Happy Second Substack-aversary
Special Edition
June 13 marks the completion of my second year publishing on Substack. So far, I’ve posted 88 essays and occasional Notes. The topical coverage of my essays is somewhat varied, but keeps returning to the central themes and commitments of my current life: writing, music (especially choral), relationships with friends and family, and community. In this anniversary piece, I reflect on four of my essays that highlight major themes from the past year.
In contrast to the essays posted during my first year, many of this year’s pieces focus on the ongoing dynamic tension I am experiencing between building a new life around specific commitments following several years of significant challenge, on the one hand; and dealing with the political context in my country, which is wreaking havoc with the norms of decency and the rule of law I had always counted on. How does one build a meaningful and -- dare I say it -- happy life, while feeling powerless to change the significant damage being done to the rights of U. S. residents (especially anyone who is not a straight white Christian male born in the US), to the application of science for the promotion of health and well-being, and to the education of our populace? It’s tricky business, and I continue to struggle with it.
Some of my essays in the past year addressed this tension directly, especially “Holding Contradiction,” published 8-30-2025. The essay still rings very true for me; I encourage you to read (or re-read). Interestingly, it had the most views of any of my posts this past year (873), suggesting to me that the challenge of holding contradiction is being felt by many of you as well.
Holding Contradiction
This T-shirt is one of the last items that Susan gave me before she died. She was passionate in her love for justice. Re-discovering it this morning was just the nudge I needed to post this essay.
Last year, I continued to talk about the healing power of music. I posted “Moments of Transcendence” on 11-25-2025, just after I had sung the Fauré Requiem with Hampshire Choral Society. The essay began, “Music continues to be my passion and my refuge during these turbulent days.” That’s still very true.
The post includes a YouTube link to a wonderful recording of the Requiem, sung by one of my favorite groups, UK-based VOCES8 (duration 35 minutes). For a bit of transcendent beauty, I encourage you to take a listen. (I’m going to get to see VOCES8 again in person this October, and can’t wait.) This essay also includes a mention of fried pickles, in case you’re interested in something completely different.
Moments of Transcendence
Music continues to be my passion and my refuge during these turbulent days. Sunday, with the Hampshire Choral Society, I had the privilege of singing Gabriel Faure’s Requiem, surely one of the most beautiful pieces of choral music ever composed (IMHO). We performed in Abbey Chapel of Mount Holyoke College, a perfect…
I’m very fond of the piece I wrote about relationships, “31 Flavors of Friendship” (3-2-2026). Writing it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the ways my relationship world is changing in light of retirement, the passing of my spouse, geographical distance, and the use of technology. I developed the idea that there are many different kinds of friendships -- “flavors” -- that defy simple labels. In fact, I argued against trying to label specific types of friendships, instead treating each relationship as unique and special ... and dynamically changing over time. I concluded with the following:
“Dear Readers, I wish for you some of the joy and liberation I have experienced in this new phase of life, connecting in new and deeper ways with different types of friends. Each relationship has its own rhythm and flavor. Each is grounded in distinctive shared interests or commitments. And each is valuable in its uniqueness.”
I invite you to take a look and consider your own relationships.
31 Flavors of Friendship
Did you know that Baskin-Robbins’ 31 flavors of ice cream now actually number 46? Their latest chart spans from “Love Potion #31” to “Wild ‘n Reckless Sherbet.” Fun fact: The 31 flavors concept was designed to offer a different ice cream flavor for every day of the month, suggesting that it can be an “everyday treat.” (Thanks, Goo…
Participating in community has been a fourth important theme this year. I wrote “Belonging” as Christmas was approaching (12-18-25), reflecting on an experience of the preceding Christmas at Trinity Cathedral in Portland. From the text, “ ... we all need to feel we belong. And his story’s point was simply to say that we all belong here on this earth; we all deserve to be seen and to feel at home. My extension of this point is that one of the greatest gifts we can give is to facilitate a sense of belonging for each other. It doesn’t require a credit card or a coupon code -- it is worth most when it is freely given.” I encourage you to take a look at the story I’m referencing. It might bring a tear to your eye.
I deeply appreciate you, my readers, who provide me with the opportunity to share my thoughts on these very personal topics. Special thanks to all 253 of you who subscribe and those of you who take the time to comment. I try to reply to every comment I receive -- and I’m touched when one of my essays resonates with one of you. Did you have a favorite essay last year -- perhaps one that brought you joy or moved you to tears? I’d love to know. Feel free to comment below or contact me directly through Substack chat or email to halsubstack@gmail.com. Please share my writing with folks you think might be interested and encourage them to subscribe too. Thank you for being alongside me on my journey; I’m pleased to be alongside you as well. On we go into year three!