It's cool that you have your Sunday Selfie Series as a journal to look back on and see your growth and growing pains. Shelby's performance looks magical and I'm so glad you enjoyed performing so much this time around. Keep the photos of Sam coming--his adorable face brightened up this rainy Sunday in a big way! Interestingly, you're fairly organized except for your book stack, which suggests a lifelong exploration that will continue to enrich your journey.
The Ryman performance was gorgeous! I didn't want the night to end. I noticed at the end of the beautiful song, "Butterfly", Shelby turned to you and said, "I love you, Sissy". Being the curious person I am, I am wondering if she wrote that song about you or for you? Also, Sam Callaway is so precious.
This is the place. AM is my touchstone for so much. I don't have the ability to make sense of this world with the calm and grace that she does. She is literally my go-to for everything. (AM, sorry for talking about you like you're not here). And I've said many times: I've learned more about how we process the world around us from John Henry Earle than I have from a lifetime of adults. An actual, real live hero.
I don't get here often enough, so here's a bunch of disjointed stuff...
You were already done with today's writing when the news came down that Kris Kristofferson has passed. What a master songwriter, a true giant. I went in search of a YT video of you doing 𝑆𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑜𝑤𝑛...but while I didn't find one right away, what I DID find was your speech at the 2022 Love Breakfast, which proved to be just what I needed to hear after this sad news. Such beautiful, strong words...as always.
I think often about the Sunday Selfie Series. It was incredible - everyone without fail always gave such insightful answers. Best of all was the amazing cast of characters we "met" through these. You're truly blessed to have such a great and diverse circle. I already know you're grateful for that.
A person I was so thrilled and intrigued to meet this way was the amazing force of nature that is Staceyann Chin. I remember spending an entire Sunday with her stuff - her journey, her house project, her incredible daughter. I bring her up because Staceyann has an incredible contribution to the new album by Meshell Ndegeocello, 𝑁𝑜 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑑𝑤𝑖𝑛. You've probably heard it, but anyone seeing this needs to dig Staceyann's piece "Raise The Roof". It's only five minutes of your life, and you'll be uplifted, enraged and in tears for sure. Please check it here, I urge everyone: https://youtu.be/aein3YqoBb0?si=cZT1BhEnG5Va7Htj
I miss you all - you on Sundays, me helping wrangle the YT audience on H's Tuesday nights alongside the wonderful Callen. You haven't truly arrived until your show involves Winnie drinking loudly from the toilet. So much love to y'all.
Work interfered with me going to the Ryman and that night we had the hurricane blow through Georgia. All is in divine order, I guess but I hated missing it, so thank you for posting those videos. Beautiful voices... so much comfort there. Sam's gallery made me giggle! So cute....Reading has always equalled intelligence and virtue - and there are many "wholesome" activities that we do, but anything we do to "escape" or hide from something merits observation. I think you being onto yourself and calling yourself out to your Substack readers is pretty much the antithesis of hiding. :)
Allison, again a post that I read & reread several times. It is never just a Sunday post to me. I always find it filled with treasures. Eggs re Taylor Swift. Undiscoverable by most, actually the majority. Perfect.
I really like the picture of you and your friend Ashley. She’s got that badass aurora about her. Very protective of you. Keep her near in your circle.
I know you know how much your written words mean to me. I’m following your tract and it gives me the confidence, that little push & direction that is keeping with Maggie Smith’s words. You know what really gives me the strength, is the picture of you donning navy & black. The strength it conveys. And the strength to boldly, yet quietly, make take a stand… minus the accessories of the past.
I’m proud of you Allison. I’m a few steps behind you, but headed in the right direction.
Now, let me comment of the sweetest boy, Sam. He loves his momma so much. And the fact you can place him on his back is very telling. I know you love him so much. Makes my heart as happy as yours for adopting him.
I see so much joy in this post.
So proud of you & Shelby. Your voices are stronger when you’re together 🦋
Thursdays show at the Ryman was a gift & a balm. I was dancing in my pew. To hear songs from an album I’ve loved for almost half my life was a dream.
And wow, Waylon Payne - when the band kicked in on his first song, I shivered. Music is a magical force. Thank you, SL and the others for sharing it with me, and everyone.
Oh how I wish I could have been at the Ryman that night. You all sounded great. God bless Shelby! Thanks for sharing! And pics of Sam, so sweet! Love your Sunday LIsts!
Am enjoying your Substack so much. I came on here strictly to follow you from IG and it’s such a great platform! Your writing never fails to inspire and encourage me to think about how I’m living my life. Love it. And your cat is adorable. Have a great week!
I have definitely talked myself into believing it's okay not to do housework because reading is a high-value activity.
Loved every minute of the concert at the Ryman. It was a beautiful night!
It's cool that you have your Sunday Selfie Series as a journal to look back on and see your growth and growing pains. Shelby's performance looks magical and I'm so glad you enjoyed performing so much this time around. Keep the photos of Sam coming--his adorable face brightened up this rainy Sunday in a big way! Interestingly, you're fairly organized except for your book stack, which suggests a lifelong exploration that will continue to enrich your journey.
Sometimes God/Nature has a pretty sharp chisel. But the cut is worth it.
Such a night! A girl can dream that someday soon you will all bring this beautiful show to NYC. 💕
Sam’s nose! 🥰
The Ryman performance was gorgeous! I didn't want the night to end. I noticed at the end of the beautiful song, "Butterfly", Shelby turned to you and said, "I love you, Sissy". Being the curious person I am, I am wondering if she wrote that song about you or for you? Also, Sam Callaway is so precious.
I started EMDR last Tuesday. I'm not afraid at night anymore after just one session. I didn't expect those kind of results.
Hey, I like it when worlds converge. I've so enjoyed your writing at TPP, Gina. great to run across you here.
Thank you!!!!!
This is the place. AM is my touchstone for so much. I don't have the ability to make sense of this world with the calm and grace that she does. She is literally my go-to for everything. (AM, sorry for talking about you like you're not here). And I've said many times: I've learned more about how we process the world around us from John Henry Earle than I have from a lifetime of adults. An actual, real live hero.
Allison has a way of talking about how childhood trauma effects her that resonates.
I don't get here often enough, so here's a bunch of disjointed stuff...
You were already done with today's writing when the news came down that Kris Kristofferson has passed. What a master songwriter, a true giant. I went in search of a YT video of you doing 𝑆𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑜𝑤𝑛...but while I didn't find one right away, what I DID find was your speech at the 2022 Love Breakfast, which proved to be just what I needed to hear after this sad news. Such beautiful, strong words...as always.
I think often about the Sunday Selfie Series. It was incredible - everyone without fail always gave such insightful answers. Best of all was the amazing cast of characters we "met" through these. You're truly blessed to have such a great and diverse circle. I already know you're grateful for that.
A person I was so thrilled and intrigued to meet this way was the amazing force of nature that is Staceyann Chin. I remember spending an entire Sunday with her stuff - her journey, her house project, her incredible daughter. I bring her up because Staceyann has an incredible contribution to the new album by Meshell Ndegeocello, 𝑁𝑜 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐵𝑎𝑙𝑑𝑤𝑖𝑛. You've probably heard it, but anyone seeing this needs to dig Staceyann's piece "Raise The Roof". It's only five minutes of your life, and you'll be uplifted, enraged and in tears for sure. Please check it here, I urge everyone: https://youtu.be/aein3YqoBb0?si=cZT1BhEnG5Va7Htj
I miss you all - you on Sundays, me helping wrangle the YT audience on H's Tuesday nights alongside the wonderful Callen. You haven't truly arrived until your show involves Winnie drinking loudly from the toilet. So much love to y'all.
Work interfered with me going to the Ryman and that night we had the hurricane blow through Georgia. All is in divine order, I guess but I hated missing it, so thank you for posting those videos. Beautiful voices... so much comfort there. Sam's gallery made me giggle! So cute....Reading has always equalled intelligence and virtue - and there are many "wholesome" activities that we do, but anything we do to "escape" or hide from something merits observation. I think you being onto yourself and calling yourself out to your Substack readers is pretty much the antithesis of hiding. :)
Sounded Great, Thank You!!
Allison, again a post that I read & reread several times. It is never just a Sunday post to me. I always find it filled with treasures. Eggs re Taylor Swift. Undiscoverable by most, actually the majority. Perfect.
I really like the picture of you and your friend Ashley. She’s got that badass aurora about her. Very protective of you. Keep her near in your circle.
I know you know how much your written words mean to me. I’m following your tract and it gives me the confidence, that little push & direction that is keeping with Maggie Smith’s words. You know what really gives me the strength, is the picture of you donning navy & black. The strength it conveys. And the strength to boldly, yet quietly, make take a stand… minus the accessories of the past.
I’m proud of you Allison. I’m a few steps behind you, but headed in the right direction.
Now, let me comment of the sweetest boy, Sam. He loves his momma so much. And the fact you can place him on his back is very telling. I know you love him so much. Makes my heart as happy as yours for adopting him.
I see so much joy in this post.
So proud of you & Shelby. Your voices are stronger when you’re together 🦋
xo
Oh nothing random about an armadillo
A coat of armor
❤️
Thursdays show at the Ryman was a gift & a balm. I was dancing in my pew. To hear songs from an album I’ve loved for almost half my life was a dream.
And wow, Waylon Payne - when the band kicked in on his first song, I shivered. Music is a magical force. Thank you, SL and the others for sharing it with me, and everyone.
Sam!
Oh how I wish I could have been at the Ryman that night. You all sounded great. God bless Shelby! Thanks for sharing! And pics of Sam, so sweet! Love your Sunday LIsts!
Am enjoying your Substack so much. I came on here strictly to follow you from IG and it’s such a great platform! Your writing never fails to inspire and encourage me to think about how I’m living my life. Love it. And your cat is adorable. Have a great week!