random (f)acts, expanded version
I joined Substack to enhance and expand my writing. I hope my efforts will encourage others to explore creative and educational aspects of life.
My monthly lists reflect what is feeding my mind and soul in that moment. I like to think if a person finds one of my recommendations interesting, I have added to their life. my 2023 list of lists link
My writings offer others a glimpse into my life. People may think they know me from certain connections or life eras. They may think I am the same person they met ten, twenty-five or fifty plus years ago.
I hope I am in a process of continually learning, growing, and changing. My professional life, especially in ministry, required me to affirm and promote certain ideas and beliefs. Along the way I have taught, and encouraged others in ways that reflected my life setting for that time. Some of those perspectives have served me well. Some were right for a season. Others, I cringe at in reflection. my life in faith and church link
The goal of art isn’t to attain perfection. The goal of art is to share who we are. And how we see the world. Rick Rubin, The Creative Act, page 177
I hope to encourage conversations. You may want to follow up with me. In one list you may find camaraderie in things that we mutually find inspiring. The next month you may be wondering how we ever connected. A post may be a conversation starter for you with others in your life circles.
I am attempting to chronicle my life journey. I want to be able to look back and see the choices I made and the implications of my responses to those choices. I believe that every life is valuable and deeply interesting. Hopefully, I can nudge others to notice edges of growth they encounter along the way.
My story is important not because it is mine, God knows, but because if I tell it anything like right, the chances are you will recognize that in many ways it is also yours. Dec 10, 2019, Fredrick Buechner
I love to write and tell stories. Stories give me a sense of home, where I am from and where I might be going. Stories have taught, inspired, enriched, challenged, and changed my life.
the faithful skeptic is a link to additional short stories, poems, and other selections of my work from over the years.
I am continually working to improve my skills as a writer. I find deep joy in an idea becoming a written piece, eventually to be read by others. I love the sense of someone reading something I have written and interpreting it through their own life and experience.
Currently I am working on a book and need to build my “reach.” The more people who are interested in my writing, the more likely a publisher will want to produce my work.
Books are often far more than just books.
Roxane Gay, Bad Feminist: Essays
In 2024 I plan to publish two posts a month. The first will be mid-month with a focus on reflections, essays, poems, and micro-fiction. At the end of the month, I will continue my short reviews of books, film, music, podcasts, and other sources that are enriching and encouraging my life.
Why do I have the Buy me a cup of tea(coffee) button?
Friends told me they wanted to offer financial support for my work. I looked at a variety of options and Buy me a cup of tea seemed the least intrusive. Others have chosen to support me directly through the Substack system. Financial support is always kind, encouraging, and appreciated.
How can you best support me? glad you asked:
Read – No small ask during busy times.
Like – Click the Substack or other “Like” buttons.
Comment – Tell me what you think. Start a conversation.
Subscribe to my Substack – Click the button.
Share – Repost or forward via socials, text, emails, (you can be that person), or tell someone about it.
If you want – Buy me a cup of tea
And please – Keep reading.
I look forward to sharing the journey of 2024 with you all!
This will be an interesting journey.
Would love to hear more about the book you're writing! We might need to meet for coffee or a beer sometime!