Absolutely love the way you describe your father! I am that way, too, but have learned to tone myself down a bit so as not to overwhelm others. Thank goodness for google to take up the slack! I love people who meet the "You Can't Tell a Book by Its Cover" criteria. . .
So great to hear about your dad. Mine definitely instilled the desire to tell stories in me. I talked about it a bit in my first writing journey post.
Some good news is that I'm going to a comic con tomorrow, hoping to meet lots of people I admire and hope to collaborate with. I'm so grateful for my family fot all the support they've given me with pursuing writing, and life in general. A moment of joy came this week when a perfect story idea came to me whilst I was kickboxing. I carried on with the workout but the idea kept growing and I immediately scribbled it all down afterwards.
Wonderful you're off to comic con! I hope you meet all the folks you'd like to. And amazing that you held that thought all through kickboxing!! And that the idea grew. Yay! I would have lost mine after about two minutes!
I'm grateful for having loving family members, especially on my mom's side. They have deeply loved me since i was born. Because of their deep love, i'm painting a series of trees (four seasons, day and night). I've just finished painting the first series. And finally, i wanna frame these and gift them to both my parents' families.
That's so wonderful, Negar. I wish we could post images in the comments. It would be lovely if you could share them--if you wanted to, that is! But I did just see some of your sketches in Notes and they're gorgeous! What beautiful, thoughtful gifts the paintings will be!
Yes, it would be wonderful if we could post photos in the comments as well (in Notes and Threads you can do this). Thanks for viewing my sketches and i'm glad you liked them (TBH, For quite some years, i wanted to ignore them altogether and say they're not mine). I love to share my paintings here because i wanna belong to a community of artists where i can learn from them and have collaborations with them.
Yes, that is one of the beauties of Substack! And I totally get wanting to deny your own work. I've found in general, the more talented one is, the more they think their work is awful! We're all kind of nuts!
Yes, that's a fascinating observation. I've seen this in my artworks as well. When i look at the first postmodern paintings i did, i tell myself:"how could i paint such awful works????😳😳. However, when i look at the first watercolor paintings i did, i don't tell that to myself. All in all, yes we're nuts!!!😂😂😂
Well, first and foremost, have a lovely time in England! Although your Dad is staying home, I imagine he will be with you as you spend time with friends and family.
As for joys and gratitude - today is my 2nd oldest's birthday. Although she is in Atlanta and I am in Prescott, AZ, we have a tradition where I call and sing happy birthday to her (and each of my kids). She actually is a singer in a band, so I'm sure my rendition could use a little work! I have so many things to be grateful for....and they are mostly just little things, but truthfully, that's what makes life wonderful.
Thank you, Heather! I always feel more myself in England. And, yes, my dad will definitely be with me every step of the way.
I love that you do that on your children's birthdays! My parents do the same for me. In fact, for one birthday it went to vm and I'm so glad that happened, as since my mom's death, I often play them singing that to me. And so cool your daughter is in a band! What kind of music?
That song is beautiful! Is your daughter Halley O'Malley? And she's covering a song by Band of Horses? Did she make the video? I feel like I'm not quite fully getting it. Apologies! Regardless, her voice is gorgeous!
Where about in England was your mom from? Yes, the voices do grow fainter, don't they. I feel lucky to have this, and a couple other, vms.
Yes. My daughter is Halley. Their band writes their own music in addition to doing cover songs. They host an annual event called 'Themestock' in Atlanta each year (12 years now) with musicians coming from around the country to play together. Hard to explain, but a wonderful way to bring musicians together. They also do some 'alternative' music....and I get completely lost so join the club!
My mom was born in India in 1925 so she would be a couple years older than your dad. Her dad was with the Bank of England. He lived in Reigate, Surrey. I visited him in the 70's. He was delightful, although he served us ice cream with fresh chunks of ginger. Oh dear. Is that something you enjoy?
Her mom died when she was two and is buried in Lahore, Pakistan. Sidney (my mom) was raised by her grandmother and stepfather, who trained racehorses in India. She had an unusual life....her pet was a mongoose and she grew up with jockeys and horses. She was a war bride.
My dad was my rock. Maybe not in the way one thinks of that. He was gentle. He was always positive. He showed me what it really means to be kind. When I needed him, he was there.
Where in England will you be? What is your connection with England?
You write about and interview people who are connected with kindness. What is it that has drawn you to this? (it's perfect)
Sorry for so many questions. I'm going to blame that on you....because you are such a good interviewer lol!
I love hearing about people's lineages. Thanks for sharing all that, Heather. I find it fascinating. So many different ways to be in the world!
My parents were both born in London. I feel way more English than American and would love to live there one day. That's part of why I'm visiting in November, to see how my health does in this weather (prior visits, while numerous, have all been in April through September). I have a huge family there on both sides whom I'm very close to--so I travel around and stay with them. Lucky for me, they all live in astoundingly beautiful places (well, England is pretty entirely astoundingly beautiful to my eyes!)
I think my connection to kindness came from all I've lived through with my health. It was there before, for sure. But facing these chronic challenges, which at times have been terrifying, made me extra curious about how people get through their lives! Especially combined with knowing all that my parents survived!
Jumping rope!! So good. A friend from childhood is visiting right now. To see her with my kids and tell them stories about us feels so good. 🫶🏽 Thank you for sharing so much about your dad. I have one million questions for everyone, too. Especially concerning work which, in my experience, no one wants to talk about! But I’m like TELL ME EVERYTHING. What does the copier on your law firm smell like?? 🤗
Oooooh, this made me laugh out loud. Yes!! What does the copier smell like? It's so important to know that!
So glad you have your cherished friend there. How beautiful that she's able to share a part of you with your children in ways that you can't. Such life confirming moments.
Thanks for the kind words. And, yes, my dad is pretty remarkable.
I absolutely love hearing about your dad ~ he sounds like someone I would love to chat with! I find that I also ask lots of questions of other people and am able to engage them in conversations about themself at length. I know this makes others feel cared for and special, but it’s interesting to me that many don’t reciprocate by asking any questions in return. I wonder if some people don’t even consider it? I feel so grateful to have gotten to visit my 87-year-old grandmother with two of my aunts yesterday and have lunch with my sister, niece and dad today. It’s my birthday weekend and I feel it’s an embarrassment of riches to have been able to see so many family members!
Thanks, Katy! And, yes, oh my gosh, I'm often amazed at how often in (non-interview!) conversations, people ask nothing about me. Not a single thing. Maybe some folks lack curiosity?? And, yes, the questions are a form of care!
That's wonderful you were able to see so much of your family. Yay! And Happy Birthday!! I hope it's bursting with love and joy and, if you like it, chocolate!
I love your stories about your sweet dad, Jane! How wonderful that he modeled curiosity and interest in others for you. My dad is the kindest and most generous person I've ever known, and I often think it's because of him that I strive the live the way I do, showing compassion and care toward others whenever I can and even when it's hard to do so. I try my best.
Some good news, which happens to relate to my dad, is that this morning I enjoyed the most stunningly scenic trail run — the autumn colors here in northern Michigan are just gorgeous and the sun even came out after several days of rain. Midway through my run, my dad called and we ended up having the most wonderful conversation in the woods as I slowed to a walk. It truly made my morning to catch up with him.
Thank you for your words and for your wonderful interviews. I enjoy them so much.
Oooooh, Heather, that's beautiful!! I LOVE moments like that! They are truly everything. I'm so glad you had that with your dad. I'm also in Michigan, though not Up North, and, yes, it's been beautiful here. The leaves!! Thanks for your kind words. And it sounds like we lucked out with our precious dads!
Q: And what’s your good news in general? What are you grateful for? What has brought you joy this week? A: A gate goes in as a result of our stalker and a general sense it's a good idea, no fence attached yet, but the guy I share the land with is now OBSESSED with closing the gates and locking them at dusk. "Please don't," I say, "if it's important to you, I'll do it when I'm in for the night." He says, "fine," but then locks me out anyway. Again. And, yet again. I want to wring his neck and fret for a full day at this man, yet another, who fails to listen. But then, after much deep thought and realizing the energy I'm losing fixating on this guy, I turn it over to prayer. If he is in so much pain, so much fear, that closing and locking a gate that's not disconnected to an actual fence yet gives him a sense of peace, okay. Let him have that. And if he is that afraid, I'll pray he find peace because that kind of fear is a horrible thing to carry. I used to think prayer was so silly but now understand it's a way of offering up to something bigger than me and asking for a bit of divine help, rather than turning down into the darker place of judgement and criticism that is mostly about me. No, prayer doesn't change everything but it changed this particular irritation, and that's a good thing!
What an intriguing story, Jennifer! I wasn't quite sure what to imagine but I think I got the gist of it. I'm so glad praying helped. I agree, sometimes it really does offer internal relief. I'm usually at my best, when I'm most in touch with this part of myself. Thanks for sharing this. You've inspired me!
Your dad is an inspiration for growing older. I loved reading this, and those dogs are everything. Thank you for all that you do to bring these wonderful interviews to life for others. 💜
I loved this moving portrait of your father. And though I am from Devon (which proudly includes the beautiful Clovelly), where we have our issues with our neighbour Cornwall, I am happy to admit that it is a beautiful county too. I love the rocky coast around The Lizard. And the wonderful little fishing ports. Enjoy!
Hah! I've heard about these issues!! My cousin and her husband were originally looking in Devon but then they fell in love with a house in Cornwall. And now they are full-hearted Cornish! They pick me up at the Exeter St. David station and whenever we drive by the Nearly Home trees they share (lighthearted!) stories about the rivalry. Are you still in Devon? So beautiful there!
Well, I only know the part of Cornwall where my cousin lives! It's gorgeous there! She in a charming village called Week St. Mary. It's near Bode and so many many beautiful beaches and bays: Widemouth, Black Rock, Northcote, Sandymouth, Crackington Haven, Millock, the list goes on. The South West Coastal Path runs through all of these and is breathtaking!
Then magical neighboring villages and towns such as Boscastle and Appledore and Padstow. There's also Tintagel which is touristy but magnificent. I loved Clovelly! Also quite touristy but utterly charming. There's way more to Cornwall than this! I'd like to one day make it to Penzance and St. Ives. But I love the patch that I know! Do you have plans to visit?
I’ve been to St Ives and Carbis bay, Zennor, Newquay and Penzance. My favourite part in Penzance is St Michael’s Mount, the walk to the island from across the beach when the tide allows it. Very touristy as is St Ives but it’s beautiful. Love the South West Coastal path and have taken it for hikes to see the nature around these places. Newquay is very much a surfer paradise and there are areas with cheap hostel accommodation which isn’t of the greatest architectural design. Love the sea and spectacular light. Hence so many artists in this area. Not been to any of the smaller places you mention or the towns. Have tou got long time to spend? Wonder what it’s like in November. Only visited in spring or October.
So you've been there! Yes, I've heard St. Ives and Penzance are quite touristy. But I still want to go. Places are usually touristy for a reason. I've been to Newquay but, at the moment, can't picture it. Haha. And the Coastal Path is astounding. I can see why people are so drawn to it. Have you read The Salt Path? Or The Electricity of Every Living Thing?
Both are my parents are English, so I've been to England 15 or 16 times by now. But, like you, only April through late September. I long to move there, so figured I'd try a month from the other half of the year and see how I fare!
Yes, I have been there. My favourite part of United Kingdom and Ireland. Cornwall is looking vely. Of course the downside is the point when tourists descend and their sewage system can’t handle such mass concentration of people. I look forward to your posting from there. St Ives also has the best coffee and some great food options. Best pizza and coffee I’ve had in St Ives. Not read any of the books you recommended. I should right?
Absolutely love the way you describe your father! I am that way, too, but have learned to tone myself down a bit so as not to overwhelm others. Thank goodness for google to take up the slack! I love people who meet the "You Can't Tell a Book by Its Cover" criteria. . .
Yes, which actually describes quite a few people! But you never know until you start asking all those questions....
Thanks for your kind words!
So great to hear about your dad. Mine definitely instilled the desire to tell stories in me. I talked about it a bit in my first writing journey post.
Some good news is that I'm going to a comic con tomorrow, hoping to meet lots of people I admire and hope to collaborate with. I'm so grateful for my family fot all the support they've given me with pursuing writing, and life in general. A moment of joy came this week when a perfect story idea came to me whilst I was kickboxing. I carried on with the workout but the idea kept growing and I immediately scribbled it all down afterwards.
Thanks, Harvey. Is your dad a gifted storyteller?
Wonderful you're off to comic con! I hope you meet all the folks you'd like to. And amazing that you held that thought all through kickboxing!! And that the idea grew. Yay! I would have lost mine after about two minutes!
Thank you! And yes I'd say he is. He would constantly invent new stories every bedtime with my toys, and has written many novels as well.
That's so wonderful! Lucky you! Those are the sorts of memories you treasure forever!
I'm grateful for having loving family members, especially on my mom's side. They have deeply loved me since i was born. Because of their deep love, i'm painting a series of trees (four seasons, day and night). I've just finished painting the first series. And finally, i wanna frame these and gift them to both my parents' families.
That's so wonderful, Negar. I wish we could post images in the comments. It would be lovely if you could share them--if you wanted to, that is! But I did just see some of your sketches in Notes and they're gorgeous! What beautiful, thoughtful gifts the paintings will be!
Yes, it would be wonderful if we could post photos in the comments as well (in Notes and Threads you can do this). Thanks for viewing my sketches and i'm glad you liked them (TBH, For quite some years, i wanted to ignore them altogether and say they're not mine). I love to share my paintings here because i wanna belong to a community of artists where i can learn from them and have collaborations with them.
Yes, that is one of the beauties of Substack! And I totally get wanting to deny your own work. I've found in general, the more talented one is, the more they think their work is awful! We're all kind of nuts!
Yes, that's a fascinating observation. I've seen this in my artworks as well. When i look at the first postmodern paintings i did, i tell myself:"how could i paint such awful works????😳😳. However, when i look at the first watercolor paintings i did, i don't tell that to myself. All in all, yes we're nuts!!!😂😂😂
Well, first and foremost, have a lovely time in England! Although your Dad is staying home, I imagine he will be with you as you spend time with friends and family.
As for joys and gratitude - today is my 2nd oldest's birthday. Although she is in Atlanta and I am in Prescott, AZ, we have a tradition where I call and sing happy birthday to her (and each of my kids). She actually is a singer in a band, so I'm sure my rendition could use a little work! I have so many things to be grateful for....and they are mostly just little things, but truthfully, that's what makes life wonderful.
Happy travels to you, Jane.
Thank you, Heather! I always feel more myself in England. And, yes, my dad will definitely be with me every step of the way.
I love that you do that on your children's birthdays! My parents do the same for me. In fact, for one birthday it went to vm and I'm so glad that happened, as since my mom's death, I often play them singing that to me. And so cool your daughter is in a band! What kind of music?
And, yay, for the small stuff!
That was nice of you to ask. Here's a cover song she did from the Marry Song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCRJQtV-Pck
What a wonderful memory from that birthday song from your parents.
I wish I had that from my parents. My mom was British. I can still hear her voice but it grows fainter with each year that passes.
That song is beautiful! Is your daughter Halley O'Malley? And she's covering a song by Band of Horses? Did she make the video? I feel like I'm not quite fully getting it. Apologies! Regardless, her voice is gorgeous!
Where about in England was your mom from? Yes, the voices do grow fainter, don't they. I feel lucky to have this, and a couple other, vms.
Yes. My daughter is Halley. Their band writes their own music in addition to doing cover songs. They host an annual event called 'Themestock' in Atlanta each year (12 years now) with musicians coming from around the country to play together. Hard to explain, but a wonderful way to bring musicians together. They also do some 'alternative' music....and I get completely lost so join the club!
My mom was born in India in 1925 so she would be a couple years older than your dad. Her dad was with the Bank of England. He lived in Reigate, Surrey. I visited him in the 70's. He was delightful, although he served us ice cream with fresh chunks of ginger. Oh dear. Is that something you enjoy?
Her mom died when she was two and is buried in Lahore, Pakistan. Sidney (my mom) was raised by her grandmother and stepfather, who trained racehorses in India. She had an unusual life....her pet was a mongoose and she grew up with jockeys and horses. She was a war bride.
My dad was my rock. Maybe not in the way one thinks of that. He was gentle. He was always positive. He showed me what it really means to be kind. When I needed him, he was there.
Where in England will you be? What is your connection with England?
You write about and interview people who are connected with kindness. What is it that has drawn you to this? (it's perfect)
Sorry for so many questions. I'm going to blame that on you....because you are such a good interviewer lol!
I love hearing about people's lineages. Thanks for sharing all that, Heather. I find it fascinating. So many different ways to be in the world!
My parents were both born in London. I feel way more English than American and would love to live there one day. That's part of why I'm visiting in November, to see how my health does in this weather (prior visits, while numerous, have all been in April through September). I have a huge family there on both sides whom I'm very close to--so I travel around and stay with them. Lucky for me, they all live in astoundingly beautiful places (well, England is pretty entirely astoundingly beautiful to my eyes!)
I think my connection to kindness came from all I've lived through with my health. It was there before, for sure. But facing these chronic challenges, which at times have been terrifying, made me extra curious about how people get through their lives! Especially combined with knowing all that my parents survived!
Ah, thanks! That means a lot!
You have been through so much (I read an article you wrote some time ago). I hope the sun, moon, and stars (and your health) align for you.
Jumping rope!! So good. A friend from childhood is visiting right now. To see her with my kids and tell them stories about us feels so good. 🫶🏽 Thank you for sharing so much about your dad. I have one million questions for everyone, too. Especially concerning work which, in my experience, no one wants to talk about! But I’m like TELL ME EVERYTHING. What does the copier on your law firm smell like?? 🤗
Oooooh, this made me laugh out loud. Yes!! What does the copier smell like? It's so important to know that!
So glad you have your cherished friend there. How beautiful that she's able to share a part of you with your children in ways that you can't. Such life confirming moments.
Thanks for the kind words. And, yes, my dad is pretty remarkable.
I absolutely love hearing about your dad ~ he sounds like someone I would love to chat with! I find that I also ask lots of questions of other people and am able to engage them in conversations about themself at length. I know this makes others feel cared for and special, but it’s interesting to me that many don’t reciprocate by asking any questions in return. I wonder if some people don’t even consider it? I feel so grateful to have gotten to visit my 87-year-old grandmother with two of my aunts yesterday and have lunch with my sister, niece and dad today. It’s my birthday weekend and I feel it’s an embarrassment of riches to have been able to see so many family members!
Thanks, Katy! And, yes, oh my gosh, I'm often amazed at how often in (non-interview!) conversations, people ask nothing about me. Not a single thing. Maybe some folks lack curiosity?? And, yes, the questions are a form of care!
That's wonderful you were able to see so much of your family. Yay! And Happy Birthday!! I hope it's bursting with love and joy and, if you like it, chocolate!
I love your stories about your sweet dad, Jane! How wonderful that he modeled curiosity and interest in others for you. My dad is the kindest and most generous person I've ever known, and I often think it's because of him that I strive the live the way I do, showing compassion and care toward others whenever I can and even when it's hard to do so. I try my best.
Some good news, which happens to relate to my dad, is that this morning I enjoyed the most stunningly scenic trail run — the autumn colors here in northern Michigan are just gorgeous and the sun even came out after several days of rain. Midway through my run, my dad called and we ended up having the most wonderful conversation in the woods as I slowed to a walk. It truly made my morning to catch up with him.
Thank you for your words and for your wonderful interviews. I enjoy them so much.
Oooooh, Heather, that's beautiful!! I LOVE moments like that! They are truly everything. I'm so glad you had that with your dad. I'm also in Michigan, though not Up North, and, yes, it's been beautiful here. The leaves!! Thanks for your kind words. And it sounds like we lucked out with our precious dads!
Loved reading about your dad, Jane!
Thanks, Anne!
Q: And what’s your good news in general? What are you grateful for? What has brought you joy this week? A: A gate goes in as a result of our stalker and a general sense it's a good idea, no fence attached yet, but the guy I share the land with is now OBSESSED with closing the gates and locking them at dusk. "Please don't," I say, "if it's important to you, I'll do it when I'm in for the night." He says, "fine," but then locks me out anyway. Again. And, yet again. I want to wring his neck and fret for a full day at this man, yet another, who fails to listen. But then, after much deep thought and realizing the energy I'm losing fixating on this guy, I turn it over to prayer. If he is in so much pain, so much fear, that closing and locking a gate that's not disconnected to an actual fence yet gives him a sense of peace, okay. Let him have that. And if he is that afraid, I'll pray he find peace because that kind of fear is a horrible thing to carry. I used to think prayer was so silly but now understand it's a way of offering up to something bigger than me and asking for a bit of divine help, rather than turning down into the darker place of judgement and criticism that is mostly about me. No, prayer doesn't change everything but it changed this particular irritation, and that's a good thing!
What an intriguing story, Jennifer! I wasn't quite sure what to imagine but I think I got the gist of it. I'm so glad praying helped. I agree, sometimes it really does offer internal relief. I'm usually at my best, when I'm most in touch with this part of myself. Thanks for sharing this. You've inspired me!
Your dad is an inspiration for growing older. I loved reading this, and those dogs are everything. Thank you for all that you do to bring these wonderful interviews to life for others. 💜
Oh, thank you, Freya, that means so much! xx
That photo of you and your dad dancing! ❤️💫⭐️
Haha. Thanks! I think we were listening to my ex-husband's album!!
I loved this moving portrait of your father. And though I am from Devon (which proudly includes the beautiful Clovelly), where we have our issues with our neighbour Cornwall, I am happy to admit that it is a beautiful county too. I love the rocky coast around The Lizard. And the wonderful little fishing ports. Enjoy!
Hah! I've heard about these issues!! My cousin and her husband were originally looking in Devon but then they fell in love with a house in Cornwall. And now they are full-hearted Cornish! They pick me up at the Exeter St. David station and whenever we drive by the Nearly Home trees they share (lighthearted!) stories about the rivalry. Are you still in Devon? So beautiful there!
Safe travels! Where in Cornwall do you recommend? Is Clovelly as nice as the pictures show?!
Well, I only know the part of Cornwall where my cousin lives! It's gorgeous there! She in a charming village called Week St. Mary. It's near Bode and so many many beautiful beaches and bays: Widemouth, Black Rock, Northcote, Sandymouth, Crackington Haven, Millock, the list goes on. The South West Coastal Path runs through all of these and is breathtaking!
Then magical neighboring villages and towns such as Boscastle and Appledore and Padstow. There's also Tintagel which is touristy but magnificent. I loved Clovelly! Also quite touristy but utterly charming. There's way more to Cornwall than this! I'd like to one day make it to Penzance and St. Ives. But I love the patch that I know! Do you have plans to visit?
I’ve been to St Ives and Carbis bay, Zennor, Newquay and Penzance. My favourite part in Penzance is St Michael’s Mount, the walk to the island from across the beach when the tide allows it. Very touristy as is St Ives but it’s beautiful. Love the South West Coastal path and have taken it for hikes to see the nature around these places. Newquay is very much a surfer paradise and there are areas with cheap hostel accommodation which isn’t of the greatest architectural design. Love the sea and spectacular light. Hence so many artists in this area. Not been to any of the smaller places you mention or the towns. Have tou got long time to spend? Wonder what it’s like in November. Only visited in spring or October.
So you've been there! Yes, I've heard St. Ives and Penzance are quite touristy. But I still want to go. Places are usually touristy for a reason. I've been to Newquay but, at the moment, can't picture it. Haha. And the Coastal Path is astounding. I can see why people are so drawn to it. Have you read The Salt Path? Or The Electricity of Every Living Thing?
Both are my parents are English, so I've been to England 15 or 16 times by now. But, like you, only April through late September. I long to move there, so figured I'd try a month from the other half of the year and see how I fare!
Yes, I have been there. My favourite part of United Kingdom and Ireland. Cornwall is looking vely. Of course the downside is the point when tourists descend and their sewage system can’t handle such mass concentration of people. I look forward to your posting from there. St Ives also has the best coffee and some great food options. Best pizza and coffee I’ve had in St Ives. Not read any of the books you recommended. I should right?
I love both books!
I love your dad and love to see Beyond grow like a garden.
Aw, thanks, Rona! You've been such an important piece of it!
It's the people here on substack, such joy to connect with real people ❤️
I agree! (can't make hearts on my computer, so imagine one here, please!)
Joy joy joy ❤️🙏🫶
Yes!