This is moving, beyond measure. The ‘pebble in the pond’ is all about letting go and trusting that the waves will wash up where they need to. It turns out that sometimes, just sometimes, the ripples need to bounce off something to return to the point where the pebble entered the life-giving water. Occasionally instinct guides your hand and rewards the sense you had that two creative folk would allow us to see our place through other’s eyes in ways that would rekindle our own creativity. Thank you for slipping into our simple life and sprinkling your words and Gus’s images across our flower-strewn lawns. This piece is magical; encouraging and uplifting. Even encouragers need encouragement 💛
What a joy it's been, friends. Dare I say it shan't be the last. And sooner or later you'll have to visit our abode in Paris. The speaker has been used to the legends' content, too, from Chet Baker to Paul Desmond to Joao Gilberto to Khruangbin and many more. We'll have to visit you in the autumn when the fireplace roars.
A repeat is a must. And the next one is with us there too, 100%. We have much to learn from you talented souls. Autumn, Spring, Summer. We’re on the trains next year so start making your plans for another creative break. Who knows, we might have the ‘summer kitchen/ studio’ space finished! Paris too … ‘if not Paris’ where?
Can’t wait to play some board games by the fireplace. The schemes are already churning. We christened your Dday Monopoly but unfortunately that game remains proof of the absolute worst aspects of capitalism. But there was no luck in it. I got rich because of my own dice rolling devices!
Nailed it. I will say as far as somewhat more intriguing lessons on the economics of capitalism, which we all have to exist in because as far as I know there’s no better system , Settlers of Catan is a brutal but deeply edifying game.
The sky's the limit! I'm sure Lalalaland has plenty of Substackers wandering the digital streets in search of new friends. Reading a little here, a little letter, leaving comments, who knows what may come of it.
When you and I met in Paris, you were just about to hop onto a video call (or something like that?) with JoJo and Barrie about spending time in their home. How lovely to see it came to fruition and was as wonderful (or more so) than you imagined! I love their generosity, and the overall spirit of the Substack community.
Ahhh that's right! What a treat it was to stroll with you as well, and thanks for the reminder because if I'm not mistaken, Barrie & JoJo helped connect us, no? Either way, what a treat to have connected in the real world. I hope your TV show is going swimmingly, friend. Also, bravo. Also, see you in Paris sometime soon?
Ahhh of course it was, the legends 🌈am fully braced having had two weeks of tranquility. Bring on the vuvuzuelas and inappropriately emotional responses to humans using their bodies to do ridiculously hard things. I think I may just have a running Olympic diary to share. There will surely be much to recount.
What are the odds you’ll be at the Frankfurt Book Festival in October? I’ll be there repping my little ole self!
Oh how fun that you’ll get to be in Frankfurt! And congrats on getting your book out there some more. I remember during our Parisian stroll that you were talking about working with a broader distributor, and I saw at the end of your recent post that your books are now “available everywhere.”
I will not be in Frankfurt, although I’ve heard it’s a wonderful time. I love book conferences so much. Have the best time there!
🙏🏼I may give you a shout for some book festival wisdom if you’re amenable. I plan to show up mostly with a notepad to take note of all the inspiration, confusion, and hilarity it shall entail
It was lovely to Zoom into your Kingdom for a day, friend. You excel at so many things, but are an expert at friendship. I'm proud to be in your "bonified" circle. 💜
Any chance Boston is on your list of travel stops? I've got siblings I can crash with, which means daytime wine drinking would definitely be in the cards. 😉
Thank you for such kind words. This space is a reminder that it really comes down to the individual connections we make online, which can sometimes translate into real life. Friendship > followers indeed. Next time you’re in Paris, give me a shout and we’ll have a coffee or a glass of wine.
It is my pleasure. Recent political and economic events can give us so many reasons to become cynical, so it is nice to read about people who have managed to maintain their positive outlook, amidst uncertainty.
Someday you’ll visit us in nyc! But no rush, it looks beautiful where you are.
Oh indeed. Manhattan calls, too. In late August, I suspect
This is moving, beyond measure. The ‘pebble in the pond’ is all about letting go and trusting that the waves will wash up where they need to. It turns out that sometimes, just sometimes, the ripples need to bounce off something to return to the point where the pebble entered the life-giving water. Occasionally instinct guides your hand and rewards the sense you had that two creative folk would allow us to see our place through other’s eyes in ways that would rekindle our own creativity. Thank you for slipping into our simple life and sprinkling your words and Gus’s images across our flower-strewn lawns. This piece is magical; encouraging and uplifting. Even encouragers need encouragement 💛
What a joy it's been, friends. Dare I say it shan't be the last. And sooner or later you'll have to visit our abode in Paris. The speaker has been used to the legends' content, too, from Chet Baker to Paul Desmond to Joao Gilberto to Khruangbin and many more. We'll have to visit you in the autumn when the fireplace roars.
A repeat is a must. And the next one is with us there too, 100%. We have much to learn from you talented souls. Autumn, Spring, Summer. We’re on the trains next year so start making your plans for another creative break. Who knows, we might have the ‘summer kitchen/ studio’ space finished! Paris too … ‘if not Paris’ where?
Can’t wait to play some board games by the fireplace. The schemes are already churning. We christened your Dday Monopoly but unfortunately that game remains proof of the absolute worst aspects of capitalism. But there was no luck in it. I got rich because of my own dice rolling devices!
Haha, my son is still caught in the monopoly economy … we’re ALL about the Scrabble for peace and tranquility. Never bored games!
Nailed it. I will say as far as somewhat more intriguing lessons on the economics of capitalism, which we all have to exist in because as far as I know there’s no better system , Settlers of Catan is a brutal but deeply edifying game.
Those bounce backs are some of the prettiest patterns^^
Always loving the ripples!
Oh my Samuél .. thank you. 🙏
and to YOU, JoJo. What a beautiful garden you've cultivated here.
I am such a hermit. I need to reach out more. You inspire me again to try
The sky's the limit! I'm sure Lalalaland has plenty of Substackers wandering the digital streets in search of new friends. Reading a little here, a little letter, leaving comments, who knows what may come of it.
When you and I met in Paris, you were just about to hop onto a video call (or something like that?) with JoJo and Barrie about spending time in their home. How lovely to see it came to fruition and was as wonderful (or more so) than you imagined! I love their generosity, and the overall spirit of the Substack community.
Ahhh that's right! What a treat it was to stroll with you as well, and thanks for the reminder because if I'm not mistaken, Barrie & JoJo helped connect us, no? Either way, what a treat to have connected in the real world. I hope your TV show is going swimmingly, friend. Also, bravo. Also, see you in Paris sometime soon?
Yes indeed, it was @Feasts and Fables who connected us!
Alas, no plans for France soon (the next trip is a book festival in Denmark in September.)
Are you bracing yourself for the onslaught of the Olympics?
Ahhh of course it was, the legends 🌈am fully braced having had two weeks of tranquility. Bring on the vuvuzuelas and inappropriately emotional responses to humans using their bodies to do ridiculously hard things. I think I may just have a running Olympic diary to share. There will surely be much to recount.
What are the odds you’ll be at the Frankfurt Book Festival in October? I’ll be there repping my little ole self!
Oh how fun that you’ll get to be in Frankfurt! And congrats on getting your book out there some more. I remember during our Parisian stroll that you were talking about working with a broader distributor, and I saw at the end of your recent post that your books are now “available everywhere.”
I will not be in Frankfurt, although I’ve heard it’s a wonderful time. I love book conferences so much. Have the best time there!
🙏🏼I may give you a shout for some book festival wisdom if you’re amenable. I plan to show up mostly with a notepad to take note of all the inspiration, confusion, and hilarity it shall entail
I’m here whenever you need me!
It was lovely to Zoom into your Kingdom for a day, friend. You excel at so many things, but are an expert at friendship. I'm proud to be in your "bonified" circle. 💜
Any chance Boston is on your list of travel stops? I've got siblings I can crash with, which means daytime wine drinking would definitely be in the cards. 😉
You know I may be on the Cape to see friends in which case it’s not entirely implausible I go to Boston to take the ferry …
I look forward to a future opportunity to meet up with you, Barrie, and JoJo. All the best my friend.
Sooner or alter we'll find ourselves chatting over a glass of wine, I'm sure of it.
I love that this type of connection, friendship and generosity came out of this platform. It's quite optimistic.
It truly was a reminder of all the ways humans can surprise in positive, hopeful ways, too.
This is a Feast of a Fable...make sure you leave their home even neater than you found it^^
Beautiful and inspirational account of discovering beautiful people on Substack, Samuel.
"In this day and age, it’s rare to meet people who understand that love, like friendship, is a verb, not a noun".
How wonderful that two lovely people discovered your writing.
I am a Francophile, although I have not visited France for a numbers of years.
Your post about your new friendship and writing journey is inspiring...
Thank you for such kind words. This space is a reminder that it really comes down to the individual connections we make online, which can sometimes translate into real life. Friendship > followers indeed. Next time you’re in Paris, give me a shout and we’ll have a coffee or a glass of wine.
It is my pleasure. Recent political and economic events can give us so many reasons to become cynical, so it is nice to read about people who have managed to maintain their positive outlook, amidst uncertainty.
I look forward to the glass of wine!
Oh it’s a daily battle for sure but it’s thanks to exchanges like this that we remember what matters in the grand scheme of things 🎯
Indeed. It is so important to find joy where one can.😊
Nothing like a moveable feast^^