He’s an absolute delight! He and his sister just went to a memory care facility near their home and gave a wonderful performance—piano/sax duet. They’re the best.
Thanks for the wonderful stirrings today! I was especially moved by the excerpt about biting your shirt, and the voles' intuition about blockages, the need to decend deeper. It made me gasp. Beautiful, beautiful. (And the sax playing was amazing!)
Thank you, Kendall. The piece that excerpt is from has been one of my favorites to write. I love when lines have a similar effect on readers they did when they first came to me. Such a gift to be told so. I think that’s one of the most brilliant things about this Substack space—the immediate feedback letting us know what’s resonating with those we’re hoping to communicate with.
And Benji is wonderful. His sister is a beautiful musician as well—harp and piano are her two best instruments—and the two of them make some gorgeous duets together.
I've also been thinking about what a gift this is, Holly. I sometimes wonder if I "should" be compiling my writing to take a shot at publishing in a more traditional sense, but writing can be such a lonely endeavor, and I've never been a traditional kind of girl anyway. The feedback here is incredibly inspiring, and does help direct the ship in a very tangible way. It feels so much more collaborative, like participating in a book club for an ongoing, evolving work. How brilliantly alive. Thanks for helping direct my ship, and I'm so excited to see where you steer yours next. ✨️💙
I don’t think it’s an either/or prospect. There are avenues for publishing work that’s been shared here at places that don’t consider Substack already published but, rather, in the category of blog—at least for now. And for me, I write pieces for Substack and pieces intended elsewhere as a practice for subtly (or not subtly) distinguishing narrative voice.
And I feel you! Yay for not being “traditional” types of humans. ;)
And yes, so glad to have connected and to be a part of each others adventures. Also can’t wait to see where you steer your boat next!
The Joy Harjo poem you shared is incredibly moving. It speaks to the essence of our being, our connection to the earth, the universe, and each other. It also raises a profound question: How do we 'remember' in a way that truly honors the interconnectedness of all things? Is it through stories, rituals, or simply being present in the moment? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
Thank you, Alexander. That’s a beautiful question. And I think that part of the answer, maybe the most important part, is in asking it over and over again. I don’t think it’s easy, the remembering this poem is asking us to do. And hard things take practice and grace and evolution. As writers, we must believe story plays a role.
Presence, for sure, that’s a profound posit. Thank you for that. And I would add curiosity. Leading with curiosity, I believe, is so very often going to lead me back to this kind of remembering.
Beautiful Holly. All of it, starting w/ Harjo's poem. Here's to a hopeful new year for us all. (think i can still have hope, somehow). And Fly me to the moon, loved it!
Thank you, Deirdre. I so much appreciate you being here for the unfolding of this work.
Me too. I was so pleased when this kiddo decided to take up sax. He’s a Renaissance man. He also fences and builds fantastic creations often with a bit of a steam punk vibe.
The moon, the sax, Joy Harjo -- the way it all winds together. Thank you -- just keep writing.
Awww, thank you, Jan. I will, I will. You too. ♥️
I loved the ‘Remember’ poem! And I’d never seen it before, so thank you for sharing that.
I’m so looking forward to the many roads you’re going to take us down in 2025, Holly.
Happy new year (and happy writing!), my friend. :)
It's so good, right? I'm printing a copy of it for my desk.
Same to you my friend--excited for the roads you explore and happiest of writing and living and being in 2025!!
Bravo Benji! And Happy New Year dear Holly. 💜💙💚
He's such a stud!
Happiest of New Years to you, dear friend!!
I love that you shared your nephew playing his sax! Well done Benji!
Happy New Year Holly❤️
He’s an absolute delight! He and his sister just went to a memory care facility near their home and gave a wonderful performance—piano/sax duet. They’re the best.
Happiest of new years, my friend! ♥️♥️♥️
Thank you, Holly. You make the world a more beautiful place with your words.
Awwwww!! Jeffrey, that’s such a kind and wonderful thing to say. Thank you.
What gifts! My heart feels full, Holly. I'm glad you're going places and willing to bring us along. I'm glad you remember.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I’m ever so glad you’re willing to come along. And I know you’re remembering too. ♥️♥️
Go Benji! To the Moon and Jupiter and Mars!! Great post Holly!
Thank you, Sandy! I’ll pass this on to Benji.
I love how the sax and the photo go together, just perfect.
Right?! I thought they spoke to each other well. I thought of all your gorgeous music offerings when I posted this one, Anna. ♥️
That's so nice to know
I love this opening on the gifts. Great job, Benji, too!
Thanks, Amy. He’s truly a delight. ♥️
Thank you Holly! Love that sax! What a cute kid!
He’s a cutie for sure. Thank you!
Thanks for the wonderful stirrings today! I was especially moved by the excerpt about biting your shirt, and the voles' intuition about blockages, the need to decend deeper. It made me gasp. Beautiful, beautiful. (And the sax playing was amazing!)
Thank you, Kendall. The piece that excerpt is from has been one of my favorites to write. I love when lines have a similar effect on readers they did when they first came to me. Such a gift to be told so. I think that’s one of the most brilliant things about this Substack space—the immediate feedback letting us know what’s resonating with those we’re hoping to communicate with.
And Benji is wonderful. His sister is a beautiful musician as well—harp and piano are her two best instruments—and the two of them make some gorgeous duets together.
I've also been thinking about what a gift this is, Holly. I sometimes wonder if I "should" be compiling my writing to take a shot at publishing in a more traditional sense, but writing can be such a lonely endeavor, and I've never been a traditional kind of girl anyway. The feedback here is incredibly inspiring, and does help direct the ship in a very tangible way. It feels so much more collaborative, like participating in a book club for an ongoing, evolving work. How brilliantly alive. Thanks for helping direct my ship, and I'm so excited to see where you steer yours next. ✨️💙
I don’t think it’s an either/or prospect. There are avenues for publishing work that’s been shared here at places that don’t consider Substack already published but, rather, in the category of blog—at least for now. And for me, I write pieces for Substack and pieces intended elsewhere as a practice for subtly (or not subtly) distinguishing narrative voice.
And I feel you! Yay for not being “traditional” types of humans. ;)
And yes, so glad to have connected and to be a part of each others adventures. Also can’t wait to see where you steer your boat next!
Beautiful Harjo poem
Yes, I love it. I’ve a feeling I’ll be turning to it often in the year to come.
The Joy Harjo poem you shared is incredibly moving. It speaks to the essence of our being, our connection to the earth, the universe, and each other. It also raises a profound question: How do we 'remember' in a way that truly honors the interconnectedness of all things? Is it through stories, rituals, or simply being present in the moment? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
Thank you, Alexander. That’s a beautiful question. And I think that part of the answer, maybe the most important part, is in asking it over and over again. I don’t think it’s easy, the remembering this poem is asking us to do. And hard things take practice and grace and evolution. As writers, we must believe story plays a role.
Presence, for sure, that’s a profound posit. Thank you for that. And I would add curiosity. Leading with curiosity, I believe, is so very often going to lead me back to this kind of remembering.
How about you? What do you think?
Beautiful Holly. All of it, starting w/ Harjo's poem. Here's to a hopeful new year for us all. (think i can still have hope, somehow). And Fly me to the moon, loved it!
Yeah, I have hope too. I’d feel so lost without it. And multiple things are true at once.
Happiest of hopeful new years to you, my friend!
🌕♥️
Love the sax!😍 Thanks too for all your beautiful work this year.
Thank you, Deirdre. I so much appreciate you being here for the unfolding of this work.
Me too. I was so pleased when this kiddo decided to take up sax. He’s a Renaissance man. He also fences and builds fantastic creations often with a bit of a steam punk vibe.
So cool! I love that. Creativity runs in your family.
Lovely words! Happy new year, Holly.
Thank you, Kathleen!!
Happy new year to you!! 🌕♥️