Vol. 77, December 5th, 2023 Published a Day Early Online
How To Win Friends
A Smart Question From The Store
“Well, we have five cans of ravioli, so that’s better” he said, comparing his mother’s cart with mine. “Yeah, and she’ll buy them, and cook them for you! That’s the advantage” I laughed, leaning over my cart, settling in for an impromptu chat in the pasta aisle. An especially friendly young man, out shopping with his mother, had much to say. He recently turned six, lost two teeth, has a dog and cat, is doing well with his addition skills, and values his intelligence. After a bit, he went back to shopping, but our paths crossed again. Looking first at his mother, then me, he said “Josh, I have a real smart question. If you’re supposed to be careful talking to strangers, how do strangers become friends?” I paused, thinking. “Well, maybe in little steps. You have one conversation, and see how that goes. And if it’s good, you have another.”
I’ve been thinking about his question. How do we turn strangers into friends? How do we notice the little rays of goodness? It’s easy to see the darkness, but therein is a miracle of being grown: despite knowing about the world, we still make friends.
Hola, amigo!
Polar Express
‘Tis the season for tiny trains and winter scenes under the tree. Here’s one Josh built a few years ago.
“Gold in Them Hills”
James Polk ushers in the 1849 California Gold Rush by declaring it to Congress. (Oh boy.)
Music of the Week: Elvis’ Christmas Album
A timeless work of music, sometimes tongue-in-cheek. The backing singers on “Blue Christmas” were kidding around, not realizing they were creating an icon. What a gift to the world!
Dig this 1970 reissue of the original 1957 recordings. (What an outfit, man.)
Quote of the Week
“Anyone who works as I do will succeed as I do.” –J.S. Bach
Share Your Story
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. What’s your favorite way to welcome the season? Share a story: PO Box 783, Rustburg, VA 24588
Letters From Josh
-Redacted-
It’s my birthday on Wednesday. I’m up to something. The letter will drop on Friday. :)
But hey, in the meantime, for the perfect gift, skip the big green tractor. What I’d really like is to hit a hundred subscribers! We’re at 88 total of free and paid. If you’re enjoying the project here, wontcha let your buddies know?
Here’s a clever button:
And if you’re not already subscribed, here’s another:
Off to go break stuff! Have a terrific Monday.
Josh