When Rodney pushed me to start this Substack, he mentioned that interviews would be the easiest way to cover a topic when you’re struggling to find something to write about. In his world of economic predictions and forecasting, that was certainly the case. In the Substack world, I think the go-to for a quick article when the deadline is approaching is a list of some type. It could be “Top 10 Fishing Lures for Summertime Smallmouth” or “Musings From the Thanksgiving Dinner Table”.
Lists are a way to dive into a general topic without putting all your energy into one concept. They give the writer an opportunity to highlight many events, photos, and ideas. Therefore, I am going to start something like this! And no, it is not because I left this post to the last minute…
What to call this style? Well, I love a good cooking metaphor, so how about Gumbo. Gumbo is many things, but I think the best way to describe it is soup on freakin steroids. Some might disagree because comparing gumbo to soup could be considered a sin. Either way, gumbo is a collection of what you have at your fingertips. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey, or the remnants of a roast you burnt a few days ago. It doesn't matter, just put it in the pot. Most importantly, gumbo is always there for you. Bad day? Gumbo. Good day? Gumbo. Lots of people coming over? Gumbo. Procrastinated your biweekly Substack post? Gumbo :)
For Kudos, Gumbo will be exactly what I have at my fingertips. Things I’ve done, lessons I’ve learned, and experiences I’ve had—all within the past two weeks. Things that are just at my fingertips—such that I can’t seem to grab a hold of them in their entirety to write a full post. Additionally, I’ll include some of the music I’ve been listening to recently.
With that, I hope you enjoy The 1st Pot of Gumbo.
Louisiana
Louisiana is my second home, despite never actually living there. I feel especially comfortable in the southernmost part of the state, below Interstate 10—a region known as Cajun Country. I love to visit the swamp, eat Cajun food, and conversate (drink) with my relatives.
On this most recent trip, I couldn't have asked for more. After a red-eye flight from Seattle, I spent the first few days working at the kitchen table while my Mimi (Grandmother) distracted me with the local gossip. We drank gin and tonics, tackled a few projects around the house, and ate plenty of good food.
The rest of the family arrived on Saturday, and we met them in New Orleans for the day. First stop: raw oysters and Bloody Marys for the Mimi and me. Second stop: the insectarium and aquarium (both of which I highly recommend). Final stop: more raw oysters, chicken cracklin’, fried gator, and po’ boys.
On the last day, we headed to the swamp with my five-year-old niece who had never been. We saw eagles, egrets, alligators, jumping fish, and sadly, no snakes. This was an incredibly powerful trip because at one point, I was that five-year-old—wide eyed and eager to see what lived in the waterlogged cypress forest. Now, I was driving the boat, spotting the gators, and explaining cypress knees.
Friendsgiving
I love a good potluck, and this year's Friendsgiving was off the charts. I smoked a pork butt to make pulled pork. The smoker kicked on at 2:00 AM, and after nine hours in the heat, I pulled it off. I was happy with how it turned out, but as a self-imposed perfectionist, I’ve got work to do.
About fifteen of us gathered at the newly purchased home of some friends who were eager to host the clan. The spread included shepherd’s pie, a giant salad, smoked salmon mac ‘n’ cheese, sweet potatoes, and more.
We talked, drank, ate, and played games through the evening and into the night. It was lovely, and I was struck by the realization that I had met all these people less than a year ago, yet they feel like close friends. That is what I’m grateful for.
friends and family
These aforementioned folks mean the world to me. I love fishing. I like taking cool trips. I adore cooking (and eating). But good, kind, loving, generous people are what gets me out of bed every day.
I firmly believe that we are shaped by the company we keep. Some say it’s the five closest people around us that we become, I think that number is a bit small. I feel quite lucky to be surrounded by such incredible people—but then again, it’s at least partially my doing. So I should probably be a bit proud. A bit proud and a bit grateful. Thanksgiving anyone?
Most importantly, thank you for reading. This is my 15th newsletter and the 1st Pot of Gumbo. There will be more—but only because you’re here. I truly appreciate you being here with me.
So awesome Cliff! Love you so much and am so incredibly proud of you and forever thankful for you in our lives!
Another great read. You never disappoint. Keep them coming. I enjoyed feasting on boiled crabs with you. I would love the salmon Mac - n - cheese recipe. Love you 🥰