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I remember special mornings waking up in Beaver Falls, PA back in the early 70s and seeing heavy snowflakes falling outside my window. I’d turn on the radio and wait for the announcer to list the school districts that had declared a snow day. It was like a spontaneous holiday — a wild card dealt by the universe. Instead of school, snow pants, mittens, hat, scarf, boots, sled and later, hot chocolate. Hell yeah!
Four decades later, I still get a thrill waking up to snow — even if, on a practical level, it represents more hassle than holiday. Doesn’t matter. It still feels like the sky is telling me I get a free pass today to cancel any commitments and step outside into a fresh, new world.
The arrival of winter is the news this month. It’s been a good one for podcasts — both posted and recorded. In addition to the posted episodes below, you’ll soon see my chat with big wave surfer and close pal, Kyle Thiermann, a new friend, Nick, who has spent years living in (on?) Antartica, and Lama Thupten Dorje Gyaltsen Rinpoche who also happens to be a Black American sax player, dancer, and really good guy.
Until the end of the year, most of the merch on my site is 30% off. ‘Tis the season to get your copy of Tangentially Reading and/or that Civilized to Death hoodie you’ve been dreaming of.
I hope it’s a snow day wherever you are.
CPR