I have read this post of yours with tears in my eyes towards the end which are still there as I try to see the screen to type! This is EXACTLY me in so very many ways. The 'saving till the perfect time' and procrastination especially. The forced hurried packing away of my thought-train of bits and pieces and ideas to make room for family life. I have not time to re-read now and visit your other posts but I will return when I can. My mother was a compulsive hoarder. It was very hard being her daughter sometimes and yes releasing and trusting is a challenge to me! What a lovely phrase to describe that letting-go process.
Dear Lou, thank you so much for taking the time to write this heart-full message. One thing I have found repeatedly in my life as I have grown older (and wiser?) is that it is when I share my challenges authentically that I connect with others. I look forward to popping over to read your words too now - I find the sea of possibilities so overwhelming that reading the Substacks of those who make contact is a lovely way to filter and find real connections. Have a happy evening. (PS I am sitting at the dining room table which I have just cleared of today's work - some wet-felting in preparation for an exhibition submission which is due next week ...) :)
How much we seem to share - I love wet-felting and did it for many years before chronic pain interfered with my ability. Hoping to make a return soon. I hope your exhibition goes very well.
Such a poignant and beautifully written piece this week, Nicola. I loved it. (Writing to you from a bed, in a room which feels messy and chaotic). I'm glad I'm just a writer because my books, pens, notebooks, magazines and other detritus are enough! I am getting much better at letting things go but I still feel I have far too much actual and mental clutter. I love your story here and I can feel there is so much more going on underneath the surface x
Mmm maybe I should become an author instead?! I tried focussing on singing, thinking that then there would be less stuff... until the sheet music started piling up - multiple copies required for accompanists 😑🫣 Maybe the truth is that I am a collector who finds many ways to justify that... 🤔😳
I have read this post of yours with tears in my eyes towards the end which are still there as I try to see the screen to type! This is EXACTLY me in so very many ways. The 'saving till the perfect time' and procrastination especially. The forced hurried packing away of my thought-train of bits and pieces and ideas to make room for family life. I have not time to re-read now and visit your other posts but I will return when I can. My mother was a compulsive hoarder. It was very hard being her daughter sometimes and yes releasing and trusting is a challenge to me! What a lovely phrase to describe that letting-go process.
Dear Lou, thank you so much for taking the time to write this heart-full message. One thing I have found repeatedly in my life as I have grown older (and wiser?) is that it is when I share my challenges authentically that I connect with others. I look forward to popping over to read your words too now - I find the sea of possibilities so overwhelming that reading the Substacks of those who make contact is a lovely way to filter and find real connections. Have a happy evening. (PS I am sitting at the dining room table which I have just cleared of today's work - some wet-felting in preparation for an exhibition submission which is due next week ...) :)
How much we seem to share - I love wet-felting and did it for many years before chronic pain interfered with my ability. Hoping to make a return soon. I hope your exhibition goes very well.
Well, it is a piece for an open call submission so I am not sure yet whether it will crack the nod, but fingers crossed!!
Such a poignant and beautifully written piece this week, Nicola. I loved it. (Writing to you from a bed, in a room which feels messy and chaotic). I'm glad I'm just a writer because my books, pens, notebooks, magazines and other detritus are enough! I am getting much better at letting things go but I still feel I have far too much actual and mental clutter. I love your story here and I can feel there is so much more going on underneath the surface x
Mmm maybe I should become an author instead?! I tried focussing on singing, thinking that then there would be less stuff... until the sheet music started piling up - multiple copies required for accompanists 😑🫣 Maybe the truth is that I am a collector who finds many ways to justify that... 🤔😳