As for Substack Publishing, I had no idea there was such a thing. I'm well settled after publishing 15 books via Amazon and Ingram Spark and I'd never change for change's sake.
My writer's brand such as it is, is well serviced by Amazon and Ingram Spark, and the books are published under a legitimate imprint, Darlington Press.
I'm just grateful for those who take the time to read my output. I write because I love crafting the word and if people are entertained by something I enjoy doing, win-win. I'm guessing that as a comedian, you find the same thing.
As I read this wonderful post, specifically, "But elegant? I doubt it. Can I waft with Giselle-like grace between bed and bathroom? In a striped hospital gown?"
I think of what my parents told us 5 kids when going out in the world in the 1960s, when looks and possessions influenced "first impressions": "Stand up straight, chin up but not your nose, be confident: you're clean, your clothes are paid for, you have nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of".
Your spirit and heart are elegant. That shines through. May you have calm courage and peace in the days and weeks ahead, Prue. Beautiful post.
Having surgery is always a difficult choice, you have to think of the future and is it better to have planned surgery when well, than surgery as an emergency when there is no real choice, and what your life might be if you don't have surgery.
I'd make a list of pros and cons and see if thet helps, but in the end you have to do what you think is best for you at this time . much love xx
Gosh - this post, Prue. Maybe it's that I'm reading too much between the lines, but it strikes me as a sort of scale, with the inconvenience and uncertainty of surgery on one side and the simple beauties of life as it stands on the other. I'm coming to understand that you have more choice in the matter than I realized, and I totally agree with your doctor friend: If it's negotiable, then wait until you have more clarity. Take your thyme.
A regular farmers market patron is a cocktail buff and shared this. I imagine it would also be delicious splashed into a glass of sparkling water.
I enjoyed both of the sweet videos, though YouTube now forces me to endure advertising that, on occasion, I can't skip past after the first few seconds. In the case of the longer video, I sat through a 4-minute infomercial about weight loss expecting to get back to the delightful little animation only to be met with yet another ad. So I turned it off. 🤪
Oh, to be so nimble, so graceful!
I love that you have a list of accomplishments, some met, some still calling you forth. What an example you set for many of us.
Oh gosh. Negotiable? I was due to have it last year and cancelled because a family member was unwell, not believing that I'd get sick again, but Easter proved the lie to that and it was the most painful bout yet.
When the specialist visited me in my hospital room, he looked at me and wryly said: 'You know what this means, don't you?' So the writing is most definitely on the wall.
I see him this Tuesday to plot it all out. My vacillation is pure cowardice. I know this, you now know this. Authentic me...
I love the way that thyme recipe reads and think it would be lovely to make. We don't drink alcohol in this family but what a base it would be for the most beautiful drinks anyway. Thank you for the link.
Re the videos, so sorry about the ads - when I play it here, I get none. This happens on Facebook tas well - no ads. But Instagram is a whole other ballgame. Might speak to the man who keeps digital me afloat - he might have some ideas.
You are so lovely to say I'm an example - just try to ignore the evident cowardice and anxiety and that might be true! XXXX
I totally relate to so much of what you say here, Prue - and you must treat yourself to a tiara of some sort as it would suit you AND you absolutely deserve it! But still - deliberating about the surgery is still at the front of your mind, I hear that - I would counsel just letting it sift down till you feel more certain what is right. I don't mean that to sound preachy or over simplified but I'm sure it will soon become clear. Speaking of clear, that Apple-Thyme jelly is like a transparent jewel - so beautiful! Reminds me of that pinky Turkish delight. Charming post, Prue - especially love the hospital gown visual too lol! You will wear it well if you have to - maybe bring your own sash! P.S. Again, thank you for mentioning my own ramblings. You are kind xo
I think it becomes clearer every day and as I said to Elizabeth, its really just my cowardice that becomes stronger. At night, while I stitch in front of the TV, my mind rattles with all the What If's and I really have to grab my equanimity and hold on.
There is a medical reality and that is that I'm risking perforation with each attack. There's an inexorable conclusion with that.
Off to see my specialist tomorrow afternoon to nut it all out - there's an inevitability there. If nothing else, I MUST stop airing my fears on Substack. Bare butts amongst them!!!!
I will not accept cowardice as an adjective relating to you! Being honest (on Substack and in general) takes vats of courage. Which you have! (Bare bottoms not withstanding lol ) Will think of you many times at specialist tomorrow xo
You write so gracefully about time, and spending it on what’s truly important—a very welcome reminder for someone like me, who tends to get tweaked about small things!
Speaking of graceful, the animated ballerina was a sweet treat 😊
Loved “The List”—you’re inspiring to make one of my own…and like you, focusing on contentment.
I’m sending all best wishes and wisdom to you as you negotiate/figure out the medical procedure
No one wants to hear surgery. Not venturing there myself, yet, my husband keeps me busy attending to his. A pro. It's amazing how the body quickly heals and often you're almost like a spring chicken again. Always scary, but the medical teams are quite skilled and attentive. On a sweet note, thyme with its tiny leaves feel and look so tender, opens my heart. Lemon my favorite but all varieties offer such flavor. I've purchased jelly in the past, maybe I should entertain making some again. It's been decades. Hoping you find your way easier as you decide what's next. 🌱🙌🌿
By the time I was able to read this I realise thyme has indeed moved on and by now you may well have more certainty and perhaps confidence around your surgery. Hoping so. Your writing was such a good reflection of how you must be feeling: pulling out the small and big delights to be noticed all around, but with a tiny bit of reservation and holding back reflecting trepidation. So well considered and you are gracious to share it all with us. We are there with you from afar. xx
I love your thoughts on time and thyme. In her pride and joy herb garden Mum had an old chimney pot in which she planted a different culinary thyme in every little chink and cranny. The finishing touch was a brass sundial, as a nod to thyme and time.
Phrases which will always upset me are 'killing time', 'I had time to kill', and 'let's kill time by doing xyz...'. Time is a precious commodity which needs to be nurtured, saved, spent and LIVED.
I love the idea of mental floss, and your application of it to work out your thoughts about the surgery. You've got this, Prue. Sending love.
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” — Marcus Aurelius
I'll bet you've already faced your share of difficulties that life throws at us once in awhile. The courage is there and it will guide you through to a healthy outcome...sending lots of positive thoughts to you!
So much to consider. Your words are always like a sweet melody.
I love when thyme is used as time. Time is a flavorful herb after all. And oh thyme jelly!
What are your thoughts on the idea of Substack Publishing? People have been throwing around the concept.
Wonderful that your book is still selling. That could be a fun Simon and Garfunkel song parody. Still selling after all these years…
Thank you, CK.
As for Substack Publishing, I had no idea there was such a thing. I'm well settled after publishing 15 books via Amazon and Ingram Spark and I'd never change for change's sake.
My writer's brand such as it is, is well serviced by Amazon and Ingram Spark, and the books are published under a legitimate imprint, Darlington Press.
I'm just grateful for those who take the time to read my output. I write because I love crafting the word and if people are entertained by something I enjoy doing, win-win. I'm guessing that as a comedian, you find the same thing.
Cheers!
Yes yes. I hope I entertain.
15 books! I didn’t know. Congrats!
As I read this wonderful post, specifically, "But elegant? I doubt it. Can I waft with Giselle-like grace between bed and bathroom? In a striped hospital gown?"
I think of what my parents told us 5 kids when going out in the world in the 1960s, when looks and possessions influenced "first impressions": "Stand up straight, chin up but not your nose, be confident: you're clean, your clothes are paid for, you have nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of".
Your spirit and heart are elegant. That shines through. May you have calm courage and peace in the days and weeks ahead, Prue. Beautiful post.
Thank you for your sweet words, Mary.
I do worry about that 'bare butt' though!
Indeed! That draft is unpleasant! 😊
Having surgery is always a difficult choice, you have to think of the future and is it better to have planned surgery when well, than surgery as an emergency when there is no real choice, and what your life might be if you don't have surgery.
I'd make a list of pros and cons and see if thet helps, but in the end you have to do what you think is best for you at this time . much love xx
Gosh - this post, Prue. Maybe it's that I'm reading too much between the lines, but it strikes me as a sort of scale, with the inconvenience and uncertainty of surgery on one side and the simple beauties of life as it stands on the other. I'm coming to understand that you have more choice in the matter than I realized, and I totally agree with your doctor friend: If it's negotiable, then wait until you have more clarity. Take your thyme.
A regular farmers market patron is a cocktail buff and shared this. I imagine it would also be delicious splashed into a glass of sparkling water.
https://camillestyles.com/food/recipes/honey-thyme-simple-syrup/
I enjoyed both of the sweet videos, though YouTube now forces me to endure advertising that, on occasion, I can't skip past after the first few seconds. In the case of the longer video, I sat through a 4-minute infomercial about weight loss expecting to get back to the delightful little animation only to be met with yet another ad. So I turned it off. 🤪
Oh, to be so nimble, so graceful!
I love that you have a list of accomplishments, some met, some still calling you forth. What an example you set for many of us.
Oh gosh. Negotiable? I was due to have it last year and cancelled because a family member was unwell, not believing that I'd get sick again, but Easter proved the lie to that and it was the most painful bout yet.
When the specialist visited me in my hospital room, he looked at me and wryly said: 'You know what this means, don't you?' So the writing is most definitely on the wall.
I see him this Tuesday to plot it all out. My vacillation is pure cowardice. I know this, you now know this. Authentic me...
I love the way that thyme recipe reads and think it would be lovely to make. We don't drink alcohol in this family but what a base it would be for the most beautiful drinks anyway. Thank you for the link.
Re the videos, so sorry about the ads - when I play it here, I get none. This happens on Facebook tas well - no ads. But Instagram is a whole other ballgame. Might speak to the man who keeps digital me afloat - he might have some ideas.
You are so lovely to say I'm an example - just try to ignore the evident cowardice and anxiety and that might be true! XXXX
I totally relate to so much of what you say here, Prue - and you must treat yourself to a tiara of some sort as it would suit you AND you absolutely deserve it! But still - deliberating about the surgery is still at the front of your mind, I hear that - I would counsel just letting it sift down till you feel more certain what is right. I don't mean that to sound preachy or over simplified but I'm sure it will soon become clear. Speaking of clear, that Apple-Thyme jelly is like a transparent jewel - so beautiful! Reminds me of that pinky Turkish delight. Charming post, Prue - especially love the hospital gown visual too lol! You will wear it well if you have to - maybe bring your own sash! P.S. Again, thank you for mentioning my own ramblings. You are kind xo
I think it becomes clearer every day and as I said to Elizabeth, its really just my cowardice that becomes stronger. At night, while I stitch in front of the TV, my mind rattles with all the What If's and I really have to grab my equanimity and hold on.
There is a medical reality and that is that I'm risking perforation with each attack. There's an inexorable conclusion with that.
Off to see my specialist tomorrow afternoon to nut it all out - there's an inevitability there. If nothing else, I MUST stop airing my fears on Substack. Bare butts amongst them!!!!
I will not accept cowardice as an adjective relating to you! Being honest (on Substack and in general) takes vats of courage. Which you have! (Bare bottoms not withstanding lol ) Will think of you many times at specialist tomorrow xo
XXXX
You write so gracefully about time, and spending it on what’s truly important—a very welcome reminder for someone like me, who tends to get tweaked about small things!
Speaking of graceful, the animated ballerina was a sweet treat 😊
Loved “The List”—you’re inspiring to make one of my own…and like you, focusing on contentment.
I’m sending all best wishes and wisdom to you as you negotiate/figure out the medical procedure
No one wants to hear surgery. Not venturing there myself, yet, my husband keeps me busy attending to his. A pro. It's amazing how the body quickly heals and often you're almost like a spring chicken again. Always scary, but the medical teams are quite skilled and attentive. On a sweet note, thyme with its tiny leaves feel and look so tender, opens my heart. Lemon my favorite but all varieties offer such flavor. I've purchased jelly in the past, maybe I should entertain making some again. It's been decades. Hoping you find your way easier as you decide what's next. 🌱🙌🌿
By the time I was able to read this I realise thyme has indeed moved on and by now you may well have more certainty and perhaps confidence around your surgery. Hoping so. Your writing was such a good reflection of how you must be feeling: pulling out the small and big delights to be noticed all around, but with a tiny bit of reservation and holding back reflecting trepidation. So well considered and you are gracious to share it all with us. We are there with you from afar. xx
I love your thoughts on time and thyme. In her pride and joy herb garden Mum had an old chimney pot in which she planted a different culinary thyme in every little chink and cranny. The finishing touch was a brass sundial, as a nod to thyme and time.
Phrases which will always upset me are 'killing time', 'I had time to kill', and 'let's kill time by doing xyz...'. Time is a precious commodity which needs to be nurtured, saved, spent and LIVED.
I love the idea of mental floss, and your application of it to work out your thoughts about the surgery. You've got this, Prue. Sending love.
Time and good health - two of the most undervalued commodities in society. Priceless.
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” — Marcus Aurelius
I'll bet you've already faced your share of difficulties that life throws at us once in awhile. The courage is there and it will guide you through to a healthy outcome...sending lots of positive thoughts to you!