The Man I Met in the Hot Tent

Stardate 09.15.2026

Yesterday, Mat and I were working together in an outside tent. It was uncomfortably hot.

I told him this is how I like to operate. I like being in a position where I'm uncomfortable because that's where I learn and grow.

Mat agreed.

He told me that's where he learns his best lessons, too.

That opened the door to a conversation I didn't expect.

Mat and I are both support staff on this assignment. We're helping build a new team. As we talked, I began learning about the journey that brought him here.

Earlier in his career, Mat received intense training involving high-end products in the $30,000 range. The training was brutal. Scripts had to be memorized word for word. Firings were common. Turnover was normal.

Mat rose to the top.

That experience gave him a foundation to build upon.

Then he discovered his passion.

Health and wellness.

Mat told me his own health had been poor. He was overweight. His journey began by getting off the couch.

Those first steps were the hardest.

He stayed with it.

He joined a gym. He learned discipline. He learned how to create patterns around his workouts. Those patterns became part of his life.

He also learned something I understand well.

The comfort zone can become a difficult place to grow from.

Eventually, Mat found a way to share what he had learned with other people. He built a tribe.

People pay a monthly fee to access his programs, and Mat provides personal coaching. He works his coaching hours around his day job so there is no interference.

He is building something because he found his passion.

Family became an important part of that journey, too.

Mat's family homeschools, which gives them the ability to travel together when his work takes him on the road. I admire the creativity he has found in turning those opportunities into family adventures.

Then came a decision that told me a lot about Mat.

His boss told him there would be a forced relocation to the home office in another state.

The job was lucrative.

Mat walked away.

His boss was shocked that he would leave such a good opportunity.

Mat had discovered something more important.

His family mattered more than a job.

I really liked that about him.

My family and I are also finding ways to travel together when my work assignments take me away from home. Hearing how Mat has built that into his life gave us another point of connection.

We also talked about health and wellness. Mat is interested in what I'm doing with DoNotAge, and I shared some of my own journey with him.

We approach healthy living in very similar ways.

We are both willing to experiment. We are both willing to learn. We are both willing to get uncomfortable and see what we can discover on the other side.

Mat is now helping people get fit by sharing what he has learned from his own journey. He has created a community around that passion while continuing to work his day job.

I admire that.

I also admire his willingness to pursue excellence.

I like surrounding myself with talented people. I believe strong teams become stronger when people bring their individual strengths to the mission.

Mat feels like an ideal teammate.

We are both support people on this assignment. We are helping build the new team together.

He mentioned that he would like to be involved in future training missions. I believe we will work together again.

I gave Mat access to my blog so we can stay connected. He gave me permission to share his journey here, and I have a picture of him to go with the story.

I like the way some connections happen.

We were standing in a hot tent doing our jobs. A conversation about discomfort turned into a conversation about growth. Growth led to health. Health led to family. Family led to passion. Passion led to helping other people.

And somewhere in that conversation, two support people discovered they have a lot to learn from each other.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." — Ecclesiastes 4:9

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your decision to have a meaningful conversation in extreme heat appears to have produced useful intelligence.

Bones: Useful intelligence? You found yourself another guy who enjoys making life uncomfortable.

Spock: An observation with considerable merit, Doctor.

I suppose there is something to that.

I keep learning that the people who cross my path during these assignments can teach me something if I take the time to listen.

Mat reminded me that growth often begins with a difficult first step.

He got off the couch.

I keep taking my own steps.

Today, I'm grateful our paths crossed in that hot tent.

Road Lessons

 Stardate 09.14.2026

One of the leaders at our new location introduced a simple idea to the team. Each day, teammates were asked to share their roses and thorns.

The roses were the highs. The thorns were the lows.

I like that idea.

I've been accumulating roses and thorns during these travels.

My biggest thorn has been being away from my family. I miss home. I miss my familiar surroundings. I'm looking forward to being reunited with my wife and family.

There have been plenty of roses along the way.

One of the biggest has been watching the new team take shape.

There is something exciting about watching a new teammate solve a puzzle. The puzzle is figuring out what they can become.

I've seen people gain confidence. I've watched new skills emerge. I've seen teammates discover that they can handle something they hadn't encountered before.

Those moments bring me joy.

They also make me think about my own puzzle.

These travels have given me opportunities to see the world from a different perspective. I've met people I wouldn't have met at home. I've discovered places I might never have visited. I've found restaurants, churches and communities that I want to remember.

I'm already thinking about bringing my family back to some of these places.

That is one of the unexpected joys of traveling. A place that begins as a discovery for me can become a future family adventure.

I've also been thinking about Lucy.

She has been parked since I adopted her.

While I've been living out of hotel rooms, I've been collecting ideas for what she could become. I can see the joy in building her out and turning her into our vacation home on wheels.

Maybe some of the places I've discovered during these travels will eventually become destinations for Lucy and my family.

That thought makes me smile.

I've been on the road a long time. I'm down to my final two nights in this hotel room, and I can feel this chapter winding down.

I'm ready to go home.

I'm also ready for what's next.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10

There is still work to do. There are still people to encourage. There are still places to discover.

And there is a van sitting at home waiting to become something new.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

"Michael, you've accumulated quite a collection of roses and thorns," Spock observed.

Bones smiled. "I'd say he's also accumulated a pretty good list of places to take his family."

I think Bones may have a point.

I've spent these travels helping a new team discover what they can become. Along the way, I've been discovering a little more about myself, too.

Soon I'll be home.

Then Lucy gets her turn.

Learning to Forgive

Stardate 09.13.2026

Yesterday, forgiveness showed up early in my day.

One of the managers who opened early for us told me she had finished reading God's Black Sheep Squadron. She had recently received a copy, and it meant something to me that she had taken the time to read it.

A little later, just after sunrise, I was at the Farmer's Market when I looked up and saw a rainbow. I captured a picture of it in the early morning light.

Two small moments stayed with me as the day continued.

I had started early so we could have a presence at the Farmer's Market. That schedule also gave me the opportunity to attend late-afternoon worship at a church I had never attended before.

The message centered around forgiveness.

One of the followers asked Jesus how many times he needed to forgive someone who had wronged him.

Jesus answered, “Seventy times seven.”

The pastor then told the story of a servant who owed a tremendous debt. The servant pleaded for mercy. The master had compassion on him and forgave the debt.

The servant walked away from that experience and encountered someone who owed him a much smaller amount. He demanded payment and refused to show the same mercy he had just received.

That story stayed with me.

I am doing my best to get 1% better at letting go of grudges and forgiving people. I know this is an area where I need to keep growing.

That is one reason I need to be worshipping every week.

I need the Master to help me with my human weaknesses.

The lesson followed me into the night.

I was able to dream about forgiveness while I slept, and I woke up with another great sleep report. The lesson from worship had continued to work its way deeper into me while I rested.

Ephesians 4:32 gives me something to carry forward:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Forgiveness is something I need to practice.

Seventy times seven.

I have plenty of opportunities to keep learning.

And plenty of opportunities to become 1% better.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: “Michael, the evidence suggests forgiveness remains a work in progress.”

Bones: “He's human, Spock. Give him a little room to practice.”

I think the Master understands that I am still learning.

One day at a time. One percent better.

I Went Back for the Rest of the Story

Stardate 09.12.2026

I went back to Ancho & Agave last night.

I had reviewed the restaurant yesterday, but I felt like I needed to get the rest of the story. My time on assignment is running short, and sometimes you know when there is a little more waiting to be discovered.

Last night, the street tacos gave me the perfect way to explore the menu.

I ordered four tacos. Two were street tacos and two were avenue tacos.

The street tacos were cauliflower and sweet potato. The avenue tacos were steak asada and blackened salmon.

I had my own little taco competition going.

The cauliflower street taco took first place. The sweet potato street taco came in second. The steak asada followed in third, with the blackened salmon finishing fourth.

I paired the tacos with a strawberry/pineapple margarita.

Then Russ surprised me.

He brought out Tres Leches Cake and told me it was on the house as a thank you for the story I published yesterday morning, "He Had Me at Hello."

That caught me off guard.

A story I had written yesterday morning had somehow traveled across the day and found its way back to me at dinner.

Special K, whose name is Kanisha, is one of the managers. She introduced herself early in my visit, and I enjoyed getting to know her a little better.

Then there was Cristen.

Cristen was serving me last night, and somewhere along the way our conversation turned toward writing.

She has ideas for publishing a collection of her poems. She also has several stories that have been simmering in her mind for a long time.

She is a student, too, and she has plenty on her plate right now.

I told her not to give up.

There will always be obstacles between an idea and the finished work. I know something about that. I have been writing every day for years, and I still find myself learning along the way.

Sometimes a person simply needs someone to say, "Keep going."

Maybe that was part of the reason I came back last night.

I thought I was returning to finish a restaurant story.

Instead, I found another writer who is still carrying stories of her own.

That feels worth remembering.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." — Proverbs 16:3

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

"Michael, you seem to have returned for tacos and discovered another writer," Spock observed.

"That's how these things happen, Spock," Bones replied. "You never know what you're going to find when the Captain gets hungry."

Maybe Bones has a point.

Last night reminded me that stories have a way of finding us. Sometimes they arrive on a plate. Sometimes they come with dessert. Sometimes they are sitting across the table carrying a dream that has not been finished yet.

I'm grateful I went back.

And I'm grateful for Cristen, who reminded me that some stories are worth carrying until the right time comes to tell them.

One percent better. One day at a time.

He Had Me at Hello

Stardate 09.11.2026

He had me at hello.

I walked in solo. Most times I get “that look.” I almost feel out of place requesting a table for one. When the place is busy, the first question is usually, “Would you like to sit at the bar?”

Maybe they're thinking, That's the place where losers who don't have dates go.

Not Ancho & Agave.

Russ came out and greeted me like I was his only customer. He told me someone would be there right away to seat me.

Moments later, Kristin walked up.

She also had me at hello.

Kristin greets you like your pet who hasn't seen you all day when you walk in. You immediately feel love in the air.

She offered me three choices: the bar, a high top or a low top.

Her next question set the tone.

“Have you been here before?”

“Nope. I'm not from around here.”

Kristin asked, “Why are you here?”

She got it out of me.

Kristin couldn't wait to share this information with Russ.

After my order was placed, Russ came back and asked if he could sit at my table. Russ had questions.

This managing partner takes his work seriously.

I didn't really answer his questions because I'm off the clock. I simply listened to Russ tell me about why he shops with another choice.

Kristin came back to the table and chimed in about why she loves shopping with us.

I let her testimonial answer Russ's questions.

Up until this point, Russ had no idea about my writing.

I knew at first bite this meal was going to turn into a blog review.

This is where things get interesting.

Russ came back after I requested him to join me again. I wanted to learn more about Ancho & Agave.

This place is a scratch kitchen. The only items not made here are the tortillas.

Russ always lets the customer choose the first time they dine in. On the second visit, he surprises them with all of his specialties.

You will have to visit on your own at least twice to find out what those surprises are.

Or you can come back to this blog after I return for at least one more meal before I leave town.

I ordered the beef burrito, chimichanga style.

Kristin told me they serve the white cheese on the bottom of the plate so the burrito remains crunchy, just like the homemade chips that are out of this world.

The salsa too.

Russ says he only serves the finest ingredients.

It shows in the meal.

Ancho & Agave found a way to add an American twist to Mexican food that will make your taste buds scream, “Olé.”

This place is where the magic happens.

If you want authentic Mexican food, talk with my cousin, Mark Mulligan. He literally writes songs about Mexican food places south of the border.

If you want something closer to home and you're in the Kansas City area, visit Ancho & Agave.

Five stars for Russ, Kristin and Ancho & Agave.

By the way, Russ suggested I get into video interviews.

That appears to be the direction I'm heading.

For those of you who are interested in my “vlogs,” make sure you visit me on Substack, a place where people like me congregate.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

In a way, we are a collection of writers who gather at the cyber cantina.

Thank you, Russ and Kristin, for welcoming a stranger.

Live long and prosper.

Scripture

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

— Hebrews 13:2

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your dinner appears to have included an unexpected interview.

Bones: And apparently you're going back for another one. I think we've found your excuse for a second burrito.

Michael: Maybe Russ knows something you two don't.

There are moments when you walk through a door alone and walk out knowing you'll be welcomed back.

I'm grateful for those moments.

One table. Two new friends. One meal that became a story.

And maybe, somewhere along the way, the next chapter is beginning to write itself.

Pickleball Anyone?

Stardate 09.10.2026

My new friend, Barry, invited me to join his friends for a friendly game of pickleball at the Gladstone Community Center yesterday.

I knew he was serious when he showed up at the front desk drenched in rain from his motorcycle ride.

This is when you know you're addicted to pickleball. Nothing stops you from playing, not even heavy rain, lightning and thunder.

Good thing the community center has an amazing facility. I learned a new word, natatorium, which is a building or complex with a swimming pool. This place has it all, including multiple swimming pools.

When pickleball was over, I headed to one of the pools and had it all to myself for about an hour.

Pickleball and pool time were just what my body needed after some tough days facing intense heat outdoors during our pre-opening preparations for a new location.

Barry and his friends did not disappoint.

They weren't sure about me when I showed up wearing sunglasses at an indoor facility. I didn't even realize I still had them on until near the end of our time together.

I thanked Barry for all the fun and handed him a copy of Live Long and Prosper. That's when I found out he has a story he would like to share with the world. I will do my best to point him in the right direction.

Then something else unexpected happened.

He asked what story I had written that morning before pickleball.

"I did a restaurant review for a place in Lee's Summit that turned out to be my favorite," I answered.

Then he asked if I could do one for his restaurant and bar in San Diego when I visit in November to watch the pickleball pros.

His place happens to be in my old stomping grounds.

A friendly game of pickleball had opened a door to a story I didn't know existed.

Meanwhile, Pickleball Iowa County back home in Williamsburg is providing weekly updates on the four outdoor pickleball courts under construction at the Williamsburg Rec Center.

Maybe I can get Barry to come visit us when we're open for play.

Hebrews 13:2 says, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Yesterday, I was the stranger.

Barry and his friends welcomed me onto their court anyway.

Join me here:

Substack

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Michael, your sunglasses incident appears to have caused less damage than anticipated."

Bones: "And you found a swimming pool after pickleball. I'll call that a successful mission."

Sometimes a new friend shows up drenched from the rain, invites you onto a pickleball court, and opens the door to a story you never expected to tell.

Thank you, Barry, and all of your friends who welcomed a stranger.

May you live long and prosper.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Lee's Summit Earns Top Honors

Stardate 09.09.2026

If you happen to be living in Kansas City or passing through, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Lee’s Summit is a must, especially if you’re a wine lover like me.

Two things stood out when I walked through the door.

Number one was the wine bar at the entrance.

I thought I died and went to Heaven.

It is wide open, with staff located at every nook and cranny. The wine is made by these folks, and I had the opportunity to sample the house cabernet alongside a more expensive option. My taste buds found the two surprisingly similar.

They may have been a little less demanding after I had spent most of the day outside with the heat index reaching 107º before I punched out and headed to my five-star dinner.

Then something happened that told me I wasn't simply walking into another restaurant.

The greeter remembered me from a visit the previous week. I had tapped out that night when I saw the large crowds and decided to try again another time.

The bar was completely packed, and the wine bar at the entrance was standing room only when I decided to leave and try again on a different day.

Nick took care of me and spent some time going over the menu. He also shared some of the restaurant's history and told me about something the locals love: the wine club.

The club offers countless ways to save money on future visits.

I declined.

I'm only here for a brief moment in time.

Then came dinner.

I ordered an 8-ounce filet with steak butter, crispy onion rings, grilled broccoli, and oven-roasted vegetables.

The chef got this one just right.

Five stars.

I asked Nick to please send the manager on duty to my table because I wanted to share my appreciation for this gem of a place.

There is one thing I would emphasize if you decide to visit: make a reservation.

Based on my experience, I would plan ahead. Two weeks out would give you a much better chance of getting the table you want.

There are plenty of restaurants in the world. Every once in a while, you walk into one where the food, the people, and the experience come together.

Last night was one of those nights.

Scripture gives us a simple invitation:

“Taste and see that the LORD is good.” — Psalm 34:8

Last night, I tasted a wonderful meal and experienced some wonderful hospitality.

I'm grateful for both.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: “Michael, I have to admit it. That filet sounds pretty good.”

Spock: “Indeed, Doctor. The Captain appears to have made a logical decision.”

Bones: “Logical? He ordered steak, onion rings and vegetables.”

Spock: “Precisely. A remarkably balanced mission.”

Sometimes the best moments during a journey arrive when we simply allow ourselves to enjoy where we are.

Five stars for the meal.

Five stars for the people.

And gratitude for another good day on the journey.