Thank you Prue. I was reminded of a statement a good friend used to say - "The reward for a good life is a good life" and regardless of those challenges you find yourself walking through I can't help but sense you have a beautiful "Inside Out" life. Well done.
I hope you have a great response when they ask you what you do (private eye, exotic dancer, fire marshal, park ranger, professional tree hugger). Many people never ask and just go on about themselves. I dread getting stuck beside someone like that at a dinner.
Pretty well got it in one, Alice. I despair sometimes as I continue to listen politely as acquaintances talk about themselves and I suppose I make it worse by asking them questions about themselves.
But I love the idea that from now on, I shall push my pro-environment status, my fledgling Buddhist views, my leftist tendencies. Oh but wait... I sound like them, don't I? Me, me, me! ;)
Oh I’m hearing you Prue. My silence is becoming louder and louder soon I shall erupt like a butterfly from her cocoon, I suspect some will be shocked by my views.
Oh my goodness, I could write a novel in response to this!! I actually started from the beginning again and made notes because so much of it resonated so much.
- I love your analogy for introverts - ‘They soak up atmosphere like a dry sponge in the bath, becoming waterlogged swiftly. And then they need to be left to dripdry in the sun…’ Absolutely!!! (I live living on my own - an opportunity to replenish every time I walk in the door)
- I’ve found that I’m allowed to call myself an artist despite not being a ‘proper artist’. If I walk every day, I’m a walker. If I do art every day, I’m an artist. You are most definitely a writer! (I love that Substack enables us to connect on deeper levels. Such a joy!)
- I love cosmos! (Dastardly rabbits!)
- oooohhhh! That Beach!!! (Paradise! And No Plastics!!!?!)
- Best wishes for the health of all the Family. Way too many of our friends succumbing to illness at the moment. Sigh.
- ginger recipes can be startlingly good! I have a simple slice recipe I’ll have to share with you. 😃
- Old People’s Home for Teenagers!! SO GOOD!!! (So many tears. But so good.)
Another wonderful read. Thanks so much dear Prue. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes. 🤗🤗🤗😘😘😘🌼🌼🌼
I'm so thrilled it resonated as like anyone, when I press 'Publish', I'm assailed by doubts.
Being an introvert is hard, isn't it? One likes meeting folk (essential for a writer to observe all and sundry) but the exhaustion is a stumbling block. Sometimes, it's easier to say no, make a cup of camomile tea and sit on the porch in the sun with the Terrier, watching the rabbits invade the garden.
Isn't Old People's Home wonderful? Oh my gosh! I have it on pause currently as husband is away and it's something we watch together. Important to absorb as we age.
Ah, Prue -- I'm there with you on the introverted spectrum. While he can easily manage many hours of focused time alone, my spouse is energized by people. Me, not so much. Not even by my "besties." It's just how I'm wired, and I seem to be moving further along that continuum as I age.
But, a writer you are! So, I'm glad you claimed it, even if your admission caught you by surprise. At times, I've practiced how I want the words to sound when I say similar things. I wonder what would happen if you worked out a phrase or two ahead of time. "I'm a writer. Historical fiction and fantasy, with a handful of books under my belt, if you can believe it, and more recently a publication on Substack. You know about Substack, right? Oh, you simply must check it out. It's such a great place to find amazing authors, many as yet undiscovered..."
Wow - that was a lot of words! 😅 You get the point (I might've inadvertently bludgeoned you with it.)
As you know, the world has overwhelmed me of late. I applaud your avoidance of new infusions of distress, but I am sorry they are finding you from other entry points. All good thoughts on the health issues. That is a lot to hold. Take care, friend, and peace to you.
Golly, Elizabeth, between you, Beth and Alice, I might just get this thing sorted!
I agree with moving along the continuum with age though, and perhaps it's just that I'm old enough and maybe a little wiser and can now mostly say 'Thank you for the invitation and it's kind of you but I am unable to attend' and revel in the feeling that gives me - no guilt nor shame, just relief and a chance to breathe.
I think that short of heading to the wildest places on the planet (Tassie is pretty removed, thank heaven!) , the awful news will find us. All we can do is bolster each other, make each other smile, focus close to home.
Dear Elizabeth, my thoughts and smiles are wafting across the air waves. Stay calm and enjoy peace where you can. (My Goodness, I feel like an aged hippy!) XXXX
I totally relate to the introvert-at-a-function sponge analogy! I have a question about the squid eggs: do they wash back into the sea and produce live young? Or are they cases from pre-hatched eggs?
I'm not sure, Shona. I suspect they might roll into the sea with the waves and tides, and as long as they're not too dried out by the atmosphere, live to hatch. What surprises me is that the seabirds don't feed on them. I do know we sometimes get a kind of bloom along the coast in certain conditions, a milky tinge, which is, I've heard, the hatching of the squid.
And I seem to have hit a nerve with my essay today - Introverts Anonymous. Yay for us!!!
[Introverts] soak up atmosphere like a dry sponge in the bath, becoming waterlogged swiftly: possibly the best description of being an introvert that I've come across
It took 30 years for me to feel confident enough to tell people I'm a writer, encouraged by my wife who always tell people, when they ask, that I'm a writer. I do get responses, usuallt either: "I'm going to write my autobiography when I've retired", or "Anything I would have heard of?" , as if I'm a mind reader!
Those two comments are almost certainly from the book of How to Speak to a Writer, I suspect. I've heard them so often and I just grit my teeth and say, 'Probably not.' and then ask the person a question about themselves.
It must be astonishing to be Bernard Cornwell or Stephen King and say with wry humility - 'Possibly...'
My husband is like your wife - he will often say to folk, 'Prue's a writer...' Bless him - I think he's quite proud. But then in seconds, comes the first of those two comments, followed swiftly by the second.
I'm an introvert, too, and I can really relate to your first few paragraphs about introversion! I've always known we're kindred spirits...
Hurrah for ballet - that's another beautiful picture of all of you in action. How lovely.
You're a writer; you are SO MUCH a writer!
I kind of feel I'm a writer, kind of not, and I play with this a bit sometimes. 'I'm a writer', I tell myself, and giggle - not because I'm embarrassed that I haven't written any books, or indeed sold any words, but because it's kind-of-a-secret-but-kind-of-not, and it's like keeping all to myself that yummy Chocolate Orange that Father Christmas had put into my Christmas stocking, because nobody else in the house could POSSIBLY know that I had one.... while at the same time wondering if they DO know....? 😉
I'm so happy for you for your new hat, but gosh, you've been through a lot in that department. And with wider family health, too - I'm sending love, Prue. ♥️
Another enjoyable post, Prue. I shrink and cringe a little when I read this, "I often look back at what I might have said when I’m socialising – second-guessing myself, pathetically self-examining." Because, yes, this is me too... And I berate myself for it...but also I can't help it. I think it's the introvert's way. It's always good to be in the company of your mind and your words.🧡🙏🏻🍂
Oh, Pru! Thank you so much for mentioning Sundays with Stella on your post. I truly appreciate it. Love your introvert description! Yup, I'm raising my hand. I do better with one on one interaction rather than a group setting. I think my limit is up to 3 people total including me. I certainly don't feel like a writer. I am much more comfortable with the term "storyteller." It also took me a long time to call myself an artist. Ahh, so many hang ups, no? I hear you about health challenges. Sending you and your family some comfort and care your way.
Like so many have commented before me, your description of an introvert is spot-on. Oh the energy it takes sometimes to get out the door when I know a conversation is ahead....! Loved the music and all the wonderful book and show mentions to track down. And for such a kind and well written articulation of life these days. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
Thank you Prue. I was reminded of a statement a good friend used to say - "The reward for a good life is a good life" and regardless of those challenges you find yourself walking through I can't help but sense you have a beautiful "Inside Out" life. Well done.
Thank you, Marilyn.
I think you can safely tell people you are a writer! An introvert with a full life. I prefer mine that way too.
It's rather soul-destroying, Alice, but people do tend to glaze over and so I tend not to say anything.
And yes, I agree - a full life. No regrets. Enormous gratitude.
I hope you have a great response when they ask you what you do (private eye, exotic dancer, fire marshal, park ranger, professional tree hugger). Many people never ask and just go on about themselves. I dread getting stuck beside someone like that at a dinner.
Pretty well got it in one, Alice. I despair sometimes as I continue to listen politely as acquaintances talk about themselves and I suppose I make it worse by asking them questions about themselves.
But I love the idea that from now on, I shall push my pro-environment status, my fledgling Buddhist views, my leftist tendencies. Oh but wait... I sound like them, don't I? Me, me, me! ;)
Oh I’m hearing you Prue. My silence is becoming louder and louder soon I shall erupt like a butterfly from her cocoon, I suspect some will be shocked by my views.
Oh golly!
I love the idea of you breaking free of that rigid cocoon and then filling the air with something particularly special, with each beat of your wings.
Be brave. Do it. I'll applaud your courage!
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anaïs Nin
Oh my goodness, I could write a novel in response to this!! I actually started from the beginning again and made notes because so much of it resonated so much.
- I love your analogy for introverts - ‘They soak up atmosphere like a dry sponge in the bath, becoming waterlogged swiftly. And then they need to be left to dripdry in the sun…’ Absolutely!!! (I live living on my own - an opportunity to replenish every time I walk in the door)
- I’ve found that I’m allowed to call myself an artist despite not being a ‘proper artist’. If I walk every day, I’m a walker. If I do art every day, I’m an artist. You are most definitely a writer! (I love that Substack enables us to connect on deeper levels. Such a joy!)
- I love cosmos! (Dastardly rabbits!)
- oooohhhh! That Beach!!! (Paradise! And No Plastics!!!?!)
- Best wishes for the health of all the Family. Way too many of our friends succumbing to illness at the moment. Sigh.
- ginger recipes can be startlingly good! I have a simple slice recipe I’ll have to share with you. 😃
- Old People’s Home for Teenagers!! SO GOOD!!! (So many tears. But so good.)
Another wonderful read. Thanks so much dear Prue. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes. 🤗🤗🤗😘😘😘🌼🌼🌼
Oh what a fabulous comment!
I'm so thrilled it resonated as like anyone, when I press 'Publish', I'm assailed by doubts.
Being an introvert is hard, isn't it? One likes meeting folk (essential for a writer to observe all and sundry) but the exhaustion is a stumbling block. Sometimes, it's easier to say no, make a cup of camomile tea and sit on the porch in the sun with the Terrier, watching the rabbits invade the garden.
Isn't Old People's Home wonderful? Oh my gosh! I have it on pause currently as husband is away and it's something we watch together. Important to absorb as we age.
Cheers, Beth and have a great weekend.
Ah, Prue -- I'm there with you on the introverted spectrum. While he can easily manage many hours of focused time alone, my spouse is energized by people. Me, not so much. Not even by my "besties." It's just how I'm wired, and I seem to be moving further along that continuum as I age.
But, a writer you are! So, I'm glad you claimed it, even if your admission caught you by surprise. At times, I've practiced how I want the words to sound when I say similar things. I wonder what would happen if you worked out a phrase or two ahead of time. "I'm a writer. Historical fiction and fantasy, with a handful of books under my belt, if you can believe it, and more recently a publication on Substack. You know about Substack, right? Oh, you simply must check it out. It's such a great place to find amazing authors, many as yet undiscovered..."
Wow - that was a lot of words! 😅 You get the point (I might've inadvertently bludgeoned you with it.)
As you know, the world has overwhelmed me of late. I applaud your avoidance of new infusions of distress, but I am sorry they are finding you from other entry points. All good thoughts on the health issues. That is a lot to hold. Take care, friend, and peace to you.
Golly, Elizabeth, between you, Beth and Alice, I might just get this thing sorted!
I agree with moving along the continuum with age though, and perhaps it's just that I'm old enough and maybe a little wiser and can now mostly say 'Thank you for the invitation and it's kind of you but I am unable to attend' and revel in the feeling that gives me - no guilt nor shame, just relief and a chance to breathe.
I think that short of heading to the wildest places on the planet (Tassie is pretty removed, thank heaven!) , the awful news will find us. All we can do is bolster each other, make each other smile, focus close to home.
Dear Elizabeth, my thoughts and smiles are wafting across the air waves. Stay calm and enjoy peace where you can. (My Goodness, I feel like an aged hippy!) XXXX
I totally relate to the introvert-at-a-function sponge analogy! I have a question about the squid eggs: do they wash back into the sea and produce live young? Or are they cases from pre-hatched eggs?
I'm not sure, Shona. I suspect they might roll into the sea with the waves and tides, and as long as they're not too dried out by the atmosphere, live to hatch. What surprises me is that the seabirds don't feed on them. I do know we sometimes get a kind of bloom along the coast in certain conditions, a milky tinge, which is, I've heard, the hatching of the squid.
And I seem to have hit a nerve with my essay today - Introverts Anonymous. Yay for us!!!
[Introverts] soak up atmosphere like a dry sponge in the bath, becoming waterlogged swiftly: possibly the best description of being an introvert that I've come across
Thank you...
It took 30 years for me to feel confident enough to tell people I'm a writer, encouraged by my wife who always tell people, when they ask, that I'm a writer. I do get responses, usuallt either: "I'm going to write my autobiography when I've retired", or "Anything I would have heard of?" , as if I'm a mind reader!
Those two comments are almost certainly from the book of How to Speak to a Writer, I suspect. I've heard them so often and I just grit my teeth and say, 'Probably not.' and then ask the person a question about themselves.
It must be astonishing to be Bernard Cornwell or Stephen King and say with wry humility - 'Possibly...'
My husband is like your wife - he will often say to folk, 'Prue's a writer...' Bless him - I think he's quite proud. But then in seconds, comes the first of those two comments, followed swiftly by the second.
I guess its funny when one thinks about it...
I always say "I doubt it" 😂 Yes to proud, which is very nice. "Possibly" : 😂. Yes funny, if a little tedious.
Tedious. Exactly so. Sigh...
I know for me the practise of asking questions of others is my introverted nature wanting to take the spotlight off myself.
Exactly so.
Another gorgeous post, Prue.
I'm an introvert, too, and I can really relate to your first few paragraphs about introversion! I've always known we're kindred spirits...
Hurrah for ballet - that's another beautiful picture of all of you in action. How lovely.
You're a writer; you are SO MUCH a writer!
I kind of feel I'm a writer, kind of not, and I play with this a bit sometimes. 'I'm a writer', I tell myself, and giggle - not because I'm embarrassed that I haven't written any books, or indeed sold any words, but because it's kind-of-a-secret-but-kind-of-not, and it's like keeping all to myself that yummy Chocolate Orange that Father Christmas had put into my Christmas stocking, because nobody else in the house could POSSIBLY know that I had one.... while at the same time wondering if they DO know....? 😉
I'm so happy for you for your new hat, but gosh, you've been through a lot in that department. And with wider family health, too - I'm sending love, Prue. ♥️
Received gratefully, Rebecca. XXXX
Another enjoyable post, Prue. I shrink and cringe a little when I read this, "I often look back at what I might have said when I’m socialising – second-guessing myself, pathetically self-examining." Because, yes, this is me too... And I berate myself for it...but also I can't help it. I think it's the introvert's way. It's always good to be in the company of your mind and your words.🧡🙏🏻🍂
Thank you, Alice.
Yes, that self-examination is perhaps why I need Ant Middleton to yell at me, 'Moooove!'
Oh, Pru! Thank you so much for mentioning Sundays with Stella on your post. I truly appreciate it. Love your introvert description! Yup, I'm raising my hand. I do better with one on one interaction rather than a group setting. I think my limit is up to 3 people total including me. I certainly don't feel like a writer. I am much more comfortable with the term "storyteller." It also took me a long time to call myself an artist. Ahh, so many hang ups, no? I hear you about health challenges. Sending you and your family some comfort and care your way.
You're welcome and thank you back , Stella.
Welcome to IA too, Introverts Anonymous!
Like so many have commented before me, your description of an introvert is spot-on. Oh the energy it takes sometimes to get out the door when I know a conversation is ahead....! Loved the music and all the wonderful book and show mentions to track down. And for such a kind and well written articulation of life these days. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
Thanks so much, Sabrina. I had no idea when I voiced my introversion, that it would hit such a nerve with so many.
Perhaps that needs some research...
Cheers and hope you're well.