This was your promise. If you still believe this, then you are aligned with why I show up for you, too: "My intention is to dive beneath the surface, go marrow deep into anything I'm curious enough to write about, and bring back the simple truths that form the bedrock of all things."
Well, Georgia, you led me on a merry chase. I’ve been pondering a way to look at my posts outside the Substack numbers, a way to “rate” myself. The words you quoted were familiar but I wasn’t sure if you were quoting me, you, or someone else. ;-) Finally, I found them at the BOTTOM of my About page and promptly moved them to the top of the page.
This, indeed, is my intention and I think too many of my posts fall short. So, I’ve also put it at the top of my Scrivener folder where all my posts start as a reminder. Thanks for the reminder and I’m delighted to be in alignment with you.
Glad it worked. It's a good way to simplify the bond. "This is what I promise. Now, you, the subscriber, tell me to what extent that is happening for you." I addressed this in the article "I've got a hundred millions reasons to walk away" https://georgiapatrick.substack.com/p/ive-got-a-hundred-million-reasons It's a powerful lesson that I observed for decades through hundreds of organizations. If you find out the ONE, most important reason WHY they want in that relationship with you (employment, membership, some formal engagement), then you can do just about anything to them but THAT and they will stay. If you want to dive further on the topic with me, I'm glad to consider some kind of co-authored piece.
We might have a decent point-counterpoint since my take right now is aligned with William Zinsser’s “One of my principles is that there is no typical anybody; every reader is different. I edit for myself and I write for myself.”
Probably influenced by my age, I’m not thinking much about trying to figure out what subscribers want. Fortunately my financial needs are modest so I don’t have to bend to the market. (And, my Substack numbers reflect this strategy!)
I'm grateful Diane's words found you where you were and lead you here. She is an amazing artist -- and I still think getting the four of us together IRL would be amazing! :)
I loved reading this, Joyce. I am considering unsubbing from most of the too-many substacks and focusing on the ones that speak to me, like yours. I am so glad you didn't give up on your writing! I would love to see some more of your poetry woven in here. I love the art you feature in this post, and so much of your art that I've seen. Thankful for you and that I was lucky enough to find your substack.
Reminds me—changing this a little—of the story of the Zen master asked to teach of fierce general the wisdom of Buddhism.
The Zen master said no and put a full cup of tea in front of the general. Then he put the teapot in front of the general and asked him to pour in new tea. The general said he couldn’t because the tea cup was full.
This was your promise. If you still believe this, then you are aligned with why I show up for you, too: "My intention is to dive beneath the surface, go marrow deep into anything I'm curious enough to write about, and bring back the simple truths that form the bedrock of all things."
Well, Georgia, you led me on a merry chase. I’ve been pondering a way to look at my posts outside the Substack numbers, a way to “rate” myself. The words you quoted were familiar but I wasn’t sure if you were quoting me, you, or someone else. ;-) Finally, I found them at the BOTTOM of my About page and promptly moved them to the top of the page.
This, indeed, is my intention and I think too many of my posts fall short. So, I’ve also put it at the top of my Scrivener folder where all my posts start as a reminder. Thanks for the reminder and I’m delighted to be in alignment with you.
Glad it worked. It's a good way to simplify the bond. "This is what I promise. Now, you, the subscriber, tell me to what extent that is happening for you." I addressed this in the article "I've got a hundred millions reasons to walk away" https://georgiapatrick.substack.com/p/ive-got-a-hundred-million-reasons It's a powerful lesson that I observed for decades through hundreds of organizations. If you find out the ONE, most important reason WHY they want in that relationship with you (employment, membership, some formal engagement), then you can do just about anything to them but THAT and they will stay. If you want to dive further on the topic with me, I'm glad to consider some kind of co-authored piece.
We might have a decent point-counterpoint since my take right now is aligned with William Zinsser’s “One of my principles is that there is no typical anybody; every reader is different. I edit for myself and I write for myself.”
Probably influenced by my age, I’m not thinking much about trying to figure out what subscribers want. Fortunately my financial needs are modest so I don’t have to bend to the market. (And, my Substack numbers reflect this strategy!)
I'm grateful Diane's words found you where you were and lead you here. She is an amazing artist -- and I still think getting the four of us together IRL would be amazing! :)
Thank you, Louise … and maybe we just have to get together ourselves!
YES! We've talked about it. Let's plan it! :) <3
Thanks so much for your kind words (again!)
Sending much love,
D
I think my tombstone is going to say, “What Diane said.” Hope life is wonderful for you. Your art continues to astonish me.
Loved the post, beauty be it wild or tamed is still beauty and that for me is a good thing
I loved reading this, Joyce. I am considering unsubbing from most of the too-many substacks and focusing on the ones that speak to me, like yours. I am so glad you didn't give up on your writing! I would love to see some more of your poetry woven in here. I love the art you feature in this post, and so much of your art that I've seen. Thankful for you and that I was lucky enough to find your substack.
Thank you for such kind words. Although asking for more poetry might be hazardous! ;-)
Here's to more wild beauty, wherever we find it. Thanks, Joyce.
Thanks, Russell!
An empty coffee cup.
Reminds me—changing this a little—of the story of the Zen master asked to teach of fierce general the wisdom of Buddhism.
The Zen master said no and put a full cup of tea in front of the general. Then he put the teapot in front of the general and asked him to pour in new tea. The general said he couldn’t because the tea cup was full.
Exactly replied the master.
May you always leave room in your tea cup.
Thanks Jim … what a wise addition to the story.
Your weekly words are beautiful, vulnerable and the glue that holds many together in troubled times. Your cup is full of nourishment.💞
Thank you, Anita.
Joyce, I add my gratitude to Diane for beginning to fill your cup anew. I am all the better for your written words and digital art. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you, Becky.
This is lovely, Joyce. Thank you. I look forward to reading your work always!
Thank you, Sue.