Heya crew!
Happy Monday! Oh man, got some fun writing news for you…After much gnashing of the teeth, and serious technical help from my brother Noah…
THE BOOK IS SUBMITTED!
The Captain’s Logbook is a piece on learning how to observe the night sky, and record detailed notes. The first part wrote itself, and flowed…the technical edits and wrangling with Adobe InDesign didn’t. Hopefully the good dentist Doc Silberman won’t notice any wear on my gnashed teeth. Another shoutout to Noah there. It’ll be out in a few weeks.
Sky and Telescope just set an October publication date for an essay I had sent ‘em. You’ll need earplugs when that hits the shelves, because I’ll be hollering about that!
But the news that is applicable and of use is…
The Nighthawk. I’m starting a newsletter for my senior buddies (and you, too!) It’s an upgraded Letters from Josh. When I was a kid, I started this nature publication called The Feather and the Frog. I’d write a dorky little “The American Robin is a medium-sized songbird that…”, there would be reader submissions, and the whole family was involved.
We would send it out in the mail, and it went for a while. It was pretty darn cool, and I’ve been thinking it’s time to reprise it.
There’s a big difference this time, though. I did that one because I thought it was cool. The Nighthawk, while it will be enjoyable, is to serve a need.
We sure are getting isolated. We’re losing touch with each other. I hope to write a bridge.
Here’s this week’s letter, with some more details.
Letters from Josh
The Nighthawk Letter 86 6/13/22
Howdy, folks! I’m still in my overalls, fresh off the mountain with a story. I lounge on a bench under the oak and hickory, a cool mountain breeze stirring the humid air. The peaks 30 miles to the west are obscured in a lazy Sunday haze, as a neighbor’s tractor drones in a nearby field.
It’s hay cutting time, and the first harvest at Long Mountain lies drying in the sun. A field sparrow sings, a musical study in a ping pong ball bouncing, while a bluebird churrups richly in the sumac yonder.
Spurred to action, I jump on the ATV (four-wheel dirt bike beach buggy thing) and try not to drive over the crop. Instead, Fleabane and wild daisies yield the path, winding down to the creek with mysterious trees blooming waterside, and then, with a roar, I cruise on back through the back pasture. Wind, sun, a freedom close to flight - and now here I am, bringing you the news that there are fragrant fields and pecan trees rustling in the wind. You won’t see that on TV, I guarantee it.
Speaking of media - next week, these letters get an upgrade! I’m starting a newsletter called The Nighthawk, and it will be the same Letters from Josh, as well as some fun extras with a nifty logo. (Don’t worry, it’s still free!) “New Look - Same Zany Stories!”
There’s a reason for this. I’m building something. You see, I got home from the gym the other night, and glumly sat in my chair, staring into the darkness. Man, was I lonely. The electronic glare of my phone lit up my face. I looked at the news to cheer up. (It didn’t work.) Then I saw the story: New York Will Sell Robots to Lonely Senior Citizens to Converse with Them. “WHAT?!”
Apparently, after years of state-imposed isolation, folks are feeling blue. Some “genius” had the idea that a machine that remembers your name and certain life details would be fun. “Only $39.99/month!” Snapping to attention, I jumped up, waving my arms, yelling “not while I can write!”
Granted, letters from a distant friend might not be much, but it’s something, and that seems a decent place to start. And so, we arrive at The Nighthawk (named after the Hopper painting.) Let’s build some old-fashioned community. Roll out the esteemed newspaper! (And it’s free!) We’re all trying to figure out Life together, and get by the best we can, aren’t we? I’m here to reach out a hand. I’m thinking of you, bringing you stories, and even a silly advice column. I hope to hear from you in a letter! Look for it next week.
I hope you like it!
- Josh