56 Comments
author

To all of you who have messaged and commented, asking how I am, thank you for your concern. I appreciate you. I will catch up with all your substacks too Xx

Expand full comment

“Actions speak louder than words”… If I’m ever in a situation where people are boring the hell out of me or getting downright irritating, I just get up & walk out without warning. I know from past experiences that if I DO say or do something to let them know… My comments WILL start fights, especially because I DON’T hold back in getting my point across 👍🤨

Expand full comment
author

Yes, actions definitely speak louder than words, I agree. If only we did as much as we said!

Expand full comment

Usually when I’ve got something to say, I have to choose my words very carefully as I have a habit of speaking before thinking about what I’m going to say & not thinking about the potential damage my words can or will cause.

Expand full comment
author

I do the same.

Expand full comment

Great minds think alike 👍😁

Expand full comment

I have to admit that many of my worst moments in life came about because I opened my mouth when I should have kept it shut.

Expand full comment
author

I hear you. Yes sometimes it’s easy to speak because we can rather than because we should!

Expand full comment

I completely agree with you here. Covid had me frantically searching for truth and my worst fear was realized...the dems stole the election. And we survived it and many saw the truth for what it was. This summer I refused to join the political merry go round. It's easier on our minds and attitudes to refused to allow the shrill of propaganda to touch our minds. I love how you worded this. Good to have you back! You were missed...I enjoy fresh air and the fresh mind!😉

Expand full comment
author

Aww thank you. People are so invested in politics and it can be like watching car crash after car crash sometimes. Be the change you want to see in the world is the best i can do.

Expand full comment
founding

In a world of so much noise, we need silence. I’m glad you’re navigating the energies so deftly.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you. A lot of people talking just

because they ‘can’. I think we can over use our written voice. Years ago, writing was more difficult given the nature of type writers, expense and availability of writing materials. As with photography, people had to deeply consider what they put produced and put out there because it was a costly business. These days, not so and thus discernment has been lost.

Expand full comment

Yes we are many of us wintering. Changing into something new to bring about a kinder world. Much appreciation to you Julie for articulating so well. Xx

Expand full comment
author

As the world revolves, let us evolve ❤️

Expand full comment

Back with a blast of crystalline vision. Beautiful words and your sentiments echo how I’ve been feeling, bumbling along these past weeks. Welcome sight for my sore eyes this sleet battered morning. ❤️

Expand full comment
author

Thank you lovely. There has been snow here too it it’s turning to sleet now. Beautiful though.

Expand full comment

Beautiful piece

Expand full comment
author

Thank you :)

Expand full comment

I tend to be the quietest member of the group. I need to process stimuli and immediate reaction--unless I'm so angry that I must react in the moment--is beyond me. Sometimes I feel like a wallflower, but I agree that silence is underrated.

Expand full comment
author

I'm naturally hot headed but over the years am learning to take a little more time.

Expand full comment

Wow. A bit speechless, as I feel you wrote this for many of us. I've been feeling the exact same way. So I got a little between the lines real, since mum has been with me. The endearing part of life is life. When real life is expressed in words or art, it holds meaning. It releases all the angst of "doing nothing" as my friend Jenn, from Between the Pines said this week. Our doing nothing is everything. Doing nothing, connecting to what is real and felt is the most important work. It's real and authentic. Nothing, like taking a walk, fixing a meal, smelling the pine, seeing the colors (as my littlest granddaughter states while we drive), singing out loud, crushing ice or splashing rain puddles, removing ourselves from "having to have something to say," and just "being." Substack has sold itself down the river anyways. Ever since the elections over here it's all politics, power and influence and none of them are here for the art of writing "or doing nothing." It really sucks - but I like doing nothing and then having the courage to write about it like you. Sending you a big hug. And kudos. I am no longer in the carousel anymore and I barely found you - so I have snuck away for a few hours of going in circles with mum about who, what, when and why. repeat. and repeat again. (lol) ox

Expand full comment
author

Bless you. Lovely to hear from you. Yes it seems many have felt similar. I am pleased you have been having many real enriching experiences with your family, they will inform all you create. in the most wonderful way.

Yes I think all the platforms end up becoming political after a while, and because of world tensions, many feel very passionately at the moment.

Keep living honestly and passionately and when the magic comes, it comes xx

Expand full comment

I agree. We only have so long and then we are chasing a new platform. It's exhausting. Best to just keep living our experiences, good or bad and sort them, learn from them, perhaps write about them, right? But no pressure. I can't stand the way these social sites operate on performance. It's gross.

Magic is in the everyday nothings that are honest and missed. Life. oxox

Expand full comment

The quiet is golden! I didn’t know you were away? I hope you are well? I had to take a forced break from Substack myself this last week, due to a very busy schedule. Although this week we are celebrating a very hectic Thanksgiving, I do have the necessary free time to just sit down with a cup of tea and catch up on my Substack’s! It was wonderful seeing you in my feed this morning Julie! Stay beautiful!

Expand full comment
author

Oh that’s lovely. I was listening to my new audio book this morning. It’s Cher’s autobiography and all I could think was “I bet Charlotte has met her, she knows everyone!”

Yes I shall be catching up with yours over next couple of days. I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving :)

Expand full comment

Lol! Yes, I did briefly meet her backstage at a show. Not enough to write about, because she she was preoccupied with her performance. But I noticed how great she looked at the time for being in her 50’s. When I was a kid growing up in the 60s she was one of my idols. L O L! It was sort of fitting that later in life she looks so wonderful and healthy. Not all that plastic surgery stuff. At least in her 50s. I hope you are doing well!

Expand full comment
author

I just KNEW it!!!!!😂😂

Yes I love her. A woman’s woman. And would definitely recommend her book.

I loved her growing up too. Discovered her in the 80s and traced her back. So talented and stylish.

Yes I’m good. :)

Expand full comment

She has always some how remained relevant! My preteen 60’s self was infatuated with her. She’s 78 I think, and still remains beautiful inside and out! ✨💖🤗

Expand full comment

Glad to see you back Julie! I do think the time of year makes us withdraw a bit, little animals that we are! They do say an empty vessel makes most sound and it's probably wise to go with the flow - takes discipline though! I did write an article about the US election on the day the result was announced, setting out my views, but I didn't think I was saying anything new so I shelved it. At least I got it off my chest, even if no one else will read it😊

Expand full comment
author

Yes it’s a precarious state of affairs. Strange times that I am sure will become stranger as time goes on.

Yes we must use this space to be ourselves as we see fit. Keep going! :)

Expand full comment

This is a terrific piece that actually gets better as it goes on. And that's from a very good start!

The thing is Julie, you don't need Trump or anyone else to validate your life - and you know that. You are free! What you do in this substack is help others achieve the same freedom.

We need you, so please keep going!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you. :)

I’m glad you appreciated it. Not having written on Substack for a few weeks, it was hard to know where to start, a way in. After writing it many have said it chimes so maybe it’s just something in the air right now. People feel a bit wiped with it all.

Expand full comment

At times I quite like the “sound of silence” 🩵

Expand full comment
author

Absolutely.

Yes in real life, I often sit with no music, no audio book, nothing, just beautiful silence.

Expand full comment

Thanks for the inspiration. I needed that!

Expand full comment
author

Glad it spoke to you. Keep on being you :)

Expand full comment

Nice to see you back lovely 🥰

Know you don’t like dms so refrained. Sending you much love x

Expand full comment
author

Aww bless you. I don’t always have much to say tbh. Home has been quite stressful. Is what it is, hey? Could be worse! Hope all is well with you and yours xx

Expand full comment

Feel you with the home thing..

Tensions here, keep on keeping on ❤️

Expand full comment
author

Oh no, sorry to hear you have tensions there too x

Expand full comment

Sort of back to normal..

Rollercoaster of life eh 🙄

Expand full comment
author

Indeed!

Expand full comment

I’ve missed you! Excellent post- I find this time of year also to feel a time of quietness, a time to go inward. 🥰

Expand full comment
author

Oh that’s lovely. I shall catch up with your stack in a while.

I just don’t see the point in posting stuff for the sake of it. I think people can tell it’s a contrived effort and not genuine.

Expand full comment

Always a pleasure to read things from you. That you would take time to read my ramblings makes my heart soar!! 🥰🫶🏼✨✨

Expand full comment
author

Bless you xx

Expand full comment