The Book Of Kyle

Some traditions don’t need improving.

Each holiday season I build these Aldi lego sets. Straightforward, cozy, and just chaotic enough with the cats to be fun.

Cleaning up Christmas this morning:


The real gift was taking my kids to the Symphony of Lights, sharing hot cocoa, eating the traditional Christmas Eve nachos, and watching their joy spill out as they opened presents. Moments like that remind me why I keep doing the work.

They were good enough for Santa to come, no coal! Maybe that’s true for me too: goodness doesn’t require perfection to be real.

It’s official! This chapter of my formal education is complete.

Five years ago, I shut down my farm, checked “some college” on a lot of applications, and made the decision to return to school. I had no idea that choice would carry me beyond a bachelor’s degree, or reshape my life the way it has.

Along the way, these kids have watched me work full-time while giving evenings, weekends, and a whole lot of grit to this goal. This has been filled with teaching opportunities to reinforce the values of education, persistence, consistency, and achieving long-term goals. This weekend, I got to travel with them and let them see the finish line. They watched me cross the stage, the first and likely only time, and share in that moment. Hearing their congratulations was a gift. 

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

I had the honor and opportunity tonight to cook the traditional spread for these kids. We had a family discussion over it where we all concurred that none of us were big fans of the traditional foods.

All the streets, glowing, happen to be

Just like moments, passing, in front of me

So I hopped in, the cab and I paid my fare

See, I know my destination, but I'm just not there

Quiet rituals for staying human.

I watched the water collect on the leaves, the steam rise from my tea, and felt the familiar ache of pulling back.

I used to think healing meant I wouldn't feel that anymore.

Now I think it just means noticing... and choosing to come back quietly.

This gown feels heavier than I thought it would, not just fabric, but years of work, reflection, and becoming.

Almost there. 🎓

Curiosity becomes a heavy load Too heavy to hold, will force you to be cold

And do me a favor, and ask, if you need some help She said, do me a favor, and stop flattering yourself And to tear apart the ties that bind Perhaps "fuck off" might be too kind

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who reached out and wished me happy birthday! I’ve been working on building my social support system and I’m grateful for every single person that has shown up for me this year. From the bottom of heart: thank you ♥️

As any other working class man can say: I spend the majority of my waking hours in employment. I’m incredibly blessed with the team i’m a part of, and the continued support I get from leadership. I love the community of people i get to collaborate with, and the types of people the behavioral health industry attracts here. There’s a profound effect on your quality of life you receive from your working environment, and I really lucked out.

The season always finds its way in through the quiet things.

reblog with your favorite late-season ritual 🕯️

There’s something grounding about changing out the closet — one season closing, another opening.