It's funny. I was just thinking about you playing the ukulele and thinking maybe I should take that up this year. I haven't yet because I feel like it will just be one more thing that distracts me from completing other projects I've been struggling to focus on and finish. . . So, this year I'm going to be "bad" at finishing things. In fact, trying not to be "bad" has probably prevented me from finishing these projects in the first place. So, here's to finishing some of the books (yeah, I said books, plural) that I've started and been too reluctant to send out this year.
Cheering you on, Tresha, for finishing your books! I already play the ukulele badly, so for 2024, I'm aiming to write many terrible poems, finding beta readers for my novel (if I can bear to stop working on it cause it's "finished" but I still have notes to deal with), and turning my musical back into a play. Onward!
Emma, cheering YOU on with all your great adventures. A novel and a musical to play adaption. Yes to terrible poems and beta readers. Let's play the ukulele together badly sometime <3
Just coming across this, but I find such a kindred spirit in the you of this story. “The more uncomfortable I am, the more alive I feel.”
I’ve moved to four countries in varying states of acquaintance of their languages—none of them fluency. There are many lyrical essays to be written on those experiences, but they’ve at least all been written on me.
I’m so glad I decided to subscribe and attend your workshops — learning so much and loving it all ♥️ (This past Sunday I joined from a hostel in an old train in Amsterdam!)
Kendra! That's incredible. You exploration is so inspiring. And YES the essays are written all over you (love this thought). I'm so glad that we found each other and cannot wait to hear more about your adventures and your writing <3
I found your Substack via your gorgeous poem that appeared in Poetry Today. This piece resonates so deeply with me. I’m very new to poetry and almost as new to writing fiction, and I alternate between stretches of exuberant flow and chasms of self-doubt. Your words are finding me right when I need them!
Lisa! I am SO glad they are <3 Both poetry and fiction are amazing! Also I always remind myself the best thing about writing is that there are NO WRONG ANSWERS <3 The self doubt comes always, but action is the antidote to insecurity. Just keep writing. Heart open. Pen in hand. :) Hope to write together one day soon!
We share so much! I too left a wonderful life for the unknown. A few times, long intervals in between. Best actions I could have taken! I became a poet/writer by not caring about being 'bad' at it, because I would learn. I think that came easy for me because I had a background in theatre and dance. i was used to getting 'notes'. Now: I'm making 'bad' ('unfinished') visual art and i want to make even more of it! I was shown, by a teacher (YAY for teachers!) that I could draw, after thinking my whole life, that I could only scribble and make stick figures. I have deep-dived into drawing and painting these last two years and I love it. Something interesting has been happening with my earlier work in my sketchbook: I have been revising it! Like I do with my poems! So I guess I have grown some as an artist. So exciting. I'm gearing up to paint with acrylics, so bring on the 'bad' (unfinished) art!!!!!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Always have so much respect for all the ways you engage with the creative life across mediums. Yay for trying new things and also leaving it all behind. And to feeling good being "bad." Here's to having no expectations except to make ourselves happy <3
This piece hit me at the perfect time. I’m contemplating retirement, selling my house, moving to another city. My “word” for 2024 is “begin”. Thank you for giving me the perspective to begin badly.
Good for you! Begin however the flying fig you want. Lol. Paving new paths, in my humble opinion, never needs to be neat; they just need to be paved... eventually:) Excited for you to retire. The world needs more of your poems. Where are you thinking of moving?
Hey! I lived in Costa Rica for 3 years. If you're looking for a great place to retire, I give it 4.9 stars (because no place is perfect enough for 5 stars). I hope it's okay to mention that I have a Substack about my final year there called "Your One Wild and Pura Vida Life." Message me if you want details.
2024 is the year I put together my first chapbook... and, who knows, maybe even my second. I already have a gigantic stack of poems that are not as good as everyone else's...
Yay!!! I cannot wait to read it one day:) And "good" is a judgment. Lol. I'm sure they are magic. Get them out into the world (however and IF it seems right). The world needs you words <3
Thanks, Kelly. I have a lot of poems and a couple of flash pieces that have been published in quite a few lit mags & anthologies. One editor who has published my work several times wrote to me that my work is strong and I should put together a chapbook... such lovely encouragement from an editor. I feel scared about this, bit it's the good kind of scared,
It's funny. I was just thinking about you playing the ukulele and thinking maybe I should take that up this year. I haven't yet because I feel like it will just be one more thing that distracts me from completing other projects I've been struggling to focus on and finish. . . So, this year I'm going to be "bad" at finishing things. In fact, trying not to be "bad" has probably prevented me from finishing these projects in the first place. So, here's to finishing some of the books (yeah, I said books, plural) that I've started and been too reluctant to send out this year.
Yay!!!! I'll be right beside you working on books (plural) but also playing the euk and singing oh so badly. Loving every second <3
Cheering you on, Tresha, for finishing your books! I already play the ukulele badly, so for 2024, I'm aiming to write many terrible poems, finding beta readers for my novel (if I can bear to stop working on it cause it's "finished" but I still have notes to deal with), and turning my musical back into a play. Onward!
Emma, cheering YOU on with all your great adventures. A novel and a musical to play adaption. Yes to terrible poems and beta readers. Let's play the ukulele together badly sometime <3
Just coming across this, but I find such a kindred spirit in the you of this story. “The more uncomfortable I am, the more alive I feel.”
I’ve moved to four countries in varying states of acquaintance of their languages—none of them fluency. There are many lyrical essays to be written on those experiences, but they’ve at least all been written on me.
I’m so glad I decided to subscribe and attend your workshops — learning so much and loving it all ♥️ (This past Sunday I joined from a hostel in an old train in Amsterdam!)
Kendra! That's incredible. You exploration is so inspiring. And YES the essays are written all over you (love this thought). I'm so glad that we found each other and cannot wait to hear more about your adventures and your writing <3
I found your Substack via your gorgeous poem that appeared in Poetry Today. This piece resonates so deeply with me. I’m very new to poetry and almost as new to writing fiction, and I alternate between stretches of exuberant flow and chasms of self-doubt. Your words are finding me right when I need them!
Lisa! I am SO glad they are <3 Both poetry and fiction are amazing! Also I always remind myself the best thing about writing is that there are NO WRONG ANSWERS <3 The self doubt comes always, but action is the antidote to insecurity. Just keep writing. Heart open. Pen in hand. :) Hope to write together one day soon!
We share so much! I too left a wonderful life for the unknown. A few times, long intervals in between. Best actions I could have taken! I became a poet/writer by not caring about being 'bad' at it, because I would learn. I think that came easy for me because I had a background in theatre and dance. i was used to getting 'notes'. Now: I'm making 'bad' ('unfinished') visual art and i want to make even more of it! I was shown, by a teacher (YAY for teachers!) that I could draw, after thinking my whole life, that I could only scribble and make stick figures. I have deep-dived into drawing and painting these last two years and I love it. Something interesting has been happening with my earlier work in my sketchbook: I have been revising it! Like I do with my poems! So I guess I have grown some as an artist. So exciting. I'm gearing up to paint with acrylics, so bring on the 'bad' (unfinished) art!!!!!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Always have so much respect for all the ways you engage with the creative life across mediums. Yay for trying new things and also leaving it all behind. And to feeling good being "bad." Here's to having no expectations except to make ourselves happy <3
Yes! This is what we mean when we say 'l'chaim'! To life! L'chaim, wonderful human, and the happiest of New Years!
I love that line in Fiddler on the Roof "And if good fortune never comes, here's to whatever comes, drink L'chaim, to life!"
This piece hit me at the perfect time. I’m contemplating retirement, selling my house, moving to another city. My “word” for 2024 is “begin”. Thank you for giving me the perspective to begin badly.
Good for you! Begin however the flying fig you want. Lol. Paving new paths, in my humble opinion, never needs to be neat; they just need to be paved... eventually:) Excited for you to retire. The world needs more of your poems. Where are you thinking of moving?
Back home to Edmonton.
I came to this little town for a job and only planned to stay two years. It’s been 33!
Hey! I lived in Costa Rica for 3 years. If you're looking for a great place to retire, I give it 4.9 stars (because no place is perfect enough for 5 stars). I hope it's okay to mention that I have a Substack about my final year there called "Your One Wild and Pura Vida Life." Message me if you want details.
2024 is the year I put together my first chapbook... and, who knows, maybe even my second. I already have a gigantic stack of poems that are not as good as everyone else's...
Yay!!! I cannot wait to read it one day:) And "good" is a judgment. Lol. I'm sure they are magic. Get them out into the world (however and IF it seems right). The world needs you words <3
Thanks, Kelly. I have a lot of poems and a couple of flash pieces that have been published in quite a few lit mags & anthologies. One editor who has published my work several times wrote to me that my work is strong and I should put together a chapbook... such lovely encouragement from an editor. I feel scared about this, bit it's the good kind of scared,