Your newsletter hits the same day as my weekly therapy, and I must say: it’s like bonus therapy. Sometimes it feels WOO WOO the way the themes mesh with what’s happening in my life, ha. Thank you!
Do you realize, just being brave and honest is such a valuable service you provide? Never, does your voice strike me as desperate or unhinged. You say what needs to be said. (I too, try to stay out of my own way. I try to stay out of God's way.) All sorts of incredible things show up when one patiently pays attention. Aren't those the lessons we got in childhood? Waiting your turn? Watch where you are going....Arrggh. Really? Now I gotta contemplate the value of life lived on repeat. Remain verbally authentic. Be well. She.
Oh, I am going to remember that idea of yelling at the garden to grow. Hilarious!
Also, the Pamela Colman Smith illustration really hit home. There he sits, toiling away at his craft, making token after token, with each one heading off into the world. One may get left in a jacket pocket and never get looked at, and another may be worn close to the heart, bcoming a magical and meaningful amulet in someone's life. He has no way of knowing which little golden token will impact someone the most, so he can't focus on making that particular one one extra special, but that's not his role anyway. He's there to do the work of making each one, on and on.
Eric Carle is just the best, and this post is beautifully written. Thanks as always, and I’ll be thinking about the 8 pentacles this week as I am tired tired tired.
Oooooh, yes, my little duck feet are tired! But I'm encouraged by your post! I somehow didn't realize you were once an acquiring editor. That must have been fun...and also a lot of pressure. I spent decades involved in the music business. My experience is musicians often think they have a hit but, alas, it's not always the case. Here's to beginner's mind!
Oh! No, I didn’t see anything from you! Thanks for letting me know. My substack email is notoriously spotty — try re-sending to caroline dot cala at gmail. :)
As someone who has been pursuing traditional publishing for over 10 years, agented for 7 with 3 novels going out on submission in that time (only to get heartbreaking rejection after rejection), and who is currently dealing with a lot of anxiety trying to outline and draft my next project...I really needed to hear this. Thank you.
I just love my weekly doses of your newsletter. This essay inspired me to write something and I was reminded of how hard it is to write something worth reading! Good on you for doing it every week!
The caterpillar's random boots, you're right! Also dead right about the liberation of trying to be, keeping a child-like curiosity, a wonder alive. Your smart piece took me back to the wishes of the photographer André Kertész, even after he had found some recognition: "I still regard myself as a amateur today and I hope that's what I'll stay until the end of my life. Because I'm forever a beginner who discovers the world again and again."
Your newsletter hits the same day as my weekly therapy, and I must say: it’s like bonus therapy. Sometimes it feels WOO WOO the way the themes mesh with what’s happening in my life, ha. Thank you!
Thank you, Kristi! I love everything about this.
Do you realize, just being brave and honest is such a valuable service you provide? Never, does your voice strike me as desperate or unhinged. You say what needs to be said. (I too, try to stay out of my own way. I try to stay out of God's way.) All sorts of incredible things show up when one patiently pays attention. Aren't those the lessons we got in childhood? Waiting your turn? Watch where you are going....Arrggh. Really? Now I gotta contemplate the value of life lived on repeat. Remain verbally authentic. Be well. She.
Thank you so much, Sheila. I love and relate to all of this. And very much appreciate the kind words.
They can't all be hits... but this one was!
(For me) (Maybe for lots of others, too!) (But definitely for me)
Thank you, Patty. 😊
The lessons that the eight of pentacles provides is EXACTLY what I need at this moment in my career. Thanks for providing!
Glad to hear it! You're very welcome.
Exactly what I needed to read. Thank you.
Thank you, Alisha! (Also, I'm so glad you're here! Both reading this and on Substack at large. 😊)
Oh, I am going to remember that idea of yelling at the garden to grow. Hilarious!
Also, the Pamela Colman Smith illustration really hit home. There he sits, toiling away at his craft, making token after token, with each one heading off into the world. One may get left in a jacket pocket and never get looked at, and another may be worn close to the heart, bcoming a magical and meaningful amulet in someone's life. He has no way of knowing which little golden token will impact someone the most, so he can't focus on making that particular one one extra special, but that's not his role anyway. He's there to do the work of making each one, on and on.
Eric Carle is just the best, and this post is beautifully written. Thanks as always, and I’ll be thinking about the 8 pentacles this week as I am tired tired tired.
Thank you, Lindsey! I hear you. Wishing you a good week.
Oooooh, yes, my little duck feet are tired! But I'm encouraged by your post! I somehow didn't realize you were once an acquiring editor. That must have been fun...and also a lot of pressure. I spent decades involved in the music business. My experience is musicians often think they have a hit but, alas, it's not always the case. Here's to beginner's mind!
Also: I emailed you but I'm not sure if you received it!
Oh! No, I didn’t see anything from you! Thanks for letting me know. My substack email is notoriously spotty — try re-sending to caroline dot cala at gmail. :)
As someone who has been pursuing traditional publishing for over 10 years, agented for 7 with 3 novels going out on submission in that time (only to get heartbreaking rejection after rejection), and who is currently dealing with a lot of anxiety trying to outline and draft my next project...I really needed to hear this. Thank you.
They can’t all be hits, but today’s essay was :)
I just love my weekly doses of your newsletter. This essay inspired me to write something and I was reminded of how hard it is to write something worth reading! Good on you for doing it every week!
This: "But how the world (or audience or boss or family) reacts is very much not up to you."
I wah-really needed to read this. Right now.
Thank you, Yoda....I mean, Caroline.💓
Thanks, Rusty! Yoda is a most excellent compliment.
“Results may vary.” *slowly nods head*
Loved all of this. Also, those little boots! 🥾
Thank you, Meg!
Beautifully written. Absorbing it gratefully. Also, you were wonderful to work with as an editor.
Thank you, Julia. The feeling is mutual! (And you are easily one of the kindest, loveliest, most generous people I’ve encountered in publishing. 😊)
I echo your sentiments Caroline. I trust each piece I write will land wherever it's supposed to land and be received with an open heart.
Thank you for the most perfect, timely (is there any other kind?) tarot reading. I appreciate it very much❤
Thank you so much, Donna!
The caterpillar's random boots, you're right! Also dead right about the liberation of trying to be, keeping a child-like curiosity, a wonder alive. Your smart piece took me back to the wishes of the photographer André Kertész, even after he had found some recognition: "I still regard myself as a amateur today and I hope that's what I'll stay until the end of my life. Because I'm forever a beginner who discovers the world again and again."
Beautiful writing as always!
Thank you!