Happy birthday Caroline!!! 🪅💕 I hope you have the most wonderful week. As always, baby Caroline melts me into oblivion. The little baby book! The kewpie doll! 😍 I loved this AMA. For anyone on the fence on becoming a paid subscriber, JUST DO IT ALREADY! I started reading Caroline's newsletter months ago and I've had such a wonderful time experiencing the world through Caroline's words.
Thank you so much, Jenovia. 🥺 This is easily one of my favorite comments, ever. Grateful to you for your support, your appreciation of tarot and beach walks and animal companions (and Maddie's Wally photos 🤣) and to Substack for bringing us together. Thanks for making this space, and my days, brighter. 💕
Happy Birthday, Caroline! Regarding leaving NYC: I’m a native New Yorker who left NYC after living there for 40 years (1976-2016) and moved to Chicago and love it. I still love New York City, it’s my home, but despite its many problems, Chicago has offered space and affordability on the rental front and Lake Michigan is always near and I love the people here. Like you, I’m a city mouse, so this move offered city life and outside of it other places to explore nearby. Plus, my brother owns a restaurant here, so there’s always food! Don’t know if Chicago is on your radar, but I have found it a happy transition — I’m at a later and different stage of life from you, but I’ve found friends here of many different generations who love it. Wishing you all good things in the year ahead! Ps - I love the Tarot pull! ✨
Thank you, Jolene! I truly appreciate it. Chicago is very much a contender — my husband is from there, we visit friends and family there fairly often, and I always love it. As you say, we're attracted to the idea of city life with a bit more flexibility where housing in concerned. It's especially helpful to hear from a native New Yorker, though. (I may reach out if I have questions in the future!) And I'm very heartened to hear that you've found what sounds like a wonderful array of friends there — one of my fears in moving anywhere is leaving my support system behind and trying to forge new friendships. Thanks again for sharing. And I will absolutely make a stop at your brother's restaurant next time I'm town! We'll be there later this spring for a wedding, if not sooner. 😊
Caroline! Definitely reach out, my email is jolene.handy@gmail.com — when I read your piece I thought “I gotta let Caroline know — I KNOW how big it is to leave NYC!” People still say “huh? You left NY?” 😂 Great that your husband is from here and you visit and know the city — it was 70 degrees today, the Lake was magnificent. Do you know about the American Writers Museum here? An amazing place, they host writers, programs, book launches, etc. The city is going to be full on this summer: Sundance Film Festival is coming here, DNC convention, Lolla, James Beard Awards, NASCAR . Let me know when you and your husband want to go to Torchio — I know the owner! 😂 Have a wonderful birthday! 🎉
I also live in Chicago (and have been here since 2016 as well!) – I love it here. Another vote if Chicago is on your radar, Caroline – great food scene, love the lake, relatively affordable by city standards, and being in the middle of the country makes access to both coasts somewhat easy!
No, but I grew up in the Chicago suburbs so was in the city quite a bit for school field trips, shopping, and to visit family. My husband and I still travel to Chicago to visit family.
We'll be sure to eat at Torchio Pasta Bar. Thanks!
Wishing you a very happy birthday!! Thank you for taking time to share a bit about your life with us. In this age of social media, the para-social relationships we create with online people may be a bit strange but also rewarding 😃
Thank you so much, Victoria! I'm glad you appreciated it. It's a special dynamic indeed... I feel lucky that some connections have turned into friendships, but in all cases, they are a gift. 😊
Happy birthday Caroline! I really liked your reading of Justice in this post - I feel like the ways that the tarot deck’s symbols can transcend notions of right and wrong are a big part of what makes them so rich and meaningful.
Thank you so much, Nikhil! I'm glad it resonated. This card, especially, is rich with symbols and meanings — the red robe, the crown... I had to temper myself from diving into all of it or the post would be endless. But more for next time!
Wishing you equal measures of peace and joy on your birthday. May the next 40 years continue to grow your wisdom that is so clearly inside you. I loved this AMA and the honesty you shared with us. As always the card reading seamlessly connected: with a clear sense of who we are and in following the direction of our own self-made honestly, we are free to share. Now go and eat cake and drink champagne and celebrate YOU!
Happy birthday to you! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. As always, I finish reading your newsletter and feel so thoughtful in a peaceful sense. Your words resonate so well and it's a true gift – thank you for sharing your insight!!
Happy birthday!!! I’m so intrigued by your timelines novel idea! And I love the fact that you combined novel writing and marathon training into one AMA because the processes can be so similar. Step by step. Just keep going. Or don’t! (The real growth happens in the process rather than in the finish.) Meanwhile, thank you SO MUCH for the Justice breakdown. This is one of my repeat cards. At its surface, its meaning shouldn’t be so hard to understand yet every time I pull Justice, I find myself befuddled. Reading your synopsis, however, finally triggered some clarity about why I keep pulling this card. Ok ok, got it Universe! PS: Busy Box photo = core childhood memory unlocked!
Thank you!! Very glad you appreciated this week's spin on Justice. There is SO MUCH going on with that card — so many symbols and directions to take them. I didn't even get into the robe, or the crown, or the various other ways to interpret the sword and the scales... It's funny because on the surface, this card can feel so...stoic. So logical and definitive. But then the actual meaning can be anything but. Anyway! Whatever its message for you, I'm glad if this helped shake it loose. And also happy you picked up on the marathon/novel connection. I thought about merging them into one response, but feared I might alienate folks with zero interest in running AND writing in one go, so opted to keep them separate. But yes! Truly the same (arduous) process.
Happy birthday, Caroline! 🥳 I love how you said you create material AND overthink it. Like you, I can be an overthinker, but I find that in those moments of over-analysis, I just take the next step that feels good. Taking some form of action gets me out of my head! Loved your tarot card of the week as well ❤️
Feel like I stepped up to a free breakfast buffet, but like… a delicious one. So much yumminess, Caroline!
Most importantly, wishing you all you want and need with the coming year, and all you want and need in retrospect of the one now behind you.
Next, honesty v. fairness and the rejection of the binary. What an awesome topic! Would love more of your explorations if you care to dig deeper. Will be grinding some gears on it myself. 🙏🏻🙌🏻✨
Thank you, Bree. I absolutely love the description of a breakfast buffet. Appreciate the kind wishes! 💛 And would love to pay this topic some more thought.
Happy birthday Caroline!!! 🪅💕 I hope you have the most wonderful week. As always, baby Caroline melts me into oblivion. The little baby book! The kewpie doll! 😍 I loved this AMA. For anyone on the fence on becoming a paid subscriber, JUST DO IT ALREADY! I started reading Caroline's newsletter months ago and I've had such a wonderful time experiencing the world through Caroline's words.
Thank you so much, Jenovia. 🥺 This is easily one of my favorite comments, ever. Grateful to you for your support, your appreciation of tarot and beach walks and animal companions (and Maddie's Wally photos 🤣) and to Substack for bringing us together. Thanks for making this space, and my days, brighter. 💕
Wally gives me so much life!!! As does your newsletter! Thank YOU! You have created one of my favorite corners of the internet. ❤️🔥
Happy Birthday, Caroline! Regarding leaving NYC: I’m a native New Yorker who left NYC after living there for 40 years (1976-2016) and moved to Chicago and love it. I still love New York City, it’s my home, but despite its many problems, Chicago has offered space and affordability on the rental front and Lake Michigan is always near and I love the people here. Like you, I’m a city mouse, so this move offered city life and outside of it other places to explore nearby. Plus, my brother owns a restaurant here, so there’s always food! Don’t know if Chicago is on your radar, but I have found it a happy transition — I’m at a later and different stage of life from you, but I’ve found friends here of many different generations who love it. Wishing you all good things in the year ahead! Ps - I love the Tarot pull! ✨
Thank you, Jolene! I truly appreciate it. Chicago is very much a contender — my husband is from there, we visit friends and family there fairly often, and I always love it. As you say, we're attracted to the idea of city life with a bit more flexibility where housing in concerned. It's especially helpful to hear from a native New Yorker, though. (I may reach out if I have questions in the future!) And I'm very heartened to hear that you've found what sounds like a wonderful array of friends there — one of my fears in moving anywhere is leaving my support system behind and trying to forge new friendships. Thanks again for sharing. And I will absolutely make a stop at your brother's restaurant next time I'm town! We'll be there later this spring for a wedding, if not sooner. 😊
Caroline! Definitely reach out, my email is jolene.handy@gmail.com — when I read your piece I thought “I gotta let Caroline know — I KNOW how big it is to leave NYC!” People still say “huh? You left NY?” 😂 Great that your husband is from here and you visit and know the city — it was 70 degrees today, the Lake was magnificent. Do you know about the American Writers Museum here? An amazing place, they host writers, programs, book launches, etc. The city is going to be full on this summer: Sundance Film Festival is coming here, DNC convention, Lolla, James Beard Awards, NASCAR . Let me know when you and your husband want to go to Torchio — I know the owner! 😂 Have a wonderful birthday! 🎉
I second the American Writers Museum!
I also live in Chicago (and have been here since 2016 as well!) – I love it here. Another vote if Chicago is on your radar, Caroline – great food scene, love the lake, relatively affordable by city standards, and being in the middle of the country makes access to both coasts somewhat easy!
Hi, Alaina! Agree!
Thank you, Alaina! This is very good to hear. :)
Do you mind sharing the name of the restaurant?
Not at all! Torchio Pasta Bar on N Wells. Are you here?
No, but I grew up in the Chicago suburbs so was in the city quite a bit for school field trips, shopping, and to visit family. My husband and I still travel to Chicago to visit family.
We'll be sure to eat at Torchio Pasta Bar. Thanks!
That’s great, thank you!
Happy Birthday!
Substacks and Novels and Life, Oh my!
I'm feeling this too.
A reference to Dorothy's little song of Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HrfbV16-FQ
Thank you, David! Much appreciated. (Especially the clip!)
Wishing you a very happy birthday!! Thank you for taking time to share a bit about your life with us. In this age of social media, the para-social relationships we create with online people may be a bit strange but also rewarding 😃
Thank you so much, Victoria! I'm glad you appreciated it. It's a special dynamic indeed... I feel lucky that some connections have turned into friendships, but in all cases, they are a gift. 😊
Happy birthday Caroline! I really liked your reading of Justice in this post - I feel like the ways that the tarot deck’s symbols can transcend notions of right and wrong are a big part of what makes them so rich and meaningful.
Thank you so much, Nikhil! I'm glad it resonated. This card, especially, is rich with symbols and meanings — the red robe, the crown... I had to temper myself from diving into all of it or the post would be endless. But more for next time!
Wishing you equal measures of peace and joy on your birthday. May the next 40 years continue to grow your wisdom that is so clearly inside you. I loved this AMA and the honesty you shared with us. As always the card reading seamlessly connected: with a clear sense of who we are and in following the direction of our own self-made honestly, we are free to share. Now go and eat cake and drink champagne and celebrate YOU!
Thank you so much, dear Sam! Very grateful to know you, and for your kindness and support.
Happy Birthday! Lovely to read your post, as always.
Thank you, Annie!
Happy birthday! I enjoyed your post today and especially enjoyed this reading!
Thank you so much, Patti! ❤️
Happy birthday to you! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. As always, I finish reading your newsletter and feel so thoughtful in a peaceful sense. Your words resonate so well and it's a true gift – thank you for sharing your insight!!
Thank you, Alaina! That means a lot, and is a gift to hear.
You pegged it exactly!
Happy birthday!!! I’m so intrigued by your timelines novel idea! And I love the fact that you combined novel writing and marathon training into one AMA because the processes can be so similar. Step by step. Just keep going. Or don’t! (The real growth happens in the process rather than in the finish.) Meanwhile, thank you SO MUCH for the Justice breakdown. This is one of my repeat cards. At its surface, its meaning shouldn’t be so hard to understand yet every time I pull Justice, I find myself befuddled. Reading your synopsis, however, finally triggered some clarity about why I keep pulling this card. Ok ok, got it Universe! PS: Busy Box photo = core childhood memory unlocked!
Thank you!! Very glad you appreciated this week's spin on Justice. There is SO MUCH going on with that card — so many symbols and directions to take them. I didn't even get into the robe, or the crown, or the various other ways to interpret the sword and the scales... It's funny because on the surface, this card can feel so...stoic. So logical and definitive. But then the actual meaning can be anything but. Anyway! Whatever its message for you, I'm glad if this helped shake it loose. And also happy you picked up on the marathon/novel connection. I thought about merging them into one response, but feared I might alienate folks with zero interest in running AND writing in one go, so opted to keep them separate. But yes! Truly the same (arduous) process.
Exactly! It was tough to get over the stoic, dare I say "hard-ass" vibe of the card, but in actuality it's so "yes/and" nuanced—a philosophy I LOVE.
Happy birthday! Love the honesty in these answers. And this: “This card reminds us that we create our selves, with every thought and action.”
Thank you so much! Happy it resonated with you.
Happy Birthday, dear friend. So very glad you’re on the planet. We are all so lucky to have your wise, beautiful, funny words! 🎈
Thank you, friend. Love you.
Happy Birthday to you!! Thanks for being so open, honest, and hilarious with us. Here’s to your best year yet! 💜
Thank you, Caitlin! I deeply appreciate it. 💛
Happy Birthday 🎈
Loved this line, “This week’s card urges us to let go of fairness once and for all, and instead focus on honesty.”
Thank you ❤️
Happy birthday, Caroline! 🥳 I love how you said you create material AND overthink it. Like you, I can be an overthinker, but I find that in those moments of over-analysis, I just take the next step that feels good. Taking some form of action gets me out of my head! Loved your tarot card of the week as well ❤️
Thank you, Rachel! ❤️
Feel like I stepped up to a free breakfast buffet, but like… a delicious one. So much yumminess, Caroline!
Most importantly, wishing you all you want and need with the coming year, and all you want and need in retrospect of the one now behind you.
Next, honesty v. fairness and the rejection of the binary. What an awesome topic! Would love more of your explorations if you care to dig deeper. Will be grinding some gears on it myself. 🙏🏻🙌🏻✨
Thank you, Bree. I absolutely love the description of a breakfast buffet. Appreciate the kind wishes! 💛 And would love to pay this topic some more thought.