Some good to keep you going
Boosts from Uplifters including Ann Kansfield, Lisa Crozier, Anita Sado, and Shannon Eastin, the first female NFL ref
The history of Thanksgiving is messy and complicated, but growing up, it was the best day of the year. Christmas always felt like an afterthought after the raucous hootenanny each year with our extended families, sharing our favorite foods, and showcasing our talents at the annual Fam Jam. (In case you’re curious: In our vast band of exceptionally talented, or at least committed, bluegrass and ragtime musicians, I’m just about the only person without a musical gift, so my job was to read a poem with “lots of feeling”. Bless them for always making me believe that was cool.)
Those years are long behind us now, and so many members of our family have gone on, but we still honor that time by gathering with friends and neighbors, collaborating to share our favorite foods, and most years we even do a talent show of our own.
The participants in our rituals have changed with time, but the rituals themselves have continued. This year, we’re adding what we hope will be another lasting tradition, thanks to our beautiful Uplifter Community. When Ann Kansfield from episode 26 asked for volunteers to cook turkeys for the soup kitchen she and her community manage, we jumped at the chance. If you’ve been listening to our show, you’ll know that we lost my brother-in-law earlier this year to the tragic effects of homelessness and addiction. The chance to serve others in similar situations feels especially meaningful this year. If you’d like to support Ann and her work, you can donate here.
Whatever this week means for you, it’s probably not simple. It rarely is. So, Uplifters, here are a few quick boosts to help you keep rocking and rolling this week:
Check out The Axis Project and their inclusive roller skating party.
Read this fabulous story of two college students who are living in a senior facility and having the time of their lives. Thanks to Lisa Crozier for this inspo!
Support an Uplifter this weekend by watching the sweet movie Leo on Netflix, written by the son of Anita Sado from our Uplifter Community.
Tune in tomorrow while you’re finishing off your cooking to listen to the wonderful story of Shannon Eastin, the first female ref in the NFL, right here on The Uplifters Podcast.
See you soon! In the meantime, Listen to the latest episode of The Uplifters Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or YouTube, or follow our TikTok for uplifting daily videos.
Thank you so much for being here! Let’s keep rising higher, together, 💓 Aransas
Navigating a big transition? Sign up for a private one-hour session with me to clarify your direction and next steps.