Other | J.R. Johnson

Yes, the darkest day of the year is here, but that means brighter days are ahead.

Sunday is the shortest day of the year north of the equator, where the solstice marks the start of astronomical winter.

That’s right, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, today is the shortest day of the year. (And if you’d like a quick reminder of the astronomy of it all, this one’s helpful: December Solstice 2025.)

So light a candle (physical or metaphorical, your choice!), and look ahead to a brighter future.

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Look for the Halos

Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, goodwill, Thoughts on December 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“…there there might not be angels, but there are people who might as well be angels.”

― David Foster Wallace

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He Went to 11

Posted in Other, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, storytellers, Thoughts, Writers on December 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Rob Reiner, Actor Who Went on to Direct Classic Films, Dies at 78

“People take a look at ‘Princess Bride,’ and exclaim, ‘God, this is such an odd conglomeration!’” Mr. Reiner told The New York Times shortly after the movie was released in 1987. “‘How could you balance all those things?’”

“But it didn’t seem all that strange to me,” he went on, “because those are all parts of my personality. I’ve definitely got this satirical side to me, and this romantic side, and this more realistic way of looking at things.”

I don’t know about you, but Reiner’s eclectic approach to storytelling was one of the things I loved about his work. That and the clever humor, the touching moments, and the personal stories.

My favorite quote from this statement, Close friends of Rob and Michele Reiner release statement on their lives and work, is a reminder that we all make an impact.

“Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” — from It’s a Wonderful Life

Maybe we’ll watch The Princess Bride this weekend. Or Stand by Me. Or Spinal Tap. Or When Harry Met Sally. Or A Few Good Men. Or or or.

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Best Advice

Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, Thoughts on December 15, 2025| Leave a Comment »

People often ask me what is the most effective technique for transforming their life. It is a little embarrassing that after years and years of research and experimentation, I have to say that the best answer is – just be a little kinder.

— Aldous Huxley

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Here and Now

Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, the writing life, Thoughts on December 13, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“The here and now is all we have, and if we play it right it’s all we’ll need.”

— Ann Richards

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For My Fellow Nerds

Posted in Other, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, fandom, history, movies, star wars on December 12, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Here’s something fun for my fellow sci-fi nerds:

How the Written Word Evolved in ‘Star Wars’

The original Star Wars is covered with English signage and written words on displays, something that would change in the wake of the film’s blockbuster success. Both Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi would, with the confidence that audiences had accepted the galaxy far, far away, move away from putting English text on-screen, instead creating unique writing systems—reams of text that were not just left untranslated, but were never given meaning behind the symbology beyond the graphic design.

How that changed, and why, is actually a pretty fun read if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s also one of the many reasons why my first re-watch of the Star Wars re-release was repeatedly punctuated by me exclaiming, “Hang on just a minute!”

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As You Are

Posted in Other, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2025, philosophizing, Thoughts on December 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“Be like the sun for grace and mercy. Be like the night to cover others’ faults. Be like running water for generosity. Be like death for rage and anger. Be like the Earth for modesty. Appear as you are. Be as you appear.”

― Rumi

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