On August 17th, Dave Freeman, co-author of 100 Things to Do Before You Die passed away after hitting his head in a fall at his home. He was 47. The travel guide began as a marketing tool for his company but these odd adventures inspired readers to live life to the fullest. From attending the Academy Awards to running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Freeman encouraged people to not be scared of doing things you only dream of.
This concept not only spawned imitators but developed into the concept of The Bucket List (which his book is said to have inspired the writers of the movie). Everyone should have a Bucket List but I don't think they have to be as daring as going to a foreign country and jump out of a plane. They can be as simple as turning off your cell phone for one whole day and heading to the beach or mountains or getting together with your friends in one city and laughing your heads off all weekend.
The ironic and truly inspiring part to this story is how Dave Freeman lived his life. Originally from California, he moved to New York where he was an advertising executive. On September 11th, he watched from the roof of his building as the second tower of the World Trade Center fell. Witnessing this tragic event put Dave's own life into perspective prompting his move back to California to be closer to his friends and family. His obituary tells you that he co-wrote 100 Things to Do Before You Die and about his adventures (he visited about half the places on his list before he died) but I bet his family will tell you that the best part of his life was the last seven years when he was close to them.
So spirited women, don't wait, make that Bucket List and... call someone you love and tell them how they inspired you... TODAY!
- Kristin Flannery
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Bucket List
To take self-love to a new level.
To judge less.
To live in the present moment more often.
To meditate twice a day.
Go on an African safari.
Take a trip around the world.
Write another book...to be continued!
Posted by: Tess Marshall | September 06, 2008 at 12:22 PM
1. Plow an entire field behind draft horses (I still remember how to harness up and drive - I think).
2. Publish my novel and have some one (Yes - SOME ONE)buy and enjoy it.
3. Get that novel made into a movie.
4. Climb a mountain (the Sierras will do)
5. See Alaska and take a million photos
6. Visit India
7. Watch my grandchildren graduate from college and/or get married (I'm going to be really old then)
8. Rescue more dogs
9. Work in wildlife rehabilitation
10. Move one more time to a place that I love.
Posted by: May Lattanzio | September 05, 2008 at 06:22 PM