New Content for 2024 & Some Personal Challenges
Shedding light on ideas and solutions for today and beyond
Dear Outsiders,
I’ve been antsy and somewhat incapacitated as you know from my previous post. I do not do well in such situations. I like to be active outdoors, to read, research, etc, but these last few months have forced me to make some changes, all of which are probably good for me one way or another—even if I don’t like them.
The first is not being able to post here regularly. Being down an arm doesn’t make typing very easy. My cousin who typed my last post for me went home and returned to work, so I’ve recruited my mother (Hi All!) to type on my behalf until I’m able to do so again. And since we live in the same house that should help me have a more consistent presence on Substack again.
The second is not being able to use my phone much. Try typing and scrolling using one hand when your hands are tiny and your phone is huge. Doesn’t work out so well. I can open some of my apps to read, but typing hasn’t been an option unless I sit with the phone flat on a table and lean over it to type. Let’s just say I haven’t done much of that unless it’s for a couple of minutes or less.
However, I realized I could use a desktop easel to prop my phone or books up on and turn pages, type, and scroll with my left hand. But that requires me to sit at a table to do such things. By the time I figured that out, though, my interest in my phone had become non-existent. Maybe it’s time to return to a landline? “Dumb” phone?
Another change it forced me to make is to rely on my family, friends, and neighbors around me. For better or for worse, I’m not one who likes to ask for help. (It’s not fun asking others to wash your hair for you because you can’t get all the shampoo out with your left/non-dominant hand.) In the spring of 2022, I was also forced to do so after a cycling accident. (Some of you may remember this.) I wonder if life is trying to hammer the message home that I need to stop trying to do so much on my own?
While I’m not big on resolutions, I’m going to let my current circumstances guide me toward bigger life changes in 2024. The most formidable one is to slow down. It doesn’t come naturally to me.
As for new content, you will have a new post from me by next week Wednesday—maybe sooner. It just depends on how long it takes me to formulate an outline with basic supporting details so that we can get it typed out and published.
The article will be based on a personal experience I had when I moved into my house several years back and started dealing with wells and water. In the process, I crossed paths with a geologist who shattered nearly every notion I held (and that we are told) about water and its global supply. I believe that his life’s work, along with that of his mentor, could solve a great deal of problems. I found it immensely inspiring, and I think you will too.
See you soon, Outsiders! I’m looking forward to writing much more this year—or at least for now, dictating. Ha.
Happy 2024.
PS—Pardon any typos. We are not proofing this today, as I’m due at physical therapy shortly.
Wonderful- water and wells!! The flow of life. Glad to hear you’re getting assistance and accepting help with grace and humility. It’s not as easy as we think! Look forward to your post. Highly recommend Fifty Holy Wells published here on Substack by The Abbey of Misrule. You will embrace and enjoy!
Wishing you all the best,JM, as you continue to heal and recover. Glad you have so many kindred and supportive souls near by. Cheering you on.