Welcome.
I’m sending this newsletter in a couple of hours and I haven’t written the opening. Wait a minute…
Writing in public is vulnerable work. Like standing naked in a crowd holding Sharpies. Nip this, tuck that. I don’t like this, I do like that.
It’s messy stuff. It gets ugly before it gets beautiful. But when it’s done, when it gels, it feels so good. I know you can relate. Most things are this way. The key is, don’t jump ship while it’s messy. Stay the course!
We’ve been together for eight weeks. I’m so gr8ful. I love writing this letter to you. ❤️
Wednesday
42 years and four months in prison for a triple murder he didn’t commit. Kevin Strickland was exonerated yesterday. He was released immediately without a dime of compensation. A GoFundMe campaign picks up where the state of Missouri left off. Wow!
Thursday
Thanksgiving 2021. I went running and landed at my mom’s grave. We visited for a bit. Later, I brought a Simone Salad to my brother’s. He held it under the light so I could take this photo. I wanted to show it to you.
Friday
Black Friday. I Googled it to see who found it racist. Surely someone did.
The phrase was coined in Philly in the 1950s. The cops called it Black Friday because of the mobs of tourists and shoppers that would flood the city the day after Thanksgiving. It was a law enforcement headache. Shoplifting, traffic, the Army-Navy football game, and general holiday mayhem.
In the late 80s, retailers reinvented Black Friday. Apparently, shops that were in the red year-round finally turned a profit on this day, going from “red to black.”
And yes, some would like the name changed because, well, black.
Saturday
Bay Area locals, my former employer, Heath Ceramics is having their holiday Make Good Market this weekend. Gorgeous craft, talented people. Out of towners, there’s not a human alive who wouldn’t appreciate a ceramic piece from Heath.
I’ve told you about Suz Bax before and I’ll tell you about her again. These 8x10” hand-drawn maps are wonderful gifts. Don’t see your state? Ask, and you shall receive.
Sunday
Happy first day of Chanukah! With a name like Silverstein, you probably think I know what's up. I don't. 🕎
Monday
I didn’t write an essay this week. I worked so hard on last week’s that I needed a minute.
In January, I’m starting a program called Ship30for30, which has me doing an atomic essay a day for 30 days.
Atomic is 250 words. My last essay was not atomic, it was enormous. Hence the break.
Tuesday
I dislike the phrase stocking stuffer. You?
Alas, here’s a tiny something to stuff in a sock: a MacGyver-like tool for the keychain that’s airline friendly.
These scissors are great. If you’re at Ikea, they’re in the sewing section. If you’re not, good for you.
Apparently, today is toolsday.
Hi and Bye
Hello new subscribers! Hello OGs.
Tell me how this newsletter landed for you.
Bonus: Why did I write gr8ful and not grateful?
The End
Have a beautiful week, everyone.
Love reading this every week and as I read it I can hear your voice and see your smile
❤️❤️