“I’m all alone and still packed inside of this room.”
-Braden Bales
Well, it’s Thanksgiving. If you celebrate it. I theoretically do, but I’m alone in Colorado this year. So its not really a typical holiday, but, you know, we work with what we’ve got.
I’m punching out this quick little acknowledgement of some things I’m thankful for. It is not an exhaustive list, so if you’re not mentioned don’t be offended. It’s just a reflection of sorts. (As opposed to everything else I write…)
#5: Thankful for New Experiences
I’m in Colorado now if you didn’t know. That’s come with all sorts of challenges and nightmares and triumphs and very low lows. But mixed into the struggle, I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to meet new people and experience things I’ve never experienced before.
For one thing, I’m grateful for someone very special to me who got me flowers this Thanksgiving. I’ve never had quite this kind of relationship before, so its had its own ups and downs. I’ve learned a lot about communication, patience, and reciprocation.
I don’t know what the future holds for this complex connection. But regardless, I’m so grateful to have experienced it.
#4: Thankful for Old Habits
I’m back on a rugby team. I can’t say enough about how welcoming the Flamingos have been, and how much I’ve flubbed my opening months with them. Old habits die hard, but I’m learning and evolving and they’re one of the few groups/people in my life who I feel have taken me at my own pace and been patient with me as I figure things out.
I’m really excited for the future of my involvement with this team, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to keep playing this sport.
#3: Thankful for Passion Projects
This has been an especially busy year for me creatively. Two seasons of Turtletastic in under 365 days is crazy work, but I’m so so proud of the process, our team, and all the magic we made out of literally nothing. I’ll probably write a more detailed thank you for this group once the finale airs in January. We’ll see!
I’ve also managed to write two new novels this year, which is huge for me. Will they be coming out anytime soon? Noooooooooo… they are actually in pretty rough shape. You know what they say about first drafts. That being said, the journey of writing is always a magical one. I’m grateful to have this gift.
#2: Thankful for Community
It’s impossible to talk about the previous points without talking about how lucky I am to have a network of people, creatively or otherwise, who believe in me. They give funds for my shows, they watch said shows, they show up for me time and time again— it’s quite amazing. Obviously I wish I had a larger audience, but I am grateful for those I have.
I’m looking forward to doing right by everyone and continuing to create even bigger and better projects for everyone to enjoy.
#1: Thankful for Life, I Guess
This one is silly but its nice to be alive. I have that at least.
Much love,
Craig