Congratulations, Elizabeth! Three years of newslettering is no small thing. Sometimes I worry that no one will care about the essay I’m writing. Then people care and it’s like magic.
Every move in any kind of creative direction feels bold right now. I’m glad you’re here - your words always remind me that this work, as small as it is, matters. Congrats on 3 years of wrangling the words.
Thanks, Robin. It does feel like an "act of resistance" that is more accessible than some other options while still having an impact. It's everything, everywhere...and the heart of it is caring for each other, right?
Happy scratchiversary Elizabeth! So happy to have found you, something that only could happen because we keep showing up here. I’m so grateful for that.
So much wisdom in this post, Elizabeth: "there’s always someone who appears to be doing it better, faster, or more eloquently than I," and "to show up here at all, I have to be true to myself," and especially "No amount of preparation will truly prepare you for what’s to come. The only thing to do is try." I'm so glad you are still here, still trying, especially when hope is so much harder to access than it was 3 years ago. Happy anniversary, truly.
Sincerely appreciated, Rita. As much as I want to have the fortitude to be my own cheerleader all the time, it really makes a difference to know that others, including curious and engaged writers like you, are also waving the pompons! I'm glad you're here. I'm glad we're here together.
Happy year three, Elizabeth! I didn't realize we have similar dates. I also didn't know the history of the name. (I'll go read about Snowy. What was the pigeon's name again?) I think it takes a lot to continue to show up every week, trust in one's voice and in the value of connecting words and images to create and highlight the world you believe in and the wonder of individual people and their stories, too.
I laugh at your navel-gazing line. I think that, too, is important. You wrapped up with words that really resonate for me in terms of what I find week to week in your posts: "...welcoming community, a safe haven, a neighborhood of folks who are connected to hope." I feel those things in the stories you share. Your conviction and belief in that thread of hope comes through as a thread in Chicken Scratch, and that's a beautiful thing.
Oh, if you've not read about Snowy before, I hope you'll enjoy her story. What a bird!
You're right. I can't think of an endeavor for which showing up consistently isn't half the struggle. So, yay! Look at us checking that box! I appreciate that you can see the humor in the introspection, Amy, while also making room for the processing that I know is important for both of us. It means a lot that you feel welcomed here, and that hope comes through. Thanks so much!
As a friend of mine says, "I'm learning to not listen to the committee of assh*les in my head." Really grateful for the comment and your presence here.
Yes! And thanks for providing that connection to hope that we all need now, more than ever. Congratulations to you, as well - it's hard to show up regularly, always second guessing etc. Well done you!
You are amazing! The diversity and wisdom you share is a great part of my week. Tremendous kudos to you.
I definitely get the 'are people going to be interested?' And 'is it good enough' jitters most weeks. So many great writers on this space. We are holding our own, progressing really, and grabbing folks along the way!!
So glad we have connected. Thank you for all that you do.
I haven’t had the “privilege” of meeting many writers who are fully confident they’ll hit the mark each time. Not sure how well I’d get on with them. 😅 Your comment is much appreciated, Janice, as is your voice among those here. Thank so much!
Reading you is like the best letter from home. It helps to quiet the chaos that swirls around us these days! I know I've said it before but I love that my favorite substackers appear in each other's comments supporting each other and us! How magical that there is this community that spans the globe!
Susan, this is such a lovely comment. Thank you. It is magical, isn't it, this community of support? I've been the beneficiary of many modern long-distance relationships, my term for the digital connections I've developed over the years, none of them of an "extracurricular" nature. It started with fellow backyard chicken owners, then graduated to homeschooling moms, many of whom I'm still in touch with daily. Now Substack is offering another beautiful form of that. I'm glad you're part of it!
Happy Birthday, Chicken Scratch and Congratulations, Elizabeth! Thank you for bringing this into the world and sharing your gift for wordsmithing. Your essays are a bright spot of contemplation in my weeks.
Bright spot energy back atcha, Roe! With all that we all have to think about these days, it is an honor to know these writings are part of what you’re choosing to consider. Thank you, thank you!
Your paragraph on what you've learned really resonated with me. I've questioned my own optimism, and wondered if readers would think I "have my head in the sand." I'm learning, after 14 months of weekly writing, that the need for discipline evolves. I've learned not to compare myself with every writer out there, especially those I truly admire.
I look forward to every new post on Chicken Scratch! 🙏💚
You’re a gem, Don, both as teacher and student. I’m always appreciative of how honest you are about what’s going on in your head, and how generous you are with praise. I’m glad we’re here together. And thank you for the restack!
Congrats on another year and bringing a smile to my face!!! Love reading your stories looking forward to what 2025 has in store for us readers. Love to you and Jimmy.
Congratulations, Elizabeth! Three years of newslettering is no small thing. Sometimes I worry that no one will care about the essay I’m writing. Then people care and it’s like magic.
Like magic! I appreciate you very much, Rona, and what you write.
Smiling…
Every move in any kind of creative direction feels bold right now. I’m glad you’re here - your words always remind me that this work, as small as it is, matters. Congrats on 3 years of wrangling the words.
Thanks, Robin. It does feel like an "act of resistance" that is more accessible than some other options while still having an impact. It's everything, everywhere...and the heart of it is caring for each other, right?
Happy scratchiversary Elizabeth! So happy to have found you, something that only could happen because we keep showing up here. I’m so grateful for that.
Thanks, Lindsay. Showing up with a willingness to see and be seen is more important than ever. I'm glad we're here together.
Love every word you share..Congratulations ❤️
Gracias, Barry! Your lifelong support has not gone unnoticed.
Happy Scratchiversary back to you! I always look forward to reading your pieces. Keep ‘em coming!
Thanks, Suzanne. No plans to stop, but it sure helps to know there's a receptive community on the other end.
So much wisdom in this post, Elizabeth: "there’s always someone who appears to be doing it better, faster, or more eloquently than I," and "to show up here at all, I have to be true to myself," and especially "No amount of preparation will truly prepare you for what’s to come. The only thing to do is try." I'm so glad you are still here, still trying, especially when hope is so much harder to access than it was 3 years ago. Happy anniversary, truly.
Sincerely appreciated, Rita. As much as I want to have the fortitude to be my own cheerleader all the time, it really makes a difference to know that others, including curious and engaged writers like you, are also waving the pompons! I'm glad you're here. I'm glad we're here together.
Happy year three, Elizabeth! I didn't realize we have similar dates. I also didn't know the history of the name. (I'll go read about Snowy. What was the pigeon's name again?) I think it takes a lot to continue to show up every week, trust in one's voice and in the value of connecting words and images to create and highlight the world you believe in and the wonder of individual people and their stories, too.
I laugh at your navel-gazing line. I think that, too, is important. You wrapped up with words that really resonate for me in terms of what I find week to week in your posts: "...welcoming community, a safe haven, a neighborhood of folks who are connected to hope." I feel those things in the stories you share. Your conviction and belief in that thread of hope comes through as a thread in Chicken Scratch, and that's a beautiful thing.
Oh, if you've not read about Snowy before, I hope you'll enjoy her story. What a bird!
You're right. I can't think of an endeavor for which showing up consistently isn't half the struggle. So, yay! Look at us checking that box! I appreciate that you can see the humor in the introspection, Amy, while also making room for the processing that I know is important for both of us. It means a lot that you feel welcomed here, and that hope comes through. Thanks so much!
I share the same doubts every time I come to the page-screen, and ignore them and keep on, just like you. Thanks for sharing.
As a friend of mine says, "I'm learning to not listen to the committee of assh*les in my head." Really grateful for the comment and your presence here.
Yes!
Yes! And thanks for providing that connection to hope that we all need now, more than ever. Congratulations to you, as well - it's hard to show up regularly, always second guessing etc. Well done you!
Thanks, Sue. I know you can relate. Your contributions here are always generous and thoughtful. I really appreciate that.
Thank you so much!
You are amazing! The diversity and wisdom you share is a great part of my week. Tremendous kudos to you.
I definitely get the 'are people going to be interested?' And 'is it good enough' jitters most weeks. So many great writers on this space. We are holding our own, progressing really, and grabbing folks along the way!!
So glad we have connected. Thank you for all that you do.
J
I haven’t had the “privilege” of meeting many writers who are fully confident they’ll hit the mark each time. Not sure how well I’d get on with them. 😅 Your comment is much appreciated, Janice, as is your voice among those here. Thank so much!
Reading you is like the best letter from home. It helps to quiet the chaos that swirls around us these days! I know I've said it before but I love that my favorite substackers appear in each other's comments supporting each other and us! How magical that there is this community that spans the globe!
Susan, this is such a lovely comment. Thank you. It is magical, isn't it, this community of support? I've been the beneficiary of many modern long-distance relationships, my term for the digital connections I've developed over the years, none of them of an "extracurricular" nature. It started with fellow backyard chicken owners, then graduated to homeschooling moms, many of whom I'm still in touch with daily. Now Substack is offering another beautiful form of that. I'm glad you're part of it!
Happy Birthday, Chicken Scratch and Congratulations, Elizabeth! Thank you for bringing this into the world and sharing your gift for wordsmithing. Your essays are a bright spot of contemplation in my weeks.
Bright spot energy back atcha, Roe! With all that we all have to think about these days, it is an honor to know these writings are part of what you’re choosing to consider. Thank you, thank you!
It makes my day to read your essays......so glad you are a lifting Delight !
Ah, Susan...thank you. Makes my day to know that! 💖
Congrats, Elizabeth. Three years, what a feat!
Your paragraph on what you've learned really resonated with me. I've questioned my own optimism, and wondered if readers would think I "have my head in the sand." I'm learning, after 14 months of weekly writing, that the need for discipline evolves. I've learned not to compare myself with every writer out there, especially those I truly admire.
I look forward to every new post on Chicken Scratch! 🙏💚
You’re a gem, Don, both as teacher and student. I’m always appreciative of how honest you are about what’s going on in your head, and how generous you are with praise. I’m glad we’re here together. And thank you for the restack!
💚🩷💚🩷
Here's to the next year!
One word behind the other, right? :) Thanks, June.
Congrats on another year and bringing a smile to my face!!! Love reading your stories looking forward to what 2025 has in store for us readers. Love to you and Jimmy.
Thank you, Stacey, for your ongoing support. It really means a lot! Hope you and yours are well.