Winter Solstice Greeting 2025
The physical mail is starting to arrive in your boxes, so here is the digital version— as promised (a little late!)
Winter Solstice – 2025
As I sit down to write this greeting, I went back to read what I wrote last year— but, oh, heavens. Far too much was happening in December for me, not much of it good. A breakup, a death, and the constant coming and going of work. I never got around to it; perhaps you’ll give me grace for that.
2025 was about healing and surrender. I spent most of the year focusing on my own growth. I took grand trips and met great people— though I suppose that’s not much different than any other year! In January, I spent time at a gay yoga retreat in Zipolite, Mexico, a sleepy beach town known for old naked hippies and the gays. I connected with a great group of guys from all over the world. But as the weather warmed up at home, I didn’t stray too far: I fell in love with Port Townsend, Washington. I took several trips to this burg on the edge of the Salish Sea, meandering through its Victorian architecture and dreaming about a Hallmark movie plot wherein a local and I fall in love, rehabbing a dilapidated home with our 17 chihuahuas. I digress.
In my birthday month of April, I took advantage of an extended layover in China. Though I had seen pictures of the Great Wall on a number of Chinese buffets, I thought it prudent to see it in real life. It’s just as spectacular as you think it is, even without General Tso’s chicken at hand. Then, the tariffs! Work had reshuffled my schedule and sent me to Santiago, Chile, where I explored the mountains and the coast with fabulous wines.
July was heavy but bittersweet; we had my Papa Bob’s celebration of life in Missoula. What should have been a sad event was possibly the best roundup of family. It will likely never happen again that we all meet in one spot, and I’ll cherish it forever. Our impromptu family float trip down the Clarkfork remains a highlight of the entire year!
I never need a reason to go to Sweden, but any chance to see the Lindahls and visit the homeland, I’ll take it. After showing my best friend some favorite haunts in Stockholm, I got inked in Göteborg where great great grampa Swan left over a hundred years ago— so my Swedish Dala horse within a mandala (my mandala horse!) is a nod to my heritage and continual spiritual journey.
When I find myself bored in the hotel, I can’t help but book even more trips. An advantageous business class redemption came through, and I put myself in a pod to Sicily in November— learning how to make pasta, tasting delicious wines and cheeses, and even pressing my own olive oil!
Most of you know I come from humble beginnings. I didn’t think I was a “club” sort of person until a dear friend insisted I join— she’s level-headed Montana folk, too, so I trust her. And, unfortunately, I am now a Club person. The Washington Athletic Club has been a wonderful “third” space for me to be active but also engaged— where else can you go to the gym, participate in book club, and dress up in a tux for their annual party?!
And though I’ve regaled you with my travels, please know I don’t take for granted the opportunities and luxuries that my career affords. It’s not a bad life, don’t get me wrong, but there’s more nuance than online postings would lead you to believe. We all have our shit. But it’s imperative to sit through it so that you may appreciate the joy.
As we forge forth within this space-time continuum, on this bizarre floating rock around a massive fireball, I’ll leave you with this. Peace is local and infectious. It’s important to be alert on the increasingly trepidatious national gaze, but don’t forget to look within at home. Your friends, your neighbors, and your community are begging for camaraderie. I jest that I want to end up on your fridge. But this letter is an offering of connection, a renewal in our understanding that the way forward is through mutual support. Be “delight” in the darkness— brighter days are ahead. Have a blessed winter solstice.
Blue skies & love,
RB