I Have Something to Say to You
Hey Gorgeous!
Today, instead of my usual deep dive into whatever’s on my mind 🤔, I want to say a simple thank you. Thanks for being on the other end of these missives.
Thanks for the times when you read the email.
Thanks for the times when you make a mental note to read it later, whether you actually do or not.
Thanks also for the times you delete the email because you know you don’t have time to read it, but (as some folks have told me) seeing it there gives you a quick warm fuzzy. 🥰
Honestly, You Are Only Half the Reason 😬
I’m tempted to say that you are the reason I write these, and that I couldn’t do it without you, because that’s what people often say in these situations. But it’s only partly true. I might still do it even if no one were reading it, the way I do my podcast without really ever knowing (unless people tell me, which some do) whether anyone listens to it. That’s because I gain so much from the act of creating it all.
Putting my words, my voice, my ideas out into the world in a public format has become part of my practice, the way my early morning reading-writing-stretching-meditating routine is part of my practice. It’s ongoing work that helps me note what feels important to me, sort out my thoughts, hone my skills, and summon regular doses of courage when I share it with you.
I’m not new to blogging. I’ve been irregularly, sporadically publishing articles to a blog since 2011, which was about four websites ago. (My first one still lives here!)
Doing it on a consistent schedule is new. Since January 2020, you’ve been receiving a WORDS post (a written essay) on the 3rd, a photo-filled PICTURES post on the 13th, and some kind of video or SOUND recording (now the Accidental Muralist Podcast) on the 23rd of each month.
The mix seems to be working for me. Keeping the commitment I made to myself feels good. (I’ll have to think of a way to celebrate my 3-year Bloggiversary!)
So that’s my end of the relationship.
But You’re a Super Important Half
Remember what we were like in January 2020? So young and innocent! 👼🏽👼🏼👼🏿
A lot has happened in the world since I started this habit. During lockdown is when you all really started to feel like a community to me. I received an outpouring of “thanks for this” after releasing a PICTURES post on March 13, 2020 called Let Me Soothe Your Eyeballs. That was quite a week, right?
Then there was The Corvid Nineteen wordplay and artwork in April 2020. It’s hard to tactfully make light of a pandemic, but I tried.
I know our communication is pretty one-directional, but it was fun to experiment with crowd-sourcing images from you on themes like What brings you serenity or joy? first in photos and a few months later in doodles. Your submissions did not disappoint! 🌟
Together we have wrestled with social justice issues, with body image, with scarcity and enoughness. We raised money for Black Voters Matter, we imagined new angles in the abortion debate, and more and more and more. I’m not afraid to head right for the center of the thorny stuff, and — well, you’re still here with me, so you must be ok with it, too. I appreciate your willingness to engage with hard stuff.
Thanks Again 🙏🏽
Like I said earlier, I might still do this even if no one was on the other end, but there’s a good chance I’d get too discouraged and give up. Or I’d just keep it all hidden in my stacks of journals.
You being there really does matter. You give me a chance to test out ideas, let my imagination roam, and figure out what I actually think about things. Because I’m doing it in front of you (real you or theoretical you), it challenges me to be sharper, to dig deeper, to ask myself, “Do I really believe that, or am I just trying to impress someone?” and other truth-seeking questions.
Truth, beauty, love. Curiosity, imagination, courage. That’s what I’m aiming for and why I practice, both in this corner of cyberspace, and in my broader life.
What about you? I’m curious about your core values and what habits, routines, or rituals you put in place to practice them. My readers don’t often leave comments on my blog, but you could be one of the courageous ones who do! Or send me an email. Or just carry the question with you. (If you’d like help creating healthier habits, contact me about 1-on-1 coaching. I’ll have some openings in the new year.)
Thanks for sharing this journey with me. I appreciate you.
Pam
P.S. I won’t be scheduling or participating in any craft sales this holiday season, mostly because I’m serving on a grand jury until December 27th! 😲 It’s kind of like reporting to work every day, Mon-Fri 9-5, for a sobering but temporary office job. HOWEVER, please consider these options:
My online shop is open 24/7 and there’s a post office right near the courthouse! I’m happy, able, and willing to process and lovingly package your orders and get them in the mail to you. 📦
Portland-area folks, you will adore the groovy vintage vibe at Broken Dreams, on NE Alberta between 15th and 16th Ave. Kristen and Jesse, the owners (who are also mosaic artists), are carrying a lot of my stuff in their shop: art prints, greeting cards, mosaics, up-cycled fabric wall hangings and handbags, Doodle Books, and more! You’ll also find clothing, LPs, and loads of local art there. Please check them out and tell them I sent you. 😘
Then stop in at the Rose City Book Pub for a beer and some grub. Elise, the owner, has been carrying my Doodle Books since Holiday Season 2020 when it first came out. 📚💞 Her clientele seems to like it. I have a few sets of Ugly Sweater notecards for sale there, too. Enjoy this neighborhood hangout/used book shop on NE Fremont near 13th Ave.