Words
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I’ll spend the first four sharpening the axe.
—Abraham Lincoln
Music
Have I written about the latest Andrew Bird record? It’s called Sunday Morning Put On. Bird is unique. His artistry never fails to catch my attention and hold me enthralled. So classy. So creative and talented. Check it out.
I watched
More A Discovery of Witches on Netflix! I have to rewind a lot because I tend to fall asleep when I try to watch TV after the sun goes down. It’s so good to find escapism that has heart.
Book
I have a few different books going at the moment. I did some deep reading for a while, but I’m deep into a manuscript at work and prefer to keep my personal reading light at the moment. However, I’m about to begin All Fours by Miranda July and Bone of the Bone by Sarah Smarsh. Sarah appeared at Parnassus here in Nashville last Wednesday so we got to catch up a little. I am so fortunate to call her a friend, and just have to brag on her. She is without a doubt one of the smartest people I know, and consider it an honor that she gives me the time of day. Read her writing. She is an incredible thinker.
One more: if you haven’t gotten your copy of Cocaine & Rhinestones yet, go get it! Tyler Mahan Coe and I had the best time at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s Ford Theatre talking about it yesterday. Tyler is also an incredibly smart person and he has a seriously bright future in storytelling.
Favorite moments
Whenever Sam leapt across the room in that adorable kitten way.
Realizing I have arrived at a good place in my professional life. I’ve been given such a fantastic opportunity to do good and lasting work. What a life I have, am still having, and will continue to have. I’m grateful.
When I decided to embrace my witchiness. I’m a bit sensitive about being criticized for my woo-woo tendencies. Talking to the spirits and such. I guess people don’t always stop to think about why I want to be connected to spirit and step across the veil at every opportunity–first of all, that’s where the true wisdom lives. Secondly, that’s where my parents are. That’s where my guides are. I guess what I’m saying is, I’ve finally grown old enough to fully own that interest and tendency in myself. As you know, I don’t believe in accidents. It isn’t a surprise to me that I’m working in a museum.
Being comforted by knowing I can always live a life of words and letters, no matter what happens.
What I’m wearing
It’s starting to get interesting again. It rained a lot here at the end of the week, and for that we are so grateful. The grass had turned to hay. I lost several shrubs that I hope to get replaced today. So I’ll be in khaki pants and a baseball cap for most of the day today. But let’s see–what did I wear this week?
The way you do anything is the way you do everything.
Poem
when you can’t deal with your pain
you suppress it or project it
the hurt you carry darkens
what you see
(yung pueblo)
I’m grateful for
Sam. Willie. Winnie
Sunshine. Rain.
The best sister.
Books. Music.
An education that actually means something in my real life.
Freedom.
What I made
It looks like this Scout is going to be a poster for Shelby’s Ryman show, which is September 26. I hand lettered some information and gave it a few touches. We’re planning on doing some limited edition art prints on archival paper, so y’all can get one. Details to come.
Here’s a Sam Callaway gallery.
I think I forgot how much fun it is to have a kitty. He’s something else.
What brought me joy
Well of course the cat + friendship + laughing + apples + cinnamon toast crunch + quiet when I could get it + noticing when the air is buzzing with energy and loving it + intentionally raising vibrations + being excited about being excited + doing good work.
Prayer
Thank you, Great Spirit, for the life you put in me. Thank you for the blessing of this experience. Please give me the strength to turn all things over to you and the faith to know you will work miracles in me through whatever you place in my blessed path. Allow me to gracefully release what is not meant for me, and to hold tightly and lovingly to what is. Allow me clarity, focus, and courage. Allow me to rise to my highest vibration each day. With deep gratitude I pray that your will, and not mine, shall be done.
Intention for the week to come
May I be present and fully inhabit my mind, spirit, and physical body.
May I walk through the world with an open heart and without judgment.
May I breathe peace in, and breathe love out.
May I be humble.
May I have the self-possession and grace to meet others with kindness and acceptance.
May I find the flexibility in myself to gracefully accept the imperfections of life and not take inconveniences personally.
May I think before I speak.
May I think MORE than I speak.
May I be grateful.
May I allow myself to trust.
May I have CLARITY.
May I be patient.
May my vibration resonate in harmony with the universe.
May I remember it isn’t about me.
May I do good work.
May I have optimism and positive thoughts.
May I be open to what the Great Spirit knows is for me, and may I walk my path accordingly by remembering I can only take it one step at a time.
Something I’m thinking about
The importance of having a relationship with my higher power. My great spirit. Dare I say God. There are folks who don’t believe in prayer or mystery or divine intervention or anything of the kind. I do. When it comes to self-love, I don’t think I can do it without a higher power. It’s only through knowing I am divinely loved and accepted that I can find grace for myself. So I’m sinking into that. In a connected way, in an AHA way instead of a fearful, clingy way. It feels like a second mountain for me–a deepening sense of spirituality. A patience I didn’t have before, an ability to be quiet that I didn’t have before, an acceptance that I am less than a speck. But man, I’m happy to get to be a speck.
Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. — Buddha
Habit
This is a bad one: eating cinnamon toast crunch in bed at night. I love this cereal so much I guess I’m going to have to ban it from the kitchen. It’s an addictive substance.
Wishes
That we all are and will be well.
That we all are loved.
That we all put our pasts behind us every minute.
That we all have a glorious and fulfilling week.
That you will forward this to one person you think might like it.
Have a wonderful, peaceful, joyous week. And thank you for supporting my work here at The Autotelic.
Peace. Love.
Allison
There are first edition copies of I Dream He Talks to Me and Blood in the shop. I will sign each copy that is ordered. If you would like it personalized, please send an email with your order number and the name you would like on the signature page to allisonmoorercontact@gmail.com.
Paid subscriber benefits:
Access to the chat feature on the Substack app.
Paid subscriber only Saturday posts.
A discount code to use in the shop for 24 hours when I list paintings.
Surprises from time to time — free merch, access to things in the shop before free subscribers.
You have to be hands down one of the most talented and gifted person that I follow. Is there anything you can't do? Your art is gorgeous, the way you relay stories it's as if we're talking, writing, singing...it's incredible. Walk in joy because your gifts are amazing. I think your parents left a halo over your head.
I must say that Sam’s nose made my day! He has my favorite type of jigsaw face cat markings. Enjoy his lively spirit as well as the visitations from all your spirits.