had been awarded a scholarship to study abroad.
Kelly is a smart, beautiful, young lady, now in her late teens, who had at one time gone thru a pretty rough patch, which she has since, clearly overcome.
KK had been a big part of Kelly's life during the most difficult parts and been, like she is to all of her friends, an endless source of help and support.
Big hugs to both of them!




From: El Pinche Pirata del Fuego
Date: November 6, 2012 1:34:23 PM EST
To: Kelly
Cc: KK
Subject: travel, life, and the pursuit of the self in the outside world


Dear Kelly,

I hope this note finds you well.
You may recall me as the "extra-ordinarily handsome and charming friend of Kristi Koehler, who occasionally occupied space in your home and ate too much of your food" or at very least, that weirdo with the eye-patch.

Either way, I wanted to write to tell you how happy I was to learn from Kristi that you had been awarded a "study abroad scholarship" or something that resembles such.

Congratulations!!!

That is a wonderful accomplishment and one I truly hope you will take every advantage of (dangling participle not withstanding).

Over the past few years, I have been traveling more than the average bear and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute, particularly when said travels took me to Europe.
Whatever destination you pick, go be a part of it.
Lift your glass, dance on the table, run through the crowds, laugh at the other tourists, stand amongst the ruins, or the paintings, or the pigeons.
Sing along with the tune whether you know the song or not - shear enthusiasm will get you a long, long way.
You're young and beautiful and sharp and the destination is not nearly so important as the attitude.

I remember every step in Budapest. 

Standing at the armory overlooking the Danube River and feeling the bullet holes in the concrete with my hands.
Walking thru The White Heron Castle in Kyoto or walking under the cherry trees on The Philosopher's Trail.
Listening to a Dixie-Land Jazz band on the St. Charles bridge in Prague or the taste of "just one more media pinta" in Seville.

Go do.

Take a deep breath and step out into the wind and sunshine.

All my very best to you,
xoxo,



Joey (aka EPPdF)