Hey Michael! A month or so ago, my boys and I went clamming and I made your delicious stuffies from one of your recent newsletters. Haven't had them in years and it was great to try my hand at making them myself. They were a big hit in my house.
Your memory of sewing a wrap around skirt took me back to my days in a a Catholic all girls high school. I too was trying to master a skirt with oval pockets, a nightmare. Sister Joanne would undue my stitches and tell to start over. My passion is cooking now and sewing is a distant memory , well maybe not that far away ... Love your writing and reading about all your adventures .
I used to have 2 cats, but found out my wife, daughter, and self are all allergic to their dander. I consoled myself by teaching myself and my daughter (much to her mother's consternation) how to meow and purr. (from memory)
Congratulations on the good coat karma. And thank you as always for the wisdom on revisions, patience and persistence. My 8000 word essay is now a tighter 3000 with some work to go. Cheers to Ruhlman!
I love the message of this one, Ann. Lately, I've been ruminating on the idea that I can take my time with this novel, that there is absolutely no one waiting for it to come into the world but me. But I've also been waiting a very long time to bring it to fruition and the Salve MFA is helping make that possible for me, so it feels like the time to capitalize on all that lovely momentum. As you've said so beautifully here, it takes time to get things right. And I think the more I can embrace the idea that, as long as I stay tenacious, I will eventually finish this book, the more I can appreciate letting the process unfold however it's meant to. (But, I mean, it doesn't hurt to hear that The Stolen Child took you five years 😂)
There must be a stirring poem about this ..but it is so true for any creative endeavor! I find the Process is the drug and a necessity in order to call oneself an artist. Knitting is in its own tear stained category 🤬👹😰😤🥲
Love love this, Ann. Felt like you were speaking to my fearful soul, wondering if I have what it takes to get my memoir published. You are a brilliant role model, so thankful that you are in my life as mentor and friend❤️❤️❤️
Russell Conwell, founder of Temple U, wrote a book called "Acres of Diamonds" about a guy who sold his house to finance an expedition to find diamonds only to find out that the buyer of his house found a diamond mine underneath it.
And may I add a 3rd and 4th tenacity? So true.
Hey Michael! A month or so ago, my boys and I went clamming and I made your delicious stuffies from one of your recent newsletters. Haven't had them in years and it was great to try my hand at making them myself. They were a big hit in my house.
Ann,
Your memory of sewing a wrap around skirt took me back to my days in a a Catholic all girls high school. I too was trying to master a skirt with oval pockets, a nightmare. Sister Joanne would undue my stitches and tell to start over. My passion is cooking now and sewing is a distant memory , well maybe not that far away ... Love your writing and reading about all your adventures .
Best,
Denise
Oh! The taking out of the stitches!
I remember first grade, when Sister Ann Ominous often tried to undo my ear. I pray for her every day.
Wow! I am listening to the cat purring, the best relaxing sound in the world!
I used to have 2 cats, but found out my wife, daughter, and self are all allergic to their dander. I consoled myself by teaching myself and my daughter (much to her mother's consternation) how to meow and purr. (from memory)
Love. Just love this post, Ann. Received 3 rejections last week. Doubling down this week to prove 'em wrong. ❤️
You go, Nancy!
Slap me with a glove will ya? Challenge accepted!
Congratulations on the good coat karma. And thank you as always for the wisdom on revisions, patience and persistence. My 8000 word essay is now a tighter 3000 with some work to go. Cheers to Ruhlman!
Fantastic, Ellen!
I love the message of this one, Ann. Lately, I've been ruminating on the idea that I can take my time with this novel, that there is absolutely no one waiting for it to come into the world but me. But I've also been waiting a very long time to bring it to fruition and the Salve MFA is helping make that possible for me, so it feels like the time to capitalize on all that lovely momentum. As you've said so beautifully here, it takes time to get things right. And I think the more I can embrace the idea that, as long as I stay tenacious, I will eventually finish this book, the more I can appreciate letting the process unfold however it's meant to. (But, I mean, it doesn't hurt to hear that The Stolen Child took you five years 😂)
Keep at it, Melissa. You are getting there. 🩷
I can't tell you how many times something that seemed so right to me at the time has been improved by more time.
There must be a stirring poem about this ..but it is so true for any creative endeavor! I find the Process is the drug and a necessity in order to call oneself an artist. Knitting is in its own tear stained category 🤬👹😰😤🥲
So true!
Love love this, Ann. Felt like you were speaking to my fearful soul, wondering if I have what it takes to get my memoir published. You are a brilliant role model, so thankful that you are in my life as mentor and friend❤️❤️❤️
❤️
❤️
I suspected as much.
What is it? Perseverance personified.
Russell Conwell, founder of Temple U, wrote a book called "Acres of Diamonds" about a guy who sold his house to finance an expedition to find diamonds only to find out that the buyer of his house found a diamond mine underneath it.
I once tried to throw my cat over a fence. Once. I was rewarded with a near-perfect illustration of the Grand Canyon on my middle finger. Tenacity!