If Pepper was a Song

It would be Love is Everywhere (Beware) by Wilco. Before last summer, I only knew a few of their hits, Heavy Metal Drummer and Kamera. Then I saw them five days after our wedding in Shelburne, Vermont, with my wife, brother, sister, and sister-in-law. There was even a rainbow. Now they’re my most listened-to band.

Given the track’s title, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise when I heard it at the end of an episode of Ted Lasso. I learned how to play it on guitar the next day. I don’t sing the words, but I can hear them while playing.

I created Pepper because I believe love is everywhere. It knows no bounds, and it doesn’t need to make sense. It just is. And it’s what so many of us are searching for, holding onto, and growing. The song was playing through my AirPods when I saw a high schooler offer up his seat on the train so a family with a stroller could sit together. On the same ride, the ticket agent bumped into what seemed like a long-lost friend, and they sat together in the seat across from me, catching up for half an hour. I don’t think she even bothered checking anybody else for tickets. Making time for her friend was more important. When running from one thing to the next, make time to see the love or create some yourself. The smallest action can make all the difference for someone, including yourself.

Much love,

Mike Filbey – Founder/President, Pepper