Silver Glass
PIPPIN: I didn't think it would end this way.
GANDALF: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.
PIPPIN: What? Gandalf? See what?
GANDALF: White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
PIPPIN: Well, that isn't so bad.
GANDALF: No. No, it isn't.
It has been a long and difficult year, the fascism that plagues us won't just go away when the clock ticks over to midnight on the 31st as much as we might wish for it. The work remains and we too remain, clustered beyond the door, readying ourselves for battle. I hope, like me, this scene gives you comfort, that you can continue on and face whatever comes through the gates with all the bravery and love you can muster.
Despite everything, I had a good year. I wrote a book, four short stories, two non-fiction essays, the Patreon blog, and this newsletter. I started writing a scene a day on Feb 10th and with the exception of a handful of days managed to write one every single day in 2025. I'm excited about taking that project into 2026 and continuing it.
I went back to the gym and started lifting heavy things again. I got outside more days than I didn't. I managed to meditate every day. Read 41 books (I'm still scrambling to finish 42 by the end of the day.) and a lot of articles. I played * mumbles * hours of Helldivers, made new friends, had a lot of laughs, and I like to think my gaming skills improved by a lot. (now when I shoot my teammates it's usually intentional 😆)
The goals for 2026 are a lot more of the same. Write stories, sell stories. Take more photos. Get outside. Read. Manage my necessary time on social media better.
The navigation of staying updated on the news and not letting it drown me in despair is a constant balancing act but one I'm getting better at. I remain resolute in my determination to make this world better, to make it a place where people get to be themselves, where the arts are valued, where possessions matter less than experiences, where everyone is fed and clothed and has access to clean water and medical care. We can make this place better, the things to do are right in front of us and there are far more of us than of those who want to throw it all away.
Thank you all so much for being here, for reading this newsletter, for your kind emails and messages on social. I appreciate you all so much and I hope that 2026 brings you more joy than sorrow.
Catch you on the flip side.
Love,
K
Important hockey note: The Colorado Avalanche are 29-2-7 as of the writing of this newsletter.