Some days, the universe gifts us the perfect blend of flavor and meaning. Today was one of those days. On the table: LMH’s one-pot Tuscan bacon gnocchi with hot Italian sausage, topped with toasted pine nuts and paired with a golden, cheesy roasted garlic bread. In the air: a conversation that tied our meal to the poetry of numbers and time itself.
During the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laguna Beach worship committee meeting, Pam shared something remarkable about today’s date, September 16, 2025. She reminded us that 9-16-25 aligns with the sequence of 3², 4², and 5²—the essence of a Pythagorean triple, the building block of right triangles. In other words, today is mathematically rare. This exact square-root sequence won’t occur again for another hundred years.
It struck me that just as numbers can align in such a beautiful, once-in-a-century harmony, so too can moments in life. Here we were, savoring LMH’s hearty gnocchi, celebrating productivity, and preparing for the upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. with Sean Pittman to promote his Amazon bestseller Disaffected! at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Confence.
Much like this gnocchi—where smoky bacon, spicy sausage, pillowy dumplings, and earthy Tuscan flavors come together—the alignment of 9, 16, and 25 is a reminder that life’s most meaningful experiences are built on balance, precision, and the occasional unexpected delight.
The garlic bread on the side was more than just a complement. With its roasted garlic base, buttery richness, and golden layer of melted cheese, it felt like the exclamation point on an already perfect sentence.
As we leaned into this unique moment, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the Pythagorean triangle of numbers and the triangle of life we’re all building: purpose, persistence, and passion. When those three sides align, the result is something strong, balanced, and timeless—just like today.
So, here’s to good food, rare dates, and meaningful journeys. Whether in mathematics, in the kitchen, or in our communities, alignment matters. And when it happens, it deserves to be savored—bite by bite, and moment by moment.
