So nice to see you in my inbox this morning! We're barely 3 weeks into the year and I'm already overwhelmed by 2026, especially with everything happening in my home country. Although I'm not physically in the US right now and haven't been since September, I still keep up with everything going on there daily and it effects me deeply. Hoping things will calm down in the coming months, but judging by how quickly and ferociously 2025 roared past us, I don't see that happening. 😅 Keep shining your light on us, Michael, and reminding us there are still good people, good humor and good things in this world. 😊
Equally nice to hear from you as well, Gabrielle! And thank you for the lovely message 😊
It must be so strange as a US citizen watching the US from afar, and I'm sure you're riding every bump - to put it very lightly. It really is awful. Here's hoping things calm down very soon.
I love this reflection of yours. If Bob’s superpower is a function of his obsession with the potential the theater inhabits, your superpower is similar.
You see the smoldering fire that others walk by and you probe further to see what it may reveal.
And along the way, you show us why the journey is worth it. The way it presents its gifts.
No, the superpower we possess may not generate a sustainable income, but exercising it is usually compensation enough for most of us.
In giving your gift expression, you encourage the rest of us readers to join you in probing and celebrating not only our own superpower, but those of the people we meet on life’s road.
I love how gently you make the case that it’s never really about the fruit, or the theatre, or even the paella and the three types of lemonade (which I’m still thinking about). It’s the heat. The way someone’s eyes light up when they’re standing close to their own fire.
Bob feels like one of those people who didn’t over-explain his way into a life — he just trusted the pull. No origin myth, no five-step plan. Just instinct, loyalty, and a willingness to keep showing up for 25 years with the same energy. That kind of conviction is both magnetic and quietly confronting.
And the Van Gogh line… oof. That image of smoke as a signal — not proof, just a hint — feels like a useful way to look at ourselves and others. Not “what’s your passion?” but where does the smoke keep escaping, no matter what you try to suppress or ignore?
Also yes to January feeling like a temporal prank. I swear I blinked and it’s already auditioning February.
I read two Substack pieces this morning that left me in an annoyed kerfuffle for reasons not worth your time and then said to Rane, “Ah let’s read Michael’s new piece. That will make me feel better.”
So nice to see you in my inbox this morning! We're barely 3 weeks into the year and I'm already overwhelmed by 2026, especially with everything happening in my home country. Although I'm not physically in the US right now and haven't been since September, I still keep up with everything going on there daily and it effects me deeply. Hoping things will calm down in the coming months, but judging by how quickly and ferociously 2025 roared past us, I don't see that happening. 😅 Keep shining your light on us, Michael, and reminding us there are still good people, good humor and good things in this world. 😊
Equally nice to hear from you as well, Gabrielle! And thank you for the lovely message 😊
It must be so strange as a US citizen watching the US from afar, and I'm sure you're riding every bump - to put it very lightly. It really is awful. Here's hoping things calm down very soon.
I felt like I was rushing along with the flow, barely able to stand to see the year that has come to pass.
I do hope we all get to sizzle some fire within us, regardless of whether others recognize it.
Yep, here's hoping for some sizzle! Thanks, Rachel!
I love this reflection of yours. If Bob’s superpower is a function of his obsession with the potential the theater inhabits, your superpower is similar.
You see the smoldering fire that others walk by and you probe further to see what it may reveal.
And along the way, you show us why the journey is worth it. The way it presents its gifts.
No, the superpower we possess may not generate a sustainable income, but exercising it is usually compensation enough for most of us.
In giving your gift expression, you encourage the rest of us readers to join you in probing and celebrating not only our own superpower, but those of the people we meet on life’s road.
Gosh. Thanks, Seth. What a comment. Thank you for sharing all that. I'm very humbled by your extremely kind words. That means a lot.
Michael — this was such a joy to sit inside.
I love how gently you make the case that it’s never really about the fruit, or the theatre, or even the paella and the three types of lemonade (which I’m still thinking about). It’s the heat. The way someone’s eyes light up when they’re standing close to their own fire.
Bob feels like one of those people who didn’t over-explain his way into a life — he just trusted the pull. No origin myth, no five-step plan. Just instinct, loyalty, and a willingness to keep showing up for 25 years with the same energy. That kind of conviction is both magnetic and quietly confronting.
And the Van Gogh line… oof. That image of smoke as a signal — not proof, just a hint — feels like a useful way to look at ourselves and others. Not “what’s your passion?” but where does the smoke keep escaping, no matter what you try to suppress or ignore?
Also yes to January feeling like a temporal prank. I swear I blinked and it’s already auditioning February.
Really beautiful work. This one lingered.
– Kelly
Kelly, thanks so much for your lovely comment. Some really nice words, and well captured. I appreciate it.
I'm still thinking about the lemonades as well btw. I'm thinking I'll have to go back for a part two and a taste test.
Of course. And honestly, a part two feels inevitable — some places (and essays) don’t really finish the first time around.
If you do go back, I trust your palate. 💛
Haha thank you!
I read two Substack pieces this morning that left me in an annoyed kerfuffle for reasons not worth your time and then said to Rane, “Ah let’s read Michael’s new piece. That will make me feel better.”
Always does.
Did not disappoint, mate.
Oh thanks, Pete. That’s very kind of you, mate. I’m really glad I was able to help break the cycle and avoid making it three in a row.
A great story Michael and very well written as always
Thanks, Dad! Appreciate it.
I mean, I think "passion" is the Secret of the Universe, virtually the only thing that matters in life. Even "love" is just a subset of this.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
I'll go along with that. If something is a secret to the universe, then it might as well be that!
P.S. it was a great Ted Talk. You smashed it.