November 4, 2026
To: Conor McKeirnan, Atlanta, GA
Dear Conor,
You are probably the only person I know who loves an extremely long hot shower more than I do.
After a long trip, or a hard day, or a setback, nothing sets me right faster or better than standing and thinking and feeling the water wash away my troubles.
Of course, anywhere else but Comfort, I feel a little guilty. I was just in California with the tiny showerheads and the constant reminders that water there is a precious, finite commodity.
But at Comfort where we draw from the seemingly limitless St. Lawrence, showering there is a relatively guiltless experience.
As we were driving back north from New Orleans to Atlanta and crossing countless muddy rivers, I kept thinking how beautiful the St. Lawrence is. There is nothing like its clarity or the blues and greens of the water.
I picked the tiles in the two bathrooms upstairs because they reminded me of the water outside the window. Of course, the hand thrown tiles were a bear for Paul to put up, but in the end, worth it.
The sound and feel of water have always given me room to have the clearest and most creative thoughts. When I lived in Laguna Beach, even in winter, I’d take the dog down to the beach and sit and just think.
Lying on the dock this summer and listening to the small waves wash up on our beach always lulled me to sleep. I’m sure it did the same to you.
Solitude, quiet.
After the anxious noise of the world yesterday, I could do with more of that.
What a fun time this past weekend. I truly value your friendship Conor and am truly glad you’re thinking of another summer at Comfort.
Stephen