Summer Sojourn

On the benefits of slowing down and tuning in.

Hello friends. How are you? While the newsletter is on hiatus, I am sharing with you previous writings pertinent for the season.

This essay, from the inimitable Molly Ella of Slow Scottish Stories, resonated deeply. https://slowscottishstories.substack.com/p/the-person-ive-become-since-moving

In 2024, my partner and I made a leap, moving from a city we had lived in, and loved, for decades in favor of a tiny community nestled deep within the Cowichan Valley of southern Vancouver Island. I penned this essay, detailing my observations. https://substack.com/@nadine3892/p-153384774 (spoiler alert: we have no regrets. In fact, in a few years, we shall be moving further afield, to the bucolic town of Qualicum Beach, when my husband retires).

Flicky McFlicky Face Singing Thank God I am a Country Boy

I am not a musician, more is the pity (though my husband set up a Casio keyboard for me to tinker with so perhaps that will change! I want to start a sexagenarian synth pop band) but music, my favored art form, is central to my existence. During a few difficult years, inexplicably, I ceased listening to music. I cannot explain this egregious omission, other than it is human tendency to do the opposite of what is actually good for us. Upon reading, Adriana Barton’s book Wired for Music: A Search for Health and Joy Through the Science of Sound, I had an epiphany. I would listen to an album per day, time permitting, void of distractions. I dubbed the project, which I hope shall become a world wide movement (hey, a girl can dream!), “Listening Party”. Here is a detailed explanation. https://substack.com/@nadine3892/p-180065832

I will be cataloguing my experiences as active listener in my newsletter and, if I have enough moxie, I’ll share paintings from my sketchbook inspired by individual songs (365 Day Song Project) along with accompanying playlists so you can listen along and, perhaps derive your own inspiration (this is anecdotal but I believe music enhances creativity and improves cognitive health). If you do not have the time to listen to an album a day (impossible for working folk, I get that), try one song per day. I am not keeping score. I don’t want this to feel like homework. Music should be a source of unmitigated joy, though, if you wish to challenge yourself as a listener, venturing outside your auditory comfort zone, I say, GO FOR IT! I have been toggling between contemporary artists new to me and old standbys.

In September, we’ll resume our Dinner and a Movie series, replete with interesting films and mouthwatering menues. This year’s focus is on women in film, both in front of, and behind the cameras. I hope you’ll stick around!

I am immeasurably grateful to those of you who have remained here through my tenure on Substack. I hope to remain here indefinitely, reading your works, and marveling, and making my own modest contribution. I cannot believe my luck, truly to be amongst a community of fiercely creative, thoughtful, emotionally intelligent people. I read every one of your comments. Thank you for your participation. Wishing you all a happy summer. I need to get outside now, before it gets too hot, but I shall see you soon! xoxo

I made a little survey and it would be a great thrill if you decide to fill it out! It is brief, and I did my best to make it goofy and fun. Take care.