While I am not a subscriber, I have often seen your name and comments revolving in a similar circle as my own. And I did notice your name was noticeably missing. Welcome back to yourself. Keep the home fires burning, I can see the sparks flying from here.
Hi Bertus, I am delighted to see your return to the world of the written word! Only yesterday, or maybe the day before? I nipped over to your account to check I was still subscribed, that some ghost in the machine had not tapped the unsubscribe button for me - it’s happened before! But no, I now learn I am still subscribed and you are still here, just quietly waiting for the right moment to return. Thank goodness…
Welcome back - j’attends la suite avec impatience.
Hey Holly, this time I really leaned into trusting that something wanted to be told using my voice. Sounds creepy to say it like this. But I simply mean using my words and not trying to sound like anyone else, and not skipping ahead. Just allowing the thing to go where it wanted to go. The result is a wonderfully weird book. Very me, very now.
Looking forward to catching up on the rolling desk...
I feel gratefully inspired by your story about how the novel burst forth after you paused and realized you had stopped listening. It's a useful lesson I'm going to apply now, in this moment. What have I stopped listening to?
Oh, my dear friend, what a gift to read your words and to see your creations. "I needed to find my way back to listening." This is a mantra I would do well to tattoo on the back of my hand. May we all find our way back to listening. I can't wait to read your book. I can't wait to put our work in the world. I love you so much!
Hi Bertus, nice to see you pop up here with your story of the past months. Am glad you're inspired to do lino-cutting again -- Art/Craft is vital, revolutionary, and plays some role in 'saving us all' from ourselves - (ref also a TED talk if you're into that kind of thing, though not new to you I reckon: {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XZ9z6OewR0} ). All the best, Josh.
Welcome back Bertus, and what a gift to have the flow open back up the way it did. And Jenna has told me a bit about your work together - I can't wait to see it unfold! Sorry to hear about your dad.
Thanks Julie, liminal space it was these last months. I think you will enjoy this story. Jenna and I will start in a few weeks sharing the co-project...
If dark optimism was a genre of fiction, I think this story would be that. This book is a spinoff of your work, my friend. Big love to you, Shaun. Grateful for your support.
Hi Bertus,
While I am not a subscriber, I have often seen your name and comments revolving in a similar circle as my own. And I did notice your name was noticeably missing. Welcome back to yourself. Keep the home fires burning, I can see the sparks flying from here.
Thank you Lor, good to be back.
I forgot to mention, love your linocutting .
Hi Lor! Oh how you’ll love Bertus. Just sayin’…❤️❤️❤️
Hi Bertus, I am delighted to see your return to the world of the written word! Only yesterday, or maybe the day before? I nipped over to your account to check I was still subscribed, that some ghost in the machine had not tapped the unsubscribe button for me - it’s happened before! But no, I now learn I am still subscribed and you are still here, just quietly waiting for the right moment to return. Thank goodness…
Welcome back - j’attends la suite avec impatience.
Thank you Susie, how wonderful that you came looking for me only days ago.
Welcome back, Bertus.
I love that the story was there all along. :)
Hey Holly, this time I really leaned into trusting that something wanted to be told using my voice. Sounds creepy to say it like this. But I simply mean using my words and not trying to sound like anyone else, and not skipping ahead. Just allowing the thing to go where it wanted to go. The result is a wonderfully weird book. Very me, very now.
Looking forward to catching up on the rolling desk...
Love this description. It really does feel like there’s a something else, a wanting when you’re in the flow of things.
I feel gratefully inspired by your story about how the novel burst forth after you paused and realized you had stopped listening. It's a useful lesson I'm going to apply now, in this moment. What have I stopped listening to?
Gratitude back at you, Joe, so good to hear!
Welcome back, Bertus!
My condolences on the passing of your father.
RE: the story. That's amazing and wonderful. The linocutting is also incredible.
Oh, my dear friend, what a gift to read your words and to see your creations. "I needed to find my way back to listening." This is a mantra I would do well to tattoo on the back of my hand. May we all find our way back to listening. I can't wait to read your book. I can't wait to put our work in the world. I love you so much!
Hi Bertus, nice to see you pop up here with your story of the past months. Am glad you're inspired to do lino-cutting again -- Art/Craft is vital, revolutionary, and plays some role in 'saving us all' from ourselves - (ref also a TED talk if you're into that kind of thing, though not new to you I reckon: {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XZ9z6OewR0} ). All the best, Josh.
Welcome back Bertus, and what a gift to have the flow open back up the way it did. And Jenna has told me a bit about your work together - I can't wait to see it unfold! Sorry to hear about your dad.
Thanks Julie, liminal space it was these last months. I think you will enjoy this story. Jenna and I will start in a few weeks sharing the co-project...
So good to have you back Bertus, and to see that your absence was for all the true reasons.
My love to you, my friend, as you learn to live in a world after your Dad's passing.
If dark optimism was a genre of fiction, I think this story would be that. This book is a spinoff of your work, my friend. Big love to you, Shaun. Grateful for your support.
Welcome back Bertus! You’ve been missed. 💛
Hah, missed you too, my Substack-sister. (Hesitate to leave that title in here, but removing it was worse, so, there it is).
Really looking forward to re-connect.
Substack-sister!! What an honor!!! Please never ever delete what first jumps to mind/heart.