2020? Am I right? This has been a strange year to put it mildly. We all hold our breath waiting for the next wild event to unravel like a bad horror movie. So while we wait for the next headline, let me step back from the edge of Apocalypse and unleash some thanks into the weird.
The Christmas Album by Neil Diamond
If you need to know anything about me, it should be my love for Mr. Sweet Caroline. Undoubtedly the greatest songwriter of all time, this ’92 seasonal cassette was a favorite in our household. I cannot imagine a better way to soundtrack a holiday than by Diamond’s great razz-a-ma-tazz. He brings the perfect amount of cheesiness with him – as is needed in such a musical genre – but still does it with integrity and world class talent. The cover alone is classic. By the fire? Check. Ugly sweater? Double check. Childlike whimsical gaze? Sign us up!
(Note: if you look for this beauty, make sure it is the ’93 album. I had to hunt many used music stores before finding a copy on CD. Diamond has since released a few more which are great, but not the same.)
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Living in the Midwest has made me bias, but our Ohio governor may be the best. During a pandemic, racial unrest, threats against himself and his staff, countless memes, a positive then negative Covid test, a bonkers Presidential campaign, and countless other 2020 issues have failed to destroy his unflappable persona. His non-offensive frame has been a welcomed presence for these last 8 months of uncertainty. Public service is indeed a thankless job, especially in such a polarized and wrongly politicized climate, yet this sweater vest wearing Buckeye has gotten it right. A tip of the mask to you Governor DeWine!
Dead Writers
Death is the great equalizer. No matter how spectacular or average a life may be, it is sure to end the same way. In a world that overvalues “new” and “fresh”, it is easy to forget the long history of ideas, thoughts, and inspiration that has already been documented. I have found myself more drawn to those who have come before in an attempt to find some meaning. Currently I have been swimming deeply in the works of Leo Tolstoy (Russian, 1828-1910). There are many great thinkers who have written on faith, but not quite like Tolstoy. After becoming quite possibly the greatest fiction writer, at 50 he called it meaningless. In a reimagining of his life, he sought deeply the issue of faith as expressed through Jesus. After long study, he took the words of Jesus in a very literal sense, which funny enough got him excommunicated. He would go on to start a movement, feeding the poor and inspiring the likes of Gandhi. His life taught me more than a few things. First, no matter your success or how old you are, you always have hope to create something meaningful. It is wrong for us to ever discount someone because of age or experience. Breath is a coveted life source. If we have it, we have the ability to contribute our unique voice. Second, Tolstoy reminds me that great ideas are more often than not, met with criticism. It will hurt, they will laugh, but in the end, “they” meet the same end. Third (of many), there is nothing “new”, but only variations of Truth. Chances are, what today’s great minds think of, were created or influenced in some context before (except maybe Chipotle – both fresh and delicious). Like people, it would be wrong to ever write something off because it is dated or appeared before the internet.
Note: I would highly recommend “The Kingdom of God is Within You” or ” The Gospel in Brief” if you are interested in thoughtful theological writings. If you love fiction, his short stories are incredible and bring much enlightenment on death, faith, and darkness. For this, see “Death of Ivan Illyich or a collected work.
Podcasts
While the art of radio has been declining for years, podcasts have exploded. No matter what you are in to, there is guaranteed to be a great podcast about it. Reminiscent of when radios were more informational with an emphasis on storytelling, podcasts has sort of taken the reigns with success. While many forms of entertainment has saturated our lives to the point of lowering the medium, podcasts have provided both entertainment and education, while sharpening the art of storytelling. I know I am late to the game on this, but these things are incredible. Like many things, the pandemic has made these all the more welcome.
Note: Love great storytelling? This American Life with Ira Glass. Love business and how companies were built? How I Built This. Like music? The Ongoing History of New Music.
Online Used Book Stores
2020 has forced a lot of us to shop more online. Many of our favorite places to buy have always been around, but now we are finally appreciating their online presence. For me, one of my favorite pre-Covid activities was frequenting thrift stores in search of books. In the last months, I have found some incredible online stores that sell thrift books, allowing visitors to search by title and condition. Sure, it ruins some of the fun of not knowing what you will find, but it is still exciting none the less. My 3 year old son has even continued a proud Simon tradition of cramming bookshelves with titles.
Note: check out https://www.thriftbooks.com for a good thrift fix. Books are cheap, typically great shape, shipped free over $10, and earn you free books.
Mental Health Meds
Life is hard. Add in a pandemic, isolation, election, racial awakening (we hope), and countless social media friends posting nutty theories, and there is no way to not be affected. I, like many, have struggled during this time. Thankfully, I was able to receive some help through tele-medicine and many in the healthcare profession who are themselves taxed and under appreciated. While I know there is no magic fix, I do know that for me, medicine and counseling have helped me more than I can express. In times like these, we need to be able to vent and process. There is no shame is seeking help. Who knows, maybe you taking that step will help empower others, perhaps eliminating the stigma.
Birds
Although I have a strange affinity for Alfred Hitchcock, I am speaking of literal birds. Spending more time at home has given me a love for wildlife in general. Seemingly unfazed by human crisis, they still go about rhythms of existence as old as creation. It is heartening to see them go about the world like nothing is wrong, or that they somehow are in on the joke. I am constantly reminded of a famous teaching of Jesus where He mentions this. In some strange sense, I feel closer to a higher power when I see the ballad of nature. Perhaps this is a Creator who is grounding us in something richer than the fleeting pleasures we consume. Whatever it is, I appreciate it with a renewed joy.
Note: My favorite bird? Well thanks for asking, woodpecker. Seriously, they are incredible.
Matt simon blog 