An Interesting Encounter – Adam Shepard – One Year Lived

Hello, Reader!

I haven’t written in a LONG time, sadly.  For the most part, I simply haven’t been traveling, but that’s not completely the issue.  The new house has left me with loads of yard work.  Many of you know the Wife is pregnant, which brings all its own new and exciting challenges to our Life.  Let’s face it – largely, I’ve just been lazy, too.  

We have had some interesting travel, however.  Among other places, we went to Ireland recently.  We’ll be headed to Europe next month, too.  All very exciting, and we are hoping to blog – so stay tuned!

So why am I writing TODAY?  Well, a couple weeks ago, we received an interesting unsolicited email.  A young man was asking to “partner” with us on the launch of his new book.  Those of you that know me well, know that I can be the world’s biggest skeptic.  Indeed, 10 years ago I said this Bluetooth thing would never live up to the hype – I still contend I’m right on some level – most stereo speakers are still wired.  Nonetheless, I’m an admitted skeptic, and the unsolicited email threw me off.  It was an interesting proposition, however: read his new book about his travel adventures (fundamentally about traveling for the experience, and not the relaxation), post about whatever I (we, I) want, and then give the book away for free (SPOILER – Links below).

Is he serious?  Is this legit?  Who is this guy?

His name is Adam Shepard, and his new book is One Year Lived.

So… decision time – trash bin or more research?

His email was remarkably well-crafted.  I couldn’t help but be drawn in.  So I started my due diligence.

It doesn’t take long to see that Adam Shepard the person is pretty legit.  Published author.  Social instigator.  Public speaker.  Calculated risk-taker.

But I decide it’s just not my bag, but I was impressed by his moxie, and so I wrote him a candid, direct email as only I can, saying, “Thanks, but no thanks – and good luck.”

Clearly Adam’s heard the adage “No publicity is bad publicity.”   His response won me over.

And so, we found ourselves with a kindred spirit wanting to travel, experience, and live – and hoping we can inspire others to do the same.  I sat down with his book, and read a handful of excerpts.  He’s witty and candid, compassionate and compelling – well-written and thought-provoking.

Four continents, more than a dozen countries, under $20k, and a lifetime of experiences.

I can’t wait to finish the book.  In the mean time, he’s asked us to provide his new book, “One Year Lived,”  for download, for a limited time, in a variety of formats.  Download, read, enjoy – and most of all – find some time to see what the world has to offer.  Good luck!

For a limited time only – for FREE:

The PDF version

The epub version

The mobi version

 

Chihuly at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

On Saturday, my friend Jen and I took a day trip down to Richmond to check out the Chihuly light installation at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.  If you don’t know who Chihuly is (like me, prior to planning this trip), but you’ve been to Vegas, you would recognize his work from the beautiful ceiling in the lobby of the Bellagio (love!).  The exhibition was wonderful and well worth the drive down and the admission fee.  It’s only there until February 10th and I highly recommend it.  I wanted to share some photos for you to hopefully spark your interest… If you don’t make it down for the exhibit, the rest of the museum is free and also a great day trip so go check it out!

Also, spring the $5 for the audio tour – well worth it

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Wright Brothers National Memorial

Who would have thought we’d be able to take advantage of our annual National Park pass while at the beach but thanks to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, we were able to do so on a particularly beautiful day! The Husband and I had both visited the memorial before (him – multiple times; me – when we came out for our wedding back in 2008) but two of our friends had never been.  We took advantage of the free time, our free entry for out pass, and the beautiful weather to get in a visit before our friends’ wedding.

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The markers note where each of their flights landed.  The fourth one is way off in the distance.

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Busts of the brothers.

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Jockey’s Ridge

All sorts of firsts for me this week in Nags Head… first time at Stack Em High… first time at a seafood buffet… and now my first time to Jockey’s Ridge.  According to wikipedia, it is the tallest active sand dune in the eastern U.S. and most visited North Carolina state park.  It’s a popular place for flying kites, hang gliding, and running up and rolling down.

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It was a cool, breezy, cloudy day which made for an enjoyable visit.  The sand wasn’t hot so we were able to be barefoot and I was able to enjoy taking photos…. which is what I’ll leave you with.  Enjoy!

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