You said Newfoundland, and I was thinking, is Tommy Canadian?! And you said back home in Ontario. It would be lovely to have a visual scene of what Newfoundland meant to you in those moments off-grid. The contrast between the two places feels so stark in my mind when I read is, but I wonder if others see that visual when you mention them back-to-back.
Also, I've been mulling over a short essay that has felt so small. And I'm thinking of your first carved spoon and have been given the nudge to share. Thank you for insightful, contemplative thoughts.
Thank you for the note here Kana and the beautiful reflection. I've been thinking of writing about Newfoundland for a while (just returned home, third summer in a row). It's very hard to write about place but this might be the nudge needed!
We must be surfing a similar brain wave my friend. I just put out a video yesterday on my patron saint and one of the biblical references he was so fond of was: Coepit facere et docere. Begin to do and teach. For this is what Saint Luke wrote of Christ's ministry. He began to do first and then teach.
May our King continue to inspire your heart and mind to action and sharing. I miss you my friend. I hope to return to your neck of the woods again soon.
I love your "step through the door" line because, if I'm honest, I'm often tempted to stay inside. 😊
I've been writing a lot lately about the difference between being a spectator and becoming a participant, so this really resonated with me. Hiking has been one of those things that's been both a blessing and a curse. Literally. I usually end up cursing at least a few things... including my husband, who has an uncanny ability to describe something as "a gentle walk" that somehow ends up on the side of a mountain.
Your reminder to simply keep stepping through the door was exactly what I needed today. Thank you! 💛Kelly
I resonate well with what You wrote. I am a software developer, working online and getting my entertainment online was very detrimental for me. Fortunately I just started "doing things", very much how You described it.
"It is a remarkable moment in maturity when you realize the world is a malleable place. A place full of opportunities to exert effort for meaningful, sometimes delightful rewards. "
You know, I had been feeling quite sluggish of late. I stopped writing, I kept wanting to paint but never knowing what to paint. Your essay gave me the perfect amount of optimism, lit that fire in me that actually, nothing is stopping me from actually sitting down to write and putting my thoughts on paper or just picking up a pen to doodle.
As usual, this was a joy to read. I am so glad to have found you!
The blog is exactly why you are one of my favourite writers on Substack, Tommy.
You said Newfoundland, and I was thinking, is Tommy Canadian?! And you said back home in Ontario. It would be lovely to have a visual scene of what Newfoundland meant to you in those moments off-grid. The contrast between the two places feels so stark in my mind when I read is, but I wonder if others see that visual when you mention them back-to-back.
Also, I've been mulling over a short essay that has felt so small. And I'm thinking of your first carved spoon and have been given the nudge to share. Thank you for insightful, contemplative thoughts.
Thank you for the note here Kana and the beautiful reflection. I've been thinking of writing about Newfoundland for a while (just returned home, third summer in a row). It's very hard to write about place but this might be the nudge needed!
Please do, I’m sure find a way to beautifully paint the landscape with your words!
Lovely, Kana - “And I'm thinking of your first carved spoon and have been given the nudge to share.”
We must be surfing a similar brain wave my friend. I just put out a video yesterday on my patron saint and one of the biblical references he was so fond of was: Coepit facere et docere. Begin to do and teach. For this is what Saint Luke wrote of Christ's ministry. He began to do first and then teach.
May our King continue to inspire your heart and mind to action and sharing. I miss you my friend. I hope to return to your neck of the woods again soon.
I love your "step through the door" line because, if I'm honest, I'm often tempted to stay inside. 😊
I've been writing a lot lately about the difference between being a spectator and becoming a participant, so this really resonated with me. Hiking has been one of those things that's been both a blessing and a curse. Literally. I usually end up cursing at least a few things... including my husband, who has an uncanny ability to describe something as "a gentle walk" that somehow ends up on the side of a mountain.
Your reminder to simply keep stepping through the door was exactly what I needed today. Thank you! 💛Kelly
Beautiful, as always, Tommy.
Learning does not have to precede doing. Yes! Just throw yourself at beautiful things and see what happens.
Inspiring
I was ready to hear this today, thank you for articulating the idea so well.
I love this. This just made so many things click for me, thankyou!!
love it
ahh love this. So good.
Another treat omg thanku🙏
I resonate well with what You wrote. I am a software developer, working online and getting my entertainment online was very detrimental for me. Fortunately I just started "doing things", very much how You described it.
"It is a remarkable moment in maturity when you realize the world is a malleable place. A place full of opportunities to exert effort for meaningful, sometimes delightful rewards. "
This was very beautifully said.
You know, I had been feeling quite sluggish of late. I stopped writing, I kept wanting to paint but never knowing what to paint. Your essay gave me the perfect amount of optimism, lit that fire in me that actually, nothing is stopping me from actually sitting down to write and putting my thoughts on paper or just picking up a pen to doodle.
As usual, this was a joy to read. I am so glad to have found you!
Thank you, Tommy!!! a simple and so needed reminder for us all, especially in this age of spectatorship.