I created this Substack months ago, and intended to write my musings and ponderings regularly. As may be obvious, it has taken me several months to get back here, and my original vision has expanded from simple blog-style posts to what I hope will be a more interactive space. It is my intention to create a place that will replace Facebook and Instagram - a place where I shared much of my art, my adventures, my reflections and other miscellany. Originally I gave up Facebook because it was quickly becoming obvious to me that I was becoming more and more triggered by the kind of conversations that were happening there, and while Instagram had less of this, it was there too. I also noticed, like many, it was eating up time I really wanted to spend doing other things but getting sucked into the scroll. And of course, the algorithms, the ads, the lack of privacy and censorship added to my desire to discontinue my use. When I returned about 9 months later (and every time I’ve logged on since), I just can’t seem to really find it serving me in any positive way, never mind that my brain just doesn’t know what to do with the set up anymore. I realized had actually lengthened my attention span!
I do miss some of the connection, and I know that for some these media platforms provide a sense of belonging and connection, or at the very least, access to resources. I have thoughts about belonging and connection as relates to social media and what I think amounts to a temporary or false sense of those things which I may discuss in a later post or in The Salon. What I have found is a Mighty Networks community, that so far, has enriched my life in ways that Facebook used to, before it became what it is today, and that has inspired me to create and invite others to my little corner of the web, much like inviting you over to my house.
I think it was in Amanda Palmer’s “The Art of Asking” that I first came upon the idea that artists create because they desire connection. Since then, I’ve watched myself and others create and share, and have not found this idea to be false. Here I share my art, not only in a desire to connect, but a desire to be seen, heard, and a deep curiosity of who I am, who you are, and what is this thing we call life?
I have created several “newsletter” tabs. Here is what you’ll find:
Ruby Slippers - regularly (at least twice a week, if not more) written reflections and thoughts rattling around my brain; adventures I’m having, etc
Studio Artemisteria - a virtual art gallery where I post photos of art I’ve completed, which is for purchase
The Salon - every Tuesday I will open a discussion thread with a topic for the community to share ideas and learn from each other
My Library - I read a lot; last year I read 75 books alone, not counting essays, articles, and partially read books…and so every Wednesday I will post what I’m reading each week, as well as what podcasts and music I’m listening to, and even what art I might have stumbled upon to share
Inquiring Minds - you have questions, I may have answers…though I may also have more questions; this is a space to “ask me anything”, a sort of Q&A space where we can get to know each other better
And, of course, the comments section will be open in all of these, and I commit to doing my best to respond as I can.
So without further ado, I welcome you here, and I can’t wait to see where this connection takes us.