The Weekend Trader - Bamboo Shoots

Where do I even begin to describe yesterday?

I guess I'll start by saying that there are a few days that stand out at the end of the year, and perhaps even in one's life. Yesterday was clearly one of them. Said another way, and revisiting the term we referenced in Wednesday's video, it was a positive life "outlier".

Some thought we were crazy in terms of hosting a party -- at our home -- for people we'd never met aside from virtual emails, blog comments, and tiny photos. Especially in this day where the words "Internet" and "danger" seem forever linked. Yet I was never worried, as a funny thing happens when you open your home to a couple of dozen genuine, like-minded people with a common purpose and ethic who have developed a mutual "feel" for each other after a year's worth of diary onlooking and conversation: For one night, the dangers and fears of the world completely disappear.

Yet like many worthwhile events, it wasn't easy at times to get to this moment. I wasn't sure where to host it or gauge the number of people. The weather has been atrocious and unpredictable. Many emailed saying they wanted to be here, yet couldn't as 'tis the season of graduations, weddings, and family vacations. And usually when my trading -- not to mention life -- goes through a flat period, the last thing I want to do is talk to other traders.

And then the coup de grace hit (literally) at noon -- just four hours before our home would be opened to an unknown world -- where I hit my head coming out of our shed and was rushed to the hospital via ambulance to close a two and a half inch gash on my head. You just can't make this stuff up.

Frankly, for a few minutes on the way to the hospital, all I was thinking was "what the hell is going on here? ... I've got a nagging back issue where they're trying some steroid treatment where I need to AVOID infection, and now this?? And how long is this going to take on a summer Saturday in a resort area where the E.R. will likely be packed? Was this event a huge mistake and will my wife end up greeting complete strangers (to her) and trying to host this on her own? Is this another test? Does Someone (capital "S") not want this event to happen? And what happened to all the Peace I had on Friday??

Yet oh ye of little faith, and after a tetanus shot, eight staples in my scalp, and simply tremendous action by life's true heroes -- EMTs and E.R. personnel -- I was back home by 2:00pm (which has to be some sort of Cape Cod Hospital summer weekend record) to help finish getting ready.

And when the first couple arrived -- which included a former student from years ago -- any remaining qualms I had about hosting the event or recent personal challenges completely disappeared, and the rest of the night was one of the best evenings I've enjoyed in a long time as we had the privilege of being surrounded by as classy a group as you'll ever see.

We ate, drank, and ate some more, and when the rains finally came later in the evening, we simply kept chatting undeterred under the canopies before escaping indoors, even visiting the trading "bat cave" for a short time to talk some shop.

To those who made the journey (some from as far away as Calgary, Florida, and Texas), we will forever be linked by a night where world problems and career challenges faded away, and our home and hearts will always be open to you. To those who brought small gifts, Debra and I thank you, yet it was our pleasure just to serve you.

For those who couldn't join us because of distance or conflicts, you were here in spirit.

And for Anthony (son of one of the attending couples) ... best wishes as you begin your new journey, listen to your Dad, and leverage off his knowledge and experience. You have as good a start as anyone could ask for, and the rest will be up to you.

Godspeed to all on your respective journeys.

P.S. Don't forget that sometimes in trading and life, it's simply best to duck.