Hello, my powerful global family! Sending you streams of brilliance on this formidable Labor Day Weekend Saturday…!

Today was a bit magical (as all Labor Day Saturdays should be). Schuy and I headed downtown in Tampa to attempt for the second day in a row to see the Art of the Brick exhibit. This is the last weekend that the work of Nathan Sawaya (who uses Legos as his medium http://www.artofthebricktampa.com ) will be on display here in Tampa. We drove up to find a line that easily promised to be a two-hour (minimum) wait. Hooray for the power of cool art!

As much as the concept enticed us, neither Schuyler not I loved the idea of standing in a parking lot in the hot (and potentially rainy) weather for multiple hours. The easy and quick decision was made to head to our favorite part of the bay: downtown St. Pete — specifically the Locale Market. The world opened its arms to our decision. Traffic was perfect and there was a “sparkle” handicap parking spot as we drive up to Sundial. Out came the wheelchair from the trunk… plenty of room between the passenger seat and the curb… Schuy stands up… Schuy sits down in the wheelchair… we lock the car and we are off…. we wheel our way down one block, down the ramp and then into this welcoming food home away from home… Locale Market… a little slice of foodie heaven on Earth…

The place is hopping! Immediately to the left of the door the local sports radio has set up behind the beer and wine bar. Two broadcasters are going full steam. Lots of men who look like they could be professional athletes (or could have been at one time) are clustered around. We vaguely notice a young man passing out tastes of his product close by but we head to the right to avoid the crowd. We circle back into the store. Now realize that one of our favorite tomato sauces in the world is sold in this store so it’s like a magnetic tractor beam. Eventually we end up by this shelf stocking up with a month’s supply of this yumminess…

Something makes me decide to brave circling back toward the front of the store… back to the area where the broadcast is taking place… we look at the broadcasting team and smile. I’m planning on launching my own podcast in the next week or so. I listen for a moment to see what I can learn from these broadcasting professionals… Our eyes land on the young man with the samples. I wheel Schuy closer. I start to ask him what he is sampling, but he stops me…

He blurts out that he knows me. He knows Schuy. He has been following our story. He is thrilled to meet us. He shares that our story was actually a catalyst for him starting this business! I am shocked. Stunned. I feel like I’m going to cry. I feel the eyes of the broadcasters on us. They must be able to sense the emotion. This young man David comes around his sample table and gives both of us a hug. I am beyond honored— beyond words… to have been even a tiny part of someone daring to pursue their dream is breathtaking… Schuy is thrilled… she asks how he found our story… she laughs… more eyes on us… a magical moment..

We taste his product… samples of his dream… balsamic dressing… lovely… sesame ginger dressing… wow… and the Sicilian tomato sauce…. incredible!!

Yes, we bought his product (Yo Mama Marinara Sauce) and if you are ever in the area of St. Pete or if you are inclined to go on line, look for Yo Mama brand! Foodie quality delicious! Eventually, Schuy and I said goodbye and headed upstairs for a gourmet popsicle and a glass of Chardonnay. We sat on the balcony, loving life and loving the magic of synchronicity. It began to rain but under the roof’s balcony, the rain just added to the ambience. We laughed with our wait staff. We played on our technology but most of all we celebrated being together, deliciously and unpredictably alive….

Today, dear Global Family… celebrate each and every rain drop that kisses your cheek. Celebrate life and each other. Celebrate coincidence. Celebrate contrast. Celebrate your each and every breath. Today is your day. You are a remarkable spirit embarked upon a life experience. This truly IS all about you. Roll up your sleeves and take over the Director’s Chair. Create something that is blockbuster!!

In Joy!

Meridith Hankenson Alexander