How fun! Ani was a big part of the soundtrack of my university years in the 90s. I have recently been hearing Martha Beck singing her virtues, having just discovered her, and it reminded me to find her and re-listen. I really enjoyed your excellent question: "What advice do you have for those who feel as though they have something to say creatively but are afraid to put it out there?" and her answer: "So find that reason within yourself, and whether it’s thrilling or unburdening or challenging—whatever it is that drives you within yourself to make that thing or share that thing—do it for that reason."
Thank you so much! Martha Beck's wife, Ro, is a huge Ani fan and is a member of an Ani DiFranco fan group I'm in on Facebook. I already loved Martha and Ro's podcast, but I'm an even bigger fan knowing they're Ani lovers. :)
WOW! Adore Ani, fell hard for her music in the 90's and saw her live, for the second time, last year in Portland. Total Righteous Babe! Great interview!
I love your piece. I'm in my own relationship with this topic. Trying to remember it's not a race, and to appreciate the long and winding road. The journey, not the destination continues to prove true. Staying inspired is a beautiful real life practice. Thank you for your words.
I appreciated your piece, as I’ve been deep diving into creativity the past few years—even started a creativity club. And I agree with you. The creative process isn’t just about the blooming part. The noticing, gathering, sourcing, and being present are all part of the seeding that has to happen before the blossoming.
I wrote about Spring and refreshing your kitchen pantray and what it does for your health during this seasonal transition. The kitchen is a great place to invite the Goddesses Lakshmi (wealth, beauty) & Annapurna (food abundance ) to your home. Happy Spring Navaratri! Nine nights of the Goddess.
This is so fun! I teach at a girls' school and realized that the deep support we offer for young women and girls sort of dries up once women enter the world, so I wanted to create that space for others (like you do here, Jessica!). I write about literature and analysis and host a book club community of (mostly) women. I just announced our April books (we always read in pairs, one fiction and one non-fiction): https://thisisnotheavymeta.substack.com/p/timelier-than-ever-april-book-club
Love this. So thoughtful, and I can to relate to much of it. I had my second child when I was 40, and in my suburban/rural town, this makes me extremely unusual. I do often wonder how my parenting would have been different if my daughter's adolescence weren't beginning at the same time that my menopause was.
I love that you have a Gloria on your team, and wish there were more who held the understanding that "there are many different ways to be in the world" and one way or age range isn't superior for mothering. I appreciate that you shared your wise and insightful way of being, as you are in very good company!
I became a mom at 40. I had to go through some life and healing before then. When it happened, I was ready. Happy to report I am a great mom. Had it been sooner, I don't know how great I'd be. And thankfully I'm healthy and able to be there. Being an older mom is certainly motivation to keep up with our health. Blessings to you and your baby.
Well, well! I was praying you'd do this roundup today.
Haven't been writing as much as producing this past week. The 3rd monthly story slam of Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam! is on Saturday, March 21, at 5pm ET.
We have amazing storytellers lined up for this event: E.R.A. Now, Dammit! Equal Rights? Um, yeah.
Abigail Thomas, Dina Honour, Prajna O'Hara, Jazmine Becerra Green, Ally Hamilton, Jen St. Germain, Eileen Vorbach Collins, Wyrd Sister, Rebecca Mack, and Mesa Fama are the ten featured storytellers. I'll be telling a 4-minute story, so will Eileen Dougharty and Mel Moseley.
Come check it out, especially if you've not been to a live show (on Zoom!), yet.
Thank you for this space, Jessica. This week I wrote about a thing I needed to say aloud for a while. I am lonely in my marriage. This one was intimate. And what I received back from readers was so much reassurance that I am not alone. My essay: When Midlife Rearranges the Marriage:
"Menopause begins stripping away the hormonal cushioning that once helped smooth over discomfort, conflict, and emotion." Beautiful. I can relate to so much of this and so many of the questions you pose.
You’ve inspired me in more than one way. My dad was a pediatrician, so I have more than an outsider’s perspective on what your work requires. Big respect. And the fact that you created the template for your life is so inspiring. Finally, you’ve inspired me to redo my welcome post. Thank you!
Jessica, this is so lovely, thank you for creating and holding this space for us! A writer friend and I collaborated on a piece last month and our prompt was: "What keeps us up at night?" This piece is what came out of that prompt: https://jocelynlovelle.substack.com/p/this-is-what-keeps-me-up-at-night
So excited to read and discover some more writers here! xo
I am a writer and a caregiver and now new single after losing the love of my life this past January. To save myself I have been posting weekly about my grief, my recovery, my movement through this new and only sometimes dark life. Here is my 9th post (yeah, the numbers don't exactly add up): https://anngoethalsauthor.substack.com/p/week-86?r=1pyw83
I'm so sorry for your loss but amazed at your ability to write through these months. I love that you returned to fiction. And congratulations on publishing your novel. What a gorgeous cover. Are you thinking of writing a sequel eventually?
Thank you. I got really lucky with the cover. It’s funny you ask. I was paralyzed there for a while, but writing does save my life on the regular. I just sent the MS for the sequel, Sheltering in Place, off to my editor this morning. It’s a pandemic novel (2020) and that makes for all kinds of balancing issues. What are you working on?
Wow! I'm so impressed you've already completed the sequel. As for me, I'm in the beginning stages of research for a potential project on female "late bloomers."
This is quickly turning into one of my favorite threads, and I'm bookmarking to come back to so I can read so many new-to-me, great female voices. Since last month I dropped a more cultural take, this month I'll switch it up with humor. Abby, my managing editor and our humor writer, hit a nerve with this one. (As hers usually do.) Thanks for the opportunity you're giving such talented writers. https://substack.provokedmagazine.com/p/the-5-stages-of-surviving-customer
So excited! An excerpt from my memoir was published on March 20 in LIT MAGAZINE. It's called "Art Therapy" and if you've ever had an eccentric parent who is an artist, you'll understand.
Thanks for encouraging writers like me to share my news. Your midstack.substack.com is such a generous way for people to broaden their community. I wish you great success with it. I'm off to read other posts now and to restack and/or recommend. Let's keep the ball rolling!
Thank you for the opportunity to share and connect Jessica. I’m new here and only just found you so I’m late to the party. I’m an Intuitive Mentor and Channel finally doing my heart-work after over 25 years as a CEO in the corporate world. I’m sharing a post about owning my Crone stage and heading off for a family vacation🪶✨
This is from a few weeks ago. I write a lot of "stuff and nonsense" which is really me crying out for people* to be better, but trying to do so in a funny(ish) way.
This piece was about a middle school concert I attended. The audience was not a model of decorum.
This is a great line that made me laugh: "Reminder: the universe will always choose to deploy irony in a high school gym" I feel like I have been in the scene before....
Reader's comment: "I’m starting to see that voice and magic are not separate. When we stop trusting one, we lose access to the other." .....And you got me right in the heart with this: That’s where your voice is.
Thanks so much for this opportunity to share! A few weeks ago I interviewed Gen X icon, singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco. We discussed life after 50, and how her career continues to evolve in surprising ways. https://www.creativereverberations.com/p/ani-difranco-on-collaboration-connection-new-beginnings
Love her! She's a native of my city, Buffalo :) Buffalonians are very proud of her!
I love Buffalo! Went a few years back and visited Babeville. It's a great city!
We think so!
As a former Torontonian I used to go to Buffalo often to visit my sister at the University, such a great city!
I love Buffalo too!
Can't wait to read this interview!
How fun! Ani was a big part of the soundtrack of my university years in the 90s. I have recently been hearing Martha Beck singing her virtues, having just discovered her, and it reminded me to find her and re-listen. I really enjoyed your excellent question: "What advice do you have for those who feel as though they have something to say creatively but are afraid to put it out there?" and her answer: "So find that reason within yourself, and whether it’s thrilling or unburdening or challenging—whatever it is that drives you within yourself to make that thing or share that thing—do it for that reason."
Thank you so much! Martha Beck's wife, Ro, is a huge Ani fan and is a member of an Ani DiFranco fan group I'm in on Facebook. I already loved Martha and Ro's podcast, but I'm an even bigger fan knowing they're Ani lovers. :)
Always loved her! Even choreographed a couple of pieces to her music during my dance career. Well done!
Thank you!
Dreamy! I met one of my best friends in college over our shared love of Ani! A button on a backpack will do that.
WOW! Adore Ani, fell hard for her music in the 90's and saw her live, for the second time, last year in Portland. Total Righteous Babe! Great interview!
Thank you!
Amazing!
Spring is coming ... eventually. :) I'm with you, Jessica. Ohio is just emerging from the gray.
I wrote about finding creativity everywhere. https://jenknox.substack.com/p/creative-energy-is-everywhere-lets Looking forward to discovering other posts.
It's still so gray here in western New York. Yuck. I love the idea of "blackout periods" during the day!
I love your piece. I'm in my own relationship with this topic. Trying to remember it's not a race, and to appreciate the long and winding road. The journey, not the destination continues to prove true. Staying inspired is a beautiful real life practice. Thank you for your words.
I appreciated your piece, as I’ve been deep diving into creativity the past few years—even started a creativity club. And I agree with you. The creative process isn’t just about the blooming part. The noticing, gathering, sourcing, and being present are all part of the seeding that has to happen before the blossoming.
I really enjoyed this post, Jen.
I wrote about Spring and refreshing your kitchen pantray and what it does for your health during this seasonal transition. The kitchen is a great place to invite the Goddesses Lakshmi (wealth, beauty) & Annapurna (food abundance ) to your home. Happy Spring Navaratri! Nine nights of the Goddess.
https://chitraji.substack.com/p/spring-ayurvedic-kitchen-reset?r=4ao2c5
Hi Chitra! So fun to see you here!
Great to see you here too Jocelyn.
The inspiration I need!
I already had closet clean out on my to-do list, but now I’m adding the pantry too.
I wrote about consenting to midlife mortality and the human condition from a very personal perspective: vaginal surgery. https://witchintheyurt.substack.com/p/yes-or-no?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Kat, wonderful, wise reflection!
This is so fun! I teach at a girls' school and realized that the deep support we offer for young women and girls sort of dries up once women enter the world, so I wanted to create that space for others (like you do here, Jessica!). I write about literature and analysis and host a book club community of (mostly) women. I just announced our April books (we always read in pairs, one fiction and one non-fiction): https://thisisnotheavymeta.substack.com/p/timelier-than-ever-april-book-club
This sounds fantastic! What a wonderful idea. I went to a girls boarding school for high school and taught at a girls school as well.
Here is my latest Musing. I became a mom at age 45 and it's been an interesting adventure.
https://rhondasmusings.substack.com/p/life-as-an-older-mother?r=2w1efc
Love this. So thoughtful, and I can to relate to much of it. I had my second child when I was 40, and in my suburban/rural town, this makes me extremely unusual. I do often wonder how my parenting would have been different if my daughter's adolescence weren't beginning at the same time that my menopause was.
Thanks for your comments.
As I say, when the blessing comes, you take it. Timing is often out of our control, most importantly, our children are loved and safe.
I love that you have a Gloria on your team, and wish there were more who held the understanding that "there are many different ways to be in the world" and one way or age range isn't superior for mothering. I appreciate that you shared your wise and insightful way of being, as you are in very good company!
Thanks for your comments, which I did share with Gloria. You doing you is always the way to exist.
Congratulations! All in perfect timing.
I became a mom at 40. I had to go through some life and healing before then. When it happened, I was ready. Happy to report I am a great mom. Had it been sooner, I don't know how great I'd be. And thankfully I'm healthy and able to be there. Being an older mom is certainly motivation to keep up with our health. Blessings to you and your baby.
I appreciate your comments. So true that we look after our health a lot better now.
All the best to you and your family,
Well, well! I was praying you'd do this roundup today.
Haven't been writing as much as producing this past week. The 3rd monthly story slam of Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam! is on Saturday, March 21, at 5pm ET.
We have amazing storytellers lined up for this event: E.R.A. Now, Dammit! Equal Rights? Um, yeah.
Abigail Thomas, Dina Honour, Prajna O'Hara, Jazmine Becerra Green, Ally Hamilton, Jen St. Germain, Eileen Vorbach Collins, Wyrd Sister, Rebecca Mack, and Mesa Fama are the ten featured storytellers. I'll be telling a 4-minute story, so will Eileen Dougharty and Mel Moseley.
Come check it out, especially if you've not been to a live show (on Zoom!), yet.
For ticket info and more go to: https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com/p/era-now-dammit-our-march-story-slam
Or go straight to Eventbrite to get you ticket for tomorrow's show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/era-now-dammit-at-wham-bam-thank-you-slam-tickets-1984048456342?aff=oddtdtcreator
Love me a good Wham Bam Thank You Slam! See ya tomorrow Nan!
See you tomorrow, Amy! xo
Thank you for this space, Jessica. This week I wrote about a thing I needed to say aloud for a while. I am lonely in my marriage. This one was intimate. And what I received back from readers was so much reassurance that I am not alone. My essay: When Midlife Rearranges the Marriage:
https://allisonderaney.substack.com/p/when-midlife-rearranges-the-marriage?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
"Menopause begins stripping away the hormonal cushioning that once helped smooth over discomfort, conflict, and emotion." Beautiful. I can relate to so much of this and so many of the questions you pose.
Thanks, Jessica. 🙏🏼
Bumpier now, yes. But also things seem clearer.
Allison, as you know, I've been there. Am still there in many ways. So brave to talk about loneliness within marriage. xoxo
Thanks Jocelyn. Yes, I appreciate your willingness and openness to talk about it.
It helps hearing one another 🫶
And what a beautiful essay it is!
Thanks Amy 🫶🙏🏼
I re-wrote my welcome “start here” post. It’s the introduction I never lead with.
https://laurengambillmd.substack.com/p/welcome?r=1fk4t&utm_medium=ios
This is perfect. What a wonderful introduction to your story and your writing.
Thank you so much ❤️
You’ve inspired me in more than one way. My dad was a pediatrician, so I have more than an outsider’s perspective on what your work requires. Big respect. And the fact that you created the template for your life is so inspiring. Finally, you’ve inspired me to redo my welcome post. Thank you!
Thank you so much!! I can’t wait to see your welcome post! Please share it when it’s ready!
Jessica, this is so lovely, thank you for creating and holding this space for us! A writer friend and I collaborated on a piece last month and our prompt was: "What keeps us up at night?" This piece is what came out of that prompt: https://jocelynlovelle.substack.com/p/this-is-what-keeps-me-up-at-night
So excited to read and discover some more writers here! xo
Beautiful! And I love this collaboration :)
It was dreamy really!
You and Kendall together was such a delight! 💗
Thank you Allison, I thought so too! :)
I am a writer and a caregiver and now new single after losing the love of my life this past January. To save myself I have been posting weekly about my grief, my recovery, my movement through this new and only sometimes dark life. Here is my 9th post (yeah, the numbers don't exactly add up): https://anngoethalsauthor.substack.com/p/week-86?r=1pyw83
I'm so sorry for your loss but amazed at your ability to write through these months. I love that you returned to fiction. And congratulations on publishing your novel. What a gorgeous cover. Are you thinking of writing a sequel eventually?
Thank you. I got really lucky with the cover. It’s funny you ask. I was paralyzed there for a while, but writing does save my life on the regular. I just sent the MS for the sequel, Sheltering in Place, off to my editor this morning. It’s a pandemic novel (2020) and that makes for all kinds of balancing issues. What are you working on?
Wow! I'm so impressed you've already completed the sequel. As for me, I'm in the beginning stages of research for a potential project on female "late bloomers."
This is quickly turning into one of my favorite threads, and I'm bookmarking to come back to so I can read so many new-to-me, great female voices. Since last month I dropped a more cultural take, this month I'll switch it up with humor. Abby, my managing editor and our humor writer, hit a nerve with this one. (As hers usually do.) Thanks for the opportunity you're giving such talented writers. https://substack.provokedmagazine.com/p/the-5-stages-of-surviving-customer
So excited! An excerpt from my memoir was published on March 20 in LIT MAGAZINE. It's called "Art Therapy" and if you've ever had an eccentric parent who is an artist, you'll understand.
https://marilynpetrokubi.substack.com/p/art-therapy-by-marilyn-petrokubi?r=2nsrt1
LIT MAGAZINE is the art and literary journal of THE NEW SCHOOL'S MFA Creative Writing Program.
Kindred spirits: please give me a boost by restacking and commenting.
Congratulations, Marilyn! That's wonderful!
Thanks for encouraging writers like me to share my news. Your midstack.substack.com is such a generous way for people to broaden their community. I wish you great success with it. I'm off to read other posts now and to restack and/or recommend. Let's keep the ball rolling!
Thanks for your support, Marilyn!
Thank you for the opportunity to share and connect Jessica. I’m new here and only just found you so I’m late to the party. I’m an Intuitive Mentor and Channel finally doing my heart-work after over 25 years as a CEO in the corporate world. I’m sharing a post about owning my Crone stage and heading off for a family vacation🪶✨
https://womenattheedgeofthewoods.substack.com/p/the-crones-carry-on?r=403h20&utm_medium=ios
Welcome to Midstack, Kyra! And enjoy your vacation!
Hello and Happy Friday!
This is from a few weeks ago. I write a lot of "stuff and nonsense" which is really me crying out for people* to be better, but trying to do so in a funny(ish) way.
This piece was about a middle school concert I attended. The audience was not a model of decorum.
https://jackiepick.substack.com/p/in-attendance
*It's me. I'm people.
This is a great line that made me laugh: "Reminder: the universe will always choose to deploy irony in a high school gym" I feel like I have been in the scene before....
Jackie, this was fun to read!
Your note made me laugh. I'm looking forward to reading your piece!
Reader's comment: "I’m starting to see that voice and magic are not separate. When we stop trusting one, we lose access to the other." .....And you got me right in the heart with this: That’s where your voice is.
https://substack.com/home/post/p-192353084