Om was a dear friend and beautiful writer. I’m still processing his death, and woke up this morning thinking yesterday was a bad dream. I could always count on to give me advice or just make fun of me when he got exasperated at the ridiculous situations I would get myself into, despite his good advice previously.
Incredible mind. Steady, wise and sophisticated spirit. Also amazing fashion sense. He loved the color blue, fine tailoring, these custom blue shoes he had made from some super special cobbler in Japan, and pens. He truly appreciated craftsmanship and loved these things with zero pretension — rather, with respect and honor.
Consistent with his standard of good tailoring, he also had a high standard for self-grooming and liked to get regular man mani/pedis. So we’d go every month or so as our regular hang out time. He always tipped the manicurists more than the cost of the mani/pedi and would remember if the last time the manicurist said her daughter was traveling or something and ask how her trip was — they were totally charmed by him and I understand why he was definitely the favorite.
One time I asked him about what was going on with a mutual friend who had sort of dropped out of touch for a time. He said, “Not sure-my policy: don’t ask too many questions from friends. That’s how you stay friends.” I thought this was so funny, but it’s also consistent with his “tell it like it is” if you wanted his take, but accepting and patient love. Since then, that dropped out of touch friend has come back.
I actually don’t like getting my nails done but I loved having this tradition with Om, so the majority of times I’ve had my nails manicured were probably with him. I went to our nail salon on the day that he died to get my nails done because I missed him, but I couldn’t do it. I’m going to miss him.
I’m thankful Om wrote prolifically so I can always read his brilliant voice and mind. I like these a lot:
We Are Living In Pinocchio’s World
The Myth, the Mythos and the Man
auderdy.com 