Black Forest, Colorado — October 19, 2024

A man with dark hair, wearing a gray shirt and holding a phone, leans over an Ooni pizza oven set on a round mesh patio table.

October 19, 2024. Black Forest, Colorado. I came for the pines and stayed for a pizza night. Out on the deck, TJ leaned over a glowing Ooni, peel in hand, watching the crust blister. One core idea I keep turning over: a good gathering, like a good dough, only asks for warmth, time, and a little restraint. Pesto, then sauce. Friends, then quiet. That was the whole recipe.

Six adults gather in a living room with wood floors, a patterned area rug, and tall windows showing trees outside.