Best of Joyride 2024
It’s that time of year when writers look back on the things they wrote over the last 12 months and re-share them so they don’t have to write anything new during the holidays. It’s our gift to ourselves. And to you. But mainly, to ourselves.
This time of year is also a chance to look back and look forward.
Last year, I wrote 46 newsletters, which were viewed over 25,000 times. I will end the year with 326 subscribers, which is 70 more than I had at the end of 2023.
This is all just fine with me.
I have not been concerned with growth. My focus has been on what to do with this opportunity where I – blessedly, and unlike on social media – have confidence in the totality of our relationship. When I post something on Facebook, I don’t know if it will be seen by friends and followers. When I email it from Substack, I know it will be. This is why I prefer this platform.
Since launching in 2021, this newsletter has been all over the place. It started as a place where I wrote a few things about Ohio University. Next I sprinkled in some deep thoughts and humor. Then I documented my journey to health (still going well!) And now it’s evolved it to what it will be – a place where I write (mostly humorously but occasionally earnestly) about life, culture and meaning.
Looking ahead, I want to do more with culture in 2025 – finding the meaning in the things that bring us together and laughing at the ridiculous.
These are the pieces from 2024 that were aimed in this new direction. Some of them hit the target. Some were a little off, but I still liked them.
The Communion Bunny
An Easter miracle? (Besides the original Easter miracle, I mean.)
The speech I will give the moment I am asked to give a commencement speech
Now I just need someone to ask me.
Slip-sliding away
We went to Kalahari water park and had the opposite experience of what we were told to expect.
Zen and the Art of a Game of Catch
Throwing the ball around remains a blessing for the soul.
These are the good old days
A mantra.
Tales from a high school journalism workshop
Every summer, a group of high school journalism students gathers at Ohio University, and their writing is something to behold.
The joy of a party without obligation
The best parties of all.
Lucky or unlucky?
Tornadic winds ripped part of the roof off our house this summer, prompting the question.
Stress hunting
Why do we look for the mountain in the molehill?
Why everything is horrible now
Older people, explained.
Viva la Thanksgiving
An unexpectedly memorable Thanksgiving.
Basketball isn’t basketball
The real value of sports.
Christmas songs are straight-up chaos
They really are.
Making precious memories with my daughter
We have a little tradition. With any luck, we won’t do hard time.
The Christmas we saved Jesus
A Christmas miracle.
BONUS: I read a lot of great writing on Substack this year, and this piece by Chris Dalla Riva was my favorite: Did Frank Sinatra really perform at my grandma’s high school?