Afternoon, my lil’ chickadees: This began as a Facebook update but ran long and way earnest. I’m back at my desk in Brazil now, our cat is purring, my speakers are farting electronic beats, and I’m scribbling down Tuesday’s chapter of RLP.

I had a blast being back in the States (& Canada) for the last three weeks, kicking around New York City again, spending time with my folks, swimming with old friends at my favorite Miami beach, sneaking down to Key West with my lady to snorkel the Barrier Reef before the BP slick hits.

But great as that all was, it’s even better to be back “home”, a concept I’ve pondered much this year, and even more while back in the States. When we first landed in NYC, I felt confused at how instantly comfortable it was, unrooting my heart from Brazil and placing it in comfy Manhattan soil for a bit, then it did the same in my hometown of South Florida, here and there and here again.

But what I’ve taken away from that, so clear to me now, is that “home” isn’t a place… it’s the people, wherever they are. The warm little dots around the globe that let you forget where you were and just be where you are.

OK, /warm fuzzy moments. I’ll see you Tuesday with fresh RLP.