What a gorgeous piece! This has all the feels. As life gets on we encounter tragedy that makes us look deeply into ourselves. This last couple years for me has pushed me to my edges.
In joy I considered limits. As though my heart would somehow be spared when the inevitable came. I was wrong. Wrong to think holding back would somehow spare me.
As I slowly climb out of darkness and begin to build a new narrative it becomes clear that there is really so much to live for. To look forward to and to embrace again. This life is for all of us. The lesson has replaced the mistakes and become a new mantra.
Arrive, thrive. Be gentle and open. Have grace for the dead and the living. Be patient and honest. Never give up on yourself. See clearly with open eyes. Look into the eyes of others and see them. Watch out for the wolves. They too have eyes.
Thank you so much Nanette :) What a beautiful comment to read this morning. Growing, at any age, is painful. Pushing through it, in the darkest times, is no easy feat. When we're reaching for more or are aware we "aren't done" -- but we're stuck believing narratives or limits for us, due to life's exhaustive pace and hurts -- it's amazing to climb through that darkness and, like you said, embrace all that there is for us. Most of what goes on around us and in our lives isn't necessarily about us. It's about the unexpressed pain of others -- although we can improve daily and check ourselves. We are not done living our purpose. I love your last paragraph. Yes. Arrive and thrive. See with clear eyes. Never limit our joy because we think something bad is about to come. Let go and let. I completely understand being gutted and pushed to the edges. I couldn't get up for months in 2020. Many of us couldn't. It took a few years to look back and see my story. It was meant to continue. I was meant to create and tell it. I hope you do the same. Holding back will never spare us - but I get it. During that time I was very self-punishing and didn't want to do the things I loved as if it would get better.
Thank you again for this and for subscribing. I really appreciate it. oxox
Deb, I remember this piece and the cool car picture, too. I’m grateful you shared it again. I, too have stepped off the speeding train for longer than I thought I would; it does get to be too much at times, though I like this community so much. I hope you are well and i hope the birthday dinner was perfect. Sending you a hug!! ❤️❤️❤️
It was sooooo much fun and our daughter made the best cake from scratch. I’m not the biggest cake person or coconut person but it was amazing! Called Copycat Tom Cruise White Chocolate Bundt Cake! ha ha! She tweaked it and learned a few things so if you decide to try, p.m. me first! lol. And…. John and I are normally pretty athletic, but failed at bowling on this particular outing! ha ha! We think we need to sneak out and practice for several weeks and then invite everyone to play with us. lol.
And YAY to your Easter break soon! Hope it’s full of fun and some rest! ox
Wow, what a lovely time you had! I’m so glad. That cake does sound delicious, I am not much of a baker, only for my kid’s birthdays and then I make them any cake and any dinner they request, complete with any icing “painting” of their desire for the top. I will be asking you if anyone requests a white chocolate! I love the idea of you sneaking out to improve your skills then blowing them all away at the next bowling outing 😂
Oh Jenn! An art cake! Your kids are the luckiest! That is so cool! I’m not much of a cake baker either. Our three kids love super fudgie brownies piled up on a cake plate with powdered sugar all over them, since they were very young. We light candles all over the pile! It’s been my thing for a long time, unless I include the famous homemade white cake and peanut butter frosted cupcakes with grated chocolate on top :). I made homemade peanut butter frosting when no one was doing it! lol. I’ll do that cake any day - but never want it to get old so not too often.
And if I can get John to stop for a minute we will definitely be “sneak practice bowling!” ha ha! Hope you all have the best Spring break! I’m always watching for your latest piece! No pressure :). wink!
Oooh a big pile of brownies! What a fun and special tradition, I love it. The cake with peanut butter frosting sounds so good. I do not bake unless under duress 😂. I dislike the mess it makes and the precision required. But icing a cake is akin to painting, so that part is fun. I iced an image of our dog for one kid one year, I’ll have to send you a pic.
I hope you and John get the time to practice! We are swamped here, “going off the rails on a crazy train”…. But I do have a piece in my drafts that’s been sitting for a few weeks🤦♀️. I need to catch up on your latest, too. Sending you love and happy weekend vibes! ❤️❤️❤️
I have missed you, too, my friend! The birthday celebration sounds perfect and I hope bowling is a blast tomorrow! We are good, crazy as well 😂. School is going pretty good! Only a few months until summer break!
It’s so fun to bowl with the littles :). Makes me feel like I’m not so bad! ha ha! Our scores are close! They said they’d bowl for me this time, so we’ll see! lol. I imagine you are always on quite the schedule and I bet you will look forward to an Easter break! Sending you much love always. ox
Jenn! I have missed you! And I remember your comment when I first posted it. Thank you so much for catching up with me. It’s been a bit crazy lately. I made a simple birthday dinner and cupcakes and we will go bowling with the family on Saturday :). I hope you and your family are doing good and loving school and art classes! Soon Spring break I imagine? Sending you much love and a big hug back. ox
"Every five years, we are someone different." I don't know who said that, but when I heard it, I owned it.
This is the phrase I thought of when I read Keep Driving. Imagine your life in five-year blocks. Some half-decades melt into each other like ice on a pond, different but the same elements. Some half-decades are as different as the rainforest is to the desert. One life cannot exist in the other. We wish to forget some half-decades, some we have forgotten, and some we wish we could live over and over again. Each brought victories, mistakes, and losses. Each brought new friends, lost friends, and renewed friends. We can even label them with titles: Child, Pre-Adult, Addiction, Love, Recovery, Soldier, Lost, Parent, ... Stack up half-decades, and a life is lived.
Have we lived, learned, and loved? We can be confident in two things: Change and God.
Joel, I think you're right! We re-create ourselves and keep driving :).
I love how you say, in reflection, "each brought victories, mistakes and losses." Different people, all God given and taken for a reason. And when we stack up those half decades, yes indeed it is a life lived! Change and God. Always change, but He never does.
Thank you for reading this and your great comment!
"In time, traveling with the One who would wrap His arms around my tenderness, I found that I could get quiet. Let life happen, not make it mine. Shed."
Deborah, my favorite line. You write so powerfully, like a stream of consciousness, and I'm here for it. Keep shedding and keep driving, sister. I'll be there with you, even if only from afar!
Ahhhh Krissy, you're back! Thank you for making my evening reading this. I am usually in the stream of consciousness mode. Probably why I love your writing! I'm here for it too! Let's keep driving forward together. We are never done!
Wow this is amazing 🤩 thank you - was exactly what was needed - asking myself so many questions - deliberating embarking on my own Substack journey - soon - everyone tells me to write for myself and your people/community will find you…..guess they, you, are right - thank you for this 🙏🏻
Kelly! I was checking this piece to share with a friend and saw your comment! I AM SO SORRY I MISSED IT! Thank you for reading it! I hope you embark on the writing journey!
I am, we are, this community is here to help and support each other ☺️ Anything you need, feel free to ask! I am so glad you are here. Write your story. oxox
Incredibly moving post Deborah about your journey with and through grief. I’m so lucky to know you and be part of our Substack family, to share our longings and our givings in trying to make this world a better place. Thank you so much 😊 xoxo
Thank you so much Victory!! I am lucky to know you too and I need to catchup! You write with such depth and heart. I feel blessed with the connection. We are part of something extra special and I pray it stays that way. Either way, we must plug along, drive and stay together. ox
Powerful and moving story! You capture the depths of grief and the struggle to rebuild after loss. Love the image of the "doghouse of death" and how you found healing through writing. The yearning for genuine connection in a world of impersonal apps resonates deeply. Keep writing, keep creating, and keep chasing that authentic community. Your vulnerability and honesty are inspiring.
Thank you so much Ayesha. We would talk about things as if we were outside all the time and since I love animals, dogs, rescue, etc., it just felt like that. So terribly bad. It's amazing the yearning and the spiritual blessings of finding connection here. How is that possible? I can't wait to check your Substack out. I struggle (as we all do) to keep up, but I will!
You do the same. Don't stop I always say. Be you. It honors me tremendously to think I could inspire anyone. I do know the depths of grief prepare you for more, as is life, and I hope I can shed some truth and wisdom in the wellness of it. Each time we are hit with something that grieves us deeply, it is a chance to grow through it. The other choice, to stop indefinitely, is a slow death. Life is good. oxox
Aw, thanks! It's wonderful to connect with you too. And yes, you keep going too! Life is definitely good. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Substack whenever you get a chance.
I was recently told by a very close relative that my friends on social media are not really my friends. .------ Friend definition: If they can help you, they'll do it without reservation or reward.----- I have been led to [a few] of the most divinely chosen souls on social media. I sit here now reflecting on the beautiful words of one of them. If you live life with good intentions you will find them too. Carry on and always be blessed xo
Miss Mary! My dear IG and forum friend :) You have impacted my heart and it's so beautiful to think that I could do the same. You and I have shared some heavy things and prayed for each other. I continue to pray for you and your family. God is in all the details and if we are listening, He's there in within all the noise of social media. He can never be shut out. He certainly can get annoyed! maybe leave us! as we know. I love the friend definition. I believe good intentions are what drives the pure heart and we need to check it daily. I can't be more grateful for you and I'm glad you are popping into the Substack world of my beautiful addiction! oops. I think you should start something here :) Just sayin. God keep you friend. oxox
Not on FB or IG, Substack feels like a benevolent community of days of yore, a bit like village life, meeting people around the town square, having a chat on a bench in the shade of a large tree and having a cuppa in a nearby tea shop.
Oh you're a lucky one! and you are so very right Joyce! I remember you spoke of this before.
"Benevolent" is the perfect word for this community. I do struggle to keep up and look so forward to the quiet evening when I can. It's crazy to think something behind a screen can feel like we are sitting in the town square or chatting at the park, but it really does. Thank you for sharing this friend. Have a peaceful day! I'm off to bed! ox
I feel it too. I wonder if I’ve spent more than five minutes on Facebook in the past month. No Instagram at all. Love this Substack community. Glad we’re here together, Deborah, and you too, Joan!💕
Right? I feel kinda bad I don't check my FB anymore and I know there are messages I really need to respond to. Another problem is there are too many areas/apps to communicate in. I have a dear friend that writes me in the IG p.m. when we actually have text or phone available and live close (insert sobbing crying emoji). It has made us all crazy! Especially as we age!
I love this community and you and Joan! It's cozy :)
Please Dear Substack Masters, don't let it get out of control! Love, us
I love you and This Friend is NOT going anywhere willingly. I too Hate what Facebook has become and IG is rarely visited, I do it to Keep up with those I left behind when I started a new life in late 2015. Cousins I rarely see or talk to on the phone anymore. I have always been a talker. My Long distance bills were horrible before cell phones. But now I worry about bothering people because they have lives and are older and go to bed early. Even working early days I fight sleep because Nighttime has always been where the monsters live and My brother who had to tote me to the bathroom after he said they lived under my bed is gone. So I jump and run when I have too and just stay when I just cant. I am a people person but I have been told forever That I can be a bit much. But I think I can be worth it on a good day. So I pull closer to God and try to be who and what I know I am supposed to.
At least I know He is there. Never leaving, just loving me with all my flaws. Something People have forgotten to do. I just. I will just keep driving and I will get to where I am supposed to be.
Love you My sweet friend. You have the right Idea and it will get you where you need to be to bless others. Here on Substack sharing it. your talent and wisdom for those who appreciate you for you. oxoxox
Oh sweet friend, don't leave me! ha ha! We will stay in touch no matter what! Like you're saying here, social media isn't really set up to feel close with people when you love people and their company. I, too, keep my socials around for family and old friends from high school, church, etc., but I have been terrible since being here about keeping up with FB and IG. I got hit really hard on FB in 2020 when I posted something about a gravesite being destroyed and red paint poured all over a lion statue, during the rioting - That made me hardly want to be there. I agree about people not really wanting to communicate on the phone anymore.
It can be sad and lonely. Definitely continue to pull closer to God and be you. Do you. Always do you. There are people for you. That's where I'm at. Thank you for your continued support. Much love always. oxox
This is lovely and I am glad to have found you, glad that you are part of my community. Substack is different, people put their soul into their posts and you can feel it. It’s less self centered somehow, though people are still promoting their work, but it’s not clickbait or the same thing that everyone else is putting out. There is unique variety and a respect for others, too. I don’t know how that developed, but I hope it stays that way.
I am so glad you regained your confidence and bless us generously with your thoughts and words. I am thankful you have healed that part of you and that you are here sharing your heart.
Thank you Jenn. I know I was a bit harsh with the photography thing but it's something I've felt/experienced a long time. So many of them took over IG and FB and now I'm seeing one of them saying that all the photographers from IG should come to Substack!!! I say noooooooo!! That's how it begins. It gets taken over and the intentions aren't good. Like you said it's far less self-centered on Substack and you don't feel like anyone is making you crazy promoting their work. I really hope it's unique qualities stay. I'm seeing several people saying this.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and your kind comment. I'm feeling stronger than I have in a long time and happy to give everything to God, even Substack I guess (ha ha!), and just enjoy the process of living in what often feels like a mad world full of beauty. It does feel good to write it out though. Sending you much love and hope you're doing good. I need to find something from your shop for my home (and a wall! lol). ox
Oh no, I didn’t feel like it was too harsh. It was accurate. I am thrilled that you are feeling so vivacious again, it shines through in your words, and yes, giving Substack to God and enjoy the beauties in the madness. That’s about all we can do! If you ever do find a bare wall, let me know, I’ll work with you to get it filled. Prices are flexible for friends 😉 and Etsy is just a small slice of all I have to give. Sending much love your way, I hope your day has been a good one.
Oh good. I have to be honest. I have a bit of experience as I'm sure you do in the art world. It can be weird, but then it doesn't have to be art. It can be anything. We just have to know in our heart where we are wanted and how we want to connect. Thank you so much for your words here. Beauty in the madness! yesss!
... and I would never expect a discount! It's on my list of things to enjoy, the browsing and catching up here too. Sending you much love back and hope everyone is finally feeling spunky again! ox
I don’t have a ton of art world experience, to be honest with you. I have taken part in a few small gallery shows and attended figure drawing sessions, but I am a quiet one in public and tend not to draw attention to myself, preferring to observe rather than interact. A terrible self promoter, too. I did better when I used to sell at Farmers markets; people who are interested can choose to visit my art table and ask questions, pick it up and look at it, etc.
We are completely healed, thank you! How is your asthma? Sending love your way, too. I’m
I hear you, dear Deb…Reels have ruined Facebook and Instagram for me… why must things change? Substack feels higher level, top shelf, safe space to me. The DM note I posted today be damned…I won’t let them spoil this community for me. I like our group, this little village of friends where I belong, fit in. Follow God, follow my gut, follow my passion for writing and sharing. It’s healing and builds confidence in my opinion. We keep moving forward better and better, right? Yet the sense that Substack too shall go the way of social media apps bothers me too. You have said it all so eloquently and honestly…thank you for this! Your beautiful way with words gets it right every single time! Bravo and well done as always! I hope others cherish this amazing platform and the joy of Notes. Hugs sweet friend. 🤗🤗🤗🤗
Joan, those Reels made it more crazy (and frustrating!) So many of the changes, the fast moving pace, is about the money in social media. I pray Substack isn't spoiled, as it will hurt :( I love our village too! We have to keep going and praying that it stays sweet and not infuriating. I am so sorry you got a negative DM! I've been gone all day but I'll check your note. Thank you for your kindness and for your support! Hugs back friend. oxox
What a gorgeous piece! This has all the feels. As life gets on we encounter tragedy that makes us look deeply into ourselves. This last couple years for me has pushed me to my edges.
In joy I considered limits. As though my heart would somehow be spared when the inevitable came. I was wrong. Wrong to think holding back would somehow spare me.
As I slowly climb out of darkness and begin to build a new narrative it becomes clear that there is really so much to live for. To look forward to and to embrace again. This life is for all of us. The lesson has replaced the mistakes and become a new mantra.
Arrive, thrive. Be gentle and open. Have grace for the dead and the living. Be patient and honest. Never give up on yourself. See clearly with open eyes. Look into the eyes of others and see them. Watch out for the wolves. They too have eyes.
Thank you so much Nanette :) What a beautiful comment to read this morning. Growing, at any age, is painful. Pushing through it, in the darkest times, is no easy feat. When we're reaching for more or are aware we "aren't done" -- but we're stuck believing narratives or limits for us, due to life's exhaustive pace and hurts -- it's amazing to climb through that darkness and, like you said, embrace all that there is for us. Most of what goes on around us and in our lives isn't necessarily about us. It's about the unexpressed pain of others -- although we can improve daily and check ourselves. We are not done living our purpose. I love your last paragraph. Yes. Arrive and thrive. See with clear eyes. Never limit our joy because we think something bad is about to come. Let go and let. I completely understand being gutted and pushed to the edges. I couldn't get up for months in 2020. Many of us couldn't. It took a few years to look back and see my story. It was meant to continue. I was meant to create and tell it. I hope you do the same. Holding back will never spare us - but I get it. During that time I was very self-punishing and didn't want to do the things I loved as if it would get better.
Thank you again for this and for subscribing. I really appreciate it. oxox
Deb, I remember this piece and the cool car picture, too. I’m grateful you shared it again. I, too have stepped off the speeding train for longer than I thought I would; it does get to be too much at times, though I like this community so much. I hope you are well and i hope the birthday dinner was perfect. Sending you a hug!! ❤️❤️❤️
Oh, that’s so sweet. I hope it was a blast!! We are definitely looking forward to Easter break! I can’t believe it is next month 😳
It was sooooo much fun and our daughter made the best cake from scratch. I’m not the biggest cake person or coconut person but it was amazing! Called Copycat Tom Cruise White Chocolate Bundt Cake! ha ha! She tweaked it and learned a few things so if you decide to try, p.m. me first! lol. And…. John and I are normally pretty athletic, but failed at bowling on this particular outing! ha ha! We think we need to sneak out and practice for several weeks and then invite everyone to play with us. lol.
And YAY to your Easter break soon! Hope it’s full of fun and some rest! ox
Wow, what a lovely time you had! I’m so glad. That cake does sound delicious, I am not much of a baker, only for my kid’s birthdays and then I make them any cake and any dinner they request, complete with any icing “painting” of their desire for the top. I will be asking you if anyone requests a white chocolate! I love the idea of you sneaking out to improve your skills then blowing them all away at the next bowling outing 😂
Oh Jenn! An art cake! Your kids are the luckiest! That is so cool! I’m not much of a cake baker either. Our three kids love super fudgie brownies piled up on a cake plate with powdered sugar all over them, since they were very young. We light candles all over the pile! It’s been my thing for a long time, unless I include the famous homemade white cake and peanut butter frosted cupcakes with grated chocolate on top :). I made homemade peanut butter frosting when no one was doing it! lol. I’ll do that cake any day - but never want it to get old so not too often.
And if I can get John to stop for a minute we will definitely be “sneak practice bowling!” ha ha! Hope you all have the best Spring break! I’m always watching for your latest piece! No pressure :). wink!
Sending you love always. ox
Oooh a big pile of brownies! What a fun and special tradition, I love it. The cake with peanut butter frosting sounds so good. I do not bake unless under duress 😂. I dislike the mess it makes and the precision required. But icing a cake is akin to painting, so that part is fun. I iced an image of our dog for one kid one year, I’ll have to send you a pic.
I hope you and John get the time to practice! We are swamped here, “going off the rails on a crazy train”…. But I do have a piece in my drafts that’s been sitting for a few weeks🤦♀️. I need to catch up on your latest, too. Sending you love and happy weekend vibes! ❤️❤️❤️
I have missed you, too, my friend! The birthday celebration sounds perfect and I hope bowling is a blast tomorrow! We are good, crazy as well 😂. School is going pretty good! Only a few months until summer break!
It’s so fun to bowl with the littles :). Makes me feel like I’m not so bad! ha ha! Our scores are close! They said they’d bowl for me this time, so we’ll see! lol. I imagine you are always on quite the schedule and I bet you will look forward to an Easter break! Sending you much love always. ox
Jenn! I have missed you! And I remember your comment when I first posted it. Thank you so much for catching up with me. It’s been a bit crazy lately. I made a simple birthday dinner and cupcakes and we will go bowling with the family on Saturday :). I hope you and your family are doing good and loving school and art classes! Soon Spring break I imagine? Sending you much love and a big hug back. ox
Deborah,
"Every five years, we are someone different." I don't know who said that, but when I heard it, I owned it.
This is the phrase I thought of when I read Keep Driving. Imagine your life in five-year blocks. Some half-decades melt into each other like ice on a pond, different but the same elements. Some half-decades are as different as the rainforest is to the desert. One life cannot exist in the other. We wish to forget some half-decades, some we have forgotten, and some we wish we could live over and over again. Each brought victories, mistakes, and losses. Each brought new friends, lost friends, and renewed friends. We can even label them with titles: Child, Pre-Adult, Addiction, Love, Recovery, Soldier, Lost, Parent, ... Stack up half-decades, and a life is lived.
Have we lived, learned, and loved? We can be confident in two things: Change and God.
Your friend,
Joel
Joel, I think you're right! We re-create ourselves and keep driving :).
I love how you say, in reflection, "each brought victories, mistakes and losses." Different people, all God given and taken for a reason. And when we stack up those half decades, yes indeed it is a life lived! Change and God. Always change, but He never does.
Thank you for reading this and your great comment!
deb ox
"In time, traveling with the One who would wrap His arms around my tenderness, I found that I could get quiet. Let life happen, not make it mine. Shed."
Deborah, my favorite line. You write so powerfully, like a stream of consciousness, and I'm here for it. Keep shedding and keep driving, sister. I'll be there with you, even if only from afar!
Ahhhh Krissy, you're back! Thank you for making my evening reading this. I am usually in the stream of consciousness mode. Probably why I love your writing! I'm here for it too! Let's keep driving forward together. We are never done!
Sending you a big hug. ox
Never done, sister! Big hugs right back to you.<3
Wow this is amazing 🤩 thank you - was exactly what was needed - asking myself so many questions - deliberating embarking on my own Substack journey - soon - everyone tells me to write for myself and your people/community will find you…..guess they, you, are right - thank you for this 🙏🏻
Kelly! I was checking this piece to share with a friend and saw your comment! I AM SO SORRY I MISSED IT! Thank you for reading it! I hope you embark on the writing journey!
I am, we are, this community is here to help and support each other ☺️ Anything you need, feel free to ask! I am so glad you are here. Write your story. oxox
Incredibly moving post Deborah about your journey with and through grief. I’m so lucky to know you and be part of our Substack family, to share our longings and our givings in trying to make this world a better place. Thank you so much 😊 xoxo
Thank you so much Victory!! I am lucky to know you too and I need to catchup! You write with such depth and heart. I feel blessed with the connection. We are part of something extra special and I pray it stays that way. Either way, we must plug along, drive and stay together. ox
Powerful and moving story! You capture the depths of grief and the struggle to rebuild after loss. Love the image of the "doghouse of death" and how you found healing through writing. The yearning for genuine connection in a world of impersonal apps resonates deeply. Keep writing, keep creating, and keep chasing that authentic community. Your vulnerability and honesty are inspiring.
Thank you so much Ayesha. We would talk about things as if we were outside all the time and since I love animals, dogs, rescue, etc., it just felt like that. So terribly bad. It's amazing the yearning and the spiritual blessings of finding connection here. How is that possible? I can't wait to check your Substack out. I struggle (as we all do) to keep up, but I will!
You do the same. Don't stop I always say. Be you. It honors me tremendously to think I could inspire anyone. I do know the depths of grief prepare you for more, as is life, and I hope I can shed some truth and wisdom in the wellness of it. Each time we are hit with something that grieves us deeply, it is a chance to grow through it. The other choice, to stop indefinitely, is a slow death. Life is good. oxox
Aw, thanks! It's wonderful to connect with you too. And yes, you keep going too! Life is definitely good. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Substack whenever you get a chance.
Thank you Ayesha! It means so much to make these kindred connections ☺️ I look forward to staying in touch. ox
I was recently told by a very close relative that my friends on social media are not really my friends. .------ Friend definition: If they can help you, they'll do it without reservation or reward.----- I have been led to [a few] of the most divinely chosen souls on social media. I sit here now reflecting on the beautiful words of one of them. If you live life with good intentions you will find them too. Carry on and always be blessed xo
Miss Mary! My dear IG and forum friend :) You have impacted my heart and it's so beautiful to think that I could do the same. You and I have shared some heavy things and prayed for each other. I continue to pray for you and your family. God is in all the details and if we are listening, He's there in within all the noise of social media. He can never be shut out. He certainly can get annoyed! maybe leave us! as we know. I love the friend definition. I believe good intentions are what drives the pure heart and we need to check it daily. I can't be more grateful for you and I'm glad you are popping into the Substack world of my beautiful addiction! oops. I think you should start something here :) Just sayin. God keep you friend. oxox
You do know there's a book here, waiting for its cover !
Not on FB or IG, Substack feels like a benevolent community of days of yore, a bit like village life, meeting people around the town square, having a chat on a bench in the shade of a large tree and having a cuppa in a nearby tea shop.
💙🙏💫
Indeed! 💯
That’s beautiful 😍
Oh you're a lucky one! and you are so very right Joyce! I remember you spoke of this before.
"Benevolent" is the perfect word for this community. I do struggle to keep up and look so forward to the quiet evening when I can. It's crazy to think something behind a screen can feel like we are sitting in the town square or chatting at the park, but it really does. Thank you for sharing this friend. Have a peaceful day! I'm off to bed! ox
Night night my friend, peaceful dreams 💙🙏💫💤
I feel it too. I wonder if I’ve spent more than five minutes on Facebook in the past month. No Instagram at all. Love this Substack community. Glad we’re here together, Deborah, and you too, Joan!💕
Right? I feel kinda bad I don't check my FB anymore and I know there are messages I really need to respond to. Another problem is there are too many areas/apps to communicate in. I have a dear friend that writes me in the IG p.m. when we actually have text or phone available and live close (insert sobbing crying emoji). It has made us all crazy! Especially as we age!
I love this community and you and Joan! It's cozy :)
Please Dear Substack Masters, don't let it get out of control! Love, us
I love you and This Friend is NOT going anywhere willingly. I too Hate what Facebook has become and IG is rarely visited, I do it to Keep up with those I left behind when I started a new life in late 2015. Cousins I rarely see or talk to on the phone anymore. I have always been a talker. My Long distance bills were horrible before cell phones. But now I worry about bothering people because they have lives and are older and go to bed early. Even working early days I fight sleep because Nighttime has always been where the monsters live and My brother who had to tote me to the bathroom after he said they lived under my bed is gone. So I jump and run when I have too and just stay when I just cant. I am a people person but I have been told forever That I can be a bit much. But I think I can be worth it on a good day. So I pull closer to God and try to be who and what I know I am supposed to.
At least I know He is there. Never leaving, just loving me with all my flaws. Something People have forgotten to do. I just. I will just keep driving and I will get to where I am supposed to be.
Love you My sweet friend. You have the right Idea and it will get you where you need to be to bless others. Here on Substack sharing it. your talent and wisdom for those who appreciate you for you. oxoxox
Oh sweet friend, don't leave me! ha ha! We will stay in touch no matter what! Like you're saying here, social media isn't really set up to feel close with people when you love people and their company. I, too, keep my socials around for family and old friends from high school, church, etc., but I have been terrible since being here about keeping up with FB and IG. I got hit really hard on FB in 2020 when I posted something about a gravesite being destroyed and red paint poured all over a lion statue, during the rioting - That made me hardly want to be there. I agree about people not really wanting to communicate on the phone anymore.
It can be sad and lonely. Definitely continue to pull closer to God and be you. Do you. Always do you. There are people for you. That's where I'm at. Thank you for your continued support. Much love always. oxox
This is lovely and I am glad to have found you, glad that you are part of my community. Substack is different, people put their soul into their posts and you can feel it. It’s less self centered somehow, though people are still promoting their work, but it’s not clickbait or the same thing that everyone else is putting out. There is unique variety and a respect for others, too. I don’t know how that developed, but I hope it stays that way.
I am so glad you regained your confidence and bless us generously with your thoughts and words. I am thankful you have healed that part of you and that you are here sharing your heart.
Thank you Jenn. I know I was a bit harsh with the photography thing but it's something I've felt/experienced a long time. So many of them took over IG and FB and now I'm seeing one of them saying that all the photographers from IG should come to Substack!!! I say noooooooo!! That's how it begins. It gets taken over and the intentions aren't good. Like you said it's far less self-centered on Substack and you don't feel like anyone is making you crazy promoting their work. I really hope it's unique qualities stay. I'm seeing several people saying this.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and your kind comment. I'm feeling stronger than I have in a long time and happy to give everything to God, even Substack I guess (ha ha!), and just enjoy the process of living in what often feels like a mad world full of beauty. It does feel good to write it out though. Sending you much love and hope you're doing good. I need to find something from your shop for my home (and a wall! lol). ox
Oh no, I didn’t feel like it was too harsh. It was accurate. I am thrilled that you are feeling so vivacious again, it shines through in your words, and yes, giving Substack to God and enjoy the beauties in the madness. That’s about all we can do! If you ever do find a bare wall, let me know, I’ll work with you to get it filled. Prices are flexible for friends 😉 and Etsy is just a small slice of all I have to give. Sending much love your way, I hope your day has been a good one.
Oh good. I have to be honest. I have a bit of experience as I'm sure you do in the art world. It can be weird, but then it doesn't have to be art. It can be anything. We just have to know in our heart where we are wanted and how we want to connect. Thank you so much for your words here. Beauty in the madness! yesss!
... and I would never expect a discount! It's on my list of things to enjoy, the browsing and catching up here too. Sending you much love back and hope everyone is finally feeling spunky again! ox
I don’t have a ton of art world experience, to be honest with you. I have taken part in a few small gallery shows and attended figure drawing sessions, but I am a quiet one in public and tend not to draw attention to myself, preferring to observe rather than interact. A terrible self promoter, too. I did better when I used to sell at Farmers markets; people who are interested can choose to visit my art table and ask questions, pick it up and look at it, etc.
We are completely healed, thank you! How is your asthma? Sending love your way, too. I’m
I hear you, dear Deb…Reels have ruined Facebook and Instagram for me… why must things change? Substack feels higher level, top shelf, safe space to me. The DM note I posted today be damned…I won’t let them spoil this community for me. I like our group, this little village of friends where I belong, fit in. Follow God, follow my gut, follow my passion for writing and sharing. It’s healing and builds confidence in my opinion. We keep moving forward better and better, right? Yet the sense that Substack too shall go the way of social media apps bothers me too. You have said it all so eloquently and honestly…thank you for this! Your beautiful way with words gets it right every single time! Bravo and well done as always! I hope others cherish this amazing platform and the joy of Notes. Hugs sweet friend. 🤗🤗🤗🤗
Joan, those Reels made it more crazy (and frustrating!) So many of the changes, the fast moving pace, is about the money in social media. I pray Substack isn't spoiled, as it will hurt :( I love our village too! We have to keep going and praying that it stays sweet and not infuriating. I am so sorry you got a negative DM! I've been gone all day but I'll check your note. Thank you for your kindness and for your support! Hugs back friend. oxox