an angel has some of my dad’s hot sauce.

I just recently returned from a weekend retreat with some friends and colleagues of mine. As young people working on projects around the country [and in other countries] who want to become both more humble and more prepared for the work we face, we decided to throw ourselves a little unconference. Let me tell you, if you have people you’ve worked on serious projects with–people with whom you’ve dared to do something that could radically disappoint you all–keep a hold of those people. Chances are good that they’ll become people you need in the future, even if you’re not sure what to do with them right away. Added bonus: they’ll connect you to your own past, keep you honest, keep you accountable, and offer you bushels of reassurance.

Revisiting relationships with people I know, have worked with, and who are themselves engaged in some serious work that they’re betting their hopes, their reputations, and their bank accounts on–that’s what I’m most looking forward to. I’m out here foraging ideas, tools, and methods to fashion the future, and I’m also trying to forge a personal and political web that will last beyond the tour itself.