This is so inspiring, Josh. Love what you said about protecting your time and using this platform intentionally as a tool. Amanda gave me similar advice about frequency and space in my posts. It’s a relief to have a clear sense of the year. Your memoir sounds like just the thing. The Atlantic seems to have an article about boys and men in crisis every other issue.
Thank you, Julie! That larger conversation about boys and men does feel like enough of a "so what" for this story, but it won't be the whole of it. Certainly I'll be pushing back somewhat against the mom rage vibe, though how to do that without striking a similar note remains the question. Ultimately I want this story to end in hope, and I finally feel like I can see what that ending might look like, so that feel like firm footing to start.
Appreciate your support, and of course your own example with your Give Back Stack!
There’s a really specific tempo in this piece, Joshua. It felt like perhaps you were working in the garden but casting seeds with the alphabet instead. I’ll be glad to see where things are headed in the new year for you. And I appreciate the nod to my framework in helping you put shape to what you’re creating. It really means a lot. ☀️
Also, I have NO idea why I originally wrote your name as Josh … I apologize. I corrected it in my original comment. Most likely I was carried away by the picture in my mind of a garden of alphabet letters flying around and my fingers didn’t slow down long enough to finish the u-a in your name.
A beautiful essay, Josh (with such well-chosen quotes). I wish you every continued success for the year ahead! I've just bought "Someday Johnson Creek," and I'm looking forward to reading it. As someone who also (decades ago) came to fatherhood without forethought, I look forward to your memoir when it comes out.
That means so much, Jeffrey — thank you. I hope the poems speak to you. And if they do, the magic of reaching across years and all those miles from the wilderness cabin where I wrote them will remain the best reason for writing that I know.
This is an incredible piece, Josh. Although we miss you here, you are right where you need to be. You are a great Dad and no one should tell you otherwise. I can't wait to read the memoir when it is out!
Just ambled here, oh, on January 17th! I feel like I just came from hibernation…(missed the annual discount, missed the story-ing, missed the poetry!). I have taught about men and masculinity and I think another memoir about being a dad would make sense. (But I’m not an editor or publisher obviously!) I look forward to reading you this year.
I can’t say that I can relate to what you have been going through but it brought tears to my eyes. Your writing and ability to tell your story in this piece is wonderful. I am trying to do better about reading poetry and a dear friend has been encouraging me in the process, so I just bought two copies on Amazon. Good luck to you in the upcoming year and may your time with your children be filled with joy. May the hours spent with them feel longer than the actual hours and filled with laughter and love.
Thanks so much! Hope the poems hold up for you. I shared the back story of that project two weeks ago. The magic of reaching strangers with poems I wrote in a wilderness cabin never gets old.
This is so inspiring, Josh. Love what you said about protecting your time and using this platform intentionally as a tool. Amanda gave me similar advice about frequency and space in my posts. It’s a relief to have a clear sense of the year. Your memoir sounds like just the thing. The Atlantic seems to have an article about boys and men in crisis every other issue.
Thank you, Julie! That larger conversation about boys and men does feel like enough of a "so what" for this story, but it won't be the whole of it. Certainly I'll be pushing back somewhat against the mom rage vibe, though how to do that without striking a similar note remains the question. Ultimately I want this story to end in hope, and I finally feel like I can see what that ending might look like, so that feel like firm footing to start.
Appreciate your support, and of course your own example with your Give Back Stack!
There’s a really specific tempo in this piece, Joshua. It felt like perhaps you were working in the garden but casting seeds with the alphabet instead. I’ll be glad to see where things are headed in the new year for you. And I appreciate the nod to my framework in helping you put shape to what you’re creating. It really means a lot. ☀️
I appreciate your sage insights!
Also, I have NO idea why I originally wrote your name as Josh … I apologize. I corrected it in my original comment. Most likely I was carried away by the picture in my mind of a garden of alphabet letters flying around and my fingers didn’t slow down long enough to finish the u-a in your name.
I prefer Josh, but either works! And as a gardener I love that metaphor.
I love everything about this Josh. It has been one of my great pleasures this year getting to know you. Wishing you and your family a blessed 2025.
Thank you, Matthew! Your support means so much, and I look forward to more conversations in the year ahead.
A beautiful essay, Josh (with such well-chosen quotes). I wish you every continued success for the year ahead! I've just bought "Someday Johnson Creek," and I'm looking forward to reading it. As someone who also (decades ago) came to fatherhood without forethought, I look forward to your memoir when it comes out.
That means so much, Jeffrey — thank you. I hope the poems speak to you. And if they do, the magic of reaching across years and all those miles from the wilderness cabin where I wrote them will remain the best reason for writing that I know.
And for me, that's the best reason for reading.
Glad you’re now able to rise from the defensive crouch, and create a properly messy desk!
Does the world need another memoir? Well yes, of course. We all love a good story.
Thank you! I'll be clarifying that "so what" question next week.
This is an incredible piece, Josh. Although we miss you here, you are right where you need to be. You are a great Dad and no one should tell you otherwise. I can't wait to read the memoir when it is out!
Thank you! Glad you've started your own series -- look forward to following.
Just ambled here, oh, on January 17th! I feel like I just came from hibernation…(missed the annual discount, missed the story-ing, missed the poetry!). I have taught about men and masculinity and I think another memoir about being a dad would make sense. (But I’m not an editor or publisher obviously!) I look forward to reading you this year.
Welcome, Ree. I'll look forward to your thoughts.
A wonderful reset and resolution, Josh. Look forward to what's coming. Happy new year!
Thank you, Kate! Glad to see some changes of your own. Even if we know that less is more, it can take a while to decide what to prioritize.
Good on ya brother! Carry on 💪🏻
And you, too, my friend.
Such a joy to read this piece and all that it holds as 2024 comes to a close. Looking forward to being present for the new year.
Thank you, Beth! Glad to be walking alongside you.
I can’t say that I can relate to what you have been going through but it brought tears to my eyes. Your writing and ability to tell your story in this piece is wonderful. I am trying to do better about reading poetry and a dear friend has been encouraging me in the process, so I just bought two copies on Amazon. Good luck to you in the upcoming year and may your time with your children be filled with joy. May the hours spent with them feel longer than the actual hours and filled with laughter and love.
Thanks so much! Hope the poems hold up for you. I shared the back story of that project two weeks ago. The magic of reaching strangers with poems I wrote in a wilderness cabin never gets old.
Josh, I'm so happy for you to look forward with joy and hope. Best wishes and creative vibes for 2025!
Cheers, and back at you!