I was recently reminded by my good friend and collaborator Jill Schwartzman, editor extraordinaire, that it’s been a while since I’ve written an “I Love…” post. Before I get started, I’d like to make clear that my silence in this regard should in no way imply that there has been a scarcity of things I feel affection for. In fact, a better explanation for these types of posts having been neglected recently would be a sense that there is such an overwhelming abundance of things to love right now. And making a list can feel a bit reductive sometimes. Seriously. Even in the terrifying hell-scape that is our current world. So much beauty, inspiration, goodness…so much to love.
So I'll get started again, and say that…
I Love ...
…getting to play music with so many deeply kind and fascinating humans. Duh.
…Ferris Coffee's Cherries, Berries & Nuts mix.
…when the sun highlights a bookshelf with such clear precision it feels like the universe isn’t random at all. When it’s easy to imagine someone or something is swaying you onto a path, or towards something needed in the moment, with implicit intent.
…and I love that there isn’t a single solid reason to dismiss such thoughts as magical or silly. Because they’re your thoughts and no one can say they’re wrong. Not even you. So why not follow them towards some meaning. Not much meaning happens without striving for it, anyway. So why not graciously accept a nudge from the sun every now and then.
…nighttime soaks in a hot tub when it's freezing cold. Hard not to feel alive when your body is dabbling in extremes. Yes, the Tweedys own and maintain a hot tub. Luxurious, I know. All it took was 30+ years of writing thousands of moderately successful sad songs.
…writing moderately successful sad songs.
What are some things you all are loving in these dark times? Please share below in the comments.
I love the hope and inspiration that is coming from the people of Ukraine in this insane time and love all the neighboring countries opening their hearts and homes to masses of refugees from a madman's obsession. I love that out of madness hope, intelligence and light is happening opening minds. I love that this reminds me and makes me more curious about my own family - those who left and those who stayed in Lithuania. It's hard to sleep with the inspiration of hope and the wishes for peace but chose to remain optimistic and work harder for peace.
Taking college tours with my 18 year old… Riding my bike to Whataburger and convincing myself by the time I get there that I totally earned a double with cheese and jalapeños… Watching the Wilcrew in action… Making my wife do a spit take when I say something funny, she’s the only person in the world I can routinely make laugh out loud, so that moment is golden.