Aric says hi. He’s alive and well, here in the USA.
We had an awesome time. I met him up in Winter Haven, Florida, for the concert of his friend Jim Van Fleet. (Who rocked, by the way. I don’t even like country music, but this guy blew me away.)
We hung out for about six hours. We talked a lot. Laughed a lot. We grabbed a bite to eat with some other friends and said our tearful good-byes around 1 a.m.
I have always seen ChinesePod as a place to connect. I just never imagined that I would become such good friends with the people who make that place happen. I mean that. And not just Aric. There are three or four people who work (and have worked) in that office that have become fixtures in my life. I’m having a housewarming party this Saturday night and the absence of my Shanghai friends will be keenly felt.
It’s amazing when you look at people and know they’re going to be in your life for a long time. You can just feel it, can’t you?
Luckily, life isn’t really like a sitcom where it will be suddenly cancelled due to low ratings.
Or so I hope. 
What Frank *didn’t* mention is that:
1. He drove 3 hours to get there
2. Gave many people copies of his new book
3. Offered his new house to many new friends
4. Hung out with Leanne Rimes drummer
5. Drove 3 hours back - at 1am
…and did I mention is still the wonderful, kind and supportive man we all know and love?
You all have a serious resource here, friends, a man with loads to offer, and who is serious about helping others with this blog - hard as it might be to find, you’d do well to visit him daily.
Frank - you’re a brother and I love ya…thank you.
Aric
I visit daily. And I’m not cool!
Phoebe
That’s good news.
Has Aric just developed some kind of Ron Wood look ?
PS: Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones
Aric - You are SO The Man, it’s ridiculous. You have to leave some Man-ness for the rest of us. It was beyond great seeing you. You know my guest room is always open to you.
Phoebe - Coming here every day MAKES you cool! So there!
(And thank you!)
kmk - Ron Wood wishes he looked that good.