Dear friends, family, and the beloved constellation of humans who make our lives brighter,
As we look back on 2023, we’re struck by how much this year asked of us — and how much joy, creativity, and community it gave in return. From new beginnings to long-awaited milestones, it has truly been a year of growth, gratitude, and storytelling.
Our Year, Month by Month, Season by Season
March – A Dream Takes Flight
On March 22, after more than a year of writing, planning, and world-building, we officially launched the Ravens Vail Podcast. Ed stepped into the roles of creator, writer, and director, bringing to life a southern gothic horror anthology set in the haunted world of Ravens Vail.
Jeryd joined as Executive Producer, musician, voice actor, and co-author of special and seasonal episodes. The podcast debuted to rave reviews, and we were overwhelmed by the support from listeners who immediately embraced the eerie charm of our little Appalachian town.
Spring – Growing the Nest
As the podcast expanded, so did our need for space. We quickly realized that the tiny office we started in, charming as it was, simply wasn’t going to cut it. (There’s only so long two grown men, a soundboard, three microphones, and a stack of spooky scripts can coexist in a room the size of a generous broom closet.) So this year, we moved into a larger podcast office, giving us the breathing room we needed to stay organized, refine our production workflow, and keep the Ravens Vail universe thriving. It has already become our cozy creative hub — the place where ideas get loud, stories take shape, and the magic happens.
Spring & Summer – Life Refused to Slow Down
Somewhere between writing scripts, recording episodes, and trying to remember where we left the coffee mugs, we also lived a full-tilt social calendar.
We attended concerts, weddings, wedding showers, baby showers, and horror cons… because balance is essential. We also traveled to Las Vegas, San Antonio, Atlanta, and Florida, demonstrating that the Bolden Greers can, in fact, sleep on airplanes when necessary.
We even saw Stevie Nicks live, which spiritually counts as a religious experience.
And because we apparently weren’t busy enough, we also remodeled the bathrooms, kitchens, and game rooms. Nothing says “relaxing weekend” like discovering they’ve accidentally bought and installed the wrong kind of tile… twice.
Summer — Dancing Into Victory
In July, Jeryd continued his Ballroom Dance journey with grace, discipline, and sparkle. He competed in the National Volunteer State Dance Competition in Nashville, Tennessee, where he earned a first-place medal, a second-place medal, and first place overall in his division. We were thrilled, and even more grateful that GlamMa Karen (Peaslee) traveled from San Antonio to cheer him on. Her presence made the celebration unforgettable.
Autumn – A New Tradition Begins
This year, we made a commitment to fully embrace the storytelling lifestyle. Encouraged (and lovingly challenged) by our podcast mentors, we created our first live event: Appalachian HorrorFest.
On October 7, a sold-out crowd filled Central Cinema as eight storytellers, including Ed, Jeryd, and Nannon, and three musical acts (Papa Jack, Cody Blackwell, and Loch Brown) took the stage.
The night was electric, heartfelt, spooky, and deeply communal. We hope this becomes an annual tradition.
All Year Long -Professional Milestones
2023 also brought several meaningful milestones across our family of organizations.
Massage Remedy celebrated 7 years of caring for and supporting our patients with compassion, skill, and a commitment to their well‑being. Arbor College | School of Massage reached its 13th year of educating and empowering the next generation of massage therapists. And ACE – Arbor Continuing Education proudly marked 22 years of advancing the massage profession through high‑quality continuing education.
Each milestone reminded us how grateful we are for the students, clients, colleagues, and friends who have trusted us along the way.
Late Autumn & Winter – Family, Food, and Festivities
We spent Thanksgiving in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, surrounded by family, good food, and the kind of laughter that fills a house from wall to wall, and as the year drew to a close, we hosted Christmas for the family in Knoxville, filling our home with warmth, celebration, and the joy of being together.
What we’re most grateful for this year are the moments and memories that shape us. The friends who feel like family, the family who feel like home, the communities we’re honored to serve, the creative sparks that keep us moving forward, and the laughter that carries us through everything else. These are the pieces of our days that stay with us, the reminders of connection, purpose, and joy that make the journey meaningful.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2024, we carry hope with us…quiet, steady, and earned. We move with intention, choosing to build a life shaped not just by goals, but by the moments and memories that give those goals meaning. This year, we’re committing to deeper connection, to joy that shows up in both the loud celebrations and the soft, ordinary days, and to creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something that matters.
We’re excited for the new stories waiting to unfold, the projects that will challenge and inspire us, and the collaborations that remind us how much stronger we are when we create those memories together. We’re looking forward to gatherings of every kind…those built around celebration, those born from curiosity and shared purpose, and those that happen simply because sharing a good meal with good people is one of life’s most grounding rituals.
As 2024 opens its doors, we’re stepping through with gratitude for what has shaped us, openness to what will surprise us, and a renewed commitment to building a year filled with meaning, connection, and joy in all its forms. Here’s to the memories we’ll make, the moments we’ll hold onto, and the stories we’ll be proud to tell when we look back.
From Our Home to Yours
May your holidays be peaceful, your new year be generous, and your days be filled with the people and moments that make life feel enchanted.
With love, gratitude, and a little bit of sparkle, we wish you Merry Christmas,
Ed & Jeryd Bolden Greer