April Sunshine
I’m writing this from a hotel lobby in Colorado where—thanks to its dog friendly policy—my productivity is low, but the joy factor is high. In this past hour alone, I’ve achieved almost nothing thanks to a terrier, an Australian shepherd, and a nine-year-old basset hound named Franklin. Travel used to feel overwhelming when I was younger. It was a whole production for me– no sense of direction, anxiety about pretty much every form of transportation, and always the looming threat of a travel migraine ready to end the fun.
So when we would finally arrive somewhere, just being there felt like enough. No sightseeing for me—E would go off to get his feet wet (sometimes literally); I’d pull out my laptop and start writing. These days, not every trip is like that, but when the family decides to hit the slopes, I don’t bring skis—just my notebook and my laptop.
Another unexpected perk of writing in a hotel lobby: it’s great for dialogue. I love to copy little bursts of conversation that float by—this week, lots of family discussions over schedules and snack choices—and it’s more about the flow than the content. There’s something about the slightly-off rhythm of real-life speech that helps me loosen up, like a good pre-write stretch. A lobby is casual enough to catch real moments, but busy enough that nobody notices you eavesdropping—or at least that’s what I tell myself. It’s not a vacation, exactly—it’s more like a great work trip with a new view of pine trees, and a couple of long walks. (And this time, some really good borrowed dogs.)
We’ve also got a new view in Season 2 of So Mom. This season we’re stepping out of memoir mode in something we’re calling Storytellers and Educators. Mom built a podcast studio in her ADU (!) and has been inviting friends from her world of education and leadership, while I’ve been bringing in fellow novelists and writers I love and admire. What we’re discovering is how much those roles have in common: curiosity, deep listening, and radical empathy. Every guest has brought their own pace and presence, and every episode has left us feeling a little more connected. Give it a listen—we’d love to have you with us.
And of course, this month's bookstack.
Warmly,
