Thank you, Sue. For all of your openness and effort. It's funny because I'm still embracing my introvert period (aside from the utter horror of the pandemic, I thrived during lockdown). I don't have any team dreams or missions. And I suppose that should worry me, but I'm enjoying this time of quiet and independence. I love the connection that Substack brings and lovely people I've met here (you included). Of course, I adore my close friends and appreciate deepening other friendships. Right now, I think I'm cocooning, readying myself before I pounce again upon the world...or flutter about, as the metaphor would have it. xo
Sandra Ann, never worry when what you are doing feels right. I think you are secretly part of a team when you send your Sassy Little Substack work out every week and we gain from it in insight and wisdom. And no quiet or independence is sacrificed. I think we corporate types see team dreams everywhere because we are used (have to?) work in teams to get anything done. But I’m finding creativity (a very new thing for me) does not have to work that way. Or the teaming I guess is different - more a call-and-response kind rather than a rugby-scrum kind. I am happy to be at the other end of your call-and-response! ❤️
You are the best, Sue. And I think all creatives have that internal "rugby scrum". Writers are never really alone. There are always words, ideas or people in our heads, pounding to get out. xo
Sue.........I look forward to your posts every Saturday morning precisely at 6:01 am! I lost my sweet Joan almost nine months ago and I feel the pain of her loss will never go away. We had 22 wonderful years together and our love for each other was so strong. We spent 4 years designing and building a beautiful home with a large great room for our Steinway grand piano to share our love of music with our friends. The house is so empty without her. I have tons of friends and they know I'm hurting. However, I know they don't know what to say, so it seems like they're ignoring me. It makes me feel even more alone when I am with them. Thanks you for your efforts with the Luminist. It helps.
Hi, Don. I'm so sorry for your loss. I think our American culture is pretty lacking when it comes to death, grief and sympathy. There aren't words for it, so you're right: they don't know what to say. If you're okay talking about your sweet Joan, let them know that. People avoid bringing up those we lost because they don't want to cause any pain. Tell them they don't need to hesitate or shy away from those subjects (if that's true for you). When you're ready, maybe invite friends over to your house, so you can fill it with conversation and music again. You shouldn't have to lead this dance, but maybe showing them a few steps will help them join in. xo
Don, Sandra Ann is always spot on with her suggestions. One more thought - is there anywhere you can go to meet NEW people? Sometimes forming new relationships, no matter how deep, let’s us connect with people who see us in a different way than our current friends. They don’t define us by our loss and grief (or get up in their own heads about what to say and not say), and can sometimes be more welcoming. I know the thought of making new friends right now may sound like way too much, but even acquaintances who can see you as Don, not as Don who lost his beloved wife, give you a chance to be seen in a new way. And at least its human connection, which you very much need. We are here for you!
Thank you, for bringing your “A” game every week... and thank you for making us think about things that we would not usually think about!!!
Thank you, Sue. For all of your openness and effort. It's funny because I'm still embracing my introvert period (aside from the utter horror of the pandemic, I thrived during lockdown). I don't have any team dreams or missions. And I suppose that should worry me, but I'm enjoying this time of quiet and independence. I love the connection that Substack brings and lovely people I've met here (you included). Of course, I adore my close friends and appreciate deepening other friendships. Right now, I think I'm cocooning, readying myself before I pounce again upon the world...or flutter about, as the metaphor would have it. xo
Sandra Ann, never worry when what you are doing feels right. I think you are secretly part of a team when you send your Sassy Little Substack work out every week and we gain from it in insight and wisdom. And no quiet or independence is sacrificed. I think we corporate types see team dreams everywhere because we are used (have to?) work in teams to get anything done. But I’m finding creativity (a very new thing for me) does not have to work that way. Or the teaming I guess is different - more a call-and-response kind rather than a rugby-scrum kind. I am happy to be at the other end of your call-and-response! ❤️
You are the best, Sue. And I think all creatives have that internal "rugby scrum". Writers are never really alone. There are always words, ideas or people in our heads, pounding to get out. xo
Sue.........I look forward to your posts every Saturday morning precisely at 6:01 am! I lost my sweet Joan almost nine months ago and I feel the pain of her loss will never go away. We had 22 wonderful years together and our love for each other was so strong. We spent 4 years designing and building a beautiful home with a large great room for our Steinway grand piano to share our love of music with our friends. The house is so empty without her. I have tons of friends and they know I'm hurting. However, I know they don't know what to say, so it seems like they're ignoring me. It makes me feel even more alone when I am with them. Thanks you for your efforts with the Luminist. It helps.
Don Leedy, West Chester, OH
Hi, Don. I'm so sorry for your loss. I think our American culture is pretty lacking when it comes to death, grief and sympathy. There aren't words for it, so you're right: they don't know what to say. If you're okay talking about your sweet Joan, let them know that. People avoid bringing up those we lost because they don't want to cause any pain. Tell them they don't need to hesitate or shy away from those subjects (if that's true for you). When you're ready, maybe invite friends over to your house, so you can fill it with conversation and music again. You shouldn't have to lead this dance, but maybe showing them a few steps will help them join in. xo
Don, Sandra Ann is always spot on with her suggestions. One more thought - is there anywhere you can go to meet NEW people? Sometimes forming new relationships, no matter how deep, let’s us connect with people who see us in a different way than our current friends. They don’t define us by our loss and grief (or get up in their own heads about what to say and not say), and can sometimes be more welcoming. I know the thought of making new friends right now may sound like way too much, but even acquaintances who can see you as Don, not as Don who lost his beloved wife, give you a chance to be seen in a new way. And at least its human connection, which you very much need. We are here for you!
Thank you Sue!!!
Thanks to you, Sue, for your generous weekly presents.
So happy to be part of your "virtual" team! And for you to be part of mine.
Sue and Sandra Ann.........Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.
Don