Hi there,

I have decided to switch to Beehiiv and rename my newsletter to FreshWrite. After all, despite my advanced years on Earth, I am a writer, and each word represents a new adventure – every day is a fresh start.

Why a new platform? Because Beehiiv didn't feel as restrictive or uninteresting as the previous one. It is less boxy, bossy and boring.

MyFreshWrite is not so much a facelift as a facewash. I want to allow you to read what I have to tell you. Simple, with no strings attached.

This change won't cause any harm to you. From now on, you will receive my newsletter from Beehiiv, and that's it. It will be more vibrant, featuring more illustrations like occasional models, photos, and diagrams. However, the primary focus remains on the written content.

School holiday is on us in New Zealand.

Until the 9th of October, the kids run wild here in Aotearoa New Zealand. And parents juggle with work, school holiday programmes and occasional nervous breakdowns.

I sat in a packed cafe yesterday, as I often do, writing. The air was thick with the smell of children, from pre-teens to younger ones. Due to the rain, the aroma of drying pants, jerseys, and shoes mingled with the strong scents of perfumes and the sweat of brave mothers.

I silently thank the universe because my son is soon 21. No more endless rounds to muddy fields of soccer. And not only does he possess a pleasant aroma, but his scent is truly delightful. Expensive, but from his own pocket. Yes, you guessed right, he has inherited his father's over-sensitive nose and indulgent taste in fragrances.

But the main point was this beautiful sight.

While observing the ever-changing flock of chirping and shouting children, I saw one lady in the corner with a wheelchair. She had three children with her: two girls – assumably twins – maybe ten years old and a boy that looked like 14 or max 15.

What made this scene so captivating? It was the happiness that radiated from these people. There was no fuss or shouting but tenderness in how the children helped their mother with the wheelchair and moving chairs so she could come closer to the table.

It made my day. Most kids and their parents in the cafe didn't see each other. Their smartphones, gossip, boredom and hustle occupied them. And I thought that we have imaginary challenges that steal reality from us and let children on their own, even in the presence of their parents. And then we have real challenges that make us be present and care for each other – not because we must, but because it brings joy, love and contentment that no other way of behaving will.

What are your school holiday observations?

Ngā Mihi

Jussi

A record you should listen to: Hamilton

This time, I put the books aside and wanted you to listen to Hamilton, the brilliant and inspiring musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

When I saw the video from the White House in 2009 on YouTube, I knew that the musicals would never be the same after this genius had done his deed. I have not seen it on stage, but I listened to it repeatedly. I can see it in my mind; I have seen videos of it, but the real thing is the lyrics and the music that takes you there.

"Hamilton" is nothing short of a theatrical tour de force. From the very first note to its emotionally charged finale, Lin-Manuel Miranda's magnum opus has irreversibly transformed the landscape of Broadway musicals.

At its core, "Hamilton" chronicles the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's Founding Fathers. However, this musical stands out because of its brilliant libretto and how it has been presented.

Eschewing the traditional trappings of Broadway, Miranda ingeniously incorporates a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and classic musical theatre styles.

A notable hallmark of "Hamilton" is its diversity. In a marked departure from conventional casting norms, the musical boasts a predominantly non-white ensemble. This bold and deliberate choice speaks volumes, reflecting America's diverse tapestry and challenging the norms of historical representation.

It's also worth highlighting that "Hamilton" is more than just a musical about history; it's a commentary on who gets to tell the story. The diverse cast underscores the universality of the themes explored – ambition, legacy, love, and the undeniable human need to leave an indelible mark on the sands of time.

Every note and every inflexion encapsulates the raw energy and emotion that "Hamilton" has become synonymous with. It's a testament to the musical's genius that its narrative prowess remains undiminished, even in audio form.

"Hamilton" is not just a musical; it's a revolutionary cultural phenomenon. Breaking away from traditional norms has redefined the boundaries of what Broadway can achieve. It's not merely a show to watch or an album to listen to; it's a call to action and not throw away your shot.

I love it, and you should, too. You can listen to it on Apple Music here.

My Medium articles from the week.