You are here, writing this. I am here, reading this. There is my answer. It may not pay the bills (yet), but it feeds our souls. Have I told you how much I love this?
You're like a fine machete cutting away the overgrown jungle to reveal the ancient temple I'm flailing about looking for. Of course you're right. It's a huge privilege that you (and others) are here "reading this". Maybe this turmoil is blunting me, but I am truly grateful for your eyes (eye) on my writing, Fotini, thank you.
I'm clambering back onto my horse and here you are giving me a leg up. Thanks my friend :)
I had a couple of schnapps at lunch today, Swedish national day, and then fell asleep for the rest of the day. Sorely needed and man, what a super lightweight :) Sounds like you had a couple too ;)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! My gift is you ❤️
Your words are valuable, Jonathan. The connections we’re making here are valuable. Literature and records are imperative.
Will any of this doing right this shipwreck we’re on? Who knows? But as a friend and poet also here on Substack wrote in a poem, the musicians on the Titanic knew what mattered in life.
We need each other. We need to “sing” to each other—to shore each other up and give each other solace and hope. And you’re doing so beautifully.
I actually had to stifle a tear here, now that's been a while! When I was writing this I thought of you and your truth about for community. You've said it before and it lands perfectly with me, Holly, thanks pal :)
What Fotini said. I’m waving from Vermont! 👋 I am here too. Here, in this tiny world you share with us so generously, you are preaching to the choir. I know exactly why you write; it is part who you are , a need like food and water. And love. You write for sustenance of your soul, and I am here reading , for mine. At first, I was reading this post and frowning , thinking, oh no. But then, this is Jonathan, where is he going with this idea.
But then.
“I’ve just lost my job. Been made redundant. Given the elbow. Sacked.” No no my friend, you have been set free.
I know, you don’t need my advice, I’m giving it anyway; I noticed. Your wife was heading out the door with ‘the dog’. Something didn’t feel right. Stand up, shake it off like Benny does, that’s right, a full shake, almost dizzying , don’t forget the rest of your body, and metaphorically speaking, tail. Good, now grab the leash, a few , more than a few biscuits, chart a new course with your guide and head out to the wilds. Take a cue from the dog, set yourself free. Every day, the rest will fall into place.
BTW, can anyone else write so beautifully about being “sacked”, absolutely not!
Firstly, You are such a brilliant reader Lor, my friend. Yes, my wife taking the dog out is the ultimate sign of my becoming obsolete, kinda trying to show the dependency of relationships when roles are changed. And the leash hanging where is always hangs, yet it can't be found, even though it's right there, is the same kinda idea. I try and try and write this stuff and when it comes back to me I am seriously so grateful.
You and Fotini both. Thanks.
And I love your advice. I accept it fully because its coming from you Lor. And yes, as Janis might have said, freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose, so thanks my friend. I know you know this but yes, Benny is the Guru in this relationship :)
You know, I find it interesting ,there are a select few on this platform, my favorite writers ,the ones that I have been reading for at least a year or two, lately, the word friend, has been passed back and forth. Maybe for some, it is a ‘friendly’ cordial acknowledgment, not much depth to the meaning. No meat and potatoes, or pasta without sauce? You get the idea. For me, I do not use the word lightly, but when a great writer pours their heart into their work, and I have this incredible ability to communicate on a regular basis, I have no doubt, among those few individuals, if I were to ever meet in person, there would be laughter, and a big hug. And a “hey I know you!”
Yes. I’m not sure how to articulate what or how, just one intentional step at a time that feels right. It will unfold amidst (despite?) the chaos and crumble. When a new way emerges, we’ll be walking on the path in the garden.
That's a beautiful way to put it Shaista, I'm not sure why but I really like that, maybe the intentional steps, maybe the unfolding despite? Anyway, thanks so much for reading and your comment 🙏🏽
Stunning way to wake up to life this morning. Stress has a way of stripping away our ability to be present, and I have been drifting away into thoughts of doom. "I can't do this anymore." Love matters, honesty matters, and wrestling through hard things together helps. There's no justification that you are giving away for free something that has remarkable value. What would happen if we all paid everyone every time we read their thoughtful and time-consuming work?
Funny you should say that, today is Swedish national day, and after an early lunch, and a million years of "stripping away (my) ability to be present" I fell asleep after lunch (much needed), only to wake to tbis stunnig comment :) Thanks Laury.
Great question and point and also confusing. I wonder if actually all things of value should be given away for free, after all isn't that what we really do. Love? Kindness? Writing? Maybe that's exactly what you meant :) thanks so much for your comment
I'm glad you got some rest. That helps, too. I appreciate so much your perspective: things of great value should be free.
My comment came from the perspective of someone who is on the other side of the equation: a sometimes paying subscriber.
I was truly wondering what would happen if we all were more focused on being patrons of each other's art. Givers instead of just consumers. Tribes who supported each other's work in a natural, organic way.
I'm long-winded and I apologize for that. Years ago I made the decision to just give what I have although I suggested that people could support me if they were inclined. For the most part, I still give my writing away, and sometimes, I feel like I'm giving life experience and insight that has value. And that's okay with me.
My apologies first Laury, I didn't mean to appear to disagree with you, I meant (clumsily) to just push the boat out further :)
"I was truly wondering what would happen if we all were more focused on being patrons of each other's art. Givers instead of just consumers. Tribes who supported each other's work in a natural, organic way." - Yes, exactly, wouldn't it be wonderful is socially, within society, art was properly rewarded for being worthy in and of itself?! I completely agree :)
And yes, "life experience and insight" is not only invaluable but an ancient human transaction of true long term value in that it makes all of us better, who'd want a market value on that? 🙏🏽❤️
You already know how I so value your writing….as do the friends I always share your words with.
And in regards to this: “Is there anything we can do to platform gentleness, compassion and love in a world sorely in need of these values? I think there is. Do you?”….Yes, I do. I still believe in kindness & love & light….against all odds, I still believe it will make a difference, that karma gonna get “them”, that the tide will turn…to spread kindness every day matters, to encourage, uplift others. Horrified as I am with what’s going on , somehow I still believe. And lately the absurdly of it all has me laughing, amidst my cries.
YES! Sometimes I wonder if karma has already got them, I mean, who'd wanna be them! Love and light received. Lets keep laughing. And Michaela, thanks. I really appreciate you saying "you are one of the best writers around". Today is Swedish national day, I fell asleep early and woke to a wonderful kindness ❤️
I feel like The White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, "I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date!" Jonathan, apologies for my tardiness, I'm here now, waving at you from my hill with a hug loaded with courage for the days to come.
I'm still dashing in circles, but just very quickly because I still have good hot English tea in my cup I refuse to leave, let me say this; you write because it's your sanctuary and salvation, I read because I love the way you sew words together and form a most beautiful tapestry, even when you've lost your job for which I am really sorry. The fuckers! They don't no what they've just lost!
Ha ha I had to look up "Illegitimi non carborundum"! Like it, yah! Screw the bastards :)
I said a similar thing to Kimberly the other day about coming late to the party and she replied with a very gracious everything in its own time, or something like that. I'll take the hug loaded with courage though :) Although I must say I'm actually pretty thrilled about it now the tectonic plates have settled! Roll on next thing.
Thanks as always Susie, it's a pleasure knowing you.
I'm sorry to hear about your job loss Jonathan. A horrible spinning untethered feeling is how I recall it and a subsequent questioning of who we are and what our role is here in the world. May you go gently on yourself as you allow that door to close and see what the Universe has given you this space for.
I loved reading this Jonathan and could so relate it to my many cafe pondering life and meaning sessions. 😊 This in particular:
"Perhaps I’m just ill-suited to the frivolous bourgeois life. I’ve so rarely found solace in trite social ceremony. I’ve always enjoyed the flare of intimacy or a flash of honesty in all the dull falsity."
And finally: a quote from the poet Arikeh which I had on my post last week.
Thanks so much Jo. This place is so supportive. I wanted to come and write and find writers and readers, and I came and found kind people sharing their hearts AND writing and reading. Just wonderful.
Totally agree with the sentiment of the poem, love it really, and feel it. I probably should be more concerned but to honest, even though I have no prospects for entering a privilege bubble, or any bubble for that matter, I feel at ease and free and kinda excited. What next? Let’s see what the Universe gives space for :)
I once meet a man, Frank. I dare say he would be alive now, but when he was he would dance by the fountain in Hyde Park to the tunes alive in his head, fox trotting back and forth in his beige suit and bowler hat. He was missing half his teeth. The kitchen cupboard of his small housing commission unit was bare save for two tins of baked beans. He liked baked beans. And everyday he would dance by the fountain between the stockbrokers and finance executives, department stores and the cathedral and beam with happiness. He wasn't busking. He wanted nothing. Yet, if you walked his way he would look you straight in the eye with the warmest smile you had even seen and quickstep for you. He was the happiest person I ever met.
We can escape the Shopkeeper Kings, at least the most important part of us can.
And, as crappy as it may feel, Jonathan, you may have just been given the gift of time. That novel?
I think you answer these questions every time you show up to honor your questioning—through the written word, your curiosity, your cultivation of community. You write (and allude to the thread of love holding it all together), “I’m trying to develop my craft, I’m writing and people are reading, there’s readership and community, what else is there?” That’s more than enough and I believe the energy ripples outwards, changing the very fabric of consciousness. We all contribute in one way or another, as long as we’re alive, so why question the path that most brings you alive? (This is what I say to your friend.:))
As usual, philosophical wiseness emanating from the forests of Oregon :) Thanks Kimberely. Also I know I have a bit of catching up to do with you, been a bit swamped recently but I'll be there. Still looking forward to the tripe video you made :)
You are here, writing this. I am here, reading this. There is my answer. It may not pay the bills (yet), but it feeds our souls. Have I told you how much I love this?
You're like a fine machete cutting away the overgrown jungle to reveal the ancient temple I'm flailing about looking for. Of course you're right. It's a huge privilege that you (and others) are here "reading this". Maybe this turmoil is blunting me, but I am truly grateful for your eyes (eye) on my writing, Fotini, thank you.
I'm clambering back onto my horse and here you are giving me a leg up. Thanks my friend :)
I'm sending good wishes your way, Jonathan. I got a thud paragraph 1. I'm with Fotini and all the comments this thread. You've a gift.
I had a couple of schnapps at lunch today, Swedish national day, and then fell asleep for the rest of the day. Sorely needed and man, what a super lightweight :) Sounds like you had a couple too ;)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! My gift is you ❤️
Trust the horse, it will take you where you need to be :)
Good, order me a raki, I'll be sitting in that writer's bar with you, soon ;)
Grab a hat, Summer is in full swing already!
With friends like that and all that!
Your words are valuable, Jonathan. The connections we’re making here are valuable. Literature and records are imperative.
Will any of this doing right this shipwreck we’re on? Who knows? But as a friend and poet also here on Substack wrote in a poem, the musicians on the Titanic knew what mattered in life.
We need each other. We need to “sing” to each other—to shore each other up and give each other solace and hope. And you’re doing so beautifully.
I actually had to stifle a tear here, now that's been a while! When I was writing this I thought of you and your truth about for community. You've said it before and it lands perfectly with me, Holly, thanks pal :)
What Fotini said. I’m waving from Vermont! 👋 I am here too. Here, in this tiny world you share with us so generously, you are preaching to the choir. I know exactly why you write; it is part who you are , a need like food and water. And love. You write for sustenance of your soul, and I am here reading , for mine. At first, I was reading this post and frowning , thinking, oh no. But then, this is Jonathan, where is he going with this idea.
But then.
“I’ve just lost my job. Been made redundant. Given the elbow. Sacked.” No no my friend, you have been set free.
I know, you don’t need my advice, I’m giving it anyway; I noticed. Your wife was heading out the door with ‘the dog’. Something didn’t feel right. Stand up, shake it off like Benny does, that’s right, a full shake, almost dizzying , don’t forget the rest of your body, and metaphorically speaking, tail. Good, now grab the leash, a few , more than a few biscuits, chart a new course with your guide and head out to the wilds. Take a cue from the dog, set yourself free. Every day, the rest will fall into place.
BTW, can anyone else write so beautifully about being “sacked”, absolutely not!
Firstly, You are such a brilliant reader Lor, my friend. Yes, my wife taking the dog out is the ultimate sign of my becoming obsolete, kinda trying to show the dependency of relationships when roles are changed. And the leash hanging where is always hangs, yet it can't be found, even though it's right there, is the same kinda idea. I try and try and write this stuff and when it comes back to me I am seriously so grateful.
You and Fotini both. Thanks.
And I love your advice. I accept it fully because its coming from you Lor. And yes, as Janis might have said, freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose, so thanks my friend. I know you know this but yes, Benny is the Guru in this relationship :)
You know, I find it interesting ,there are a select few on this platform, my favorite writers ,the ones that I have been reading for at least a year or two, lately, the word friend, has been passed back and forth. Maybe for some, it is a ‘friendly’ cordial acknowledgment, not much depth to the meaning. No meat and potatoes, or pasta without sauce? You get the idea. For me, I do not use the word lightly, but when a great writer pours their heart into their work, and I have this incredible ability to communicate on a regular basis, I have no doubt, among those few individuals, if I were to ever meet in person, there would be laughter, and a big hug. And a “hey I know you!”
I am referring to Benny of course.
Ha ha Benny boy! He sure is someone you'd enjoy :)
(Thanks Lor)
Yes. I’m not sure how to articulate what or how, just one intentional step at a time that feels right. It will unfold amidst (despite?) the chaos and crumble. When a new way emerges, we’ll be walking on the path in the garden.
That's a beautiful way to put it Shaista, I'm not sure why but I really like that, maybe the intentional steps, maybe the unfolding despite? Anyway, thanks so much for reading and your comment 🙏🏽
A beautiful and validating contemplation. Thank you for allowing the reflection.
🙏🏽
Art is resistance
to what is and come what may.
“We” is resilience.
Art is resistance - We is resilience.
Brilliant! Banksy's next piece?
Thanks Marisol :)
Stunning way to wake up to life this morning. Stress has a way of stripping away our ability to be present, and I have been drifting away into thoughts of doom. "I can't do this anymore." Love matters, honesty matters, and wrestling through hard things together helps. There's no justification that you are giving away for free something that has remarkable value. What would happen if we all paid everyone every time we read their thoughtful and time-consuming work?
Funny you should say that, today is Swedish national day, and after an early lunch, and a million years of "stripping away (my) ability to be present" I fell asleep after lunch (much needed), only to wake to tbis stunnig comment :) Thanks Laury.
Great question and point and also confusing. I wonder if actually all things of value should be given away for free, after all isn't that what we really do. Love? Kindness? Writing? Maybe that's exactly what you meant :) thanks so much for your comment
I'm glad you got some rest. That helps, too. I appreciate so much your perspective: things of great value should be free.
My comment came from the perspective of someone who is on the other side of the equation: a sometimes paying subscriber.
I was truly wondering what would happen if we all were more focused on being patrons of each other's art. Givers instead of just consumers. Tribes who supported each other's work in a natural, organic way.
I'm long-winded and I apologize for that. Years ago I made the decision to just give what I have although I suggested that people could support me if they were inclined. For the most part, I still give my writing away, and sometimes, I feel like I'm giving life experience and insight that has value. And that's okay with me.
My apologies first Laury, I didn't mean to appear to disagree with you, I meant (clumsily) to just push the boat out further :)
"I was truly wondering what would happen if we all were more focused on being patrons of each other's art. Givers instead of just consumers. Tribes who supported each other's work in a natural, organic way." - Yes, exactly, wouldn't it be wonderful is socially, within society, art was properly rewarded for being worthy in and of itself?! I completely agree :)
And yes, "life experience and insight" is not only invaluable but an ancient human transaction of true long term value in that it makes all of us better, who'd want a market value on that? 🙏🏽❤️
You already know how I so value your writing….as do the friends I always share your words with.
And in regards to this: “Is there anything we can do to platform gentleness, compassion and love in a world sorely in need of these values? I think there is. Do you?”….Yes, I do. I still believe in kindness & love & light….against all odds, I still believe it will make a difference, that karma gonna get “them”, that the tide will turn…to spread kindness every day matters, to encourage, uplift others. Horrified as I am with what’s going on , somehow I still believe. And lately the absurdly of it all has me laughing, amidst my cries.
For me, you are one of the best writers around.
Sending out love & light to all 🫶🏽🙌🫶🏽
YES! Sometimes I wonder if karma has already got them, I mean, who'd wanna be them! Love and light received. Lets keep laughing. And Michaela, thanks. I really appreciate you saying "you are one of the best writers around". Today is Swedish national day, I fell asleep early and woke to a wonderful kindness ❤️
I feel like The White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, "I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date!" Jonathan, apologies for my tardiness, I'm here now, waving at you from my hill with a hug loaded with courage for the days to come.
I'm still dashing in circles, but just very quickly because I still have good hot English tea in my cup I refuse to leave, let me say this; you write because it's your sanctuary and salvation, I read because I love the way you sew words together and form a most beautiful tapestry, even when you've lost your job for which I am really sorry. The fuckers! They don't no what they've just lost!
"Illegitimi non carborundum"
Ha ha I had to look up "Illegitimi non carborundum"! Like it, yah! Screw the bastards :)
I said a similar thing to Kimberly the other day about coming late to the party and she replied with a very gracious everything in its own time, or something like that. I'll take the hug loaded with courage though :) Although I must say I'm actually pretty thrilled about it now the tectonic plates have settled! Roll on next thing.
Thanks as always Susie, it's a pleasure knowing you.
Firstly, Glad Nationaldag for the 6th June. 🇸🇪❤️.
I'm sorry to hear about your job loss Jonathan. A horrible spinning untethered feeling is how I recall it and a subsequent questioning of who we are and what our role is here in the world. May you go gently on yourself as you allow that door to close and see what the Universe has given you this space for.
I loved reading this Jonathan and could so relate it to my many cafe pondering life and meaning sessions. 😊 This in particular:
"Perhaps I’m just ill-suited to the frivolous bourgeois life. I’ve so rarely found solace in trite social ceremony. I’ve always enjoyed the flare of intimacy or a flash of honesty in all the dull falsity."
And finally: a quote from the poet Arikeh which I had on my post last week.
“Sometimes,
all you can do is to
embrace the uncertainty.
Focus on the wait,
enjoy the beauty of becoming.
For when nothing is certain,
anything is possible.”
Poet arikeh
Thanks so much Jo. This place is so supportive. I wanted to come and write and find writers and readers, and I came and found kind people sharing their hearts AND writing and reading. Just wonderful.
Totally agree with the sentiment of the poem, love it really, and feel it. I probably should be more concerned but to honest, even though I have no prospects for entering a privilege bubble, or any bubble for that matter, I feel at ease and free and kinda excited. What next? Let’s see what the Universe gives space for :)
Thanks again
I once meet a man, Frank. I dare say he would be alive now, but when he was he would dance by the fountain in Hyde Park to the tunes alive in his head, fox trotting back and forth in his beige suit and bowler hat. He was missing half his teeth. The kitchen cupboard of his small housing commission unit was bare save for two tins of baked beans. He liked baked beans. And everyday he would dance by the fountain between the stockbrokers and finance executives, department stores and the cathedral and beam with happiness. He wasn't busking. He wanted nothing. Yet, if you walked his way he would look you straight in the eye with the warmest smile you had even seen and quickstep for you. He was the happiest person I ever met.
We can escape the Shopkeeper Kings, at least the most important part of us can.
And, as crappy as it may feel, Jonathan, you may have just been given the gift of time. That novel?
That was a great vignette of Frank, I'm going to get my dancing shoes on :)
Thanks Alia, you're right of course, the most important part of us is always free.
I think you answer these questions every time you show up to honor your questioning—through the written word, your curiosity, your cultivation of community. You write (and allude to the thread of love holding it all together), “I’m trying to develop my craft, I’m writing and people are reading, there’s readership and community, what else is there?” That’s more than enough and I believe the energy ripples outwards, changing the very fabric of consciousness. We all contribute in one way or another, as long as we’re alive, so why question the path that most brings you alive? (This is what I say to your friend.:))
As usual, philosophical wiseness emanating from the forests of Oregon :) Thanks Kimberely. Also I know I have a bit of catching up to do with you, been a bit swamped recently but I'll be there. Still looking forward to the tripe video you made :)
Thanks so much pal.
Oregon wisdom is always here when you need it.:) And no need to “catch up”—we digest things just when we need them and no sooner. 💛
I hope there is -- I keep hoping... and there is this -- the writing, the voices of sanity, what we love.
Well said Ja, I agree, kindness can whittle away at this block of madness and like sand in the wind will eventually wear away the craziness :)
Loved this Jonathan! Superb writing.
So many different parts, angles, thoughts...
🙏🏽❤️
Great read! Keep doing what you’re doing. We’re all in this together.
Perfectly put Kelly, on the same boat and in it together :) Thanks for reading and commenting Kelly ❤️
Human kind on self destruct!
👏👏👏
Yep, madness and an applause.
That's a perfect appraisal of life :)
"Flare of intimacy and a flash of honesty" love it!
Add a sprinkle of understanding and a smidgen of support and we might just make it... :)