Terrell, this is so wise. The holidays can always be strange and even awful, and this year is--in many ways--stranger and more awful than usual. But you're right that, after looking into the abyss, we need to look away, and we can be reassured by the positives that we've seen or done or helped others achieve. A spur to action, indeed. Thank you for this!
This is NOT the weirdest Holiday Letter--it's the BEST!!.A beautiful reflection on this tumultuous year--and how YOU are finding ways to forge ahead with hope. (And I personally respect your acknowledgement of the issues at hand--which you do with your signature grace.)
One of the things you have done--and done successfully for years--is build a healthy, caring community. That is no small feat--it's a great and REAL way you are challenging the Goliaths in our midst.
Thank you, T--and thanks to the people in your community who comment with positivity. To the runners whose stories you've shared. Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season!
Diana, this is so, so kind of you -- I couldn't ask for a better compliment! I'm honored and humbled, and so happy you're a part of this thing we've built together here. Thank you right back! ❤️ And have a wonderful, wonderful holiday too.
On Day-12 of 16-day San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale Panama Canal transit cruise. When I need to escape the news, I go here: https://share.google/NltXY6UWbiTF9upMW . Sina-Drums demonstrates superb taken in her drum covers.
Gloria, I'm really sorry to hear you feel that way, but I understand. And if you change your mind in the future, please know I'd love to have you back ❤️ In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful holiday and the happiest of new years.
I live this in my business of guiding foraging walks here in Israel: from around November to January, there's just not much out there. The fall fruits and berries have rotted away, and the winter sprouts are barely starting to come up.
Nothing wrong to fix, just the death that precedes all new life.
Thanks, Fran! I was a little nervous about sending this one out -- you can't throw every pitch over the plate, you know? -- but I decided to go for it anyway 😀 Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
this did not go where i thought it was going which made it all the more enjoyable! sometimes non-traditional is the best. happy holidays to you, terrell and all in this community. 🐧
I hope that's a good thing! Right back at you, Erinn -- happy holidays to you, and I hope you get plenty of time off here at the end of the year to enjoy 😀
That sounds SUPER interesting, Clark -- going to add it to my list today. And right back at you, to you and yours -- may 2026 bring you equally precious joy!
Exactly what I needed to hear. At times this year has felt so overwhelming sad I didn't know what to do with myself. But you're right, even one person can make a difference. This community has been a lifeline, and I thank you for bringing us all together. Happiest of holidays to everyone and here is to a more peaceful 2026!
Good stuff Terrell. Certainly true for half of the country and maybe more now that maga reality has set in. I have solace here on Substack. There is multitude good energies here. Many different approaches to belief and survival in today’s turmoil. Great writing and lovely art and humans. Hopefully, this will grow into the new year. Happy Trails
Happy Holidays, and thank you. Needed this.
Happy Sun Return!!
Terrell, this is so wise. The holidays can always be strange and even awful, and this year is--in many ways--stranger and more awful than usual. But you're right that, after looking into the abyss, we need to look away, and we can be reassured by the positives that we've seen or done or helped others achieve. A spur to action, indeed. Thank you for this!
Thank you so much, Henriette! And I hope you and yours have a wonderful, wonderful holiday ❤️
This is NOT the weirdest Holiday Letter--it's the BEST!!.A beautiful reflection on this tumultuous year--and how YOU are finding ways to forge ahead with hope. (And I personally respect your acknowledgement of the issues at hand--which you do with your signature grace.)
One of the things you have done--and done successfully for years--is build a healthy, caring community. That is no small feat--it's a great and REAL way you are challenging the Goliaths in our midst.
Thank you, T--and thanks to the people in your community who comment with positivity. To the runners whose stories you've shared. Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season!
Diana, this is so, so kind of you -- I couldn't ask for a better compliment! I'm honored and humbled, and so happy you're a part of this thing we've built together here. Thank you right back! ❤️ And have a wonderful, wonderful holiday too.
On Day-12 of 16-day San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale Panama Canal transit cruise. When I need to escape the news, I go here: https://share.google/NltXY6UWbiTF9upMW . Sina-Drums demonstrates superb taken in her drum covers.
Thanks so much, Dave! I love this! I hope you and your lovely wife are having a fantastic time on your cruise!
I don’t want to read about any political statements. I just unsubscribe from your newsletter
Gloria, I'm really sorry to hear you feel that way, but I understand. And if you change your mind in the future, please know I'd love to have you back ❤️ In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful holiday and the happiest of new years.
So true, we're really in an in-between time now.
I live this in my business of guiding foraging walks here in Israel: from around November to January, there's just not much out there. The fall fruits and berries have rotted away, and the winter sprouts are barely starting to come up.
Nothing wrong to fix, just the death that precedes all new life.
Very well said, Shmuel!
I’ve probably seen weirder, but it’s not a competition. As usual, you rock! Like James Brown...
Thanks, Fran! I was a little nervous about sending this one out -- you can't throw every pitch over the plate, you know? -- but I decided to go for it anyway 😀 Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
I’ve probably seen weirder, but it’s not a competition. As usual, you rock! Like James Brown...
this did not go where i thought it was going which made it all the more enjoyable! sometimes non-traditional is the best. happy holidays to you, terrell and all in this community. 🐧
I hope that's a good thing! Right back at you, Erinn -- happy holidays to you, and I hope you get plenty of time off here at the end of the year to enjoy 😀
Book recommendation for 2026: Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman. Tagline: Stop wasting your talent and start making a difference.
I bought it to give myself
the proverbial " kick in the ass"! James Brown might get me out of bed but I think this will keep me going... keep you posted Terrell.
And thanks for always finding that "special something" to help me get my miles in each day.
Happy Holidays to the Johnson family. May 2026 bring your precious clan much joy‼️♥️‼️
That sounds SUPER interesting, Clark -- going to add it to my list today. And right back at you, to you and yours -- may 2026 bring you equally precious joy!
Thanks Terrell. If you do get a chance to read it, I will be interested in your "take".
I like the stark authenticity in "the weirdest Christmas/holiday email ever received". A change from the longer versions of a Hallmark card.
Looking forward to what's next from you in 2026.
Thanks so much, Glenda!
Exactly what I needed to hear. At times this year has felt so overwhelming sad I didn't know what to do with myself. But you're right, even one person can make a difference. This community has been a lifeline, and I thank you for bringing us all together. Happiest of holidays to everyone and here is to a more peaceful 2026!
So glad to hear that, Katy! Happiest of holidays to you and yours too!
Good stuff Terrell. Certainly true for half of the country and maybe more now that maga reality has set in. I have solace here on Substack. There is multitude good energies here. Many different approaches to belief and survival in today’s turmoil. Great writing and lovely art and humans. Hopefully, this will grow into the new year. Happy Trails
I hope so too, Jerry! Thanks so much for that -- hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year, my friend!