Happy Thanksgiving eve.
Man, what a year.
Maybe another gratitude post is cheesy, but pushups are cliché, too.
I have much to be thankful for this year, but it’s people that make the world go ‘round.
Here’s an incomplete gratitude list, a few people to shout out (with many deserving ones omitted, of course).
Now, something like this can be deadly dull, but the takeaway is–look at all the good people doing good work. It makes me glad.
Doloris, Swade, Lisa, and co over at Book No Further in Roanoke. Their care and expertise about books and those who read them is rare, and you should go say hello to them next time you’re in the Star City.
Cheryl for her profound hospitality and welcoming spirit.
Alannah Ferris for her dedication to her path. She’s started a new blog, and I hope you’ll subscribe.
Leah Weiss for her mentorship and generosity with her success.
A buddy from the old neighborhood, unnamed, for his friendship and guidance.
Dee and Andy at the market. Neighborhood institutions need someone to run ‘em, someone to smile and say hello no matter what, and someone to laugh with.
My folks, all of ‘em, for a metaphorical and literal barn raising. (More to follow: we’re cooking on the biggest project yet, and this paragraph doesn’t cut it.) If life is a gym, they’re the spotters, the people at the front desk, and the examples in the power lifting room, all in one.
Rich Drumm from the astronomy club. He hosts twice-monthly star parties on the mountain, opening the skies for thousands of eager tourists over a season, and providing magical opportunity for his colleagues to come out and participate. If you’ve never had a slice of blackberry ice cream pie while the setting sun lights up a lodge room made of historic chestnut boards, well…buddy, you should make plans for the next season.
“Jan Molotov” for keeping me on track with the bees. (Even if she said they were justified in stinging me on the butt.)
Hill City Writers for their friendship, dedication to the craft, and good-natured eagle eyes that catch typos like “COIVID”.
The Activities Directors who care about their residents, who bring my show by, and allow me to eat, thanks to their hard work. What epic parties!
The families of the heroes of Cities on a Hill deserve special mention for their support and grace of the project. It’s an honor to remember their loved ones with them.
The friends who have gone to such great lengths to share the story of Cities.
And all of you for hanging out and discussing these ideas together, either in person or email. Folks like Ard and D. and James and Huddy and Chelsea and all the others who drop a line here and there to chime in and offer a thought. It’s wild that we’ve found a little corner of the internet to build our campfire at. As we huddle around and try to make sense of things, it seems a little less cold, doesn’t it?
It’s both a pleasure and an honor to share with you, think with you, and move forward together.
I know there’s a bunch of folks unmentioned. Know you’re appreciated, and in my thanks.
Now, I’m off to panic clean. Have a great Thanksgiving, y’all!
With gratitude,
Josh
And we're all very thankful for you Josh!
Happy Thanksgiving Josh! I'm so touched that you mentioned me and Book No Further. :)
I loved this post, and especially this: "It’s wild that we’ve found a little corner of the internet to build our campfire at. As we huddle around and try to make sense of things, it seems a little less cold, doesn’t it?" Yes, it really does! Thank you friend, for keeping this fire lit. Keep writing!