TENDING THE FIRE/TRANSPARENCY
TENDING THE FIRE/TRANSPARENCY: I guess I have now become what is known as a ‘social media influencer.’ Boy, that sounds terrible. It is not a title or job description I would ever have imagined, or sought. But with the passing of months and years, here on Facebook and on Substack, I keep writing; and along the way, accumulating friends, and followers, and subscribers. Here on Facebook we have somehow reached 60,000, which is amazing. And truly wonderful. And deeply appreciated. So, aside from the title/job description—which I still kinda hate—it is all OK. And since it is my site and my job and my choice, I prefer to think of myself as ‘keeper and tender’ of our little virtual campfire, our wilderness outpost here in social media-land. Thank you for being here with me. Many of you for a long time! And some just recent additions to the gang. Thanks for sharing the conversation, kicking logs into the fire, and watching the moonrise.
It says in the title above that this is a moment of transparency, and it is. As I’ve gotten a bit older, and endless traveling is a little harder, and Kathy has had her health struggles and full-time retirement, it turns out that my Substack platform has become an important part of our budget and income. As you probably know, there are two options to subscribe to me there—free and paid. By the way, another thing I hate—besides the ‘influencer’ title—is asking for money. But I’ve promised myself to begin doing it every month or two. So here’s the deal. If you follow me here only, on the free Facebook platform, Thank You! If you are a free subscriber on Substack, great!! My most sincere thanks to all for being here by the campfire with me. And… but… if circumstances permit and it is possible for you to upgrade to being a Substack subscriber on a paying basis, that would be really great in a whole different way. And very much appreciated.
And that’s it. That’s me asking for money. In case you missed it. Whether you can do it or not, thanks again for being here. I enjoy writing for you. I enjoy sitting in my log cabin porch/office, looking out at the deer and blue jays and squirrels in the woods, listening to Bach or Debussy, and thinking. Thinking about what I should say to you, or need to say. Or want to say. These days, too many of those thoughts revolve around the defense of our democracy. But I squeeze in a few other topics as well. I have hope that someday—maybe in the not-too-distant future—I won’t have to be writing about that democracy stuff as much. And will return to sunsets and loons and white-throated sparrows and lapping waters. And campsites and campfires. And my books and music. I promise. And I promise to sneak them in now as well. You can remind me if you want.
Meanwhile, once more, thank you, each one of you, for your presence and your support. You really can’t know how much it means. It would be a very lonely campfire without you.
Warmly, Doug.
Substack subscription link – https://substack.com/@douglaswoodauthor