#8: Flies & Honey
Jury Duty, Jams, and the Joy of Rolling with It
Hey Friends,
This week felt anything but routine. Between courthouse benches and festival camp chairs, it was a fast-paced blend of structure and spontaneity.
From jury duty introspection to a full-on music fest under the Texas sky, I was reminded how much of life sits in the tension between preparedness and going with the flow. Sometimes you’re called to sit and judge. Sometimes to dance and sing. Either way, how you show up matters.
Let’s unpack it.
1️⃣ [Life] – Jury Duty: Where Intros Meet Introspection
This week started with jury duty. While I wasn’t picked for the final panel, I was selected to participate in voir dire—the jury selection process where attorneys ask questions to see who makes the cut.
And honestly? It was fascinating. (This was my second time, having previously served on a jury)
What is Voir Dire?
French for “to speak the truth,” voir dire is a process designed to uncover potential biases or conflicts. Both the prosecution and defense ask questions like:
“How did you feel when you received your summons?” (they’re looking for people happy to be there)
“Can you be open-minded, even when it challenges your instincts?”
“Can you apply the law—even if you disagree with it?”
That question stuck with me. It’s one thing to hold beliefs—it’s another to set them aside in service of fairness.
Attorneys use two types of challenges: for cause (if a potential juror shows clear bias) and peremptory (a limited number of objections without explanation). The goal? Curate a jury that will fairly interpret evidence while following the judge’s legal instructions.
It’s more strategic than you’d think—and it's a crash course in psychology, communication, and human behavior.
Takeaway: Jury duty is more than civic responsibility—it’s a mirror. You're asked to examine your beliefs, your patience, and your judgment. Imagine if we applied that same level of reflection to everyday disagreements.
“The highest form of wisdom is kindness.” – The Talmud
Not every decision in life comes with a judge's robe or a bailiff standing by—but almost all require judgment, fairness, and empathy.
Have you served on a Jury?
2️⃣ [Culture] – LJT Fest: Where the Boots Hit the Dirt
Shelby and I packed up and hit the road to join a college friend at Larry Joe Taylor Fest, a Texas music festival that’s equal parts honky-tonk and backyard barbecue.
What is LJT Fest?
Started in 1989 by singer-songwriter Larry Joe Taylor.
Held in Stephenville, TX—aka “Cowboy Capital of the World.”
It’s a six-day campout meets country music blowout.
Picture Red Dirt roots, acoustic campfire jams, and a lot of cowboy hats.
The best part? It’s less Coachella and more community. You’ll hear legendary acts like Stoney LaRue, Wade Bowen, and Koe Wetzel—but also up-and-comers playing on tailgates and flatbeds. Music is the center, but connection is the heart.
Also? There’s mud, mischief, and moments that’ll never make it to Instagram—and that’s the beauty of it.
Fun Fact: LJT Fest has helped launch the careers of Randy Rogers Band, Josh Abbott Band, and Parker McCollum, who’ve all credited the festival for giving them early exposure, loyal fanbases, and a launchpad into Texas country stardom.
Stoney LaRue himself got his start at LJT—cutting his teeth in the campgrounds, soaking up stories, and turning them into gritty ballads. The festival didn’t just give him a stage—it gave him a community.
It’s where you earn your boots, test your songs, and find your sound.
3️⃣ [Perspective] – Camping: Overpacked or Under-Planned?
We’re known to be… meticulous. Our usual travel prep includes color-coded checklists, meal plans, and at least two backup chargers. But for this trip, we loosened the reins a bit.
Lesson learned? There’s freedom in flexibility.
We weren’t unprepared, but we weren’t Chance-and-Shelby-level prepared either. And that made room for spontaneity—swapping gear, meeting new people, solving problems on the fly. There’s a rare kind of confidence that grows when you let go of the checklist—and still find your way.
“In the battle between order and chaos, it’s adaptability that wins.”
A Constant Dance: Order vs. Chaos
Life is a balancing act between structure and spontaneity. Too much order, and you lose creativity. Too much chaos, and you lose progress. But in between? That’s where growth happens.
Science says: Preparedness and adaptability are linked to lower stress levels and increased resilience. The ability to pivot activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex—boosting creative thinking and better decision-making.
Book Pick: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
Peterson dives deep into the tension between chaos and order—arguing that both are necessary forces.
Bottom line? Pack well—but leave space for surprise.
4️⃣ [Mindset] – One Chord, One Choice
One of the highlights of the weekend was seeing Stoney LaRue, an Oklahoma native and Red Dirt legend. He got his start playing LJT Fest and built a devoted following by staying true to his sound—gritty, soulful, and raw.
His track “One Chord Song” hit differently in a live setting. This line stuck:
“You catch more flies with honey, more with a whisper than a shout.”
And that right there? That’s a life lesson.
Be the Whisper.
In a loud world, kindness resonates longer. Honey wins hearts. Whispers turn heads. The most powerful voices often come from quiet confidence—not volume.
Whether you’re in a courtroom, campground, or conversation—approaching others with grace and emotional intelligence will always carry you further. It’s about influence over intensity.
Leadership, friendship, influence—they all grow stronger when backed by humility, not volume.
Be the whisper. Be the honey. Be the one who knows the right note, not just the loudest one.
Who’s your favorite Texas Country artist?
5️⃣ [Beverage of the Week] – Ranch Water, Festival Edition 🥂
No LJT experience is complete without a classic Ranch Water—the unofficial drink of Texas country festivals.
What’s in it?
2 oz. Tequila (traditionally blanco)
Juice of half a lime
Top off with Topo Chico (or your favorite sparkling mineral water)
Serve over ice, in a tall glass or right out of the bottle
Why it works:
Refreshing, light, and low sugar.
Pairs perfectly with dancing, dust, and long days in the sun.
It’s hydration and celebration in one crisp sip.
Pro tip: add a splash of grapefruit juice or tajín on the rim if you’re feeling fancy.
Legend has it, Ranch Water was invented by West Texas ranchers who needed something cold, simple, and strong enough to cut through 100° days—and heartbreak.
⛺ Final Thoughts
This week was a mashup of contrast: structure and spontaneity, responsibility and release, rules and Red Dirt music.
Whether you’re in a courtroom or a concert field—showing up matters. Be curious. Stay open. Pack light. Or don’t. But whatever you bring, bring faith and a good attitude.
Sometimes life is a jury box. Sometimes it’s a beer in hand, boots in the dirt, stars overhead kind of night.
And hey—either way, be the whisper.
Cheers,
– Chance
Love it!