By John Jarvis

Hughes Marino Family,

With apologies to Dr. Seuss, “I said what I’d do and I did what I said…”

How cool was the concert? Or the symphony? Or the acoustic coffee shop singer-songwriter pouring out their heart? There is definitely something about live music, right? I wish I could sing. It is a gift, and powerful when shared.

We’re happy to report that we received a lot of great photo entries this month! A lot of our Opstars put on their boots and embraced country music! San Diego OpStars Briana Waris, Kelsey Prendergast, Elizabeth Carvalho and their friend Michelle spent a day at the races and enjoyed a concert by country artist Billy Currington. Our Orange County OpStar sisters Alison Dunks and Andrea Kirklen watched country superstar Jake Owen in Costa Mesa.

The country music theme continued up in Washington with Owen Rice when his wife and friends enjoyed an outdoor Willie Nelson concert (complete in #hughesmarinogear!) in Redmond. Star Hughes-Gorup and Steven Gorup watched Kenny Chesney from the pit at Gillette Stadium in Boston!

Country music aside, Hope Fox, Heather Fox and Heather’s daughter Sophia switched it up and enjoyed a live performance of the E.T. score under the stars by the San Diego symphony. Our friends Laura and Erwin saw Ed Sheeran, Roxanne enjoyed a live acoustic band in Catalina and Mary-Jo and her sister were inspired to attend an 80’s throwback concert under the stars at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles!

I wonder if others had the same notion as I did accomplishing our mini goal this month, which was “If this is how we grow, man, sign me up!” Such a simple thing. Intentionally developing the habit of doing what we said we would do, twelve times a year. Good stuff, right?

But would you, could you, in a car? 

Yep, in September we are getting behind the wheel and heading out on back roads, country roads, highways and freeways. Because our September mini goal is to…

Take a Road Trip!

Sometimes, or maybe all the time, the best stuff is close by. So pull out a map. Plan your route. Maybe rent a convertible. Invite a friend or your whole family. Let’s be honest, many of us live where others choose to travel for vacation, so let’s appreciate all that we have with just a car ride away.

Share your images of the open road and the wind in your hair! Send your photos to minigoals@hughesmarino.com, and tag your photos on social media with #hmminigoals. 10-2 (that’s what my Dad says and it means keep your hands on the steering wheel), safety first, no dangerous selfies. That’s what friends are for!

Beep Beep.

So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!