I think the trick to maintaining a creative edge is to limit our social media exposure. I deleted FB about 7 years ago, as well as Twitter. I stopped Instagramming, except for golf videos. I look at those but post nothing. Substack is the only social I do. The reason is it remains substantive. Smart people write smart things and building community is possible. I’ve met a couple of people IRL already. That’s gold.
I did the same with Twitter when it changed over, and it did feel like a release valve - energy surged. I do agree - I want to be with thinking people, people who care to read each other's work and also contribute without dogma. I have yet to meet anyone I first encountered here, but I love that! I have a feeling it'll happen.
So many great points to reflect on here, Jen. Thanks for making me smile, too. And pause. It is cool to think about the dreams of chickens and pigeons. 😉
Thanks, Robin! I love thinking of how animals dream and LOVE it when my dog is chasing something in her sleep: her little feet moving and small wimpers. Fortunately/unfortunately, I rarely remember my own dreams.
Just finished Ken Burns' three-part documentary on the life and times of Henry David Thoreau. If I wasn't longing for a little cabin in the woods before, I am now, mostly to get away from the madness that is our modern world, with a little extended-writing-retreat thrown in. Still, there are the grandkids. There is protesting, and writing letters, and people to meet for tea. *Sigh* It's a potent push-pull for sure. Thanks for making me stop and think about scattered-ness, Jen.
Fragmented. Delightful! The most resourceful and creative times in my life is when I’ve had to fashion (even literally) necessities from parts- a recipe from what’s left over, clothing for a child out of my own clothes, home renovations and furnishings out of what’s on hand or at the end of someone else’s driveway.
When I read your writing prompt I laughed out loud to the delight of my dogs “write three opening lines” as I walked from bedroom to bedroom.
Even my sleep is fragmented, hounded by thoughts and restless dogs.
What brings me to centre?
Nature
Puttering
Intentionally slowing down
Connections- talking to a human whose desires, concerns and dreams are similar to mine.
Letting go of the tangents and trusting the universe to steer them.
Yay puttering!!! I love that word. And the universal trust fall is something I'm trying to learn. I will say, however, that while throwing together meals from leftovers works out beautifully sometimes; it has also led to some comical disasters in my household. Remind me to share about the birthday cake I tried to make with unlikely ingredients. Maybe I'll write about it. Lol.
Great post and right on for what’s happening right now. I’m wondering if keeping us ‘fragmented’ is ‘their’ goal? Anyway, I limit my exposure as much as I can. These days Substack is first and other social media is ‘when I get around to it’. I do have a blog, which I use as my website because it’s free and I publish my writing both here and there. Sculptingalife.blogspot.com What brings me to center: walking, yoga, crochet, clay and my husband, kids, grandkids and my dog.
Absolutely gorgeous work, Susan! I really like the red bird on your etsy page and am following your shop. I 100% think it is "their" goal, as in those who basically want to keep most people in some kind of indentured servitude so they can live in luxury and greed. But ask me how I really feel. :)
I like home base instead of platform. It feels comfortable.
Comfort is queen. :)
I think the trick to maintaining a creative edge is to limit our social media exposure. I deleted FB about 7 years ago, as well as Twitter. I stopped Instagramming, except for golf videos. I look at those but post nothing. Substack is the only social I do. The reason is it remains substantive. Smart people write smart things and building community is possible. I’ve met a couple of people IRL already. That’s gold.
I did the same with Twitter when it changed over, and it did feel like a release valve - energy surged. I do agree - I want to be with thinking people, people who care to read each other's work and also contribute without dogma. I have yet to meet anyone I first encountered here, but I love that! I have a feeling it'll happen.
So many great points to reflect on here, Jen. Thanks for making me smile, too. And pause. It is cool to think about the dreams of chickens and pigeons. 😉
Thanks, Robin! I love thinking of how animals dream and LOVE it when my dog is chasing something in her sleep: her little feet moving and small wimpers. Fortunately/unfortunately, I rarely remember my own dreams.
Just finished Ken Burns' three-part documentary on the life and times of Henry David Thoreau. If I wasn't longing for a little cabin in the woods before, I am now, mostly to get away from the madness that is our modern world, with a little extended-writing-retreat thrown in. Still, there are the grandkids. There is protesting, and writing letters, and people to meet for tea. *Sigh* It's a potent push-pull for sure. Thanks for making me stop and think about scattered-ness, Jen.
Ah, let's go together, Nancy ... I think we can make it work. Carson inspires me - just bring the family.
Vermont in spring. In the woods, on retreat. Sounds like a dream. Thank you for reading Carson!
Fragmented. Delightful! The most resourceful and creative times in my life is when I’ve had to fashion (even literally) necessities from parts- a recipe from what’s left over, clothing for a child out of my own clothes, home renovations and furnishings out of what’s on hand or at the end of someone else’s driveway.
When I read your writing prompt I laughed out loud to the delight of my dogs “write three opening lines” as I walked from bedroom to bedroom.
Even my sleep is fragmented, hounded by thoughts and restless dogs.
What brings me to centre?
Nature
Puttering
Intentionally slowing down
Connections- talking to a human whose desires, concerns and dreams are similar to mine.
Letting go of the tangents and trusting the universe to steer them.
Yay puttering!!! I love that word. And the universal trust fall is something I'm trying to learn. I will say, however, that while throwing together meals from leftovers works out beautifully sometimes; it has also led to some comical disasters in my household. Remind me to share about the birthday cake I tried to make with unlikely ingredients. Maybe I'll write about it. Lol.
Great post and right on for what’s happening right now. I’m wondering if keeping us ‘fragmented’ is ‘their’ goal? Anyway, I limit my exposure as much as I can. These days Substack is first and other social media is ‘when I get around to it’. I do have a blog, which I use as my website because it’s free and I publish my writing both here and there. Sculptingalife.blogspot.com What brings me to center: walking, yoga, crochet, clay and my husband, kids, grandkids and my dog.
Absolutely gorgeous work, Susan! I really like the red bird on your etsy page and am following your shop. I 100% think it is "their" goal, as in those who basically want to keep most people in some kind of indentured servitude so they can live in luxury and greed. But ask me how I really feel. :)
Thank you for liking my ‘Red Bird’ on my Etsy shop! I agree they want to keep us down but they want to live it up.