Sam, Merry Christmas, there is much to be merry about Frogman! The longest night of the year has passed, we pagans rejoice and wait for spring planting, summer’s warmth for growing and fall harvest. It’s a Hell of a cycle not so? To finish death smiling at us, all we can do is smile back. Shawdows and dust Sam shadows and dust! Heading for year 70 on the this green and blue marble hurtling through space zipping around a star in a universe filled with stars. What could possibly be wrong with that, since the possibilities are limitless! Keep your gig line straight! Looking forward to lots more by way of thouhhful posts in the new year. Semper Fi!
There is no misery worse than not living life because you're trying to avoid any misery. Living in the world of should instead of could amplifies the challenge. And yet, this is what's driving our mental health crisis today.
Thanks for this fine essay about one of my favorite stories, and for all your excellent thinking/writing over the past year, Sam! You are one of my favorite writers here due to your unique perspective. Merry Christmas and see you in the new year! 🎉
Merry Christmas Tom. I can’t yet imagine your perspective, but from what I have seen, every year that goes by increases the need for gratitude. Even as a deliberate practice. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and happy early birthday.
Merry Christmas!
And that spirit applies, regardless of religion.
Indeed the “spirit” truly does apply, Dickens made that clear with his epic little novella. Merry Christmas!
Sam, Merry Christmas, there is much to be merry about Frogman! The longest night of the year has passed, we pagans rejoice and wait for spring planting, summer’s warmth for growing and fall harvest. It’s a Hell of a cycle not so? To finish death smiling at us, all we can do is smile back. Shawdows and dust Sam shadows and dust! Heading for year 70 on the this green and blue marble hurtling through space zipping around a star in a universe filled with stars. What could possibly be wrong with that, since the possibilities are limitless! Keep your gig line straight! Looking forward to lots more by way of thouhhful posts in the new year. Semper Fi!
Merry Christmas and “shadows and dust” go oddly well in hand. I genuinely appreciate it Charles. Wishing you all the best as we wrap this year up!
There is no misery worse than not living life because you're trying to avoid any misery. Living in the world of should instead of could amplifies the challenge. And yet, this is what's driving our mental health crisis today.
Neuroticism defined, and amplified. I appreciate it Michael.
Thanks for this fine essay about one of my favorite stories, and for all your excellent thinking/writing over the past year, Sam! You are one of my favorite writers here due to your unique perspective. Merry Christmas and see you in the new year! 🎉
Thank you Baird, it was my absolute pleasure. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Just volunteer for anything and you will experience “infinite gratitude that we are alive to experience them.”
Sam, Thanks for this timely reminder!
Rock on, John. Merry Christmas brother.
Merrry Christmas. Another great article. The power of gratitude. A month away from entering my ninth decade and still learning how important that is.
Merry Christmas Tom. I can’t yet imagine your perspective, but from what I have seen, every year that goes by increases the need for gratitude. Even as a deliberate practice. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and happy early birthday.
Brilliant, man.
Here’s to another year of digging into the human condition.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Tim. I hope all is well with you and the family. And yes—2026 will be truly epic.
Death is the end? No, I don’t think that for a minute; life is too magical.
Indeed it is. Every second of it.
yes
the adventure IS poetry
you are in touch
with the poetry of life
and your tender writing
shares it with us
Thank you Dr Hall. Merry Christmas!
And Merry Christmas
to you, Sam!
The light shines ✨
in the darkness