another beginning

FOR THE 13 OF YOU WHO CLICKED ON HERE THINKING you'd get a little BOB13 action today, let me explain...

Everything that was here at the BOB13 Blogspot site since June 13 has been moved over to my new and improved corner of cyburbia, which I'm still working on as we speak. But there's enough there for you to check it out. I'm VERY excited about the possibilities for this thing. I'd love your feedback on it.

The site is at the actual BOB13.com domain. When all is said and done I'll be able to build and host multiple blogs. I can generate discussions with a number of forums. I can host photo galleries (although I'm pretty happy with Flickr). And there's a whole bunch of other stuff I'll be able to do at this new domain. So give it a look and let me know what you think.

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As far as this new site goes, I just wanted a place where I could go to express the deep gratitude I have for so many people. Family. Friends. Strangers I've met. People who've supported me in my endeavors and folks who've shared a part of themselves with me.

This site will be devoted to YOU. And you...and you...and...you get the picture.

So much to be grateful for.

For my 1st entry I'm not gonna get specific. Because over the course of the last 3 weeks I've had it especially good. Not that I didn't have much to be grateful for before that. But on June 18th I began a streak of 19 consecutive nights spent with Tamale. During that time she met most of my family for the very 1st time, a situation that led me to a deeper, more profound admiration for both her AND my family.

Among the events we experienced together:

—My nephew Josh's 16th birthday party in Long Beach. A great time was had. Sister Katy brought the house down with a tear-inducing speech. And Tamale got to meet my Dad, Stepmom Bonita, Brother Deke, his wife Kimberly, Sister Julie and her husband Dr. Brian for the 1st time.

—A few days later we spent 2 nights and 3 days of surfing and camping at San Onofre with a whole slew of family members, most of them kids. An epic adventure all the way around.

—The day after we got back to Temecula from San Onofre, we drove up to Sister Julie's party in Yucaipa for her 1-year-old daughter Eva's birthday party, where Tamale finally got to meet Sister Rona, Aunt Barbara, Cousin Gina and Gina's mom, Aunt Linda. More pool time, beer drinking and hanging out with Sister Jeni and her brilliant husband Warren. (The prince among men responsible for building TheGreatestYearOfMyLife.com and hooking me up with the tools to build the BOB13 site.)

—The next day we spent on Lake Arrowhead, site of today's Pic 'o the Day, where we got to go boating with Sister Julie, Dr. Brian and their 6 kids. (Count 'em in the photo if you don't believe me.) I took my 1st stab at wakeboarding, which didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I got up repeatedly, but never stayed up longer than 13 seconds. But it didn't matter. Being out with Sister Julie's family was a beautiful thing. The kids are priceless. And her husband's damn cool, too.

After driving back to Tamale's place near the Hollywood sign, we holed up at her place all week. Tamale working her hairstyling artistry. Me working on this new website and yet another new stab at Power 90. (It's true! I'm on Day 7 today. My friend Jim, who's doing the 3-month home boot camp for the 1st time, has started it with me.)

I haven't even mentioned the 4th of July Tamale and I had. It started with a visit to see Ruth. Then a block party on Jim and Loren's street near Fairfax. Followed by a house party at Ahhn-dee's place in Laurel Canyon.

On our last night together we took our 1st walk up into Griffith Park, which I was shocked to find was less than a quarter mile from Tamale's house. We found a funky tree to hunker down next to, where she got out her sketch pad and began drawing another cool tree nearby while I wrote in my journal. I love the fact that she is creative and talented and adventurous.

I'm leaving out most of the juicy details and the many sweet moments. All I can say is that the last 3 weeks have been perfect. Every last moment. The family. The friends. The girlfriend.

So much to be grateful for.

I'll be more specific next time.

In the meantime, I'm back in Temecula. Still awaiting a new engine for VanGo. And ready to dive into the most creative, challenging stretch of my life.

By the way, I've chosen my 1st collaboration. I've decided to tackle the "Tall Paul Gets Cool" children's book. I've just gotta clear that with Ernie, who's getting back from vacationing in Mexico today. I have no doubt that we can get this—and lots of other things—done by the end of the month. Thanks to Cousin Glenn and Deezee—the only 2 people who weighed in their opinions. Keep 'em coming, folks.

Gratefully yours,

~Bob


UPDATE: The BOB13.com site is no longer a working site. ~Bob (1.2.19)