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Donna Michel's avatar

Before I rave (ha) about my writing I'll comment about tomorrow. I will be wearing all black tomorrow and maybe all week. And absolutely I'll not be watching any television. Now about my writing, hmmm. I am very hopeful about a new beginning with the Julia Cameron material and led by our Charlotte. This morning's pages were an utter travail, but I did it for two reasons: I signed the contract and because I didn't want to have to confess to Charlotte that I went back to bed instead.

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JR Hampton's avatar

That's hilarious. All I've done so far is get the book from Amazon. Looking at it now. LOL.

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

It's good you are looking at the book and not the news. (I don't know how to do an emoji on comments or if it is possible but there's a smiley face in spirit here.)

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JR Hampton's avatar

Let me know if you are on a MAC or PC and I'll send you the secret emoji code!!! ~ J.

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

Oh how I love that thinking of me sent you to the page! And I will confess that I did not want to do morning pages today but I thought of Julia Cameron writing that they were mandatory and went to it.

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JR Hampton's avatar

I pretty much raged for four years "the first time." Too bad my toxic habit of four to six hours of news shows daily (to feed my anger) didn't change any of what was going on. The only thing it did was take me away from my writing.

This time 'round (and with LA and other tragic goings on), I find myself a bit on the Pollyanna side. No news for me. No stoking the hate. This time around I choose to focus on hope and my belief that life leans toward the good. So I'm focusing on the small things: I woke up, my cat Tuxie is the best snuggle bug ever, I have a fridge full of food and can take a hot soaky bubble bath anytime I please. And, I can write. I write like a demon, like a boss--like a person who knows what's good for them. Writing keeps me grounded. It generates something positive. And "this time," I'm gifting myself that positive energy and sharing it. Come get some if you need it. Love and light from California, all. 😎

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

That's exactly my point--I see friends and family totally focused on the news all day long and what does that change? Nothing. Unless you're going to run for office (gag) or become an activist (not my thing, as noted, and I can't feel guilty about it) what's the point? I've really been much better about ignoring the news since the election and I feel so much better.

And never forget that writing and creating is our way of giving the finger to the assholes.

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Camille Pagán's avatar

As ever, this resonates, Charlotte. Thank you.

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

Aw, thank you, Camille.

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Linda Castor's avatar

I believe in the empowering light inside all of us and the momentum of our goodness and love we bring forth through our writing. I choose to dig deep and allow my contribution to flow into this collective pool of wisdom to elevate positive changes in our human evolution. No doubt the next 4 years will be a bumpy ride. Meanwhile, my focused “activism” will be about learning what brings me bliss and how to inspire others in this symphony of vital transformation. Love being in this group with you all. Thank you, Charlotte!

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

I LOVE THIS. Thank you, Linda, so beautifully said. One of the most important ways we can cope is by digging deep into "the momentum of our goodness." It truly is.

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Cecilia At The Kitchens Garden's avatar

No comment on tomorrow. Very real worries about these rich men taking over. Anyway. This is what the majority of Americans have chosen. I fight the fringes. Like a little fish with teeth. My writing has reached a point where I lay in bed last night and thought I have nothing to say. My imaginative mind has done a bunk. Left me behind. I can only sharpen my pencils and await its return.

My narrating however is fantastic! I love to read the words out loud.

Lovely encouraging newsletter Charlotte. Thank you.

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

I'm not sure it was an actual majority, but we're not talking about that anyway. And Celi, your imaginative mind will soon be sending you things to say again. You can write about dirt and keep your fans fascinated and I'm not exaggerating because you probably have written about dirt! And yes, you are a fantastic narrator!

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Cecilia At The Kitchens Garden's avatar

I am having a ton of fun narrating!

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Jeni Hankins's avatar

I'm working on a new song! Sewing doll dresses. Planning a rug. Making some doll replacement fingers. Repairing a porcelain head. And not not not watching the news. Thank you for the cup of comfort, Charlotte.

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

I so enjoy following you along on Insta and seeing all your projects. I'm trying my best to do the same. I get plenty of updates from friends that are obsessed with the news.

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Red Huckleberry's avatar

I was enjoying your Substack and thinking of becoming a paid subscriber… but then you brought your political bias into. I will be unsubscribing.

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed my Substack while you were here.

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