I See You Are Instagram Official

Sharing the Stories

Before we moved to Tennessee, I tried to get real on the internet.

For years, I held an account pretty much dedicated to our pets. We had an office Instagram, and then we tried a little venture into peace and love and light and meditation classes— that was a beautiful side quest, short lived because we had a kid and then the pandemic took the wind out of many sails. Then I added an account for my crystal hoarding (appreciation), which grew from the pandemic, too. Finally I had an epiphany, that maybe I deserved to be seen.

It was terrifying, sharing my face and thoughts on purpose. But I still have that account, and it’s what I use to share stories these days. Posts seem like too much work, and reels are tedious, and I can’t handle TikTok. Too much stimuli.

Today I shared on ye olde Instagram stories that we lost our elderly cat.

My friends, near and far, have showed up on that platform and in my text messages with condolences and love— I feel seen and cared for. Which is what the glory of social media offers us.

AI generated : crystals and rainbows in heaven

When tornadoes went through Nashville and the towns north of our home, the best meme account known to a metropolitan area mobilized their stories for all the relief efforts and opportunities to help in response to this natural disaster.

The collective hive can rally with love, I believe it. I have seen it. And I want to continue to show up, so I can help, and so I can be part of this humankind.

Thank you for your patience these weeks I’ve missed publishing here on Substack— I am turning corners, and trying to make sure I’m here for the joys as well as the pains of living.

PS: I finally saw the Barbie movie— I would like a copy of the script. It’s more engaging the longer I sit with it. If Greta Gerwig ever teaches a seminar on anything, I believe I’ll enroll.

PPS: I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of NFL football this season featuring Taylor Swift. She makes everything better.

Big love to you, friends.