I needed an "all of the above" choice -- however, writing is maybe my #1 even though I clicked on "I walk and spend time outside." I guess it's a matter of "if I can't do one, I do the other."
I most definitely should have added that in! And drinking tea-- "I drink too much tea"-- although to be honest, that doesn't sit as a differential from the rest of my life 😆 Thank you so much for reading, and for your words xx
Jane, I love seeing you blossom in the center of your being, in your work, your life, your spirit! I find your creative offerings incredibly rich, something to savour, ponder, enjoy. I learn much by reading your missives or seeing your drawings, hearing your words, but more than anything, I love that your creative offerings seem deeply aligned with your being. That alignment, integrity, is such a vital thing for the spirit!
As a Quaker, I seek, always, to find integrity in what I do, say, act on (not always successfully, I might add, but I try!). Following this core Quaker tenet is a constant seeking, realigning, acting, reflecting, returning to oneself and spirit. It is a process, indeed, a very humbling process. I find deep inspiration in your words and action to seek alignment with your creative soul. In all the work you do, in various spheres, you inspire all of us to seek a higher level of integrity, with ourselves, with other beings, with spirit.
Thank you for the hard work and for the willingness to keep seeking, guiding, listening and, most importantly, creating. ❤️
So grateful for you Sarah- it's so lovely to get to adventure alongside you in this way. You are always so kind and encouraging. Thank YOU for everything you bring and all the tending you do in the world xx
Hello lovely, I enjoyed reading this, and as you know I totally relate as I dont' know what state I'd be in if I hadn't found poetry and creating "things" during these last few years when I had to give up horses. Not just riding, but being around my horses, and taking care of them. This also meant I lost my social life, too, as I practically lived at the stables!
But my poetry book is out, and it's beautiful, especially the hardback version with the coloured illustrations by my daughter, and it's just so incredible to hold something like that in my hands, and flick through it and think, my goodness, I wrote all this stuff, where did all these ideas come from?! It's hilarious! Magic!
You draw so well! I reconnected with painting the other day, but my body threw a tantrum after two hours, firing a warning electric shock down the left side of my neck, so I had to leave it. Seeing a new doctor for my fibromyalgia tomorrow so fingers crossed she can help.
I look forward keeping up with your posts :) sending love. Francesca xx
Gosh, it's such a road to travel- I'm so sorry that there has been so much loss involved. On the flip side, your book looks magnificent! I can't wait to hold a copy of my own- your writing is so much fun. Sending lots of love to you xx
I have always struggled with prioritising time to create because it didn't seem purposeful. Thank you for the validation that even if it doesn't appear to have a purpose, that my words or art may never be seen or valued by anyone else, that they are still essential, for me. ❤️
Jane, I love listening to your articles. Your voice is like a warm hug for my soul. I look forward to walking this journey with you. Yay for creativity and it not just being something we do in the background but a vital part of a full and vibrant life. ❤️
I would also say "all of the above" (and tea, even though I'm from the US and everybody here drinks coffee, I drink tea). I'm looking forward to your newish or additional focus, Jane. I am looking at sitting my own back side for a good bit this summer to redesign my website and do shifting with my Substack. You've encouraged me to start.
When I first visited the US, the tea situation was a travesty 😆 I've since come with my own supplies. And thank you so much for your lovely words- I can't wait to see what you come up with also. It definitely takes some work but it's so worth it! Sending solidarity (And tea. Possibly also cake) xx
The tea situation here is slightly improved, I believe, but I'm not sure by how much. At least, good tea is purchasable here, if you happen to be in right place and you know where to look. When I travel in the US, I bring my tea! Thank you for the solidarity (and cake:).
I have been feeling stifled, after following business advice to 'niche down' and concentrate on one thing only, that I provide to one target audience, in one market. Not my cuppa! You give me 'permission' to expand and explore and an example to follow. Hoping (trusting) that my energy and creativity will open up as I open up again. There are just SO many things that I find important and inspiring.
I understand that advice in principle (Sounds clear! Simple! Makes sense!) but it doesn't work for me in practice (although I'll add a side note here and say that if you are providing a service as a 'professional thing' *or whatever* then it needs to be clear what that particular service is-- but who says there can't be more than one of those!) Perhaps it just requires a few of us adventuring to the Land of Never Before to realise that other possibilities exist also. Cheers to your multi-passionate, multi-interested, following the glimmerings self I say 💛
I have come back to this group after some time away, I have been trying to spend more time creating and enjoying the beautiful and fascinating world of life that surrounds me on the land we steward. From the fox kits living under my barn to the bald eagles who make rare appearances over the pasture. I have been listening to a podcast with David Whyte and it reignited my curiosity in poetry. So here I am Jane, to explore along with you 💖
I needed an "all of the above" choice -- however, writing is maybe my #1 even though I clicked on "I walk and spend time outside." I guess it's a matter of "if I can't do one, I do the other."
Best to you on your new focused direction!
I most definitely should have added that in! And drinking tea-- "I drink too much tea"-- although to be honest, that doesn't sit as a differential from the rest of my life 😆 Thank you so much for reading, and for your words xx
Jane, I love seeing you blossom in the center of your being, in your work, your life, your spirit! I find your creative offerings incredibly rich, something to savour, ponder, enjoy. I learn much by reading your missives or seeing your drawings, hearing your words, but more than anything, I love that your creative offerings seem deeply aligned with your being. That alignment, integrity, is such a vital thing for the spirit!
As a Quaker, I seek, always, to find integrity in what I do, say, act on (not always successfully, I might add, but I try!). Following this core Quaker tenet is a constant seeking, realigning, acting, reflecting, returning to oneself and spirit. It is a process, indeed, a very humbling process. I find deep inspiration in your words and action to seek alignment with your creative soul. In all the work you do, in various spheres, you inspire all of us to seek a higher level of integrity, with ourselves, with other beings, with spirit.
Thank you for the hard work and for the willingness to keep seeking, guiding, listening and, most importantly, creating. ❤️
So grateful for you Sarah- it's so lovely to get to adventure alongside you in this way. You are always so kind and encouraging. Thank YOU for everything you bring and all the tending you do in the world xx
Hello lovely, I enjoyed reading this, and as you know I totally relate as I dont' know what state I'd be in if I hadn't found poetry and creating "things" during these last few years when I had to give up horses. Not just riding, but being around my horses, and taking care of them. This also meant I lost my social life, too, as I practically lived at the stables!
But my poetry book is out, and it's beautiful, especially the hardback version with the coloured illustrations by my daughter, and it's just so incredible to hold something like that in my hands, and flick through it and think, my goodness, I wrote all this stuff, where did all these ideas come from?! It's hilarious! Magic!
You draw so well! I reconnected with painting the other day, but my body threw a tantrum after two hours, firing a warning electric shock down the left side of my neck, so I had to leave it. Seeing a new doctor for my fibromyalgia tomorrow so fingers crossed she can help.
I look forward keeping up with your posts :) sending love. Francesca xx
Gosh, it's such a road to travel- I'm so sorry that there has been so much loss involved. On the flip side, your book looks magnificent! I can't wait to hold a copy of my own- your writing is so much fun. Sending lots of love to you xx
Thank you, Jane. We always have to try to look for pink and purple and silver linings. I hope you’ll enjoy my book! Hugs xx
Jane, your work, all of it, is beautiful. It reaches out to touch the soul. It inspires. And it expands. Love & gratitude. x
Gosh, thank you so much Denise. It's so much fun to adventure together--love and gratitude right back xx
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
I have always struggled with prioritising time to create because it didn't seem purposeful. Thank you for the validation that even if it doesn't appear to have a purpose, that my words or art may never be seen or valued by anyone else, that they are still essential, for me. ❤️
Oh this is the best thing to hear! Looking forward to hearing about all your wild creations 😍
Also, this photo of you!! All the heart eyes xx
Thank you so much lovely xx
Jane, I love listening to your articles. Your voice is like a warm hug for my soul. I look forward to walking this journey with you. Yay for creativity and it not just being something we do in the background but a vital part of a full and vibrant life. ❤️
Thank you so much Senta!! Yay creativity indeed (and friends who have birds that sit on their shoulder and chat while they are making together 🦜💛) xx
I would also say "all of the above" (and tea, even though I'm from the US and everybody here drinks coffee, I drink tea). I'm looking forward to your newish or additional focus, Jane. I am looking at sitting my own back side for a good bit this summer to redesign my website and do shifting with my Substack. You've encouraged me to start.
When I first visited the US, the tea situation was a travesty 😆 I've since come with my own supplies. And thank you so much for your lovely words- I can't wait to see what you come up with also. It definitely takes some work but it's so worth it! Sending solidarity (And tea. Possibly also cake) xx
The tea situation here is slightly improved, I believe, but I'm not sure by how much. At least, good tea is purchasable here, if you happen to be in right place and you know where to look. When I travel in the US, I bring my tea! Thank you for the solidarity (and cake:).
Walking this path beside you despite our physical distance is a deep and true honor. I'm thankful for you and your work in this world.
Well, the feeling is most definitely mutual! Thank you my lovely friend xx
I have been feeling stifled, after following business advice to 'niche down' and concentrate on one thing only, that I provide to one target audience, in one market. Not my cuppa! You give me 'permission' to expand and explore and an example to follow. Hoping (trusting) that my energy and creativity will open up as I open up again. There are just SO many things that I find important and inspiring.
I understand that advice in principle (Sounds clear! Simple! Makes sense!) but it doesn't work for me in practice (although I'll add a side note here and say that if you are providing a service as a 'professional thing' *or whatever* then it needs to be clear what that particular service is-- but who says there can't be more than one of those!) Perhaps it just requires a few of us adventuring to the Land of Never Before to realise that other possibilities exist also. Cheers to your multi-passionate, multi-interested, following the glimmerings self I say 💛
I have come back to this group after some time away, I have been trying to spend more time creating and enjoying the beautiful and fascinating world of life that surrounds me on the land we steward. From the fox kits living under my barn to the bald eagles who make rare appearances over the pasture. I have been listening to a podcast with David Whyte and it reignited my curiosity in poetry. So here I am Jane, to explore along with you 💖