“This might not be an easy time
There's rivers to cross and hills to climb
And some days we might fall apart
And some nights might feel cold and dark
But nobody wins afraid of losing
And the hard roads are the ones worth choosing
Some day we'll look back and smile
And know it was worth every mile”
- Chris Stapleton - Starting Over -
I walked into the house today and collapsed on the couch, coffee in hand, after an epic weather shift at work. Massive storms rolled through the city starting early this morning and continued throughout the day. It was a challenging day for pilots and air traffic controllers alike but it felt good to be part of something bigger. All of us working together to get everyone safely to their destinations despite some of the worst weather I’d seen in years. I was reminded again just how proud I am to be part of this exceptional group of people and how much more than a job this is. It’s a calling and I’m grateful for the work. My mind drifted to the farm and once again I was overcome with immense gratitude and relief for the wonderful rain. The cows and calves are beautiful and fat and the first of the cowpeas we planted for winter feed are slowly pushing through the soft red soil. For now, things are looking good and I’m rolling with it.
I have mixed feelings about December and the festive season. For some it’s a time of rest after a hard year of work and an opportunity to catch up with friends and family. For many it’s a time of excess, consumerism and gluttony fuelled by the relentless marketing campaigns of companies trying to sell people stuff they don’t need and working hard to make them want what they can’t afford. Malls and shopping centres become places I avoid like the plaque and just thinking about the masses and vast parking lots filled with shiny cars makes my stomach turn. I want no part of it. I don’t mind working over Christmas and New Year and I use this time to check in an hang out with my friends and family that don’t get to be shift working vagabonds like me. Folks that do the eight to five, Monday to Friday and are usually off when I’m working. I also try and spot the people in my circle that might be alone or lonely during this time to make sure they are not forgotten. Other than that I really try not to drink and drive, eat too much junk or get too sad about the people that I miss. And you damn sure won’t find me at the coast or other holiday hotspots during this time. I prefer to stay home or with friends and family, enjoying the long summer days and reflecting on the year gone by. The ultimate treat is being able to sneak away to the farm for a few days and see my folks. Christmas has always been a modest, family centred affair on Tygerfontein and the focus is on being together and spending quality time with loved ones.
There are many people that have to keep working to ensure that the wheels of society and the economy keep turning. There are also many who have nothing and no one to celebrate with. People who miss loved ones long gone and struggling to make ends meet. We are not living in an easy time, despite all the things we can be grateful for. It is important to acknowledge that, look inside ourselves with humility and treat people, animals, our cities and homes with respect and empathy. Not just during festive season but every day. To be part of this terrible beauty called life and to reduce the collective suffering of the world.
Artistically it’s been a busy year. I was blessed with many memorable shows and met really beautiful human beings and friends along the way. I released some music and The Giant Strides reunited with a magnificent show at Sowaar Bar. I finished some new songs and got to see more unique places on the road. I welcomed my friends from Wisconsin, worked hard on my business and the farm and attended my twenty year high school reunion. Some friends left this world and left huge empty spaces but their memories remain.
I’d like to thank you for reading this blog and listening to my music. Thank you for coming out to the gigs and giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and songs. I wish you all good health, love , safe travels and adventure. I hope we can continue this conversation into the next year and many more to come.
See you somewhere down the road.
JB