Thursday, 11:42pm
Reno, NV
“You’ve got to be digging it while it’s happening, cuz it just might be a one-shot deal.“  (Frank Zappa)

Howdy…

Today, I want to say “Thanks” to all the wonderful people in my life.

And I hope you’re having a great holiday.

Sure, the airports are clogged with sneezing, coughing mobs enraged by delays and the prospect of being locked in a house with relatives they can’t stand for a week.

And yes, the politics of this country continue to crawl ever deeper down the rabbit hole leading to Bat-Shit Crazy Land.

And everywhere you look, greed and fear and suspicion lurk.

And yet… the world spins on, and if you can just let your mind settle for a few moments, the raw gorgeous beauty of everything can still take your breath away.

There’s a clever Chinese toast that carries both a curse and a blessing: “May you live in interesting times.”

As all wordsmiths know, that word “interesting” embraces both the good and the bad, the yin and the yang, of life.

Danger, excitement, and adventure.  The kind of events that will either kill you or make you stronger.

I’ve lived an interesting life.  Part of me would welcome a long restful period, where not much happened… but I know I’m ruined forever for enjoying too much calm.  I have a permanent jones now for the far end of the Feast table, where it’s raucous, noisy and unpredictable.

It’s where the truly interesting people gather.

So bring it on, World.  Heap on the chaos, the uncertainty, the upheaval and especially the occasional jolt of sheer mind-bending astonishment.

Just allow me a moment, here and there, to appreciate the ride.

To the folks still on the ride with me, have a great holiday: Michele, Stan, Diane, Kevin, Art, Bond, Joe, Mark, Donald, Pop, Sis, Scott, Jimbo, Garf, Harlan, Lo, 9, 5, JaMo, Brian, Rich, Jeff, Jon, Karen, Schrakmo, Ed, Tina, Jen, Mary, Bryn, Aidan, Where’s Shea?, Tod, Marge, Perry, Mike, Bob, Carrie, Cheryl, David, Robert, Brad, Jay, Steve, Bro, Alan, Renea, RB, Curt, Karl, CB, Bitchin’ Bob, Russ, Doc, Eunice, Tony, Magda, Mel, Wally, Christine, Michel, Sylvie, Brian, Duster, Smoky, Lovedog, and, heck,  you know who you are…

And to those already on the Next Big Ride… well, I’ll always keep a chair empty for y’all, cuz you’re missed and still appreciated: Gary, John, Kent, Bob, Rachel, Mom, and the rest.

To all of us: Hug your friends and family like you mean it.

Breathe deep, let go of the bullshit, and never stop appreciating the little joys of life.

Live with gusto, my friend.

And spread the love, will ya?

Stay frosty,

John