Ichigo, Ichie

Dear Blog Diary,

Ichigo, ichie - Japanese expression, "one time, one meeting."

Interesting, open-ended meaning. In one sense, treat every moment as precious. Imagine every experience could be the only time you will ever have it. You met your best friend for the first time, only once. You only get to kiss your partner for the first time, once. It's only afterwards that your new friend became family and your partner became the love of your life. You can only connect the dots backwards, as Steve Jobs said.

On the other hand, cashiers, Uber drivers, strangers on the street. Chances are 99% likely that your interaction was completely meaningless in their lives, and yours. So what does it matter?

As a nihilist, I ironically lean towards the former. The important part is having a good head on your shoulders, a kind heart, and an awareness to realize what a person could mean in your life. Then the hard part is being present.

Last weekend was Smoked in Ohio 8, Columbus breaking jam. I remember the first very well, a lifetime ago. What a reunion last weekend was. Seeing some people I haven’t seen in literally 10+ years. Friends, fam, people I went to war with so many times.

My breaking name is Squirt. I started breaking at 13. Everyone older than me so I was the young one. Battling, cyphering, travel, rivals, crew, family. I’m now older than any of them were when they met me.

Coming of age.

My favorite musician is Bob Dylan. He wrote “Blowing in the Wind” in 10 mins at 20 years old. He doesn’t make music much these days. He says that was a time in his life and he can’t create like that anymore. A magic from who he was and now isn't.

Can do a 70.3 Ironman but breaking is hard on the body. Artistically and physically, old grey mare ain't what she used to be. As much as I relate to Bob, I will forever identify first as a b-boy. It's my DNA. I forever have my place in history, dues paid, and like Frankie said – I fucking did it my way.

Overwhelmed with gratitude from the jam. Too many memories, so much growth, and I have more to give. Seeing Prevail meant a lot.

Ichigo, ichie, and then it’s gone – like smoke (in Ohio) blowing in the wind.

Remember that.

Best,

E

#ARTiculate