August 1, 2O23 

Josh,

Harvest Blessings!!

The last time I wrote to you was Summer Solstice, a mere month and a half ago, and WOW… 

So much happens in such a short period of time, especially this time of year, but that’s always how it goes, and you know that, you were there for many seasons with me experiencing it firsthand. 

The heat of the Summer loosens everything up, and off life goes like a bolt of lightning let out of a bottle—summer was always our GO-GO-GO time.

Josh, since Solstice something very, very BIG happened…

 We had a soft premiere of the film!!!!!

It was a 2-night showing at the Sirius Rising Festival at Brushwood, in Sherman New York, which is up by Lake Erie, where I was already going to be leading workshops, so I asked if I could also show the film; they embraced and supported the idea, which was incredibly pleasing!!

I had just come straight from Starwood in Pomeroy Ohio, where I had been networking and engaging with our community, and I have to say, showing the film the following week was constantly on my mind.. 

Speaking of Starwood, you had a presence there that surprised me.

Sharon Angelina, an artist friend, created a commissioned art piece for our friend, Erich… 

It is a portrait of…

YOU!!!

The portrait was on display at the campsite through most of the week, and I found myself lingering on it, taking in your perfectly recreated smile - it was comforting, even if a little melancholic, and I found myself walking over to it, offering a smile and eye contact often. 

I remember when you came out to Starwood.  

You made SUCH an impression in the short time you were there.

You fit right in and connected to the vibe of the tribe. 

We played the longest set of our music we had ever played live, and we had a LOT of people sitting in with us; I have a picture of that performance buried in our archive somewhere.

That’s how we imagined it would be, you and me, and whatever rag-tag ensemble we could stitch together on the spot - the Clark & Kobel Tarot Troubadours…. 

I know this can still be a thing, but honestly, your absence makes me a little hesitant to do it…

I can hear your last line of the movie, “Well, we’ll see what happens…”

With your signature giggle.

It’s August now, which despite the bright, warm Leo Sun, has a slight shadow looming over it.

Your first death anniversary is in 18 days…

A year’s nearly passed, and here we are, carrying on as best as we can, as people do…

That doesn’t mean we don’t miss the hell out of you.

I often find myself hoping you’re proud of the progress I’ve made since your departure.

I know things move slowly. Thatwas always an anxiety point for you:

“Can we release it yet?!” you’d say.

“No, not yet, be patient.” I’d reply.

Well, Josh, it seems we are finally close to the moment you so eagerly anticipated…

Your name is on my lips all the time lately, ESPECIALLY as I’m out there rocking the movie, and answering people’s questions, and embracing their enthusiasm.

A few times I even turned to gesture for you to add to the conversation.

I’m not sure if anyone noticed when I did that, but I was caught off guard a little each time, wondering if you were there, standing with me, a silent presence on the other side of the Veil. 

When people hear your voice in the film, see you in the film, or catch glimpses of you in photographs, they often say, “He seemed incredible, I’m sure he’s with you..”

I know you are.

Onward and upward,...

JC