It's The End Of The Year As We Know It

And I feel discontent

I’ve started work on my End of Year lists, this year it will most likely just be music and film. Maybe something board game related, but I haven’t dedicated enough time there to feel informed. Television has been kind of a mixed bag, devoid of any real stand outs (outside of Cobra Kai) and the follow up seasons to shows I’ve enjoyed have fallen flat.

I’ve been hitting the movie theaters at least once a week since May and I have really enjoyed the offerings there. I am blessed to have an independent theater a couple of miles from my house that does $7 tickets on Tuesday and $5 any size popcorn. If you’re in Richmond, check out Bowtie Cinemas. They used to have a Criterion Theater, but it didn’t survive the pandemic.

I think a lot about that period of life, who doesn’t? A global event that impacted everyone and the effects still reverberate. It’s hard not to dwell on the lead up and failure of leadership that got us to that point. Even harder to not think about the impact of the US bringing back an even more unstable version of that leadership.

We went to a Friendsgiving this Saturday, sandwiched between band practice and a show for me. The party was swarmed by teenagers, our hosts’ three daughters had invited friends. Their energy was unbridled, lacking the concern that hung on the shoulders of all the adults inside and outside the house.

Ignorance of youth for sure and something I think a lot of adults crave. That period of innocence when the reality of the world wasn’t staring you in the face everywhere your turned. I could avoid it, I’m sure, because my personal life is the most stable and secure it has ever been. Debt is almost non-existent. We have security blankets wrapped in our security blankets.

Looking at my own situation, I can understand how people are so quick to look away from the world we are entering. But that means I have to look away from people who don’t have the luxuries I do. And that’s not a price I’m willing to pay. I’ve spent a lot of time talking with my friends and acquaintances who aren’t as lucky as my family.

Their unease is palpable. Friends that can’t afford an escape plan. That are tied to family members who can’t flee. Who have a criminal record that binds them to a country that hates them. People who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

I spent almost all day Sunday sleeping, exhausted from the weekend as fulfilling as it had been. As inexhaustible as I may seem, this takes a toll on me too. What has kept me engaged is creating. Writing (finished the first part of a novella). Making music (band has 4 songs that are almost real).

We’re also planning to host campfire sessions at our house every other week. The little things that build community. I’ll probably keep looking for new ways to build community too.