I am a 70+ years old, white male new discoverer of your work. I believe that I find things in my life when I need them. I look forward to the vistas your words will open to me. This is a wonderful, moving work of Spirit.
As soon as I saw the name Thomas Builds-The-Fire, I knew something special was happening. I deliberately set aside time in the middle of the week to sit down and enjoy a voice that hasn’t been heard since before The War On Terror started and fizzled out. As I listened to your reading of this story, complete with the wonderful address that Thomas gave to Victor, even in Smoke Signals, that, “HeyyyyyVicterrrr...” brought me back to that Spring of the year 2000.
You had just completed a reading at my college and were fielding questions from the audience. Someone asked you what you thought about white people. The whole audience went silent, waiting for your response. You said something to the effect, “I fear what you’re capable of, but I’m also in awe of what you’re capable of.” I remember sitting there and hearing that and thinking, “Oh, there’s a choice...” We can make a choice. It seemed so obvious when you said it that way, but it’s what the voice of Thomas Builds-The-Fire always seems to be offering us. It’s a good day to die...but it’s also a good day for...
the latter choice is always wiser than death. Thank you for bringing this character’s voice back to us. It’s time more people heard it.
Wow, that’s a hell of a post! Thank you. I remember giving variations of that answer about white people over the years. I would amend it now to say that about all humans. I’m in fear of us and I’m in awe of us.
I watched Smoke Signals when I rented it from Blockbuster without knowing anything about the movie. I was kind of weirdly sad for about a week afterwards because I would never get a chance to meet Thomas and swap stories with him because 1. I don't live anywhere near him and 2. He is fictional. Fictional! I'm not sure I believe that. Seems like I just saw Thomas a couple weeks ago, and I'm expecting him to call me any day.
Wonderful to hear how Thomas and Victor are doing. I had to go see, and yes, I still have the VCR tape under my TV table, despite not having the TV or the VCR! Very excited that you are happy with this story and interested to hear how Thomas fares....👏👏👏☺️🦋🦋
Seems like I’ve read that before. Maybe from a book of yours. I couldn’t hear you read it. Is it because I don’t have podcasts,. I’m listening to the tv at the same time. I hate Putin so much and Tucker Carlson, etc. I loved those pictures at the top of the story too. They look familiar. Keep singing and have the drums talking. Maybe Putin will hear.
I am a 70+ years old, white male new discoverer of your work. I believe that I find things in my life when I need them. I look forward to the vistas your words will open to me. This is a wonderful, moving work of Spirit.
Sometimes, it is a good day to be opened
Thank you
Wow! It’s a great honor to be discovered 30 years into my publishing career. So awesome! Thank you!
Beautiful and moving as always. Thank you.
Thank you, Julie.
As soon as I saw the name Thomas Builds-The-Fire, I knew something special was happening. I deliberately set aside time in the middle of the week to sit down and enjoy a voice that hasn’t been heard since before The War On Terror started and fizzled out. As I listened to your reading of this story, complete with the wonderful address that Thomas gave to Victor, even in Smoke Signals, that, “HeyyyyyVicterrrr...” brought me back to that Spring of the year 2000.
You had just completed a reading at my college and were fielding questions from the audience. Someone asked you what you thought about white people. The whole audience went silent, waiting for your response. You said something to the effect, “I fear what you’re capable of, but I’m also in awe of what you’re capable of.” I remember sitting there and hearing that and thinking, “Oh, there’s a choice...” We can make a choice. It seemed so obvious when you said it that way, but it’s what the voice of Thomas Builds-The-Fire always seems to be offering us. It’s a good day to die...but it’s also a good day for...
the latter choice is always wiser than death. Thank you for bringing this character’s voice back to us. It’s time more people heard it.
And, to add, I have more Thomas stories in the pipeline. He has come roaring back to life for me.
Wow, that’s a hell of a post! Thank you. I remember giving variations of that answer about white people over the years. I would amend it now to say that about all humans. I’m in fear of us and I’m in awe of us.
Thank you Sherman, I have missed Thomas and Victor and Grandma Builds-the-Fire. Way to powerful to hold in one sitting.
Thank you, Steve. Thomas has been in my head for a full day. He has many new stories to tell.
I watched Smoke Signals when I rented it from Blockbuster without knowing anything about the movie. I was kind of weirdly sad for about a week afterwards because I would never get a chance to meet Thomas and swap stories with him because 1. I don't live anywhere near him and 2. He is fictional. Fictional! I'm not sure I believe that. Seems like I just saw Thomas a couple weeks ago, and I'm expecting him to call me any day.
Hello, Grandmother Thomas. I've missed your voice.
Wonderful to hear how Thomas and Victor are doing. I had to go see, and yes, I still have the VCR tape under my TV table, despite not having the TV or the VCR! Very excited that you are happy with this story and interested to hear how Thomas fares....👏👏👏☺️🦋🦋
An orphaned VHS tape!
Yes, poor thing - and in excellent condition!!
Ah I wondered what Thomas was up to. How great to hear him again.
Thanks! There are more Thomas tales on the way!
Cannot wait!!
I have missed Thomas so much! Thank you for this reunion.
Thank you, Marcia.
Very touching, S!
Thank you!
I knew I’d seen those photos before. Now I got the sound. I forgot to push the arrow.
Yes, from the movie! Glad you could hear it!
Seems like I’ve read that before. Maybe from a book of yours. I couldn’t hear you read it. Is it because I don’t have podcasts,. I’m listening to the tv at the same time. I hate Putin so much and Tucker Carlson, etc. I loved those pictures at the top of the story too. They look familiar. Keep singing and have the drums talking. Maybe Putin will hear.
Nope, it’s a new story.
I’m sorry you can’t hear it. It should just play on your computer. I’m not a techie, though!
Damn. You always make me cry. You always make me laugh. Thank you. Again and forever. Ya Ya forever.
Thank you, Tim!
Wow, thos is all so kind. Thank you!