Joan, you are the soul of kindness. Thank you so much for this lovely, heartfelt message. And no, there aren’t “better” writers on Substack. You are a gem.
Joan, I'm so grateful to have discovered you via Substack and happy for you. Reading these comments, it's clear your writing resonates with others. Keep it up. You are a gem.
I can relate to your comment about SI. I was never a big sports fan compared to my brother but recall looking through his SI when I was young and think it may have contributed to my love of a good story and photojournalism.
Thank you for such kind words, Bryce...it was another writer who started this shout-out for compliments and cheerleaders...I wanted to acknowledge too. It means so much to be validated, assured I’m on the right path, my writing keeps readers interested! Aopreciate your input and your weekly chats! 😊
You made me smile big Joan! and I thought 63 was fun to start something new - but I went back to school at 39 and became a professional photographer for over 22 yrs, so I can't wait to see what 80 brings! My mama is 87, a writer who has almost lost her sight to macular - so I am picking up the torch. It was my only new year's resolution to meet people here, after quietly pounding the keys through grief. Enjoy every minute and thank you for the inspiration 🩷
🥰❤️so sweet, love your mom likes to write, has passed that onto you! sounds like you’ve had tough times... been reading some of your posts. You’ve lost someone in family, or the grief we share with those lost in senseless wars? I like your writing, Deborah...subscribed!
Thank you so much for your response and kind compliment Joan! Yes, 2020 was the beginning of more pain and grief than I ever thought possible. Then my dad passed away in the midst of the pain. I woke up one day in May 2022, after losing so much, including my beloved photography career, and heard "The Family We Keep" in my head. Began a Substack. Never, ever thought I would write my way through life as a way to live and stay creative. 2020 was life changing for many.
I began to read some of your stories and read the one on 10 Things you learned after the passing of your precious husband. I heard my mom in this. I had tears. How you kept going, much younger than her, fumbling, asking, embracing. This is so beautiful and raw.
Writing is healing as I’ve learned. And photography is creative and hopeful! I’m glad you still love it!
I had to stop after awhile as the grief pieces seemed sad and poor me...my grandkid trips took over and traveling and writing about a whole other platform! It’s just since starting Substack 7-8 months ago I can share about him/grief again. Ten year mark has been hard. Thanks for reading, understanding how it hurts, how we somehow soldier on!
I saw that this would be the ten year mark for you. I can feel the pain as it's still very fresh with my mom after 57 years with my dad.
In the process of grief, there is a bit of a phase, I discovered, where I couldn't do what I loved. That poor me, sadness you describe. It was too painful. I loved through the lens in the deepest way I knew how. Many reminders of that love when lifting the camera.
I also had to face all the years of photos and collections of cameras that dad had, as this was his number one passion. I had to sit in it for awhile and reflect.
Thank you for sharing the comments I made on one of your posts. I look forward to reading what you have to say, and I applaud for being on Substack writing great essays while you make new friends and gather subscribers. Yay you. And yay to doing this new thing at the stage in life in which we both find ourselves.
Joan, you are the soul of kindness. Thank you so much for this lovely, heartfelt message. And no, there aren’t “better” writers on Substack. You are a gem.
Beautiful! A true celebration.
Joan, I'm so grateful to have discovered you via Substack and happy for you. Reading these comments, it's clear your writing resonates with others. Keep it up. You are a gem.
I can relate to your comment about SI. I was never a big sports fan compared to my brother but recall looking through his SI when I was young and think it may have contributed to my love of a good story and photojournalism.
Keep living and keep sharing. 🙏
Thank you for such kind words, Bryce...it was another writer who started this shout-out for compliments and cheerleaders...I wanted to acknowledge too. It means so much to be validated, assured I’m on the right path, my writing keeps readers interested! Aopreciate your input and your weekly chats! 😊
Yes! yay to creating and doing new things at this stage! Wonderful!
Thanks Deborah, how nice to meet you! This ‘stage’ you both refer to is the edge of eighty ...and I’m having the time of my life! ❤️😁
You made me smile big Joan! and I thought 63 was fun to start something new - but I went back to school at 39 and became a professional photographer for over 22 yrs, so I can't wait to see what 80 brings! My mama is 87, a writer who has almost lost her sight to macular - so I am picking up the torch. It was my only new year's resolution to meet people here, after quietly pounding the keys through grief. Enjoy every minute and thank you for the inspiration 🩷
🥰❤️so sweet, love your mom likes to write, has passed that onto you! sounds like you’ve had tough times... been reading some of your posts. You’ve lost someone in family, or the grief we share with those lost in senseless wars? I like your writing, Deborah...subscribed!
Thank you so much for your response and kind compliment Joan! Yes, 2020 was the beginning of more pain and grief than I ever thought possible. Then my dad passed away in the midst of the pain. I woke up one day in May 2022, after losing so much, including my beloved photography career, and heard "The Family We Keep" in my head. Began a Substack. Never, ever thought I would write my way through life as a way to live and stay creative. 2020 was life changing for many.
I began to read some of your stories and read the one on 10 Things you learned after the passing of your precious husband. I heard my mom in this. I had tears. How you kept going, much younger than her, fumbling, asking, embracing. This is so beautiful and raw.
Writing is healing as I’ve learned. And photography is creative and hopeful! I’m glad you still love it!
I had to stop after awhile as the grief pieces seemed sad and poor me...my grandkid trips took over and traveling and writing about a whole other platform! It’s just since starting Substack 7-8 months ago I can share about him/grief again. Ten year mark has been hard. Thanks for reading, understanding how it hurts, how we somehow soldier on!
I saw that this would be the ten year mark for you. I can feel the pain as it's still very fresh with my mom after 57 years with my dad.
In the process of grief, there is a bit of a phase, I discovered, where I couldn't do what I loved. That poor me, sadness you describe. It was too painful. I loved through the lens in the deepest way I knew how. Many reminders of that love when lifting the camera.
I also had to face all the years of photos and collections of cameras that dad had, as this was his number one passion. I had to sit in it for awhile and reflect.
Thank you for sharing the comments I made on one of your posts. I look forward to reading what you have to say, and I applaud for being on Substack writing great essays while you make new friends and gather subscribers. Yay you. And yay to doing this new thing at the stage in life in which we both find ourselves.
What a wonderful celebration!! And thanks for the mention!!! 💚💚💚
Thank you, Joan.
Oh, and I love this; "Every word you write has been written before, but your thought is a creation bursting from within."
I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned :)
Thanks, you too sweet man!
I always love reading anything you take the time to write. Thanks for sharing others I should follow, as well.
Thanks Tracy...glad I found you here! 😊Know you’re a subscriber, sweet friend!
I felt like I was reading a friend.
How sweet, Ginni ....and we are friends for sure! 😊Thanks for reading me! ❤️
Witchcraft?? Is there much of that on Substack? Nothing would surprise me. Lovely to meet you and understand your philosophy of writing ❤️