The Brilliance of It All After about 20 minutes of telling my troubles to my garden friends and pulling a few weeds, something happened. Something brilliant.
Wow. Welcome to the rabbit hole! I am picturing you leaping into the air, doing a swan dive, then disappearing down the hole. Well done!
Thank you for your thoughts on the Comment Prompts. Alex Dobrenko does something similar in his Substack so I thought I'd give it a try. It was more fun than just asking readers what they think!
So glad you liked the Danish Orchestra. Until I saw the video I had no idea how all those sounds were made. Wish I could whistle like that!
So glad you can swim well and don't suffer from writer's block. In truth, it's not so much that I can't write, it's more that I am finding it difficult to focus on what I have promised in Kindness Magnet - showing readers daily kindness habits that can improve their health, opportunities, happiness. It has been a struggle for a little while now...maybe because I've been writing about it for a couple of years now. I have been having some heart to heart talks with myself about where I want to see the newsletter go. That's one of the reasons I started After 21 Club - it gave me the freedom to write about anything. 😁
Happy Monday, Mitch! (I'm trying to stay away from Bloom....)
I loved this comment about the depletion of low-hanging fruit. This metaphor is perfect, Mitchell. Some writing is so easy, because it is hanging right there in front of my eyes waiting only to be plucked. The best writing often requires a ladder. The dead space, the block, occurs just before climbing up the ladder.
Let's not talk about my garden 🫣. I do have two super-easy-to-look-after indoor plants. That's the best I can do. And yes, very occasionally, I might tell them how great or thirsty they look (and water them, of course!).
I have a garden patio - a mix of cactus and annuals and an indoor garden of houseplants. Oh, and my recent addition of a tomato plant. They bring great pleasure and I am super excited to have them because I live in an apartment.
Tomato plants. Janice, I never had a tomato plant until this year. Wow! I count 27 tomatoes on just one plant. I let them get soft and dark red before picking them. They are sweet as fruit, nothing like the ones I avoid in the market.
These are cherry tomatoes, and I had never had one either. I suspect there are about that many little green ones on the plant right now - hoping for the best.
Oh, Heather! My, my, my! Of all the posts I have read of yours, this is by far the best ever. It is so funny. So full of wit. So very entertaining. Your personality shines out here as never before. Whatever it is you are taking, girl, I want some! Congratulations on truly superb post!
This is why the write's block appeared. When I started Kindness Magnet, my brilliant plan (haha) was to research the scientific benefits of kindness and then show readers little kindness habits that they could develop that would lead to better health, opportunities, relationships, and happiness....with a relatable, real life story thrown in for good measure. After 2 years, I'm a little tired of writing about other people's kindness stories. They don't give me the opportunity to run nude in the garden, so to speak.
So...I am at a triple crossroads. Quit writing KM. Go back to a more structured KM that is more like a learner's manual for readers ala James Clear and Atomic Habits. Change the premise of KM and just be real about kindness in my personal path - not what readers currently sign up for. (Incidentally, 3 readers must have felt that way - they dropped this week, oh dear)
So, you see, it wasn't writer's block, exactly. I guess I would call it writer's frustration. A tiny fib.
Well, I feel several pounds lighter after that haha!
Oh...and since you said you wanted some, it's kahlua and cream over ice. 💚
So much to think about! You have done so well with KM, so many people love it because you are always optimistic, pro-active and practical. I think you will be successful no matter what you choose to do. But today's post was a real peek into who else you are and what else you can do. PLEASE do not be concerned about drop outs! It means nothing. There are thousands of writers on Substack to choose from. Do not take it personally. They are not running away from you, but rather running toward something they perceive as a better fit. For every three you lose, ten will be gained. You can't please everyone.I look forward to seeing what you decide.
"He finished ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ two weeks before his publisher’s deadline. Of course, it was January, 1931 so he must have been pretty chilly with just that shawl."
When I was a kid and an avid rock climber, a friend and I decided to climb a 2,000’ rock wall in the nude, because no one ever did it before, but it snowed the day we planned to do it. No life lessons learned, no profound hidden wisdom gained. Just a pointless story about trying to do a great feat while naked.
Ha. We actually wore climbing shoes, which scrunch up one’s feet, so the feet never feel great, and if we had achieved our goal, I am certain someone would have scolded us for our bold exuberance. The precedent gods did not smile upon us.
Related question: where did you get those shoes, and do they have them in men’s sizes?
So in truth, only 99% naked. There are those climbing shoes, after all...
My chicken sloggers are from Amazon. There are men's versions, but not nearly as cute...more manly-ish. So...depends on your size. They are my bestest of friends, attending nearly every event unless I have to wear a dress. I'm also partial to the red rooster sloggers... haven't bought those yet, but on my 'do I really need another pair of garden sloggers' list. Until the chickens croak, the roosters will have to crow without me.
I do minimal gardening because of my back. I deadheaded a huge daisy bush a couple month ago and needed a bath at the end. I wanted to stop half way but kept telling myself, Just one more... Then, when I thought I'd finished I'd find more dead daisy flowers in a different section.
Do you prefer yellow or red? There are yellow chicken shoes (like mine) and red rooster shoes (which I somewhat covet but don't own). The red ones are something to crow about. 😁
I'm sorry about your back. I know that feeling of 'just one more', which of course continues until you are complete wiped out. At least you sent a lot of those daisies over the rainbow flower bridge!
Ha ha about Hugo! Naked and with possible carpel tunnel....not a pretty look.
Wow. Welcome to the rabbit hole! I am picturing you leaping into the air, doing a swan dive, then disappearing down the hole. Well done!
Thank you for your thoughts on the Comment Prompts. Alex Dobrenko does something similar in his Substack so I thought I'd give it a try. It was more fun than just asking readers what they think!
So glad you liked the Danish Orchestra. Until I saw the video I had no idea how all those sounds were made. Wish I could whistle like that!
So glad you can swim well and don't suffer from writer's block. In truth, it's not so much that I can't write, it's more that I am finding it difficult to focus on what I have promised in Kindness Magnet - showing readers daily kindness habits that can improve their health, opportunities, happiness. It has been a struggle for a little while now...maybe because I've been writing about it for a couple of years now. I have been having some heart to heart talks with myself about where I want to see the newsletter go. That's one of the reasons I started After 21 Club - it gave me the freedom to write about anything. 😁
Happy Monday, Mitch! (I'm trying to stay away from Bloom....)
Ah yes, time to find a new rabbit hole! 🐇
I loved this comment about the depletion of low-hanging fruit. This metaphor is perfect, Mitchell. Some writing is so easy, because it is hanging right there in front of my eyes waiting only to be plucked. The best writing often requires a ladder. The dead space, the block, occurs just before climbing up the ladder.
'So I put on my rubber chicken garden shoes and went out to whine to my garden friends.'
I know that I shouldn't but I can't help but laugh at this. Ha ha!
Yes, you should definitely laugh! I was pitifully funny in those rubber shoes! Happy Monday!
Let's not talk about my garden 🫣. I do have two super-easy-to-look-after indoor plants. That's the best I can do. And yes, very occasionally, I might tell them how great or thirsty they look (and water them, of course!).
Hi!
I see a new and beautiful relationship beginning with Plant A and Plant B....or maybe not!
Hi back at ya!
Happy Monday!
They're siblings, so the bond is strong!
Aha! No secrets then!
I have a garden patio - a mix of cactus and annuals and an indoor garden of houseplants. Oh, and my recent addition of a tomato plant. They bring great pleasure and I am super excited to have them because I live in an apartment.
Your garden sounds lovely....and productive with your new tomato plant! I talk to my indoor plants all the time. I pretend that they like it!
Maybe sometime you'll share a picture of your patio garden. I'd love to see it!
Tomato plants. Janice, I never had a tomato plant until this year. Wow! I count 27 tomatoes on just one plant. I let them get soft and dark red before picking them. They are sweet as fruit, nothing like the ones I avoid in the market.
These are cherry tomatoes, and I had never had one either. I suspect there are about that many little green ones on the plant right now - hoping for the best.
Oh, Heather! My, my, my! Of all the posts I have read of yours, this is by far the best ever. It is so funny. So full of wit. So very entertaining. Your personality shines out here as never before. Whatever it is you are taking, girl, I want some! Congratulations on truly superb post!
Well, Ms Sage....humble thanks.
This is why the write's block appeared. When I started Kindness Magnet, my brilliant plan (haha) was to research the scientific benefits of kindness and then show readers little kindness habits that they could develop that would lead to better health, opportunities, relationships, and happiness....with a relatable, real life story thrown in for good measure. After 2 years, I'm a little tired of writing about other people's kindness stories. They don't give me the opportunity to run nude in the garden, so to speak.
So...I am at a triple crossroads. Quit writing KM. Go back to a more structured KM that is more like a learner's manual for readers ala James Clear and Atomic Habits. Change the premise of KM and just be real about kindness in my personal path - not what readers currently sign up for. (Incidentally, 3 readers must have felt that way - they dropped this week, oh dear)
So, you see, it wasn't writer's block, exactly. I guess I would call it writer's frustration. A tiny fib.
Well, I feel several pounds lighter after that haha!
Oh...and since you said you wanted some, it's kahlua and cream over ice. 💚
So much to think about! You have done so well with KM, so many people love it because you are always optimistic, pro-active and practical. I think you will be successful no matter what you choose to do. But today's post was a real peek into who else you are and what else you can do. PLEASE do not be concerned about drop outs! It means nothing. There are thousands of writers on Substack to choose from. Do not take it personally. They are not running away from you, but rather running toward something they perceive as a better fit. For every three you lose, ten will be gained. You can't please everyone.I look forward to seeing what you decide.
No, no, no. You are doing it correctly. Close your eyes, Luke, and feel the Force. Let it guide you.
And also, I alone will make up for those lost readers.
Thank you. I needed that!
"He finished ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ two weeks before his publisher’s deadline. Of course, it was January, 1931 so he must have been pretty chilly with just that shawl."
Victor Hugo died in 1885.
Oh dear, typo. Just off by 100 years!
Thanks for the catch. Time for a little editing.
I thought so.... No sweat....
Nope, but it helps to have friends who can help you fix things! I remember making another mistake back in 1998 haha. Thanks again for your keen eye!
You're doing an excellent job!
Well thank you. What a nice way to wake up in the morning!
When I was a kid and an avid rock climber, a friend and I decided to climb a 2,000’ rock wall in the nude, because no one ever did it before, but it snowed the day we planned to do it. No life lessons learned, no profound hidden wisdom gained. Just a pointless story about trying to do a great feat while naked.
Okay, I’m sorry I mentioned it. Good bye.
Was it a great feat or a great feet? Just asking...
Ha. We actually wore climbing shoes, which scrunch up one’s feet, so the feet never feel great, and if we had achieved our goal, I am certain someone would have scolded us for our bold exuberance. The precedent gods did not smile upon us.
Related question: where did you get those shoes, and do they have them in men’s sizes?
So in truth, only 99% naked. There are those climbing shoes, after all...
My chicken sloggers are from Amazon. There are men's versions, but not nearly as cute...more manly-ish. So...depends on your size. They are my bestest of friends, attending nearly every event unless I have to wear a dress. I'm also partial to the red rooster sloggers... haven't bought those yet, but on my 'do I really need another pair of garden sloggers' list. Until the chickens croak, the roosters will have to crow without me.
https://www.amazon.com/Sloggers-5120FFNBL09-Waterproof-Comfort-Shoe/dp/B012KCIV6A/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2M48I5UX4XRFJ&keywords=waterproof%2Bgarden%2Bshoes&qid=1695819093&sprefix=waterproof%2Bgarden%2Bshoes%2B%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
I want those shoes.
I do minimal gardening because of my back. I deadheaded a huge daisy bush a couple month ago and needed a bath at the end. I wanted to stop half way but kept telling myself, Just one more... Then, when I thought I'd finished I'd find more dead daisy flowers in a different section.
Hugo looks tires. Maybe he's cold.
Do you prefer yellow or red? There are yellow chicken shoes (like mine) and red rooster shoes (which I somewhat covet but don't own). The red ones are something to crow about. 😁
I'm sorry about your back. I know that feeling of 'just one more', which of course continues until you are complete wiped out. At least you sent a lot of those daisies over the rainbow flower bridge!
Ha ha about Hugo! Naked and with possible carpel tunnel....not a pretty look.
Yellow! I don’t care that they might attract bees. I love yellow. Such a happy color.