Love this. “our common humanity transcends all other divisions and classifications, and a genuine sense and joy of fellowship grows.” That’s Substack to a T.
I’m so sorry your brilliant mind and voice were censored for so long. That never should happen to any human being, for it makes him or her less than human. The ability to speak freely and to hear others do so must not be infringed by anyone. Our country’s founders knew that and put the right of free speech in first place before they would ratify the Constitution.
Each speaker has the obligation to speak honestly and with integrity. Each listener has the same obligation to listen honestly and with integrity. Thank you for doing both. And thanks to Substack for providing this wonderful forum for us all.
Reading your content puts a bright spot in my day. Thank you for introducing me to SubStack and thank you for sharing all of your stories with us!
The stories you share about your former career are eye opening. They shed light on the reality of events that are often forgotten about in the comparative world of ease we are all blessed with here. They point out the fact that there is darkness in this world, but in the darkness there is always the light of love. That light keeps burning because of folks like yourself who have traded a normal life to go out and make a difference. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for all that you have done!
You are one of the reasons I have faith in the future and amazement at how good my kid is at picking friends. Young men like you make me proud and confident that we are leaving the world in good, probably better hands.
Thanks for the kind words and for reading, Leif. I appreciate it a lot.
I don't know this commenter but I so agree with your remarks about having faith in the future. My world is inhabited by some remarkable young people. I also read about a host of strong and passionate young people and they do give me faith in the future. To this young person and to the younger people in the world, I say thank you. You inspire me.
Hopefully sometime after the new year! The project schedule is stacking up, but I’m hoping to have a free weekend plus a few days to come check out Jeremy’s new digs!
Caz, I don’t have words, except thank you. My life was hard, but now I can see meaning, and how can I not be grateful for that! And it happened only because of this experience where I meet and befriend people like you who support my explorations.
"My goal is to build bridges and connections." You are succeeding! And the most amazing part about bridges is that they have the capacity to work in both directions. Thank you, Switter, for all that you see, have seen, and share.
Your stories are wonderful and I'm so glad you are able to put them into words. It's okay to not stand up in front of a crowd and tell your story. Although you would be surprised at how many would listen. I took a 'Storytelling' class in college and it was one of the best classes I ever had. It also helped me get over the nervousness of speaking in front of an audience. After all, I was just telling a story.
I’ve heard from the closest one to me for years about what a great writer you are, skilled at word craft. Some of your stories I’ve heard firsthand through the years; I’m honored. But I’ve been privileged and thrilled to read many more of your stories and gift with words here. Keep on writing and expressing your voice, your adventures, thoughts, and perspectives. You are inspiring! How blessed we are by your friendship!!
I’ll get that $20 as promised in the mail this morning for writing such a nice blurb!
Someone closest to you? I hope that one and I end up in the same nursing home so we can sit on the porch in rocking chairs and lap blankets until the nurses eyes glaze completely from our never ending stories!
I enjoy reading your stories and they are definitely an eye opener. We take so much for granted in our North American culture. We need to hear these stories about life in different parts of the world. And it is always good to see things ( life) through an other person's eyes. Keep on writing!
You certainly do build bridges and connections. That seems to be my intent on Substack as well. I want to expand my understanding of the world and the people in it. I like feeling comfortable enough to throw out questions or tell my own paltry stories and then take in the responses (if and when they arrive). It's a delightful place to be. Thank you for your contributions and for growing a supportive community.
No one has a paltry sum of stories. I experience something new every time you send out glimpses of the diverse writer behind your posts, who become friends and confidants. It is a learning community and it is a wildly diverse family.
It makes the journey much easier and happier. We really are herd animals and we do best when we are around each other, but maybe in an Idaho kind of around each other and less of a Manhattan around each other.
You basically told my story today, the stifling of expression in favor of the ruling class. Living in a theocracy as I did, I felt a knot growing in my gut that urged me to get out or die. For a time, I latched onto FB and used it as a platform for my poems. Nothing has satisfied me like Substack, though. It is a miracle platform where a creative is totally free to voice opinions and gather followers who are way above the caliber of troll voices we get on other social media. In fact, I hate to classify Substack as a social medium. It's so far above the others for the quality of writing and arts and the followers' comments. I used to worry about not getting many paid subscriptions, but I soon got over that when I realized that my payment is the camaraderie I receive from my Substack friends. I look forward to my afternoon visiting sessions with my Substack friends. You all are an embarrassment of riches that keeps flowing into my heart. Thank you, Switter, for your stories, your views on life, and your wonderful facility with satire and humor. You're a natural writer and I'm really glad we've connected on Substack. (And thank you to Tonya Morton of Juke who generously set up my account. She not only accepted one of my pieces for Juke, but paid me with my platform. I've never received a more generous remuneration for my work ever.)
As Rousseau said, we are born free and spend the rest of our lives being bound by chains. At some point we must say enough is enough; I’m a person with a voice, too, and it matters.
Here’s a secret of you can keep it: I’m working on taking another stab at the PCT in March, and instead of setting up a buy me a coffee, I’m going to set up a buy me a shower or laundromat session. It will be a way for people to do something tangible for the environment and help reduce pollution.
Oh, okay, a little far out of my reach. Let me know when you reach the Tahoe area, maybe from Lee Vining area. I can bring some Trail Angel snacks. I just finished watching Episode 5 of Carl Blanchett's Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike videos. He's pretty detailed and I don't think I ever could've done the hike even during my heartier days. My hat's off to you, Switter.
Love this. “our common humanity transcends all other divisions and classifications, and a genuine sense and joy of fellowship grows.” That’s Substack to a T.
Exactly this.
I’m so sorry your brilliant mind and voice were censored for so long. That never should happen to any human being, for it makes him or her less than human. The ability to speak freely and to hear others do so must not be infringed by anyone. Our country’s founders knew that and put the right of free speech in first place before they would ratify the Constitution.
Each speaker has the obligation to speak honestly and with integrity. Each listener has the same obligation to listen honestly and with integrity. Thank you for doing both. And thanks to Substack for providing this wonderful forum for us all.
I enjoy your stories. They are fascinating. It looks like you have lived a varied and interesting life. Please continue to share.
Reading your content puts a bright spot in my day. Thank you for introducing me to SubStack and thank you for sharing all of your stories with us!
The stories you share about your former career are eye opening. They shed light on the reality of events that are often forgotten about in the comparative world of ease we are all blessed with here. They point out the fact that there is darkness in this world, but in the darkness there is always the light of love. That light keeps burning because of folks like yourself who have traded a normal life to go out and make a difference. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for all that you have done!
You are one of the reasons I have faith in the future and amazement at how good my kid is at picking friends. Young men like you make me proud and confident that we are leaving the world in good, probably better hands.
Thanks for the kind words and for reading, Leif. I appreciate it a lot.
Any plans to head up to Calgary any time soon?
I don't know this commenter but I so agree with your remarks about having faith in the future. My world is inhabited by some remarkable young people. I also read about a host of strong and passionate young people and they do give me faith in the future. To this young person and to the younger people in the world, I say thank you. You inspire me.
He’s a good one.
No doubt,
Hopefully sometime after the new year! The project schedule is stacking up, but I’m hoping to have a free weekend plus a few days to come check out Jeremy’s new digs!
You're so incredibly welcome! I'm certain you give us much more than you realize, Switter.... And your feedback on my work is equally valued. J
That’s what do friends are for, I hear.
I've heard that we can't believe everything we hear, but in this case...they are indeed. Have a delightful day.
My gratitude to you for writing here. 🙏
Caz, I don’t have words, except thank you. My life was hard, but now I can see meaning, and how can I not be grateful for that! And it happened only because of this experience where I meet and befriend people like you who support my explorations.
With deep gratitude.
"My goal is to build bridges and connections." You are succeeding! And the most amazing part about bridges is that they have the capacity to work in both directions. Thank you, Switter, for all that you see, have seen, and share.
Your stories are wonderful and I'm so glad you are able to put them into words. It's okay to not stand up in front of a crowd and tell your story. Although you would be surprised at how many would listen. I took a 'Storytelling' class in college and it was one of the best classes I ever had. It also helped me get over the nervousness of speaking in front of an audience. After all, I was just telling a story.
I’ve heard from the closest one to me for years about what a great writer you are, skilled at word craft. Some of your stories I’ve heard firsthand through the years; I’m honored. But I’ve been privileged and thrilled to read many more of your stories and gift with words here. Keep on writing and expressing your voice, your adventures, thoughts, and perspectives. You are inspiring! How blessed we are by your friendship!!
I’ll get that $20 as promised in the mail this morning for writing such a nice blurb!
Someone closest to you? I hope that one and I end up in the same nursing home so we can sit on the porch in rocking chairs and lap blankets until the nurses eyes glaze completely from our never ending stories!
I enjoy reading your stories and they are definitely an eye opener. We take so much for granted in our North American culture. We need to hear these stories about life in different parts of the world. And it is always good to see things ( life) through an other person's eyes. Keep on writing!
Thank you, Bridget. I’ll do my best to
You certainly do build bridges and connections. That seems to be my intent on Substack as well. I want to expand my understanding of the world and the people in it. I like feeling comfortable enough to throw out questions or tell my own paltry stories and then take in the responses (if and when they arrive). It's a delightful place to be. Thank you for your contributions and for growing a supportive community.
No one has a paltry sum of stories. I experience something new every time you send out glimpses of the diverse writer behind your posts, who become friends and confidants. It is a learning community and it is a wildly diverse family.
Love the learning, love the diversity. Human beings are so darn interesting - as a group and as individuals.
Better than cats, for sure. 🥴
I forgot you deleted! We have so much in common.
So glad to be able to share in this journey with you!
It makes the journey much easier and happier. We really are herd animals and we do best when we are around each other, but maybe in an Idaho kind of around each other and less of a Manhattan around each other.
You basically told my story today, the stifling of expression in favor of the ruling class. Living in a theocracy as I did, I felt a knot growing in my gut that urged me to get out or die. For a time, I latched onto FB and used it as a platform for my poems. Nothing has satisfied me like Substack, though. It is a miracle platform where a creative is totally free to voice opinions and gather followers who are way above the caliber of troll voices we get on other social media. In fact, I hate to classify Substack as a social medium. It's so far above the others for the quality of writing and arts and the followers' comments. I used to worry about not getting many paid subscriptions, but I soon got over that when I realized that my payment is the camaraderie I receive from my Substack friends. I look forward to my afternoon visiting sessions with my Substack friends. You all are an embarrassment of riches that keeps flowing into my heart. Thank you, Switter, for your stories, your views on life, and your wonderful facility with satire and humor. You're a natural writer and I'm really glad we've connected on Substack. (And thank you to Tonya Morton of Juke who generously set up my account. She not only accepted one of my pieces for Juke, but paid me with my platform. I've never received a more generous remuneration for my work ever.)
As Rousseau said, we are born free and spend the rest of our lives being bound by chains. At some point we must say enough is enough; I’m a person with a voice, too, and it matters.
Here’s a secret of you can keep it: I’m working on taking another stab at the PCT in March, and instead of setting up a buy me a coffee, I’m going to set up a buy me a shower or laundromat session. It will be a way for people to do something tangible for the environment and help reduce pollution.
Keep your trustworthy friend current on this so we can help. Where will you be starting from?
Right at the Wall near Campo.
Okay, I'm a novice here. Throw me a bone. Campo? is it south or north of Tahoe?
South. Way south. Start at San Diego and follow the border eastward.
Oh, okay, a little far out of my reach. Let me know when you reach the Tahoe area, maybe from Lee Vining area. I can bring some Trail Angel snacks. I just finished watching Episode 5 of Carl Blanchett's Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike videos. He's pretty detailed and I don't think I ever could've done the hike even during my heartier days. My hat's off to you, Switter.
We are grateful