Join us online or in spirit today at 1pm Pacific!

Today’s sampling from the Tao Buffet will be some lessons from Burning Man.

Join the Lounge!

(past hugs)

I had a bit of a fish tank crises.
I’m pro-goldfish-choice, I think…

First HugNation since Grandpa’s passing. I talk a bit about it and the direction of HugNation

PART 2

Second part of HugNation where I tell a story and then lead a hug!

It was another exciting year in Beer Hunting at my family’s Easter Celebrations…

Online Videos by Veoh.com

HugNation gets a Webby Nominee! (category: Video: Reality) Yay, Grandpa!
[vote for us in as a "People's Choice"]

My personal site, cockybastard.com, won a webby in 2000. It is quite an honor to be nominated 7 years later in a totally different category…and with Grandpa!!

ALSO:
HugNation will meet today at 1pm Pacific! HugNation Marches On!

For over 2 years, grandpa and I hosted a weekly Video Podcast.

He passed a little over a week ago. Today would have been his 95th Birthday.   Here’s the 10 min tribute I made.  

NOTE: I will continue the show, tomorrow at 1pm Pacific
ALSO: Show archives (aka “Love on Demand”) avail on the Grandpa Caleb Channel)

(Soon available as an extended version on DVD.)

for posterity’s sake, I wanted to post the words said by the pastor at Grandpa’s Service. I really enjoyed hearing what a fellow minister said about the life of a clergyman.

(more…)

How fitting that so many emotional family activities happened on Easter weekend.
A weekend about birth and death.
A beautiful service. The minister’s remembrance was awesome. He painted a picture of Grandpa’s life as a pastor that I hadn’t really thought of. “Think of how many miles of hospital corridors he walked down during his years of service. Think of how many hands he held through times fo pain. How many eyes he looked into when people were overcome with doubt…”
I also loved the way he described Caleb’s calling to god as a “hammer to the heart.”
I spoke last at the service and got a little choked up in the middle. But people said they appreciated my words.

The weekend was bitter sweet. Filled with emotional moments.

Going through Grandparent’s things. Going through pictures.
Looking at an old worn ring, wondering, “What is the significance?” And knowing there is no living voice that can answer.
Smiling and laughing at old photos.
Smiling and laughing with baby caleb. And 4 other great grandchildren.
Hugging family.
Feeling proud that I honored my grandpa as best I could.
Feeling proud that I have been shaped by him.
Feeling scared at what comes next.
Feeling blessed and proud to be a part of Rev. Shikles’ tribe.

Grandpa’s Obit is Online. It was written by my mom and brother.

(more…)

I made a humorous Easter Video last week.

But I kinda got distracted in a wash of wonderful memories and forgot to share it.

So, as I finish my video tribute to my grandpa, please enjoy  this Very Special Darmha Initiative Training Film looking at the Easter Tradition.