This Friday for our song I would like to say something. I found out about a week ago that Little Richard died last year. He was 87! 1932 to 2020! What a life! Let's celebrate Fun Friday with a Little Richard song! 

Today I got to spend time with my wife, her relatives and friend at Balboa Park! We went to the Japanese Friendship Gardens! It was really nice. Good walk, got to take some photos together and it was very nice. 

One of the photos I took was in front of a giant Buddha statue at the end of the gardens. 
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Here is the picture. When I sat there, even though this seemed like a total tourist move. I felt enlightened, and even after my wife and the others walked away, I stayed for a couple seconds and took in the sight of the statue. I felt empowered. I felt stronger. I felt...happy. I attained enlightenment a long time ago before this moment. But time and time again I feel my mind and body feeling the emotion and state of mind again and again. 

When I was in Japan, my family and I went into this temple. And inside the temple, there was a long pitch black tunnel. In the middle of the tunnel, there was a golden or some sort of metal object hanging on the wall. When you are in the tunnel, there is no light. Its just pitch black. But the tunnel is called "The Path to Happiness." When I found the metal object, just feeling it, even though I couldn't see. I felt truly happy. I felt enlightened. I felt like my problems were gone. And that I had found true happiness. This feeling I felt, was more joy than I ever felt in my life. And when I emerged from the tunnel, I told one of the monks and our tour guides what I realized and they were as proud as me as a teacher who had passed on the ultimate knowledge to their student. This my friends, is what it felt like to be enlightened. 

There was one other time many years ago, back in 2017 I believe, where I felt this feeling. I was in Seattle on a retreat with Asperger's Experts, and one of the spiritual guidance counselor told me to listen, like truly listen and take in the world around you. And...for once in my life...I did that. I listened. I truly did listen...I saw the sunshine. I saw the bees buzzing, pollinating flowers, I heard the birds chirping, everything around me...I was aware of. And I felt enlightened. It was the most amazing feeling I had ever felt. It was sensational. 

I cannot say or tell you all how this is done, or if you can, but when you feel this feeling, you will know it. And it was bring you great and immense happiness. Do not ever give up on finding your true happiness in life. 

Today's song which I missed posting on Friday, is...one of my favorites. James Brown I Got You (I feel good). Enjoy! 

As always everyone, I hope you are having a great week, and I will see ya next time! Peace! 

Sincerely,

​Austin

Hey everyone! Sorry I have not posted in a couple weeks. I wanted too but a lot of stuff has come up. 

Last weekend I went up north to visit my brother and his wife for Easter. My wife, my parents and I all drove up together and we had a great time. I did myself a favor and did not bring my computer with me so I would not be distracted by video games or social media. I wanted to have quality family time. And I did. We watched that unbelievable basketball game between UCLA and Gonzaga. That final point at the end in overtime was legendary. Some people said it was a "robbery" but if you ask me, as someone who doesn't really have a genuine interest in basketball, it was by far the best game I had ever watched in my life. Back and forth. Had you on the edge of your seat till the very end. Loved it. 

On the same day earlier that afternoon My wife, my dad and I all went fishing. We didn't catch anything, but my wife harvested some mussels for us to cook. Later that weekend when we returned home she had me try a broth with mussels in  it, and it was...delightful. So good. 

So some things I learned about mussels. They are okay to eat and harvest if they are not living near sewage areas. Because when you cook them, the poison from the pollution does not wash away in the cooking process. So if you harvest mussels and you want to eat them, make sure they are in clean areas. 

Anyways, going back to Easter weekend. On Easter itself, it was relatively simple. We woke up, we searched for Easter baskets, then we had a Easter brunch. We also discussed where we are going for Christmas this year hopefully. We all decided on Hawaii.

I love Hawaii. It's on of my favorite places on earth. Beautiful beaches, warm, good food, good people. I hope we get to go back. 

In other news, I am three days in to my second vaccine for Covid. And I have not experienced any side effects. Which is very relieving because I heard tons of stories from friends saying people had experienced side effects. The vaccine I got was Phizer. Which I heard is a higher grade vaccine. Getting the vaccine we very easy. I arrived early, I walked in, they gave me the shot, I sat for 15 minutes and I walked out. 

A couple weeks ago I went horseback riding with my wife and some family members of hers as a wedding present. My horse's name was Big Dunn or as the people on the ranch called him "Big D" which I thought was awesome. He was a great horse. I loved riding him. Last horse I rode from several years back was "Gypsy" She was a great horse too. Its always fun riding horses. 

That about sums up what has happened over the past 2-3 weeks that I haven't posted. I will end by giving you guys the last two Fun Fridays Songs, and...tomorrow's upcoming Fun Friday song. So you guys get 3 songs today! Enjoy! 

Sincerely,

​Austin