Summer Howdy Albert,

Well, it's been quite a summer on my end. Hit reply and tell me about yours! Mine had a lot of fun camping and festival experiences - Summer Solstice at Breitenbush; a dance community campout near Carsen, WA; Oregon Country Fair; The Songwriter Soiree Retreat in St. Helens; my first GBB Fest; Singing Alive; A visit to a friend's cabin on the Alsea River; camping at a friend's place in Ilwaco, WA; and I'm in Austin, TX to participate in a Deepak Chopra Silent Awakenings retreat! There's even one more I have a ticket to - Cascadia Equinox - later this September - but I'm not sure about that one. Anyway, let's just say it's been a full and fun Summer. I feel like I was making up for last Summer's fiascos (Covid, having to flee OCF, and missing the last Strummit!).

I've also been spending a bunch of time teaching and networking on Alignable this Summer. Constant Contact made an arrangement with Alignable to have a few of us "experts" come into the platform as teachers, and I've been having fun sharing what I know about the digital marketing field with people from all over the country. It's breathed a little air into my business and into my life, too. I've also been on more dates this Summer than ever before thanks to Autum the Matchmaker and Tawkify (2 matchmaking outfits). No 2nd dates, but it felt good to get out there and meet 5 women and I look forward to more in the Fall. I still have my dating "shingle" out there in case you want to set me up with someone! I've also recently lost 8 pounds and intend to keep going in that direction.

The various campaigns I'm working on continue, too. Keeping Trees Standing; Eliminating the use of Gas-Powered Leaf-Blowers - both groups are growing and having impacts. I used to be so focused on trying to get governing bodies to make changes - but lately, I feel like trying to encourage my neighbors and fellow residents of Portland to change is a much better strategy. It reminds me of how people put so much emphasis on the value of social media when email marketing has such a higher ROI. Doh!

Anyway, I just wanted to write a short 11 this month - and wish the Burners making their way home a safe ride.

I continue to believe that every aspect of climate change would be improved by lessening our human population. Check out what Bill Ryerson of Population Media has to say about this below. I've been following his work for years. And, his work would be eased (and our longevity on this planet improved) if we make sure to get Republicans out of office at all levels of government.

All righty, off soapbox - I hope you had a great Summer and I look forward to hearing some news from your world if you wish - hit reply and say hi!

Take care, hydrate, and I'll catch you next month!

Lots of love from Austin, TX!

Albert