Recently I was watching a show on PBS about WW I. I am always awe-struck by the people who fight for our freedom. History has the power to allow us to understand ourselves better, others, and the world around us. I also believe it teaches us about forgiveness, and if we can master forgiveness, we will be a better version of ourselves. Our country will be stronger, smarter, and more loving. My son is fascinated with the CIA, and when we are in DC, he likes to go by Langley and sit outside the signs posted that say the restricted area, ID required for entry, authorized personal only. He likes to talk about what might be happening in those restricted areas, “can you imagine all the things they are doing inside that building. I always think people would be so surprised what they do for us every day.”

I agree with my son. There are people inside doing things that allow us to live an incredible life, the same way all those courageous veterans did for us to live our lives with meaning and purpose. Tomorrow is Memorial Day. At 3:00 p.m. every memorial day, there is a moment of remembrance. I am going to close my eyes for one minute at 3:00 p.m. and thank the men and women who believed in Americans and our country so much they were willing to die for it.

Memorial Day also unofficially marks the beginning of summer. I have a feeling this summer will be a beautiful one. I can feel it as I sit here writing; the hotel bar is filled with music, families are here celebrating graduates, entrepreneurs are talking about new projects, and laughter is in the air. It’s the end of one thing and the beginning of something new, something different. We have a long way to go, but it has started. The great question for all of us in this first summer of connection  is “what are you going to do with it and who are you going to become this summer.” Tomorrow, as summer begins, remember you have a chance to start something new, to be whoever you want to be. When we were in quarantine, I talked a lot about us being in hibernation together as a KOCH community. We co-created together, talked about how to find joy in unexpected places, how to take risks, created a butterfly print to symbolize these ideas, and talked about how wonderful it would be to fly when we came out of hibernation. Remind yourself this is your summer to fly and Monday at 3:00 in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for us, challenge yourself to identify what you will do with this time? In honor of the people who fought for us, walk beside us, and those that will come after us think about what you will do with this unusual moment. I read a quote by Matthew McConaughey, “Be brave. Take the hill. But first, answer the question, ‘What is my hill’ What is your hill this summer? On August 31st, when summer is finished, what do you want to have accomplished? Write it down, believe in it, and dedicate it to the people who died for us to dream it. 

We released the chakra print and the white Erica Skirt this week, and it’s almost sold out, so grab it while it's still here. For those of you wanting coconut pearl, it's coming, and so is the shell-pink, so stay tuned in June!  

Also, we are announcing the t-shirt winners on Wednesday and LOVE all the entries. May 31st at midnight is the deadline to enter! Remember 5 winners are chosen and you win an Erica Skirt and tee, which will be named after you!

Drum Roll…….we have a BFF contest that is SO much FUN. We have teamed with the Thompson Hotel (thanks to Kristie Ramirez, who does all the PR), and we are doing the ultimate summer giveaway! Plane tickets, two nights at the Thompson Hotel, a shopping spree at the KOCH House, brunch, and blowouts for you and your BFF! It’s going to be SO much fun! June 8th is the announcement online, so make sure to check it out. 

Quote: "History has the power to allow us to understand ourselves better, others, and the world around us. I also believe it teaches us about forgiveness, and if we can master forgiveness, we will be a better version of ourselves." -NM

Podcast of the week: Business Wars - Columbia Sportswear