The Life Update Part
I am surprised and delighted to have begun a new job at an old haunt—my alma mater, Belmont University. My fancy title is “Digital Communications Specialist” for the Alumni Relations team within the Office of Engagement. In fact, this title is so fancy it even came with a name tag:
Today is my sixteenth day of this adventure, and I’m routinely shocked by the following things:
I have my own office. It has furniture and windows and I even bought a couple plants to accompany me in there—Raven ZZ and a succulent. They seem happy.
This office is located in Foutch Alumni House, which is pleasingly central to campus, right next to the Bell Tower. It’s also the last standing former clubhouse of the Ward-Belmont days of yore. I’ve always had a soft spot for the “old side” of Belmont, and I’m pleased to get to set up shop in such a storied structure.
Campus really is gorgeous. Did I take this for granted as a student? Regrettably, I’m afraid I did.
Belmont attracts incredibly kind people. I’ve been welcomed back with such warmth. I thrive on camaraderie, and there’s plenty to be found here.
Being new is fun. The all-bets-are-off vulnerability of sitting in meetings and simply listening, soaking in information like a sponge for my first few weeks, is not as intimidating and fear-inducing as I anticipated—it’s actually quite liberating and thrilling.
So here I am, showing up for office hours, befriending our office cat (her name is Belle, but she’s not sure about me yet), getting lunch with professors-turned-friends (I’m looking at you, Steve), and realizing just how many threads of my life have their origin in this place.
I don’t know about you, but my default mode is to feel embarrassed for my younger self—how can I not cringe at that goofy little guy?—and yet, showing up every day in this place where I underwent such formation and transformation, I’m reminded how grateful I am for all the space I was granted to try stuff, mess up, become disillusioned, and meet some of my favorite people ever. College is an emotionally volatile time, to say the least. Returning to this place with a dose of new perspective has felt something like befriending the past and understanding from whence I come with a little more generosity than before.
Is any of what I’m saying here resonating with your own life experience? Have you ever found yourself returning to a place or season of life that holds potent memories for you, then befriending that place anew and finding a deeper well of grace for yourself? I’d love to hear about that if you want to share.
The Part about Vinyl (they’re here, they’re here!!)
You guys, they finally arrived.
This is a bucket list sort of thing for me. Like, I’m pretty sure if I actually wrote my bucket list down, it would look something like this (in no particular order):
Vacation in Edinburgh
Own an espresso machine
Go back to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Have my own music pressed to vinyl
Do you see how that last one is struck through now? Pinch me.
Vinyl pre-orders have been conducted through the Rabbit Room Store. They’re still available there, and they’ll ship next month. So go reserve your copy now if you want one!
Which Leads Me to My Next Point
You know another place where there will be vinyl? My house show coming up in Goodlettsville, TN on October 15th.
It’s gonna be a lovely, autumnal evening with hot cocoa and all manner of cozy things. Plus you can buy a vinyl if you want. Come join us! Get your tickets here.
In Closing…
My favorite part of personal newsletters (especially my wife, Kelsey’s—go read her beautiful writing right here) is always recommended reading, watching, and listening. So here are a few pieces of art that have been bringing me life:
Revealer by Madison Cunningham. You know how there’s some art that makes you want to hone your own craft and keep going, and then there’s some art that makes you want to just give up? Well, Madison Cunningham has weirdly achieved both in one record. When I listen to these songs, I want to get off my butt and explore the marvelous mystery that is my guitar, find new ideas, and push myself harder. AND I want to just throw in the towel. She’s the single most exciting music artist I have heard in a very long time—her songwriting, her compositional instincts, and the production of this record are all spot-on. Favorites include “Sunshine Over the Counter” and “Life According to Raechel,” which is nothing short of perfect.
Trying on Apple TV+. What began as a consolation show for me and Kelsey as we eagerly anticipated the next seasons of our favorite shows (Derry Girls, Ted Lasso, All Creatures Great and Small) has ascended the ranks to one of our very favorites. It’s the comedy/drama of an imminently relatable couple trying to become parents. Their trying begins with their struggle to conceive and then continues in a new form as they decide to adopt. We just finished season 2 and are excited to get all the way caught up on season 3. Many tears have been shed.
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason. I don’t want to say too much about this book, because reading it was such a singular experience. It’s a story of familial dysfunction, mental health mysteries, relational discoveries, and—to my great delight—happy endings. It’s a wild, satisfying ride.
What have you been reading, watching, and listening to lately? I’d love to hear your own recommendations! Feel free to reply with some recent favorites.
And one more question: When have you been grateful for the changing of seasons, whether literally or metaphorically? When has a change come not a moment too soon?
Until next time, friends & neighbors.
-Drew
Two things. 1) Trying is *amazing*! As adoptive parents it hits home, even with all the system differences between UK and Texas. 2) Congrats on the new gig! Working in engagement is awesome and fascinating. I’m at Abilene Christian with a similar job title and I’ve been blown away by the people I meet and the stories I get to share. I’m not an alum (though I went to a small Methodist college) but I love the campus atmosphere. Thanks for sharing and happy vinyl day!