Emily!

I was at the Iowa shop today and got to see Emily! I love her so much. Not only is she is an incredible manager and creative Director but she’s just an all-around good human. It was wonderful to work with her today and be able to reconnect a little bit. Mike took this beautiful photo of the two of us. He was so proud of himself, he loves this photo so much, I think that makes both of us love the photo as well. We spent the day driving around in an old Cadillac filming on the road and at the shop. It’s the beginning of the block so we’re all fresh faced and have a lot of energy still. Next week I’ll probably feel a lot more exhausted but I’m thankful that I had the energy today, I’m a little bit worried that I broke my foot when I fell in New Orleans. I am in the hotel room right now stretching and putting ice on my foot. I’m going to go to urgent care in the morning and just have it looked at to make sure it’s not broken before we go out picking in Arizona. I’m hopeful that I’ll get to see my niece, Abbie, she wants me to go to the punk in Drublic NOFX festival in Mesa with her. I know we pick that day so I’m gonna try to get there after the pic but we’ll see what happens.

I love working with my crew, I’m so proud of them. They make each day fun and unforgettable. I really missed everyone so much. I’m so thankful for the time they gave me too heal and rest but it does feel really good to be back out on the road.

I got to have dinner with Mike and Tish and Jeremy last night and it felt great to be able to sit down around the table again. I realize how very protective I am over Mike. It’s been a rough couple years for him and and all of us collectively on this planet right now. I love how much he loves his baby girl Charlie and it’s so wonderful to see him happy and in love with Tish. I really enjoy spending time with her. She’s thoughtful, kind, proactive and progressive and she makes Mike so happy. I really enjoy watching him in the Quad cities and in LeClair specifically. You can tell that’s where he’s really at home. He loves Nashville so much but you can just tell when somebody is at home. He is most certainly at home in LeClair. I’m really thankful that he’s in my life. And I’m really thankful that Emily is in my life as well. Coming to work feels like a safe haven lately. I realize how fortunate I am to be able to say that.

Anyhow, my foot hurts and I’m feeling like a little daytime nap. Sending lots of love to you from the road, until tomorrow.