One year ago, I was sicker then I’d ever been, scared I’d never get better, and trying to launch something new here on substack. I wanted a way to share my thoughts, stories, and songs without having to work so hard at feeding the social media machine because I didn’t have the energy to do things they way I had been doing them. Mostly though, I just wanted to find a way to connect more directly with you all. Thank goodness I took the leap and created this account—because receiving your support for these weekly missives was a light during very dark times. Every subscription, every comment, every “like” helped me to keep showing up when, honestly, quitting seemed like the more reasonable option.
SO THANK YOU! Your presence here is a gift, and I so appreciate it.
This week also marks the Spring Equinox—a time of rejoicing indeed! I’m not sure why, but the older I get the more I appreciate and savor these seasonal shifts, especially the opening into spring, that heralds rebirth and new growth. I guess it’s not surprising that this time of year seems to be when I start new projects. If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ve already read about the Perkins County Almanac. The second episode is up on YouTube (find it by clicking here.) It’s all about ‘Signs of Spring’ and includes some beautifully poetic comments and stories from you all AND a little excerpt from a novel-in-progress I’m writing (see, more new growth!) And, of course, a little folk music for fertilizer.
I had always intended to add an audio component here as well. I posted a few “Postcards from the Prairie” over the year (they are archived here), but not as regularly as I’d planned. I could start adding an audio version of my column for those who would rather listen than read…or I can start recording the audio differently for the Perkins County Almanac so it could be a separate podcast for those who would rather listen than watch.
What do you think? What would format and content would you like to see created?
Finally, the third episode of Perkins County Almanac will come out the Saturday before Easter. I’d love to share stories of your Easter celebration or other ways you celebrate the arrival of Spring! As always you can email me, add a comment here, or send me a letter (and I will send one back): PO Box 133 Bison, SD 57620.
I’m going to add one last thing. Two years ago we debuted this episode of ‘Wish You Were Here’, and it is still one of my favorites. SO if you are looking for more ways to celebrate signs of spring, check it out: WYWH Signs of Spring
Be well and HAPPY SPRING!
Much Love,
Eliza
I discovered you through the 'Wish You were Here" show and loved that episode. I grew up on a South Dakota farm and Easter came with the calving season . What a message of new life!