This is an amazing post. Everyone needs to adjust their perspective sometimes in the face of constant rejection from gatekeepers. And you're very welcome! I knew you'd be a perfect fit.
And thank you, Dascha! Agreed. I still see the draw of wanting to submit stories elsewhere, but the meaningful connections built here make it difficult for me to want to write anywhere else! Wallobooks is such an important movement, and I’m so honored you connected my path to Swastika’s. 🙏
Wonderful and moving. I couldn’t stop reading. It ended too soon. I truly believe that when our purpose is meaningful and honorable, the universe points us in the direction of those who need us. Thank you Justin!
Thank you, Uncle Scott! I’m a believer, too. This whole experience cemented it for me without a doubt. It’s always wonderful to hear from you. Thanks for reading my stuff! 🙏
This was beautiful and timely, Justin. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and that of your creative friends with us. And congratulations on your publishing opportunity! What a perfect way to share your gift for creating powerful stories in tiny packages.
Thank you so much, Meg. Sometimes I think it’s important to pause and reflect on the impact people in our lives have on us - and how we in turn impact theirs!
First of all, John's photograph is magnificent! I don't know what those judges were thinking! It was wonderful reading what you wrote, Justin, and the thoughts that you and John shared about the little moments that get us through. Connections with others are rewards in all sorts of unexpected ways, and that is what everyone must seek. Sometimes you have to look hard, but the rewards are there. Congratulations, too, on having your story become one that children who might not have had the chance will have the opportunity to read. Thank you for sharing this lovely message, Justin.
Right, Andrea?! The darn judge! Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words and for all of your encouragement over the years! Connections, friendships, relationships, are irreplaceable, and how we treat others matters. I’m excited to share more about the story with you. They’re going to illustrate it and do some fun stuff with it. 😊
Thank you for sharing this, Justin. This is a great perspective to have, and one that I share wholeheartedly. We're often looking for that big "payoff", not realizing the amazing little connections happening around us that build something bigger and more sustainable. Happy to have made the connection with you!
Yes, Brian! Everything that transpired was truly humbling for me, and it helped to shift my perspective. We are in such good company here - surrounded by so many kind souls who look out for one another. Thanks for being one of them! And I’m grateful to have connected with you, too!
Excellent read! Thanks! Also, congrats on your venture with the WalloBooks Project. That’s wonderful! Sometimes those small waves really do keep us afloat.
Thank you, Caro! I’m really excited about the WalloBooks collaboration. And it’s so true - they really do help to keep us afloat and remind us of what truly matters! Thank you for reading! 😀
This is an excellent read and absolutely spot on. I love that quote and feel that folding it into my own perspective and experience as a writer will be a positive step! Thanks for this Justin.
Thank you so much, Chris. That makes me so happy to hear! When John shared the quote with me it felt like everything clicked and came together for me - almost like I was meant to hear it in that moment, too. We are all so much more connected than we think!
terrific, much to consider here. I have a very packed weekend ( Im buying more duct tape in half an hour ) but I will get back to your monday with comments and hopeflly a story for the kids in Indiia. I might get corny and write about a reuben sandwich in New Delhi, or presidentt coolidge cutting classes in Calcutta long ago. AH, so many choices!
Justin! This makes me so happy. You have written a heartfelt ode to appreciation from many perspectives. John’s images always bring me joy and sharing his words with us in this post is an added treat.
Lovely post Justin! One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is, what is the difference between contentment and complacency. It’s a tough balance to keep pushing our craft forward without worrying about the outcomes that are out of our control.
Thank you, Jason! This is such a great point and I couldn’t agree more with you. I think we have to find it from somewhere deep within to keep challenging ourselves - to keep raising the bar. It’s important from a craft perspective but also in terms of overall personal growth. Thank you for delivering this sentiment daily over at Weirdo Poetry! 🙏
Small waves. Yes! Even inspiring one person to comment means a lot, doesn't it? . Thank you, Justin, for sharing this story and for the interesting references. I look forward to following up on them. Your friendship with John is beautiful.
Thank you so much for reading, Sharron! The longer I write on this platform the more I see its beauty and importance. What a wonderful community and place to be!
Very well said Justin. We should all try to maintain this perspective. "Appreciation for your work comes in small waves." Your empathy for your friend's rejection is quite touching.
This is an amazing post. Everyone needs to adjust their perspective sometimes in the face of constant rejection from gatekeepers. And you're very welcome! I knew you'd be a perfect fit.
And thank you, Dascha! Agreed. I still see the draw of wanting to submit stories elsewhere, but the meaningful connections built here make it difficult for me to want to write anywhere else! Wallobooks is such an important movement, and I’m so honored you connected my path to Swastika’s. 🙏
Wonderful and moving. I couldn’t stop reading. It ended too soon. I truly believe that when our purpose is meaningful and honorable, the universe points us in the direction of those who need us. Thank you Justin!
Thank you, Uncle Scott! I’m a believer, too. This whole experience cemented it for me without a doubt. It’s always wonderful to hear from you. Thanks for reading my stuff! 🙏
This was beautiful and timely, Justin. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and that of your creative friends with us. And congratulations on your publishing opportunity! What a perfect way to share your gift for creating powerful stories in tiny packages.
Thank you so much, Meg. Sometimes I think it’s important to pause and reflect on the impact people in our lives have on us - and how we in turn impact theirs!
First of all, John's photograph is magnificent! I don't know what those judges were thinking! It was wonderful reading what you wrote, Justin, and the thoughts that you and John shared about the little moments that get us through. Connections with others are rewards in all sorts of unexpected ways, and that is what everyone must seek. Sometimes you have to look hard, but the rewards are there. Congratulations, too, on having your story become one that children who might not have had the chance will have the opportunity to read. Thank you for sharing this lovely message, Justin.
Right, Andrea?! The darn judge! Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words and for all of your encouragement over the years! Connections, friendships, relationships, are irreplaceable, and how we treat others matters. I’m excited to share more about the story with you. They’re going to illustrate it and do some fun stuff with it. 😊
Thank you for sharing this, Justin. This is a great perspective to have, and one that I share wholeheartedly. We're often looking for that big "payoff", not realizing the amazing little connections happening around us that build something bigger and more sustainable. Happy to have made the connection with you!
Yes, Brian! Everything that transpired was truly humbling for me, and it helped to shift my perspective. We are in such good company here - surrounded by so many kind souls who look out for one another. Thanks for being one of them! And I’m grateful to have connected with you, too!
Excellent read! Thanks! Also, congrats on your venture with the WalloBooks Project. That’s wonderful! Sometimes those small waves really do keep us afloat.
Thank you, Caro! I’m really excited about the WalloBooks collaboration. And it’s so true - they really do help to keep us afloat and remind us of what truly matters! Thank you for reading! 😀
Wow! Well written. Congrats on the Wallobooks Project! Well deserved.
Thank you very much on both accounts, James! 😀
This is an excellent read and absolutely spot on. I love that quote and feel that folding it into my own perspective and experience as a writer will be a positive step! Thanks for this Justin.
Thank you so much, Chris. That makes me so happy to hear! When John shared the quote with me it felt like everything clicked and came together for me - almost like I was meant to hear it in that moment, too. We are all so much more connected than we think!
terrific, much to consider here. I have a very packed weekend ( Im buying more duct tape in half an hour ) but I will get back to your monday with comments and hopeflly a story for the kids in Indiia. I might get corny and write about a reuben sandwich in New Delhi, or presidentt coolidge cutting classes in Calcutta long ago. AH, so many choices!
Haha! I love these ideas. They will make someone smile, without a doubt. 😄
Justin! This makes me so happy. You have written a heartfelt ode to appreciation from many perspectives. John’s images always bring me joy and sharing his words with us in this post is an added treat.
Thank you so much, Amie! Likewise. I’m thankful I was able to share his story because it’s so relatable and important!
Lovely post Justin! One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is, what is the difference between contentment and complacency. It’s a tough balance to keep pushing our craft forward without worrying about the outcomes that are out of our control.
Thank you, Jason! This is such a great point and I couldn’t agree more with you. I think we have to find it from somewhere deep within to keep challenging ourselves - to keep raising the bar. It’s important from a craft perspective but also in terms of overall personal growth. Thank you for delivering this sentiment daily over at Weirdo Poetry! 🙏
Yes, encouraging to the soul.
Thank you so much for reading!
Small waves. Yes! Even inspiring one person to comment means a lot, doesn't it? . Thank you, Justin, for sharing this story and for the interesting references. I look forward to following up on them. Your friendship with John is beautiful.
Thank you so much for reading, Sharron! The longer I write on this platform the more I see its beauty and importance. What a wonderful community and place to be!
Very well said Justin. We should all try to maintain this perspective. "Appreciation for your work comes in small waves." Your empathy for your friend's rejection is quite touching.
Thank you so much for reading, Jim, and for the kind words! 🙏