Aug. 4, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 4

• Brush: Proraso Professional Boar | Break-in photos
• Razor: Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
• Blade: Schick Proline (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Alive - Eau de Parfum

The brush is coming along better than I expected, and I have a good grasp on how to load and lather the Tusk base with this brush now. The last time I had to add a ton of water on the face to get it to the drippy runny state that I prefer so today I decided to load after the lightest shake of the brush, and I probably could have gone without shaking the brush at all once it finished dripping water. Just look at this lather. I believe the brush is just on the cusp of being enjoyable to use. Today I didn't feel the pokiness as much and getting enough soap loaded onto the brush probably helps to provide a more luxurious face feel as well. Today I had enough for 3 passes plus touch ups which is my typical full shave and there was still a bit of lather that I could squeeze out of the center of the knot so I'm already very happy with the performance in its current state. The tips are also splitting and hooking quite nicely.

Boar thrill is alive and I ordered a cheap $13 Zenith a few weeks ago from ebay which arrived today. I'll probably play with a few hand lathers to get a feel for the differences, but just from the initial visual inspection the Zenith looks denser and the bleached hairs look like they'll be nice to use.

The Feather SR + Schick Proline is still nice and smooth with no noticeable performance degradation. Today I tried a few new angles of attack which I'll incorporate more in future shaves. Fantastic shave overall.

#RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Edit: Fixed image links + tags

Aug. 4, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic
• Razor: Van Der Hagen
• Blade: Voskhod (5)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm

#MammothMafia

Aug 4, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 4

• Prep: Warm Water Wash
• Prep: Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
• Brush: Zenith Cobalt Blue 28mm Boar Knot (505BC SE)
• Razor: GEM Open Comb Micromatic (2nd Gen.)
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (4)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave

Great shave this morning!

#RawHoggin
Four days in, the brush feels like something I would use on a regular basis. I'm hoping it will still get softer with more use, but it worked up a really fine lather this morning without feeling too scritchy. I'm still working on loading the correct amount of soap without needing to go back to the tub, but incremental progress is still progress.

#GEMsOfWisdom
The shave with the MMOC just clicked: the angle felt right, the pressure was mostly correct, and the strokes used during each pass are getting more efficient. I would say it was a near BBS shave with some minor irritation around the neck that I've come to expect. However, at least the irritation was not visibly red even though it could still be felt. I'll continue working on the correct pressure in the trouble areas, and try to keep this level of efficiency consistent.

#MammothMafia
Almond Leather is still making these shaves incredibly enjoyable. We'll see if that holds true towards the end of the month.

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft
The Mountain Goats released the song This Year in 2005, and it has since become a sort of personal anthem for when life starts to get rough. The Mountain Goats have many great songs across an impressive discography, and they put on great live shows with such incredible energy.

An added bonus, the song Love, Love, Love from the same album, The Sunset Tree, is wonderfully haunting.

Rating: 3.5/5

• Prep: warm shower
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: Novelty Cutlery Co straight razor
• Lather House of Mammoth - Z
• Post Shave: Equate witch hazel
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - unscented aftershave balm

Headless Horsemen

#RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia

Austere August 2022 day 4 https://imgur.com/a/pnynryp

4 August 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: morning shower
• Brush: Sterling boar
• Razor: Maggard V3
• Blade: Derby Extra
• Lather: House of Mammoth Fu Dao
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth Fu Dao splash

More water this morning resulted in better lather, smoother shaving, and no blood. A decent shave for a morning pre-coffee shave.

mammothmafia

Aug. 4, 2022 - SOTN AA Sonder 4

• Prep: splash of cold water
• Brush: Summer Break 26m SHD
• Razor: Merkur Progress
• Blade: Wizamet (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum

The progress was a bit rough the first few days but the last two have been much better. Hopefully I will be very comfortable with it by the end of the week. Have a great day and shaves everyone #MammothMafia

Aug. 4, 2022 - Austerest shave number four

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (4)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

So, I DQ’d myself yesterday from the Raw Hoggin’ challenge as I left lather in my brush and like a putz, decided to tell you all about it. Take note, cheaters. I will still break in this pig stink knot, just now with no pressure or performance anxiety. You will still hear all about it, don’t worry. And you’re welcome. Thankfully this month is full of side contests so hope still abounds.

Todays shave was better than yesterdays. I think I like the MMOC more when I don’t have to use it, but choose to do so. After the 4th shave the blade is settling in nicely. Also took the opportunity to shave my head. That's where this big boar brush shines, and that's what I had in mind for it when spending the $13. Overall my face and head feel great, a fine shave!

I always knew that raw hoggin’ just wasn’t for me and that I should always wear a condom. I think I’m also maybe dyslexic. So 1 less hashtag now. Welp.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 4, 2022

• Brush: Summer Break DeMaranville B15
• Razor: Chiseled Face Ti
• Blade: Personna Super Stainless (13)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Eau de Parfum

  #MammothMafia

Aug. 4, 2022 - Austere August - Z

• Brush: Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice
• Razor: Blackland Era lvl 3 oc
• Blade: Personna med prep (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm

Good shave today.

#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented

Aug. 4, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

The MMOC continues to MMOC, the boar continues to reek, the Mammoth soap and aftershave continue to smell of nothing but their core ingredients, and face-lathering continues to be the worst bullshit ever introduced to shaving.

The grey mug I mentioned yesterday that I have on the side there (not for lathering, not only because it doesn't provide the space for it but also because the boar contest disallows it) used to have something printed on the side for Lac Qui Parle, MN, a place that I have never gone to, even though I also have a T-shirt for the place. Talking Lake, Lake that Speaks, I guess it's a place that's big on duck/geese hunting? I have no idea, and I have no idea about or interest in hunting. But at some point the printing on the mug just completely wiped off, leaving me with a plain grey mug, which I honestly prefer. Shame it's not a darker shade to better match the brush handle, though.

I woke up this morning with a song inexplicably stuck in my head, which happens with remarkable frequency. One such song that has been the culprit on a number of occasions has been the George of the Jungle theme, I shit you not.

This morning it was actually The New Pornographers - Miss Teen Wordpower, which, having typed that, I realize could be a worrying combination of words if you're not familiar with the group. But in light of that, I figured this is as good a time as any to jump into the #sidetracked contest from /u/Teufelskraft

But that is not the song I wish to share for the purpose of the contest. This song does bring me back to my undergrad days, and it reminds me of someone who was with a study abroad group I was in (a trip I recently talked a bit about) because she mentioned that movie Little Miss Sunshine a number of times and that title is similar to the title of the song. Also, she was big into words, which is always cool.

I'm also a big fan of something in Miss Teen Wordpower song that I'm not sure how to describe: A kind of tonal downshift a the end of the lines "Nobody knows the wreck of the soul like you do" and "Miss Teen Wordpower" I don't know. It's fun to sing to, too, but maybe I drop an extra octave or something to exaggerate it.

But no, that's not the song I wanted to share for this, which is another from The New Pornographers that shares that same kind of downshift thing, and I happen to like this song a fair bit better: Sing Me Spanish Techno. I am indeed guilty, on occasion, of listening too long to that one song.

#GEMSofWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

August 4, 2022

• Preshave: Hot Water
• Razor: Blackland Era Level 3 plate
• Blade: Feather (4)
• Brush: Chisel and Hound 26mm v10 Fanchurian
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm

Not much to say about the shave it was uneventful and as perfect as I’ve come to expect when I’m not rushed and can take my time and enjoy it. I absolutely love the scent of Kryptonite and in this hot day the synthetic menthol is quite nice.

Have a great one all!

MammothMafia

A Mammoth Micromatic Raw Hoggin’ August

Brush Progress

• Brush: Zenith B26 #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (4)
• Lather: House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk
• Post Shave: Hygge Splash & Balm
• Fragrance: Hygge EDP #MammothMafia

If ever there was an ultra nightmare…

The single blade is the scariest part of the month.

I sauntered into the bathroom yesterday afternoon. We just had cleaners come through…took a deep breath and between noticing the distinct cintronella stench of cleaning liquid, and appreciating that our tiles are actually white I noticed something a little out of place.

I’ve been opening, removing the blade and keeping razor and blade separate after my shaves to keep things squeaky clean all month. Looks like the cleaner has displaced my things and now the blade is resting awkwardly on top of the razor. Has the blade edge been compromised? Well I dunno, the only way to know is to shave.

Well, in most other scenarios this blade would be binned, but not this month. Not on day….4!? Pathetic.

So I carefully stropped the blade on my arm, lathered up, and got to work. Best lather yet, face feel getting there, smell not overwhelming now, Hygge has taken over 60% of the smell.

WTG was very smooth and confirmed cutting hair (phew). ATG was a bit tuggier than I would have expected.

All in all solid result for Day 4. Damn, long way to go…

Day 1 Prep Video

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

MammothMafia

Aug. 3, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm
• Razor: Razorock GameChanger .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (4)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm

Tags:

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

4 August 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: splash of warm water
• Brush: Zenith B33
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (4)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 3, 2022 - Austere August Day 4

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

The good thing about Austere August is that I don't have to think about what gear and software I am using. The bad thing about Austere August is that I don't get to pick what gear and software I am using. It is monotonous and boring. But on the bright side of things; Tusk is fantastic, MMOC is top tier and breaking in a boar is satisfying. Hold the line gents, hold the line.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 4, 2022 - August Austere Day 4

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Nothing too special to report with todays shave. I did make the rookie mistake of accidentally getting some of the aftershave on and past my lips, and I can assure you all it doesn’t taste great. Sonder was and has continued to be a good choice as I finish up my work week. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 4, 2022 - Austere August Day 4

• Prep: House of Mammoth Almond Leather Bath Soap
• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Mire 26mm Zenith Unbleached Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

🐗Raw Hoggin' Progress🤮:
•Unused
•Shave 1
•Shave 2
•Shave 3
•Shave 4

Thoughts for the day:
So I realized this morning, I could never in good conscience sell this brush now, at least not with this knot. The idea of someone getting to enjoy the knot without having to endure this onslaught of booty juice is fucking unfathomable. Earn yo' stripes, I guess... Just wish it smelled better than a festival port-o-john. 😩😩😩

In other news, there is no other news. Shave was fine. No complaints.

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 4, 2022

• Brush: Maggard Razors 30mm Synthetic
• Razor: Henson AL-13 ++
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Day 4 today. Some minor irritation from once again chasing BBS on my head. I think most of that is from yesterdays shave though — the Henson is pretty mild. Lathering still needs work, I have gone from scooping to tub loading, still some guess work on how long to load, and how to tell that you have loaded enough for a good lather. Had the opposite problem when scooping, I would often have way too much lather at the end.

#MammothMafia

Aug. 4, 2022 - Austere August - Day 4

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Maggard 2-Band Fan Badger 26
• Razor: Maggard MR-18 with V3 head
• Blade: Feather (4)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Aftershave

#MammothMafia

2022-08-04 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (4)
Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap
Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave
Fragrance: Issey Miyake -L'eau d'Issey pour Homme

https://imgur.com/a/aQWGOy0

Another nice shave. 4 shaves on the Torga - C5 and it feels very good. The other hardware and software is performing as expected. l have no problem working with this stuff for the rest of the month.

Have a good evening everone.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug 04, 2022 - Getting Sidetracked while searching for the Wisdom of a Mammoth

• Prep: Hot shower and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Maggard Green Handle 2 Band Badger 24mm

• Razor: GEM - MMOC

• Blade: Personna GEM Stainless (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP

Every day tags: #MammothMafia #GEMsofWisdom

August 4th, 2022 - Taming the Beast

• Prep: Warm water and extra patience

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (quattro)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin Are those split ends I see? Pre shave and Post Shave Soggy Hog

#GEMsOfWisdom

While the hog is not tamed yet, the GEM has started to settle down. I went with as light a grip as I could and still hold onto the blade. Followed the GEM instructions to hold the cap to the face, and had a smoother shave tonight. No blood for the MMOC tonight! Post shave the splash was just tingly and not stingy. 2 passes and a slight touch up on the sideburn area gave my smoothest shave this month. Not bbs, but it is a decent shave.

I used a slightly less amount of soap loading tonight, and didn’t shake out as much water. Finally got a nicely hydrated lather. Great slickness and had a bit left over after my passes. Might scoop a little less tomorrow. I am still forcing the brush to splay on my face. Just painting the brush on the face wasn’t making much lather. I was just dripping wet soap down my front. I am not a fan of face lathering. I bet the brush already could whip up a heck of a lather in the bowl without too much work. Hopefully mushing up my face with the brush will accelerate the break in period. So far what I like most is the handle I chose. I love how warm the handle gets after a 5 minute soak in the cup of hot water.

With the blade finally starting to smooth out, it is looking like there is a good chance the blade will cruise along to 31 shaves. Still will keep flipping it. Odd days get the GEM side of the blade up.

August 4 2022

• Brush: Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (7)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo

Austere August advances apace.

#MammothMafia

#GEMSofWisdom

Aug 4 2022

• Prep: Mineral oil massage

• Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗

• Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop

• Blade: Voskhod

• Soap: Mammoth Z

• Balm: Mammoth Z

Augie Hoggie the Fourth

Practice was canceled due to rain. I shaved after work again, so as not to abuse my face. Another great shave, and another attack on my sense of smell.

Imagine a ramekin of bacon bits soaking in a pint of water. Let it sit on a window sill for an hour whenever your summer occurs. The put that in a spray bottle, and spritz yourself. Sounds stupid, doesn’t it? What kind of person would think up a challenge like this? Who would suggest this during SUMMER BREAK?

SOAP’S doing well for me, and so is the Brassbird. I have two Karves that are gonna go away due to this. I just gotta source a heavier handle.

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

#Unscented

#ZFighter

Fourth day of Pig

Aug. 4, 2022 - AA 4

• Prep: Cold water splash
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)

• Lather: House of Mammoth- Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm

• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette

Sneaking in another late night shave. Didn’t really have time to soak the brush today, and to nobody’s surprise it’s still a little scratchy.

Progress pic. SOTD in title.

Spoiler alert, I still sort of suck with the MMOC. Hit 10 shaves on this blade though. I did try a little ATG on my cheeks on my 2nd pass. The head geometry on the razor does lend itself a bit well in a way to ATG passes. Between the shape and weight, it weirdly lines itself pretty close to what I think should be the correct angle (again, still sort of experimenting and figuring it out overall). #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 4. 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: Long work day
• Brush: Zenith B10 Boar
• Razor: Feather Artist Club SR
• Blade: Feather Professional (1)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Alum, Zingsri Sego balm

Shave of austerity #4

2 pass shave once more, more pleasant. I woke at 2:53am to realize I forgot to post that I shaved last night. ~~Guess that means I’m out for AA :( I’ll still post in solidarity despite~~ saved by pacific standard time. Whew.

Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen

Apparently I posted my SOTD in the wrong post.

Aug. 4, 2022 - Go Fourth and shave!

• Prep: Outdoor shower
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Aftershave

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Eau de Parfum

Sometimes life turns you upside down and you have to turn it back upright. I’ll finish this post later.

After work I showered in the outdoor shower and followed it up with an indoor shave. I was scheduled for the early shift , just 3 days before my final day at work. I am starting a “new job” the 15th and I have to move across the country for a couple months.

Anyways I did not get to shave this morning so I shaved after work. The outdoor shower was great to cool down, but even fully on cold it was warm.

The brush lost 2 hairs today. House of Mammoth has always worked great for me! Everything in the picture was upside down and I just rotated it.

u/EldrormR and u/Semaj3000 I beg of ye, forgiveth thine own short comings and alloweth thy mercy to prevent thine DQ.

Thank you u/JoboozeRum!

#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Like u/imblasted, I was told that I posted my SOTD in the wrong thread on this date. Below is the original contents of that post for the bots. u/EldrormR and u/Semaj3000 have been messaged and now pinged. Thanks u/JoboozeRum for the heads up and your diligence in Mammoth challenge tracking. You're a lifesaver.

Edit: tagging for pings.

---

Aug. 4, 2022 - AA Day 4 - The best is yet to come?

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Witch Hazel, Osma Alum

So tonight I heeded some advice given after my terrible experience the last 3 days and, well, the shave was a bit better. I only had 1 nick (well, 2, but in the same spot) and to be fair, it was a slice on a pimple, so, had that stupid bump not been there it would have been a nick free shave. I had been trying to hold the razor pretty flat to my skin, but after someone else mentioned the importance of holding it really flat, I overexaggerated just how flat it was and it went a lot better. I also took some more advice and didn't go for a BBS and still ended up with a pretty darn good shave - with the grain and across the grain, and then I buffed just a bit on my chin area so I won't get any complaints from my wife. My neck - where I typically have the worst time - is the most rough still, but, it looks clean shaven and nobody is going to feel that part of my neck anyway. So - thanks for all the tips and tricks and advice!

The Zenith continues to open up and again whipped up an excellent lather. I am very excited to see this brush at the end of the month, I have a feeling it's going to end up as one of my favorites. If it's already this good, I can only imagine how great it will be when it's fully opened and splays even better. Very excited. I'm glad I went with this handle, too - it's super comfortable to use. I'm finding more and more that I prefer larger handles to smaller.

Sonder, again, was excellent. I got more green tonight than I have the last few days and, again, as I sit here the cooling of the synthetic cooling agent is doing wonders for post shave feel. While the shave was green, I get a nice touch of sandalwood in the post shave. It's such a simple and elegant scent. Big fan.

And now for the sonder thought of the day. Today at work (church) it was the funeral of a long time member and well known woman in our church family. Our senior pastor shared an encouraging message and some family members shared stories and then I was privileged to conclude the service with a prayer and benediction. But - her widower caught wind during planning that I had a really funny story of how I met her (Barb) and I got to share that, too, which was really fun. I know funerals aren't typically "fun," and this one had moments of grieving, too, but by and large it was a beautiful celebration of the life she lived and the faith she clung to so tightly. I left encouraged and grateful for such a solid service. And then, as I went about the rest of my day, I thought a bit about her husband, who is still alive. That service was every bit as beautiful for him - I watched him laugh and cry throughout. But tonight, he's home. His wife of 30-40 years has been gone for a week and her funeral has been held. And while I come home to my family, he's adjusting to a new normal, without her. In spite of all the "preparation" time he had due to her battle with cancer, she's still gone. Death of those close to you is always sobering and puts life into such perspective. My wife, or myself, or my kids, could get some terrible disease diagnosed in the next few weeks and everything could change. It happened to this family. And yet, I too often hold onto petty arguments rather than overlooking mistakes and celebrating the wife and life I've been blessed with. So, as I consider Barb's widower, tonight I will choose to drop any irritation I have with my wife over silly things and choose closeness and unity rather than division and separation. Life is too short. And then, tomorrow, on my day off, I'll do everything I can to enjoy it with my family. I'll put my phone down - leave it in the other room, even - and be present. Soaking in the little mundane moments that we've got together and trying to better count even the difficulties of having a family as the privilege that they are. I know that if something happened to any of my family I would be devastated and would do anything to have them vying for my attention again. So, instead of pushing it off, I'll work on enjoying it for the limited time I know I'll have it. Barb and her husband had a long, fulfilling marriage full of ups and downs and I'm willing to bet that as her husband lies alone in that bed tonight, he'd give just about anything to have a few more minutes with her. So - ladies and gents - love the people close to you well. Let the small stuff go and love deeply. I've yet to hear from a spouse who was left behind that they regret loving and not getting enough back, but I have heard about regrets around "the stupid fights and arguments."

Anyway. Heavier sonder post, today. But, it's what's been on my mind and what I thought about while I shaved tonight. Maybe tomorrow will be lighter - who knows.

Have a good night.

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom