Writing Boots

On communication, professional and otherwise.

Friday Happy Hour Photo: Me and Jeni

04.02.2021 by David Murray // 4 Comments

People often say that in the worst times, you find out who your real friends are.

In the best times, too.

During the overwhelming monthlong ticker tape parade that I’ve enjoyed since my book launched March 2, I’ve heard from so many people who really like my book. And I’ve heard from a lot of people who really like me, and are happy about the book.

It’s been incredible, but a little emotionally scary. What if I get hooked on this? As a pal’s uncle said after he was toasted lovingly at his wedding rehearsal dinner, “I hope you enjoy this, son, because the next time they talk this nice about you it’ll be at your funeral.”

Last Friday evening I came home the studio where I hosted a conference, profoundly winded and dizzy after a full month of manic self-promotion, and found a box of a dozen golf balls sitting on the counter, with a note.

“Can’t wait to chase these around Waveland w/you and discuss all things life.”

Waveland, referring to the wonderful public golf course in Des Moines, where my in-laws live.

The note’s author being Jeni Davis, my sister-in-law—wife to Cristie’s sister Kirsten—who truly is one of the people who loves me most on this planet, and who I love most, too.

My dad wrote a nostalgic essay 40 years ago, titled, “We Never Know When We Are Happy.” I still remember that because it always struck me as dead nuts true.

But if in our ambition, if we ever lose track of who really loves us, we’re truly lost.

This is not Waveland; this is a golf course in Hua Hin Thailand, in whose clubhouse Jeni and I somehow created a great deal of havoc, very early in the morning, on New Year’s Day 2019. It’s a long story.

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Comments

  1. Craig Davis says

    April 2, 2021 at 8:15 pm

    Aww…nicely written Dave!

    Reply
  2. Amy Hutchins says

    April 3, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    Next time you’re in Des Moines I would love to hear about this Thailand episode! Your version and Jeni’s version. Love to see your happy faces!

    Reply
    • David Murray says

      April 3, 2021 at 6:36 pm

      You got it, Amy!

      Reply
  3. Leann Bosch Plumondon says

    April 6, 2021 at 9:17 pm

    Oh, suggestion about the barber: buy a Flowbee and Cristie or Scott can talk your leg off. LOL Flowbee: only beautician or barber I see looking at me in the mirror, me.

    Reply

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