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| Pathways Advisory Group, Inc. Dustin J. Smith, CFP® |
I just returned from a wedding in Crescent City, California. Actually, more accurately, from the wedding of the century in Crescent City California!!! 500+ people on a horse ranch that dressed up to something out of Sunset Magazine. But, what I enjoyed the most was the experience, from a different perspective...
Although I spent most of my time chasing after a three year old (Bryce) and a four year old (Emilie), I enjoyed many brief conversations. I watched old friends and their families. They worked, they visited and they played. But it was different this time. Most of my memories of this community are teenage memories – i.e. clueless!! It looks different now…
What struck me was how well this community fits together. How these families grow up together. No need to lock your car door in this town. I enjoyed meeting these families all over again. And re-learning what they do for a living. And, in a number of cases, observing their talents. Much talent was on display.
People are good at different things and we put our talents to work in many different ways. It’s what makes the world work. It’s what makes our economic system so powerful. This wedding, in this small town on the California/Oregon border, was an awesome example of this phenomenon - the sum is indeed greater than the parts.
The wedding was a jigsaw puzzle of many talents. Giant tents were constructed. A dance floor was created in a round pen (used for training horses). Food stations were organized around the barn. 600 cupcakes were prepared and consumed. Beer wagons were visited. Yes, that was a talent for some. A “rookie” officiated the ceremony. Good job Dad! Beautiful pictures were taken. Good job Michelle! A horse and his trainer escorted the bride and groom to the ceremony in a carriage. Good job bro! And, a surprise “flash-mob” broke out during the reception. You should have seen me practicing the night before – not exactly one of my talents! But, by far the greatest talent on display, the amazing carriage attached to that amazing horse. It was the work of a man I hardly knew as a teenager, the bride’s grandpa Roger. His work is on display all over the ranch. He is gifted and wonderfully modest.
Pictures are better than words – everything below is constructed out of horseshoes.
Just married…
Mom and foal…
Our little cowboy…
It was a great time. And I was grateful to be a part of it. Congratulations Matt and Deja!
Dustin J. Smith, CFP®
A formerly “clueless” teenager from Crescent City, California…
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