Your comment about "dead time" makes me think of Amy Dacyzyn's article in "The Tightwad Gazette" about "creative deprivation." Her basic philosophy is that the way to enjoy things more is not to have more and more amazing things. Instead it is to do without for a time so that you can enjoy simple pleasures again. Amy did some wonderful thinking and writing in her little gazette in the '90s.
This is a brilliant point that Amy makes, which I can attest to. Simple pleasures can be the hardest to enjoy when we are surrounded with extravagance. Thank you Laverne and Julie for bringing this to my attention.
I really look forward to your piece on the concept of "dead time". While I know it's not in the spirit of the manifesto, my favorite "dead time" is on a plane, without WiFi, without a functioning television, with a phone that has a dead battery. But it only counts if you don't brag about it on a social media post like the new "raw-dogging" fad particular among men of a certain age and disposition.
I recently discovered you through your Plough essay on names, so I am a brand new subscriber. I deeply resonated with that essay. In the past few years, I’ve been continually amazed by how learning names seems to expand my ability to pay attention and to care, and you captured that experience so well. Have you read Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane? He was the first writer to help me think deeply about the power of names. (I’ve actually been writing about very similar things on my own Substack this summer, inspired by Macfarlane’s writing.)
I appreciated this helpful summary of the themes of your work, and I’m looking forward to reading more from you!
So glad you found me through that essay Jenna. It was such a joy to write and I am so pleased The Plough liked the idea.
It is amazing isn't it how learning names helps us see and notice. I am trying to learn the names of different types of old church architectural styles and features. I love looking round old churches but feel a bit lost sometimes as to what I am seeing- much like a beginner birdwatcher must feel!
And yes I am reading Landmarks too! Such a wonderful book. Macfarlane is a beautiful writer. An English treasure.
You project substantive and meaningful goals for your publication, Hadden. Thank you for the intentionality, transparency, and humility you project in this commentary. On the wall of my home library, I have framed a copy of “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry. It sounds like your vision encourages experiencing the “grace of the world” Berry describes in this beautiful poem. Thank you!
I grew up on a largely self sustaining, Mennonite farm on the bend of a big river in northern CA. Wendel Barry has been a favorite author of mine for decades! You are my kind! I don't have internet on my ridge top farm, just this phone, but I'd love to try and zoom in for a Wendel Barry discussion. September 21st works for me. Your little date choice feature isn't working...at least for me. I was rejected 3x.
Your comment about "dead time" makes me think of Amy Dacyzyn's article in "The Tightwad Gazette" about "creative deprivation." Her basic philosophy is that the way to enjoy things more is not to have more and more amazing things. Instead it is to do without for a time so that you can enjoy simple pleasures again. Amy did some wonderful thinking and writing in her little gazette in the '90s.
This is a brilliant point that Amy makes, which I can attest to. Simple pleasures can be the hardest to enjoy when we are surrounded with extravagance. Thank you Laverne and Julie for bringing this to my attention.
I really look forward to your piece on the concept of "dead time". While I know it's not in the spirit of the manifesto, my favorite "dead time" is on a plane, without WiFi, without a functioning television, with a phone that has a dead battery. But it only counts if you don't brag about it on a social media post like the new "raw-dogging" fad particular among men of a certain age and disposition.
I recently discovered you through your Plough essay on names, so I am a brand new subscriber. I deeply resonated with that essay. In the past few years, I’ve been continually amazed by how learning names seems to expand my ability to pay attention and to care, and you captured that experience so well. Have you read Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane? He was the first writer to help me think deeply about the power of names. (I’ve actually been writing about very similar things on my own Substack this summer, inspired by Macfarlane’s writing.)
I appreciated this helpful summary of the themes of your work, and I’m looking forward to reading more from you!
So glad you found me through that essay Jenna. It was such a joy to write and I am so pleased The Plough liked the idea.
It is amazing isn't it how learning names helps us see and notice. I am trying to learn the names of different types of old church architectural styles and features. I love looking round old churches but feel a bit lost sometimes as to what I am seeing- much like a beginner birdwatcher must feel!
And yes I am reading Landmarks too! Such a wonderful book. Macfarlane is a beautiful writer. An English treasure.
That sounds like such a fun endeavor! I think that is proof of the power of learning names—we can reap the benefits of it in all kinds of contexts!
You project substantive and meaningful goals for your publication, Hadden. Thank you for the intentionality, transparency, and humility you project in this commentary. On the wall of my home library, I have framed a copy of “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry. It sounds like your vision encourages experiencing the “grace of the world” Berry describes in this beautiful poem. Thank you!
I grew up on a largely self sustaining, Mennonite farm on the bend of a big river in northern CA. Wendel Barry has been a favorite author of mine for decades! You are my kind! I don't have internet on my ridge top farm, just this phone, but I'd love to try and zoom in for a Wendel Barry discussion. September 21st works for me. Your little date choice feature isn't working...at least for me. I was rejected 3x.