Work(ware)

Dispatch From the Shed

Work these days happens mainly in the garden outside and the one that exists in my imagining, What Now?  It is found in my quest to find caring work that allows me to enjoy the pleasure of it without the onerous burdens that can often accompany it.

For me the most intriguing part is the process of things; in the research, getting ready and experimentation that comes before something transforms into what it is meant to be. This year in our actual garden we are planting vegetables for eating and flowers for cutting. Food for our body and soul. Both are new endeavors for us. We are preparing the soil, deciding what to grow, taking notes and talking with those who are further along growing these things than we are.

My “What Now” garden is my Substack. I am working with a writer who is helping me think about what will grow here, what new creative projects might spring from what’s already been planted. Her mentorship is called “Care for Writers”. Thank you Amanda Montei for your care of me in this process. You can follow her Substack, Madwoman. Rather than take a class (in which I know I would STRIVE), I decided to give myself the nurturing attention of a mentor.

I’ve been exploring the relationship between writing and photography. I find myself snapping a photo as a way to remind me of something that captures my interest or something I might want to write about. I often feel the impulse to add text to a photograph, to annotate an idea right on its surface. I’m putting myself into experiences that speak to all five senses becoming inspired in ways I never would have thought of.  The most amazing discoveries all nearby, all for only the cost of a tank of gas. And all the while I am taking photographs. The garment I wear in this photograph has prompted me to write today.

I received this smock as a gift from Workware Official. It’s fashioned after a historic medic uniform and puts me in mind of what one would wear when tending to caring work. Through the wearing of a garment that is practical, protective, water resistant and frankly pretty as I tend to my garden, it reminds me that caring, nurturing and creative work can be done in the absence of The Striving. The volume and lightness encourages me to embrace slow and thoughtful movements, to float rather than run. 

I have so enjoyed the smaller, more intimate book events that have allowed me to interact and speak with my community of readers. I would like more of this kind of connection and have thought of ways I can incorporate community and interaction into what my Substack will become. Since travel is the one thing I miss from the old Accidental days, I’ve also been thinking about putting together a travel retreat that explores the question of “What Now?” and trying to assess interest. It would be so helpful if you could take the time to click on the link and fill out a very short survey.

What Now Survey

I’m eager to know, what are you nurturing, tending, or caring for this Spring?

Below some random photos of things that caught my eye.