I enjoyed the stroll around the garden and the time in the book nook very much, Rebecca. Good morning read. Congratulations on the first 100. May there be hundreds and thousands more.
I have a very similar experience with the Artists Way, although you got further than me. And it's strange to see I Capture The Castle, I read it years ago but have spent the last few days wondering whether to revisit it.
Thanks, Janet! 'I Capture the Castle' is WONDERFUL - do pick it up again - I love that the story is told mainly through Cassandra's journals - a 'this is my life story' aspect appeals to me hugely when it comes to choosing something to read. I swapped a book of mine for it in a telephone box mini library back in the summer and couldn't believe my luck. Have you ever read Smith's '101 Dalmatians'? That is such a delightful story, and of course very, very different to the films. Her writing is so beautiful. Even thinking of its last line still makes me cry (not in a sad way).
Wow! Congratulations on 100 subscribers! That's really impressive, especially taking into account that you don't have a social media presence. The power of Substack is mighty, indeed! :)
Congratulations! I like the idea of setting aside time to nurture a little creativity. In our busy lives it's easy to assume it will just happen organically, but that's not always the case unless make space for it :-)
Thanks, Jacquie! I have trouble in feeling comfortable with allowing myself that time, and of course it's the 'want tos' of creativity that so easily fall by the wayside wrapped in that grey guilt I mentioned. It's for that reason that I really need to re-engage with Cameron's book!
I love everything about this post, Rebecca, and wow--that book with your husband’s photos looks wonderful! Congrats to him on the nomination. Very exciting!
I agree with your notion on secondhand bookstores. A book has life not when purchased but when read and shared. Something to think on this week.
Congrats on hitting 100--I only got there last month and also reached it organically. Substack is a wonderful place to share our words.
Thanks, Holly! The question about second-hand books is an interesting one. I hadn't really thought much about the ethics of secondhand book sales until I started reading so much writing about writing, and I realised that there are many thoughts out there about should/shouldn't. So it was nice to explore that a little, if only in footnote size!
Rebecca, a wonderful post, as always. So, forgive numbered list but it will be easier for you to refer to my comments if you so wish.
1. Congrats on 100 subscribers. That's fantastic, and well-deserved.
2. I can't go past a secondhand bookshop without wandering in. In fact, whenever Elaine and I are out somewhere and she suddenly realises that she's been talking to herself for the last five minutes, she only has to retrace her steps or ask someone where the nearest secondhand bookshop is in order to find me.
3. Your husband's book looks really good.
4. I definitely think each of us needs to set aside time for ourselves. For me that is another meaning of 'Charity begins at home': you can't nourish others if you haven't nurtured yourself.
1. I'm so pleased! As I said, I'm really not about the numbers, but I'd kept half an eye on my subscriber count, and in September I thought 'gosh, let's see if this reaches 100 by the end of October'!
2. LOL! I had a lovely day out with my family at another National Trust place yesterday, and my sister-in-law and I were deemed 'MIA' for a bit. Guess where we were found...?
I've given a lot of thought to growth. I have a 75% finished article about my thinking. Unfortunately, at the moment the article resides solely in my head.
Congratulations on 100, Rebecca! It looks like you had a nice time strolling through the gardens. Your husband's photos look amazing. I'm always interested in how another artist works. I've picked up a few secondhand books in my time for $1.
So much to like and celebrate in this newsletter! Congratulations to you on hitting 3 digits and to your husband on the book! Sounds like a delightful artist date day, too.
You say "I didn’t have a mailing list to import. I don’t have a social media presence." But, YES! It can be done! I, like you, have no interest in social media. My short life is too precious to waste. I , too, wondered if anyone would find my voice out there among many thousands, and they did. I started by signing up 9 friends. I now have 140 subscribers. So it can be done! I pay little attention to stats, but if I have 140 people interested in my writing, it is so encouraging! YOU GO, GIRL!! I read everything you write.
Thanks so much, Sharron! Actually, thinking about it, my mum's a subscriber, and last week I sent a link to my godmother, who signed up yesterday, so on that basis I can only account for 98 being Substack-only subs! You're right about growing numbers being encouraging - I'm certainly feeling encouraged right now! 😊
And more importantly, well done for making you a priority, and sharing what you did to do that. A lovely read, and what a lovely date! Our inner child wants to play, and it sounds like we share in that guilt when the adult rains on our parade. I’ll be interested to hear if you think your dates help your creative process.
Thanks, Bryn! I wonder if they do help my creative process, or just help ME to relax and therefore be better able to explore my creative process - you know, as a more indirect thing? Mind you, it was while I was on that date I described that I scribbled down most of the notes to then write this post, so I guess it's worked!
I love this post, Rebecca! I am right there with you. I also didn't finish The Artist's Way but I'd like to get back to it someday. I did morning pages for a while and I enjoyed them, but yeah, time. Time is the enemy! Your 'date' sounded lovely. Glorious day, books, coffee, what more could one need? Thanks for this lovely glimpse into tranquility. I'm inspired to take myself out for a date soon. -Erin
Thanks, Erin! I've decided not to revisit 'The Artist's Way' in its entirety for now - I've got several books that I'd love to be reading and I feel that I'd rather give those my time instead. Maybe I'll gird my loins and tackle it again properly in the spring!
Thanks, Cayly! I'm glad it's not just me! In fact, despite what I'd written in this post, now that I've finished 'I Capture the Castle', I've actually popped 'The Artist's Way' back in the bookcase in favour of Mary Lawson....
Glad to be one of the 100! Congrats!!
Very glad to have you - thank you!
I Capture the Castle is my favourite book ever, excellent choice!
Yay, Alison! I can't think how I'd never read it before - it's wonderful!
I enjoyed the stroll around the garden and the time in the book nook very much, Rebecca. Good morning read. Congratulations on the first 100. May there be hundreds and thousands more.
Thanks so much, Mark!
Congratulations on the 100!
I have a very similar experience with the Artists Way, although you got further than me. And it's strange to see I Capture The Castle, I read it years ago but have spent the last few days wondering whether to revisit it.
Thanks, Janet! 'I Capture the Castle' is WONDERFUL - do pick it up again - I love that the story is told mainly through Cassandra's journals - a 'this is my life story' aspect appeals to me hugely when it comes to choosing something to read. I swapped a book of mine for it in a telephone box mini library back in the summer and couldn't believe my luck. Have you ever read Smith's '101 Dalmatians'? That is such a delightful story, and of course very, very different to the films. Her writing is so beautiful. Even thinking of its last line still makes me cry (not in a sad way).
Wow! Congratulations on 100 subscribers! That's really impressive, especially taking into account that you don't have a social media presence. The power of Substack is mighty, indeed! :)
Thanks, Mark! And yay to the power of Substack! 🚀
Congratulations! I like the idea of setting aside time to nurture a little creativity. In our busy lives it's easy to assume it will just happen organically, but that's not always the case unless make space for it :-)
Thanks, Jacquie! I have trouble in feeling comfortable with allowing myself that time, and of course it's the 'want tos' of creativity that so easily fall by the wayside wrapped in that grey guilt I mentioned. It's for that reason that I really need to re-engage with Cameron's book!
I love everything about this post, Rebecca, and wow--that book with your husband’s photos looks wonderful! Congrats to him on the nomination. Very exciting!
I agree with your notion on secondhand bookstores. A book has life not when purchased but when read and shared. Something to think on this week.
Congrats on hitting 100--I only got there last month and also reached it organically. Substack is a wonderful place to share our words.
Thanks, Holly! The question about second-hand books is an interesting one. I hadn't really thought much about the ethics of secondhand book sales until I started reading so much writing about writing, and I realised that there are many thoughts out there about should/shouldn't. So it was nice to explore that a little, if only in footnote size!
Rebecca, a wonderful post, as always. So, forgive numbered list but it will be easier for you to refer to my comments if you so wish.
1. Congrats on 100 subscribers. That's fantastic, and well-deserved.
2. I can't go past a secondhand bookshop without wandering in. In fact, whenever Elaine and I are out somewhere and she suddenly realises that she's been talking to herself for the last five minutes, she only has to retrace her steps or ask someone where the nearest secondhand bookshop is in order to find me.
3. Your husband's book looks really good.
4. I definitely think each of us needs to set aside time for ourselves. For me that is another meaning of 'Charity begins at home': you can't nourish others if you haven't nurtured yourself.
Thanks, Terry!
1. I'm so pleased! As I said, I'm really not about the numbers, but I'd kept half an eye on my subscriber count, and in September I thought 'gosh, let's see if this reaches 100 by the end of October'!
2. LOL! I had a lovely day out with my family at another National Trust place yesterday, and my sister-in-law and I were deemed 'MIA' for a bit. Guess where we were found...?
3. Thank you - I'll tell him. 😃
4. That's a very good point!
I've given a lot of thought to growth. I have a 75% finished article about my thinking. Unfortunately, at the moment the article resides solely in my head.
LOL - yes, isn't that so often the way?
Congratulations on 100, Rebecca! It looks like you had a nice time strolling through the gardens. Your husband's photos look amazing. I'm always interested in how another artist works. I've picked up a few secondhand books in my time for $1.
Thanks, Matt!
So much to like and celebrate in this newsletter! Congratulations to you on hitting 3 digits and to your husband on the book! Sounds like a delightful artist date day, too.
Thanks so much, Mark!
Congrasts on the milestone Rebecca!
Thanks, Oleg!
You say "I didn’t have a mailing list to import. I don’t have a social media presence." But, YES! It can be done! I, like you, have no interest in social media. My short life is too precious to waste. I , too, wondered if anyone would find my voice out there among many thousands, and they did. I started by signing up 9 friends. I now have 140 subscribers. So it can be done! I pay little attention to stats, but if I have 140 people interested in my writing, it is so encouraging! YOU GO, GIRL!! I read everything you write.
Thanks so much, Sharron! Actually, thinking about it, my mum's a subscriber, and last week I sent a link to my godmother, who signed up yesterday, so on that basis I can only account for 98 being Substack-only subs! You're right about growing numbers being encouraging - I'm certainly feeling encouraged right now! 😊
Congrats on a wonderful milestone! 🥳
And more importantly, well done for making you a priority, and sharing what you did to do that. A lovely read, and what a lovely date! Our inner child wants to play, and it sounds like we share in that guilt when the adult rains on our parade. I’ll be interested to hear if you think your dates help your creative process.
Thanks, Bryn! I wonder if they do help my creative process, or just help ME to relax and therefore be better able to explore my creative process - you know, as a more indirect thing? Mind you, it was while I was on that date I described that I scribbled down most of the notes to then write this post, so I guess it's worked!
Congrats on 100 subscribers. Your husband's book looks absolutely gorgeous!
Awww, thanks, Erin! 😀
I love this post, Rebecca! I am right there with you. I also didn't finish The Artist's Way but I'd like to get back to it someday. I did morning pages for a while and I enjoyed them, but yeah, time. Time is the enemy! Your 'date' sounded lovely. Glorious day, books, coffee, what more could one need? Thanks for this lovely glimpse into tranquility. I'm inspired to take myself out for a date soon. -Erin
PS. Congratulations on 100 subscribers!
Thanks, Erin! I've decided not to revisit 'The Artist's Way' in its entirety for now - I've got several books that I'd love to be reading and I feel that I'd rather give those my time instead. Maybe I'll gird my loins and tackle it again properly in the spring!
Congrats on 100! I have attempted to make it through the Artist’s Way twice, but never completed it. Maybe someday...:)
Thanks, Cayly! I'm glad it's not just me! In fact, despite what I'd written in this post, now that I've finished 'I Capture the Castle', I've actually popped 'The Artist's Way' back in the bookcase in favour of Mary Lawson....