Notes from the Road
(And it's time for the first Soup survey!)
People of the Soup - I am writing this from the road, deep in the 90-degree heat of Waco Texas, after a jam-packed, epic road-trip across the state. So. Much. Driving! For weeks leading up to this (final) leg of the Counterweights tour, I said things like, “I’m excited to be there but I’m dreading getting there.” When a friend casually said, “Driving in Dallas was one of the worst experiences of my life,” I worried my fate was sealed.
I am ecstatic to report that I have thoroughly enjoyed not only the destinations, but the journey. After a hectic season, FIFTEEN driving hours gave me the space to reflect and dream. I liked being alone with my thoughts (and my podcast feed.) I liked taking in highway “attractions” like Cow Creek and Dublin, TX (where Irish branding paradoxically abounds) and something called “Top Hand Cowboy Church.” The landscape was begging me to surrender to the soundtrack of my youth - country songs from the way-back that still thrum in my bones. If you’re curious, you can listen for yourself.
This mini-expedition reminded me to trust myself. My intuition is reliable. My instincts are good. I don’t have to fear things like connecting the blue-tooth or crossing six lanes of traffic or arriving on time. I’ve still got it, baby.
We hold multitudes. We are every age at once. We are maintaining and we are changing and this is real life. The good stuff. Thanks be to God.
Thank you, Texas. Thank you, loyal readers. Onward!
Your turn!
Today, I’m doing something new: I’m asking you to fill out a survey. I’ve been writing once a week here at The Soup since 2020, before Substack was “cool.” You, my faithful subscribers, are my North Star. As I wind down from book launch season and re-enter ordinary life (and Summer!) I decided it was high time to check in and get your thoughts on The Soup.
If you have ten minutes, I would love to hear from you. If you choose to leave your name and email at the end, I’ll send one randomly selected responder a custom package filled with a few of my favorite things.
Click here to complete the survey:
The survey will be active through the end of May1 - which isn’t as far away as it sounds. I can’t wait to hear from you! Lay it on me. And remember, I’m an enneagram 8 - I want to hear it ALL. :)
Love with a Southern twang,
Shannan
Guess what happens in June? Fat Tomato Summer! You know it!
I live in Denton, Texas which is in North Texas. Had I known when you were coming to Texas, I might have been able to attend your book tour event.
Morning Shannan. Morning People of the Soup. (That is sounding more and more Bernie Sanders in my head every time I say it. I suspect that's just me). I completed the survey 😉 and I'm listening to the country playlist. Weird week. Said goodbye to a bunch of projects at work. R started his final school exams (finishes next month) Today is a bit of a logistical hassle because I'm supposed to be driving a 3 hour round trip for a cricket match that's 99% certain to be a rainout. Meanwhile, A needs me out of the house whatever to do some project work. Whatever happens, Saturday starts with a fry up. Bacon, poached eggs, roast mushrooms, fried bread, and chopped tomatoes. I'd better get on with it.