Really connect with all of what you have said here. The experimentation, the fear of being oblique, of packing too much in, of learning.
& &
So good to have connected via Substack. You've a real talent, Jonathan. Always look forward to reading your posts. Now the writer with the pen. I've only very recently started writing too by the way. Most people here seem to be writing all their lives. The noticings are so much of it. A huge part of it. Maybe we were writing with invisible ink?
Well, firstly, thanks so much Síodhna, I really do appreciate your kind words.
And your actual words! There's something strange with the writing of others, how one can connect with the "voice" or the "eye", or what isn't said or I don't know, but I really loved your writing straight away. Noticings is right. The attention paid and the bravery to say what is seen. Thank goodness we both moved on from invisible ink :)
Here are five words I never thought I would write: Thank God for Arsenal Football!
Also, you're definitely not an imposter. You're one of my favorite writers and minds on here. I experience genuine joy when I see a new piece from you because I know it's going to make me think more deeply and feel more intimately about a world that's slowly slipping away.
So, thank you for sharing your gift with us. Please don't ever stop. You were destined for this path. Take it as long and far and you and the dog can take it.
That's a wonderful comment, Troy (especially the Arsenal bit ;)
I remember when I wrote an early piece, and you mentioned to someone that it helped you to choose to post something you'd been working on. I felt so proud and pleased, and you've continued to help me feel that way about my writing ever since. You've genuinely kept me going so thank you Troy.
The Shimmering Delicacy Of All Things was the third or fourth essay of yours I read. There were lovers who likely felt this way but were unable to express. Your precise wordsmithing brought this profound realization. You have performed all the witnessing of the immense worlds required to fit them into the small spaces of the great writer. Pleased to follow your plan.
I believe I have you to thank, Paul, for pointing me in Jonathan's direction. I'm afraid I can't remember. Then Jonathan recommended another piece which hooked me :)
Maybe. I’m sure you would have found him anyway. I still have the initial version of my Substack and it has 10 subscribers that aren’t on my current subscriber list. I’m afraid to delete it for fear it will delete everything.
When I first stumbled upon The Crow and read a few pieces back from the piece that brought me here (although I'm sorry to say that I can't say which one this was anymore) I tried to Google you to see if I could get a book of yours to buy. I was so disappointed not to be able to find it! 😂
Such strange words for me to read "I have imposter syndrome for a reason." from you Jonathan, and then "I’ve only been doing this “writing” thing for a short time.". Were you to have asked me what you do as a career, I would have replied, without hesitation, you are a journalist or a professor of philosophy.
Cast aside your concerns they are wholly unnecessary... you write with a depth of understanding most of us could only ever dream of possessing, me especially. Your 'oblique' manner of writing, is not only beguiling but intrigues the reader, I know too well I will read twice before even getting close to the meaning (and even then I'm out by a mile sometimes) but I love that you do this.
I remember the first post I read, actually I listened to the audio while I was walking, something I rarely do but oh how the title intrigued me 'There be Monsters' I wasn't disappointed, I remember even now the last paragraph of that essay, the last line... "There be monsters for they are us."
Anyway, keep writing - I praise from this old gal!
Strange though , that you are a football fan but perhaps that it is better left... ;-)
Thank you Susie. I am so in awe of your beautiful craft-full writing, the way you conjure up a world for us all to wander/wonder through so skillfully. So it is high praise indeed.
And thank you also for your kind words , they do actually mean a lot to me. I have spent much time paying attention to the world and my fellow humans, and thinking about both, and I do try and write with depth and care, so I am truly grateful that you give my writing time and thought that you do and that you notice these things. It's a real pleasure to meet like-minded people and form this small Substack "community". I want to say I'm very grateful our paths crossed :)
I guess I've always been pretty swift at picking things up and getting to the gist of things, I suppose, so it's a real pleasure to be trying to navigate through all that can be said and try and say something that has some value, in my mind at least, and say it in a beautiful way. Let's see where we all go with these writings we do. But where ever that might be, the journey is super fun!
Right, now I'm off to watch the game...I know, I know, it's a crazy world ;)
Years ago when you gave me the story about the pet /aquatic shop i thought this is great, more, more but life’s a sand dune changing, constantly moving often unrecognisable years down the line, but you kept with your passion and I’m so glad you’re now here doing the writing! I also will say the words I’d never thought possible, thank goodness for Arsenal, don’t tell anyone though.
That imposter syndrome you (we, many of us) seem to have, it is time to take it by the hand and escort it out of the house. I say enough. It doesn't matter how long you are doing this. As long as it comes from within it is yours to claim - no - it is you. Through your writing I have felt so many things that I cannot explain, but they were tangible and touched my heart. Keep doing this, dear Jonathan, please :)
Thanks pal. I genuinely appreciate your kind words.
Also, I've always loved your writing too. Excellent and real and smart and deep. I shall attempt to escort that little screeching Banshee of fear, that imposter, from my house. I guess the only truth is that "All things shall pass". Including a petty ego that turns upon itself. And who'd have ever thought Substack (Substack!) would act as both therapist and shaman? Crazy. Old. World.
Anyone with a decent education can compile grammatically correct sentences and construct a story. But all that other faffing about you did with the red wine, that's what makes you a wonderful writer, a writer that I've come to know as being reliably philosophical and entertaining. I'm glad to have found you on Substack Jonathan.
Thanks Jonathan, that's kind of you to say. I'm glad you've found a way to write the things you want to. I know such a time will come for me too. Until then, I've got stolen minutes, quick thoughts, thin time and a wonderful community on Substack.
Well, I'm still stealing time too. I'd love love love to dedicate all my time to it, but in this world of oncoming debt streams, it's still a dream. Let's keep going though, slowly, slowly...
Oh my goodness, Jonathan! I, personally, am glad you are here. You are an inspiration!! I love your writing style and the way you use language. Though I do not consider myself a writer, I think we all feel the imposter syndrome from time to time, especially when you read others' work and think I can never do that. Shoo those thoughts away and continue doing what you're doing!! It's wonderful!! XO
And oh my goodness right back atcha, Danielle :) I think this thread of comments has allowed me to really air my true gratitude to some really wonderful people and I want to add you to the list. You've always made such thoughtful and smart comments, you've always honed in with such sensitivity to many of the more tender posts I've written, and you've always been so genuinely kind. There are times when it feels like crucifying oneself here on the open stage, and you've come along so often and made me feel confident about my style. So thank you. 🙏🏽
Well...shucks...thank you. Vulnerability, though it can feel like you are crucifying yourself openly, is a beautiful, authentic, and raw way of Being, Jonathan. At the same time, it lays the groundwork for open, heartfelt connection to all the people who read you - they get to know you and they share how they connect to you through what you've written and it is lovely. That is what a writer, like you, hopes for - to truly make connections in people, to cause them to reflect on themselves and share it back to you. Based on the comments I often read here, you ARE doing that, so count that among your blessings. Don't stop, Jonathan!! Keep going. We ALL need lovely writers like yourself. XO
I do think it's an art form too, in some ways. A concise and beautifully created essay in miniature with a little thought and a lot of heart that doesn't insult or belittle or diminish.
BTW, I completely agree with your note earlier where you suggest using ones "empathy to make someone else’s day better". Quite a beautiful comment I think :)
Early Congratulations on the first anniversary of The Crow. When I first encountered Shimmering Delicacy, I thought you had been writing forever. It had a flow and compellingness (is that a word?) that I hadn’t encountered online before. Always excellent Jonathan!
Thanks Paul, you’ve been reading and reposting and supporting my writing from the beginning and I can’t tell you how much of a boost that’s been. A genuine heartfelt thanks to you mate 🙏🏼
Excellent Jonathan. That finding your "voice" thing is mostly just doing a lot of singing, which my wife Laurie does. After decades and singing hundreds of songs for endless hours in front of a lot of people her singing has stripped down to just her voice, the part that is really her. You may be a "late bloomer" like me, taking an odd, circuitous path to a destination but who's keeping score? There's nobody standing there with a stopwatch saying, "Jonathan, you are 7.4 years tardy in arriving." I believe your first book will be a compilation of your essays. Yer pal, Wes
That's a wonderful way to look at it Wes, thanks. Love the singing analogy and the "no one keeping score" idea. Has a touch of craft about the learning through doing, and, naturally, it's smothered in Wise! I like that a lot. (I had that idea about the first book - sorta what I was hoping The Crow would help me with...watch this space ;)
Also, just want to say, I'm so glad we crossed paths here on Substack. I've loved reading your your poetry (and your carpenter essays - which I think are brilliant too) and your actual story to be a real inspiration to me. From one high functioner to another, cheers pal :)
Sorry I've realised I'm a bit of a wall-flower commenter on substacks, rarely making an appearance when a (well-deserved) crowd is appearing, but I'm still here and reading every one and enjoying immensely. The last one about your girls especially. Thank you!
You’re so welcome Leon. I think we crossed paths on one of the environmental Substacks and then I read some of your amazing pieces about life in the Philippines. So inspiring. I’m really glad you’re still here 🙏🏼
I loved the candid, confessional nature of the narrative here. You did something on an emotional level that I’ve not got from the Substack before. I felt invested in wanting you to succeed. Even though I am a Liverpool supporter.
Keep going Jonathan. You’re doing (writing!) good things.
Really connect with all of what you have said here. The experimentation, the fear of being oblique, of packing too much in, of learning.
& &
So good to have connected via Substack. You've a real talent, Jonathan. Always look forward to reading your posts. Now the writer with the pen. I've only very recently started writing too by the way. Most people here seem to be writing all their lives. The noticings are so much of it. A huge part of it. Maybe we were writing with invisible ink?
Well, firstly, thanks so much Síodhna, I really do appreciate your kind words.
And your actual words! There's something strange with the writing of others, how one can connect with the "voice" or the "eye", or what isn't said or I don't know, but I really loved your writing straight away. Noticings is right. The attention paid and the bravery to say what is seen. Thank goodness we both moved on from invisible ink :)
That's a lovely thing to say. The voice and the eye, yes.
On invisible things, maybe that was why we started with that ink.
Here are five words I never thought I would write: Thank God for Arsenal Football!
Also, you're definitely not an imposter. You're one of my favorite writers and minds on here. I experience genuine joy when I see a new piece from you because I know it's going to make me think more deeply and feel more intimately about a world that's slowly slipping away.
So, thank you for sharing your gift with us. Please don't ever stop. You were destined for this path. Take it as long and far and you and the dog can take it.
That's a wonderful comment, Troy (especially the Arsenal bit ;)
I remember when I wrote an early piece, and you mentioned to someone that it helped you to choose to post something you'd been working on. I felt so proud and pleased, and you've continued to help me feel that way about my writing ever since. You've genuinely kept me going so thank you Troy.
The Shimmering Delicacy Of All Things was the third or fourth essay of yours I read. There were lovers who likely felt this way but were unable to express. Your precise wordsmithing brought this profound realization. You have performed all the witnessing of the immense worlds required to fit them into the small spaces of the great writer. Pleased to follow your plan.
I am so grateful for your support and encouragement rena. Thank you
I cross-posted Shimmering Delicacy on an earlier version of my ‘stack but it doesn’t show up on my current one. It is a wonderful piece of writing.
I believe I have you to thank, Paul, for pointing me in Jonathan's direction. I'm afraid I can't remember. Then Jonathan recommended another piece which hooked me :)
Maybe. I’m sure you would have found him anyway. I still have the initial version of my Substack and it has 10 subscribers that aren’t on my current subscriber list. I’m afraid to delete it for fear it will delete everything.
It is. So moving for me. I sobbed for a good while :)
When I first stumbled upon The Crow and read a few pieces back from the piece that brought me here (although I'm sorry to say that I can't say which one this was anymore) I tried to Google you to see if I could get a book of yours to buy. I was so disappointed not to be able to find it! 😂
That's part of my second plan ;)
Seriously Sha Kepli, 🙏🏽
Confession: I also google in hopes of a book!
I share this not as pressure, but encouragement.
Encouragement taken 🙏🏽
Such strange words for me to read "I have imposter syndrome for a reason." from you Jonathan, and then "I’ve only been doing this “writing” thing for a short time.". Were you to have asked me what you do as a career, I would have replied, without hesitation, you are a journalist or a professor of philosophy.
Cast aside your concerns they are wholly unnecessary... you write with a depth of understanding most of us could only ever dream of possessing, me especially. Your 'oblique' manner of writing, is not only beguiling but intrigues the reader, I know too well I will read twice before even getting close to the meaning (and even then I'm out by a mile sometimes) but I love that you do this.
I remember the first post I read, actually I listened to the audio while I was walking, something I rarely do but oh how the title intrigued me 'There be Monsters' I wasn't disappointed, I remember even now the last paragraph of that essay, the last line... "There be monsters for they are us."
Anyway, keep writing - I praise from this old gal!
Strange though , that you are a football fan but perhaps that it is better left... ;-)
Thank you Susie. I am so in awe of your beautiful craft-full writing, the way you conjure up a world for us all to wander/wonder through so skillfully. So it is high praise indeed.
And thank you also for your kind words , they do actually mean a lot to me. I have spent much time paying attention to the world and my fellow humans, and thinking about both, and I do try and write with depth and care, so I am truly grateful that you give my writing time and thought that you do and that you notice these things. It's a real pleasure to meet like-minded people and form this small Substack "community". I want to say I'm very grateful our paths crossed :)
I guess I've always been pretty swift at picking things up and getting to the gist of things, I suppose, so it's a real pleasure to be trying to navigate through all that can be said and try and say something that has some value, in my mind at least, and say it in a beautiful way. Let's see where we all go with these writings we do. But where ever that might be, the journey is super fun!
Right, now I'm off to watch the game...I know, I know, it's a crazy world ;)
I hope they won.
Bet you never imagined you’d say that on substack 😂 (he he thanks they did)
Or anywhere else - I hope you’re celebrating with glass of wine - or is it a can of larger..? I can’t quite picture the latter… don’t tell me !
He he I'll keep my footballing secrets to myself ;)
(Ever fancy a read about it you could try this - https://arsenalwonderland.substack.com/p/the-unbearable-lightness-of-being)
I am intrigued, post saved - first I have a rendez-vous with a misty morning!
Years ago when you gave me the story about the pet /aquatic shop i thought this is great, more, more but life’s a sand dune changing, constantly moving often unrecognisable years down the line, but you kept with your passion and I’m so glad you’re now here doing the writing! I also will say the words I’d never thought possible, thank goodness for Arsenal, don’t tell anyone though.
Ha ha you mate, saying that! Finally coming to your senses? He he. Thanks Dinah, (love the sand dune analogy, might have to steal that one).
I enjoy your writing, and glad you followed your dream...you are no imposter.
As ridiculous as it sounds, I enjoy your reading too :) My dream would be nothing without you. Thanks Christine :)
We nourish each other's dreams...thank you for sharing yours ✨️
That imposter syndrome you (we, many of us) seem to have, it is time to take it by the hand and escort it out of the house. I say enough. It doesn't matter how long you are doing this. As long as it comes from within it is yours to claim - no - it is you. Through your writing I have felt so many things that I cannot explain, but they were tangible and touched my heart. Keep doing this, dear Jonathan, please :)
Maybe it's that single eye,
cheekily peeking,
or maybe it's your deep words,
always seeking,
but I've often felt, what's the phrase?
.. a sympathetic allegiance to your ways.
If I ever needed to banish a Banshee
from filling me with writerly fear
I'll rely on you, dear Fotini
to remind me to just persevere!
Thanks pal. I genuinely appreciate your kind words.
Also, I've always loved your writing too. Excellent and real and smart and deep. I shall attempt to escort that little screeching Banshee of fear, that imposter, from my house. I guess the only truth is that "All things shall pass". Including a petty ego that turns upon itself. And who'd have ever thought Substack (Substack!) would act as both therapist and shaman? Crazy. Old. World.
🙏🏽
That single eye, cheekily peeking is in truth afraid to leave its hiding space. But with allies like you, is eager to come out and play.
Thank you, Jonathan!
Then let’s march to the playground, free of fear, one and all! (He he, what fun)
What a lark!
Anyone with a decent education can compile grammatically correct sentences and construct a story. But all that other faffing about you did with the red wine, that's what makes you a wonderful writer, a writer that I've come to know as being reliably philosophical and entertaining. I'm glad to have found you on Substack Jonathan.
You're so right! And what a great way to justify that extra glass as necessary writerly training ;)
There's so much myth and legend surrounding being a "writer", when really it's a club open to everyone and anyone who dares to join :)
I'm so glad too, Alia, I really enjoy your Sub, always an excellent read.
Thanks Jonathan, that's kind of you to say. I'm glad you've found a way to write the things you want to. I know such a time will come for me too. Until then, I've got stolen minutes, quick thoughts, thin time and a wonderful community on Substack.
Well, I'm still stealing time too. I'd love love love to dedicate all my time to it, but in this world of oncoming debt streams, it's still a dream. Let's keep going though, slowly, slowly...
Oh my goodness, Jonathan! I, personally, am glad you are here. You are an inspiration!! I love your writing style and the way you use language. Though I do not consider myself a writer, I think we all feel the imposter syndrome from time to time, especially when you read others' work and think I can never do that. Shoo those thoughts away and continue doing what you're doing!! It's wonderful!! XO
And oh my goodness right back atcha, Danielle :) I think this thread of comments has allowed me to really air my true gratitude to some really wonderful people and I want to add you to the list. You've always made such thoughtful and smart comments, you've always honed in with such sensitivity to many of the more tender posts I've written, and you've always been so genuinely kind. There are times when it feels like crucifying oneself here on the open stage, and you've come along so often and made me feel confident about my style. So thank you. 🙏🏽
Well...shucks...thank you. Vulnerability, though it can feel like you are crucifying yourself openly, is a beautiful, authentic, and raw way of Being, Jonathan. At the same time, it lays the groundwork for open, heartfelt connection to all the people who read you - they get to know you and they share how they connect to you through what you've written and it is lovely. That is what a writer, like you, hopes for - to truly make connections in people, to cause them to reflect on themselves and share it back to you. Based on the comments I often read here, you ARE doing that, so count that among your blessings. Don't stop, Jonathan!! Keep going. We ALL need lovely writers like yourself. XO
See, there you go doing it again! Exactly! You got me not knowing what to say, which is rare, except, yeah, damn that's nice. Thanks.
You make me giggle! I am being the only person I can be. You are more than welcome!! XO
I appreciate what you wrote about practising the art of the comment for so long. Perhaps it is a genre in itself.
I do think it's an art form too, in some ways. A concise and beautifully created essay in miniature with a little thought and a lot of heart that doesn't insult or belittle or diminish.
BTW, I completely agree with your note earlier where you suggest using ones "empathy to make someone else’s day better". Quite a beautiful comment I think :)
Early Congratulations on the first anniversary of The Crow. When I first encountered Shimmering Delicacy, I thought you had been writing forever. It had a flow and compellingness (is that a word?) that I hadn’t encountered online before. Always excellent Jonathan!
Thanks Paul, you’ve been reading and reposting and supporting my writing from the beginning and I can’t tell you how much of a boost that’s been. A genuine heartfelt thanks to you mate 🙏🏼
Thanks for your work, Jonathan. It is one of my most favorite spaces on Substack.
Excellent Jonathan. That finding your "voice" thing is mostly just doing a lot of singing, which my wife Laurie does. After decades and singing hundreds of songs for endless hours in front of a lot of people her singing has stripped down to just her voice, the part that is really her. You may be a "late bloomer" like me, taking an odd, circuitous path to a destination but who's keeping score? There's nobody standing there with a stopwatch saying, "Jonathan, you are 7.4 years tardy in arriving." I believe your first book will be a compilation of your essays. Yer pal, Wes
That's a wonderful way to look at it Wes, thanks. Love the singing analogy and the "no one keeping score" idea. Has a touch of craft about the learning through doing, and, naturally, it's smothered in Wise! I like that a lot. (I had that idea about the first book - sorta what I was hoping The Crow would help me with...watch this space ;)
Also, just want to say, I'm so glad we crossed paths here on Substack. I've loved reading your your poetry (and your carpenter essays - which I think are brilliant too) and your actual story to be a real inspiration to me. From one high functioner to another, cheers pal :)
Hooray for high functioners that have survived. Here's an interesting article about late bloomers.
https://bigthink.com/smart-skills/3-traits-of-successful-late-bloomers/?utm_source=rejoiner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklynewsletter&utm_content=09%2F26%2F24+Smarter+Faster&rjnrid=6vANnYN
Hey Wes, that article was fascinating, thanks…made me feel quite, optimistic I guess. Opened doors in my mind a little. Thanks!
Thanks, Wes, I'll give that a read
Yeah, it did the same for me.
Sorry I've realised I'm a bit of a wall-flower commenter on substacks, rarely making an appearance when a (well-deserved) crowd is appearing, but I'm still here and reading every one and enjoying immensely. The last one about your girls especially. Thank you!
You’re so welcome Leon. I think we crossed paths on one of the environmental Substacks and then I read some of your amazing pieces about life in the Philippines. So inspiring. I’m really glad you’re still here 🙏🏼
Wonderful of you to launch into what you truly want to do! I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve read (I admit to being a new subscriber).
Please keep at it, enjoying every moment!
And as Kimberly said, now that you’ve blown your cover, we are all doubly impressed!
I’m glad you say that, Teyani, because all this blown your cover talk is making me nervous. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the pieces
I loved the candid, confessional nature of the narrative here. You did something on an emotional level that I’ve not got from the Substack before. I felt invested in wanting you to succeed. Even though I am a Liverpool supporter.
Keep going Jonathan. You’re doing (writing!) good things.
Ha ha, thanks Jon, very much appreciated indeed :)