Yule Blog - [Matthew]

This has been the most dynamic year of my life. The highs were very high, the lows, very, very low.

One of the biggest highs (read that however you wish) has come from being a part of ‘Etcetera.’ Beyond being a fun creative outlet, it has allowed me be a part of a burgeoning community that stretches from L.A. to Canada, from South Florida to Memphis. I’m aware of how blessed I am to be a part of it.

And the central happiness I’ve found here is the community.

For example:

- We’ve collected money (from people in two countries) to give to needy people we’ll never meet in yet another country, all spearheaded by the benevolent Saint Gordo of Brew.

- Erik and I traveled to another state to meet and break bread with people we’ve previously only spoken with over the phone and the show.

- Geoduck Joe cared enough to send us scary mollusk toys and Rainier Beer.

- We’ve had two listener appreciation parties (karaoke and libations provided by the always-enterprising Mr. Andrew Haas).

And the list goes on...

Sharon is a certified gemologist, so she can tell you: one of the things that makes something valuable is that it’s rare. What we have here is rare and I want you to know, I value it.

As C.S. Lewis once wrote:

“There’s something happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear.”

Merry Christmas, everybody. Thanks for coming along for the ride. I’m looking forward to even greater adventures with you in 2006.

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