Seriously, I was so looking forward to this today. I'm terrified getting this next book finished and out. You'd think I'd be like, "Oh pssshhh, it's like riding a bike." But no 👀 I am a new person now and I'm swimming with new fins and when I sit and feel such love and tenderness for Brackens bravery and trust in himself and world, I feel it pouring into my own nervous and excited belly.
Your creativity and empathy are such a gift Carolyn. You are such a gift! 🩷 Thank you 🫶🫶🫶
I LOVE THIS CAROLYN!! Your art, creativity, and your journey, along with your openness and awareness throughout is inspiring. It's like we are observing, learning, and enjoying coming along for the ride. Thank you.
Such a clever, visual way to tell a meaningful, wise story ❤️ Clearly you have many gifts and will be successful in whatever you put your mind to. I'm so glad that I subscribed!
Aww, Jen, thank you! You know how we all can have some off-weeks, where it feels like we just can’t get it together? Well, that was me this week. So while your comment would have always been appreciated, today that felt like a massive hug. A big sigh of release and a hearty “thank you” to you!
It's a magical journey, Carolyn! So beautiful, so full of promise and exciting things to come. For Bracken and you. Can't wait to see where you each go next! Sending big hugs and happy thoughts. 🤗🥰🐟🐠🐡❤️
Beautiful Story Carolyn - I just read it this morning while on a trip - which is sort of an unknown itself, although I've been here before so it feels somewhat familiar. I guess my big unknown these days is songwriting ... not just writing, but as a performer of those song. Just getting used to the idea having done a few open stages and one 30 minute opening set. It's all very scary to my introvert nature. And in particular to the shy singer trying to get out. I've had lots of experience on stage, but I feel confident doing that. This feels totally different. Makes me come to grips with being more open and vulnerable in front of others. That usually isn't so scary for me as I tend to be that way one on one, but this is on a larger scale and involves fears around art and music that feels like unchartered territory.
So much to think about! You are wise to look at it now, before you jump in.
I am a jumper-inner. I am singularly focussed on my art, but once I got here, it’s such a learning curve. And there are so many shiny objects and advices that sound reasonable and true, but I need to pick a lane and stay within it, because everyone has opinions on marketing. Yeesh!
I know lots of indie authors who build their self-publishing followings from scratch, one book at a time and what I do know is it’s not for the faint-hearted! So much burnout.
I’m not burnt out yet, but some days I feel completely overwhelmed.
Whatever you do, I’m thinking you’ll consider it more carefully than I. 💕
No ma’am! I am a jumper-inner, too!.I only smashed my first coffee pods one year ago and 4 months after starting, entered a competition. No website so I quickly got a substack together with no plan! My entire journey is FAFO! I think the only reason I’m not overwhelmed is because I still “work-work”. My company is how I make my living so the art doesn’t have to provide an income. I have time to figure things out. In the meantime, I do feel like my muse is trying to kill me - 🤣🤣🤣. So many ideas, and not enough time to do them all!
I love this story, Carolyn! I think you should decide which version you are most drawn to, the one for kids or the one for grown ups, and focus on one. Get professional help. I have written three books, and found it very valuable to have a good editor who keeps an overview.
Having said that, yes, as you know, I am also moving into the unknown. I am slightly scared, but also excited. Life is for living.
And yes, life is for living! I remember that image of you in your bathing suit and shoes walking through the snow to jump into freezing water. That’s a whole other level of living!! 😂❤️👏🫶
It’s so true. In ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine m, they say that each of us is governed by one of the four elements - earth, air, water, fire. Depending on that, we need different things. I’m governed by air (vats) so to stay in balance I need no drafts, no cold, etc. It’s all quite fascinating and I’m glad we are all different!
As I've been reading this story, I've found myself thinking how I could make this important message available to my grandkids. The gist of the story is solid, but how do I paraphrase the bits that might go over their heads/require some explanation, without losing the flow? A graphic novel - or maybe part graphic? Beautifully - and very empathetically - done! Love, love.
Thank you so much, Tara. I would love to have a conversation / brainstorming session about this. It’s one of the things that I struggle with too. I think there are two versions that I need to create. (A version for kids that is either a graphic novel or serial books. And a version for adults, which was what I was intending from the beginning. As you know, there is a huge part of me that absolutely refuses to grow up so a comic book for adults was my intention. 😂😂 It would be a great excuse to get together on Zoom call!! Personally I don’t need an excuse, but I often need a catalyst 😂
It’s a spray that forms barrier, so things can’t get wet or stained. People spray it on cushions outside to make them weather resistant. So spray the chip and bring it into the ocean🤣
It warmed my heart to read through this and see Bracken’s journey again. Still not sure on Suzie’s motives so I will be watching as a concerned Auntie! It’s just like an exhale reading it. My key thought… not what’s my morning ritual etc just how beautiful is Bracken’s tail! And that’s down to you MoM and your creative talents. I hope you do find a way to make this a book and all the other ideas like mandala tarot are yours for the taking! 💜🩵
Thanks so much, Erika! I’m staying tuned. Also, I just realized that I should have mentioned that the sculptures were made out of coffee pods. It may not really very obvious at all!
I love Suzie so much 😭🩷
Seriously, I was so looking forward to this today. I'm terrified getting this next book finished and out. You'd think I'd be like, "Oh pssshhh, it's like riding a bike." But no 👀 I am a new person now and I'm swimming with new fins and when I sit and feel such love and tenderness for Brackens bravery and trust in himself and world, I feel it pouring into my own nervous and excited belly.
Your creativity and empathy are such a gift Carolyn. You are such a gift! 🩷 Thank you 🫶🫶🫶
Aww thank you so much, Rebecca. Would you believe that I feel like I am on the receiving end of Bracken’s words rather than the originator?
I believe it 😭💓💓🫶
I LOVE THIS CAROLYN!! Your art, creativity, and your journey, along with your openness and awareness throughout is inspiring. It's like we are observing, learning, and enjoying coming along for the ride. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Kurt. This means so much to me ❤️❤️❤️
Such a clever, visual way to tell a meaningful, wise story ❤️ Clearly you have many gifts and will be successful in whatever you put your mind to. I'm so glad that I subscribed!
Aww, Jen, thank you! You know how we all can have some off-weeks, where it feels like we just can’t get it together? Well, that was me this week. So while your comment would have always been appreciated, today that felt like a massive hug. A big sigh of release and a hearty “thank you” to you!
I’m so glad! Because I meant every single word of it! ❤️❤️❤️
I love this adventure. 🐟 I can see it as a children’s book that us grown-ups treasure as well. It’s a lovely story. 🧡
Thank you so much, Leisa! 😊. It all happened by accident. I just thought I was making a sculpture but then, well, this happened. 🤷🏻♀️😊🫶
I think it was meant to be.✨✨✨😃
Yes, it certainly feels that way to me, too!
Oh I’ve missed reading about Bracken
Thanks Teresa! I’m happy to be back into it!!
It's a magical journey, Carolyn! So beautiful, so full of promise and exciting things to come. For Bracken and you. Can't wait to see where you each go next! Sending big hugs and happy thoughts. 🤗🥰🐟🐠🐡❤️
Thanks so much, Jo Anne. Big hugs. Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend so far!
Beautiful Story Carolyn - I just read it this morning while on a trip - which is sort of an unknown itself, although I've been here before so it feels somewhat familiar. I guess my big unknown these days is songwriting ... not just writing, but as a performer of those song. Just getting used to the idea having done a few open stages and one 30 minute opening set. It's all very scary to my introvert nature. And in particular to the shy singer trying to get out. I've had lots of experience on stage, but I feel confident doing that. This feels totally different. Makes me come to grips with being more open and vulnerable in front of others. That usually isn't so scary for me as I tend to be that way one on one, but this is on a larger scale and involves fears around art and music that feels like unchartered territory.
Thanks for sharing where you’re moving into the unknown, Jason!
Carolyn, this is so delightful!
Thanks so much, Kyra! ❤️❤️
So much to think about! You are wise to look at it now, before you jump in.
I am a jumper-inner. I am singularly focussed on my art, but once I got here, it’s such a learning curve. And there are so many shiny objects and advices that sound reasonable and true, but I need to pick a lane and stay within it, because everyone has opinions on marketing. Yeesh!
I know lots of indie authors who build their self-publishing followings from scratch, one book at a time and what I do know is it’s not for the faint-hearted! So much burnout.
I’m not burnt out yet, but some days I feel completely overwhelmed.
Whatever you do, I’m thinking you’ll consider it more carefully than I. 💕
No ma’am! I am a jumper-inner, too!.I only smashed my first coffee pods one year ago and 4 months after starting, entered a competition. No website so I quickly got a substack together with no plan! My entire journey is FAFO! I think the only reason I’m not overwhelmed is because I still “work-work”. My company is how I make my living so the art doesn’t have to provide an income. I have time to figure things out. In the meantime, I do feel like my muse is trying to kill me - 🤣🤣🤣. So many ideas, and not enough time to do them all!
I love this story, Carolyn! I think you should decide which version you are most drawn to, the one for kids or the one for grown ups, and focus on one. Get professional help. I have written three books, and found it very valuable to have a good editor who keeps an overview.
Having said that, yes, as you know, I am also moving into the unknown. I am slightly scared, but also excited. Life is for living.
And yes, life is for living! I remember that image of you in your bathing suit and shoes walking through the snow to jump into freezing water. That’s a whole other level of living!! 😂❤️👏🫶
I guess growing up in Canada also means getting used to swim in cold waters?
Haha - not me!! I am a hot sauna, steam room kind of relaxer
We’re all different! I take a cold shower every day (in this heat every few hours) and I can’t stand sauna.
It’s so true. In ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine m, they say that each of us is governed by one of the four elements - earth, air, water, fire. Depending on that, we need different things. I’m governed by air (vats) so to stay in balance I need no drafts, no cold, etc. It’s all quite fascinating and I’m glad we are all different!
I agree, Tove. I had always seen it as a children’s book for adults ❤️
As I've been reading this story, I've found myself thinking how I could make this important message available to my grandkids. The gist of the story is solid, but how do I paraphrase the bits that might go over their heads/require some explanation, without losing the flow? A graphic novel - or maybe part graphic? Beautifully - and very empathetically - done! Love, love.
Thank you so much, Tara. I would love to have a conversation / brainstorming session about this. It’s one of the things that I struggle with too. I think there are two versions that I need to create. (A version for kids that is either a graphic novel or serial books. And a version for adults, which was what I was intending from the beginning. As you know, there is a huge part of me that absolutely refuses to grow up so a comic book for adults was my intention. 😂😂 It would be a great excuse to get together on Zoom call!! Personally I don’t need an excuse, but I often need a catalyst 😂
We need these stories. They feel like a hug. Thanks for creating community and light.
Thank you, Mermaid Lilly. I like adding mermaid or Merman in front of our first names now. 🧜♀️🧜♂️
Yay! I am seriously considering a mermaid tattoo so I am all for it. I swam a mile on Tuesday. I then ate most of my fridge- but it felt amazing.
This is now right over my head. Scotch guard is the stuff to prevent stains from happening right?
It’s a spray that forms barrier, so things can’t get wet or stained. People spray it on cushions outside to make them weather resistant. So spray the chip and bring it into the ocean🤣
Ahh, spray the chip!! Only you would have thought of that, Snack Queen! 👑
The weird thing was I assumed it was clear because…
I have issues. 🥨🍿🍟🔻 👑🤣
Hahahahaha - well, mermaids gotta eat! think Doritos is off the menu though 🤣🧜♀️
Haven’t you heard of scotch guard? 🤣
It warmed my heart to read through this and see Bracken’s journey again. Still not sure on Suzie’s motives so I will be watching as a concerned Auntie! It’s just like an exhale reading it. My key thought… not what’s my morning ritual etc just how beautiful is Bracken’s tail! And that’s down to you MoM and your creative talents. I hope you do find a way to make this a book and all the other ideas like mandala tarot are yours for the taking! 💜🩵
Thanks so much, Erika! I’m staying tuned. Also, I just realized that I should have mentioned that the sculptures were made out of coffee pods. It may not really very obvious at all!