thanks & goodbye winter 2023
an occasional listing of things that nudge my thinking, connect with my soul, and give me a bit of joy along the way
Are we post-pandemic? For me what matters is understanding the world is different and life goes forward. Following are my suggestions of that which has helped me make the most of each new day. Maybe it will bring some light and joy your way.
I’ll start with Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris. They came to Bellingham in March for a intimate show in the Walton Room of the Mt. Baker Theater. Every so often a show grabs me, and my over-thinking mind, and I am caught in the moment. This was such a show. Both artists brought their best selves to songs and stories that were raw and alive.
The show was just the start. We bought Mary’s book, Saved by a Song. She weaves together her life, music and insights in personal, powerful stories. I highly recommend it.
Listening to Jaimee Harris new album, Boomerang Town, was great before the show, and it just keeps getting better having heard her live.
Mary Gauthier’s 2022 album Dark Enough to See the Stars takes me to those deeper life places, that at times I need a nudging to see again.
Other music to start the new year:
Working on a World by Iris DeMent, every song is a holy plea and a lesson.
Celebrants, Nickel Creek. Celebrants continues their tradition, meeting us in this moment, and leaning into the future.
A new find (for me) is Sunny War and Anarchist Gospel. The music is amazing. The blending of styles and guest artists create an album to be listened to and treasured. And, we are going to see and hear Sunny War this May at the Mt. Baker Theater.
and here is a teaser for the new Bruce Cockburn album coming in May.
Now how about some (more) books?
Path Lit by Lightning, David Maraniss. A sorrowful, beautiful book opening the life of Jim Thorpe and the complex times and world that he lived in.
Joe Posnanski has a baseball book for the ages in The Baseball 100. It is his list, rankings, and stories, of the 100 greatest players of all time. Once again, I am convinced that baseball is about so much more than sport. The game has followed and shaped history over parts of three centuries. Thanks to my grandson Caleb for this special Christmas gift.
Unruly Saint by D. L. Mayfield revisits the life of Dorothy Day at a time when Day’s example is, again, deeply needed.
Consider This, Chuck Palahniuk. Thanks to Dave Wheeler, my friend and writing guide, for recommending this one. Practical insights for anyone who is drawn to the art and craft of writing.
Just what I need, another book to fuel my skepticism and angst toward organized religion. Well, thanks, Katelyn Beaty for Celebrities for Jesus, I think. Honestly, it is a very timely and good book.
The Big Burn, by Timothy Egan immersed me in the history, politics and lives of people confronted with the death and destruction of a fire beyond imagination in the early 1900’s western US. Thanks to my friend and Middle School co-worker Janae Brewster for the loan. It was a good one.
And a little reminder, one of my favorite books from 2022, Red Paint by Sasha Lapointe will be the 2024 Whatcom Reads selection.
Movies, TV and such
Women Talking was perfect. I read the book, loved it. But this is one case where I found the movie more powerful and transformative than the book. Don’t miss it.
The Banshees of Inisherin brought new insights into life, values and relationships. Another beauty.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) again asks, how can we consider ourselves civilized when we continue to send our children to war?
Wednesday, because it was so much fun, and, okay, insightful. But it was fun.
Bill Russell: Legend. One of my all time sports hero’s. Gaining deeper insight and understanding of his life and the times was a gift. I love that he was always more about defense than offense, turning the tables on expectations.
Dead to Me, Christina Applegate joins an exceptional cast in blending her current life realities with a great story that goes beyond expectations.
The Last of Us seems like a good last one for this section. Great acting, great story and not too heavy on the Zombies. I’m not a gamer so grandson Caleb helped with some of the backstory on this one.
Podcasts, or how to survive a commute and enhance a walk.
Ghost Herd was fascinating. The story of cattle ranching, family industry, wealth building, and the descent into greed and crime set in Washington State.
The Most Influential Christian Talk Radio Network You’ve Probably Never heard , On The Media dives into Christian talk radio and the Trump era. An ugly marriage with continuing impact and influence.
How the Affluent Benefit From the Poor, Fresh Air “Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond says if the top 1% of Americans paid the taxes they owed, it would raise $175 billion each year: " That is just about enough to pull everyone out of poverty." His new book is Poverty, by America.” A needed wakeup call.
Why the Cult of Achievement in Schools is Making People Miserable, Plain English. Psychologist Lisa Damour talks about how our high school and college systems might be teaching us the wrong lessons about achievement and personal progress. As I continue to invest my life in kids and schools I see it as crucial for us all to be aware, informed and involved.
Cigar Thoughts with (Bellingham’s own) Jacson Bevens as host. Thanks to Jacson and guests for helping me stay informed about “my” Seahawks during the regular season, post season, free agency, the draft, rookie camp, pre-season, and any other time you can think of.