A Collaborative Nighthawk
Vol. 87, February 13th, 2024 Published a Day Early Online
A Place To Share
Sunday evening fell on the land like a quilt hits the bed–hushed, calming, still. From down by the creek, suddenly, a crack in the reign of Old Man Winter. A single frog piped, and then another. The spring peepers cautiously warmed the stage.
Spring is on the way. I had to tell you. It means something to share it. We all have something to share, but sometimes, it’s hard to find a place to do so.
I’ve been talking with retired friends, trying to figure out the “big questions” of meaning and purpose. We haven’t solved it yet, but are finding that having a voice is an important thing. “I want people to know I’ve still got stuff to offer” a lady told me.
So, it’s official: The Nighthawk is open for submissions (especially short ones–check out Carol’s piece below).
If you have a nugget to share, a memory, a current observation, a hint on good living, or a story that must be told, send it along. We’ll work together to craft it into a good fit for the pages here. A few guidelines: no politics, but faith is welcome. Uplifting content is preferred, and dignity is a goal.
A paragraph is the ideal length, but longer is possible, too. You’ve got something to share.
Let’s get your voice out to the world.
(PO Box 783, Rustburg, VA 24588, or even better, JoshUrban@protonmail.com)
Carol’s Appalachian Word of the Week
Carol Stuart of Roanoke collects interesting words from the mountains, such as “Quile”: “That baby sure needs to quile” (quiet down).
Party Like It’s 1699
French explorer d’Iberville landed in Louisiana on Mardi Gras, a holiday observed in Paris since the middle ages.
Quote of the Week
“There’s a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans
better.” –Bob Dylan
Musician of the Week: Professor Longhair
The quirky NOLA pianist
influenced Fats Domino, Dr. John, and many others. “Fess” remains an essential Mardi Gras listen.
Happy Birthday, UNC!
The University of North Carolina, the first state university in America, opens on this day in history, 1795.
Write to Us!
The Nighthawk is a new old-fashioned way to connect, published weekly. You’re invited to write back, or just enjoy reading. Let’s have some fun! It’s a social paper! Send stories, etc to: PO Box 783, Rustburg, VA 24588 or Joshurban@protonmail.com
Letters from Josh
(A weekly update from Josh Urban’s adventures on the farm and in the city. #173)
Appearing in the Altavista Journal: Put It In The Cloud
Howdy, folks, and welcome back to the show! We’ve wound up in a strange land of philosophizin’, of trying to figure out meaning and purpose, especially if you’re retired and feel out to pasture. If you’re just tuning in, I’ve been asking older friends if they feel overlooked and adrift (a lot do), and what we might do about it.
It’s easy to go “LinkedIn” on the topic, and use a million big words to say nothing. You know, the website where people say “I look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations and shifting the dynamic towards a more sustainable caffeine experience.”
(In other words: people always want a free coffee.) Put it in the cloud for the solution of tomorrow, today.
So let’s be real, and break it down in plain English. Here’s what we’ve come up with so far. 1. It’s easy to feel lost. 2. We usually get meaning and purpose from a.) career, b.) relationships, c.) enduring well/having a good attitude with hardship. 3. We seem to be built for carrying a load, and that gives us purpose. 4. I haven’t a clue of what I’m talking about, except that the topic seems to matter to people. Thanks for sending in your thoughts.
Tony Robbins is much better at this than I am, the Bible has been around a while, and Betty White has some gems that nobody’s going to top. You’ve probably got a good system for living. You don’t need me to tell you.
I ask myself “man, who do you think you are?” I’m in no position to give advice, and a newspaper column is a poor substitute for actual wisdom. But maybe that’s not the point of this.
I always did like to stir the pot. A friend told me that this conversation got her thinking hard, and she started talking to some other buddies about it. If we all come alive a little bit from reading something or chatting with a friend, well, that sounds like a good outcome to me. Don’t mind the buzzwords. We might not “solve it”, but if you feel better, and live a little clearer, that’s what counts. Thanks for thinking along with me, and keep it up.
Catch you on the flip side,
Josh
Send yarn to repair my thinking cap, and miscellaneous advice to P.O. Box 783, Rustburg, VA 24588