Manuela, the first part of this essay feels like you have looked into my heart and mind - this is exactly how I feel at the moment about art, life, and Substack. I like being on Substack, but lately I have been struggling with it for different reasons. The second part of your essay is like a light to me, that hopefully will lead me to a better mindset. Thank you for sharing these words with us!
Susanne, I'll say what I said to Manuela— both of you have been an incredibly valuable inspiration to me, I cannot imagine how far your sun rays extend to the community here, so please - take as many breaks as you both need but don't discount the light you bring here, which is so needed in the world!! ♥️
Manuela! First of all, you were going through (and still going through) a very constricted space for the body, mind and soul. It makes sense you'd feel the apathy or existential angst around art. I'm so glad you pushed through that space a little and found the opportunity for creativity to speak to you and say, "please keep going." The images are so lovely and have a quality of hope!! I love them... Secondly and definitely exciting — congratulations on getting published! Well deserved. You are a wonderful writer and I'm glad that recognition came coupled with the two-fold benefit of serving the world a little better with your thoughtful accounts of what's been happening there. So much compassion for you and your community from me... please stay connected! The world needs your light.
Thank you, Juliette! Once again, this means so much. I suppose we all go through times of doubts, questioning the purpose of the work we do, and wondering whether it matters at all? Something I am definitely interested in exploring more and getting your thoughts on. I appreciate your friendship so much!!
Congrats on being “seen”, more people will be uplifted by your words and images. The sun is coming, that ICE really is melting (hopefully both kind) and I hope the light will help to buoy you going forward.
Manuela, I’m so grateful for your presence here on Substack and am inspired by both your words and your art. In a world full of so much darkness, you bring a glimmer a hope, and help to uplift spirits that need inspiration. Thank you for that. Today’s post was is exception - the images are lovely and I especially love the path from above - the light is just stunning!
This is a beautiful and thoughtful essay; and – having gone through something similar – can only agree with your conclusions. Thank you… – for the wonderful images, particularly.
Absolutely, Manuela! art and attention is the antidote to the world's plight. Quiet beauty fuels resilience. I believe that wholeheartedly. Rest when you need but keep showing up here. You are one of the bright lights here in Substack.
As a fellow Twin Citizen I share your experience of being weighed down by our circumstances. My double-exposure collab with Juliette M helped me feel engaged, as has continuing to photograph “bridge brigade” demonstrations around Minneapolis. Have you attended a Singing Resistance event? I found that to be incredibly uplifting, too.
Hi, yes, I still need to check out the beautiful project that you and Juliette created. I have not personally attended the Singing Resistance, but I was at Brandi Carlisle's show who invited them to come on stage with her at the very end. So awesome! Art certainly continues to be a wonderful tool for healing and connection.
As always, Manuela, reading your words helps me to think and reset. Thanks for reminding that art helps and does have a place in our lives, particularly now.
Manuela, the first part of this essay feels like you have looked into my heart and mind - this is exactly how I feel at the moment about art, life, and Substack. I like being on Substack, but lately I have been struggling with it for different reasons. The second part of your essay is like a light to me, that hopefully will lead me to a better mindset. Thank you for sharing these words with us!
Thank you, Susanne! Your comment means a lot to me.
Susanne, I'll say what I said to Manuela— both of you have been an incredibly valuable inspiration to me, I cannot imagine how far your sun rays extend to the community here, so please - take as many breaks as you both need but don't discount the light you bring here, which is so needed in the world!! ♥️
Thank you, Juliette! It is so kind of you to say, but I also feel the same about you.
Thank you! I hope we continue to encourage each other here.
Yes, for sure!! Always!
This means a lot to me and helps so much, Juliette! Thank you for saying that! ❤️
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Manuela! First of all, you were going through (and still going through) a very constricted space for the body, mind and soul. It makes sense you'd feel the apathy or existential angst around art. I'm so glad you pushed through that space a little and found the opportunity for creativity to speak to you and say, "please keep going." The images are so lovely and have a quality of hope!! I love them... Secondly and definitely exciting — congratulations on getting published! Well deserved. You are a wonderful writer and I'm glad that recognition came coupled with the two-fold benefit of serving the world a little better with your thoughtful accounts of what's been happening there. So much compassion for you and your community from me... please stay connected! The world needs your light.
Thank you, Juliette! Once again, this means so much. I suppose we all go through times of doubts, questioning the purpose of the work we do, and wondering whether it matters at all? Something I am definitely interested in exploring more and getting your thoughts on. I appreciate your friendship so much!!
Congrats on being “seen”, more people will be uplifted by your words and images. The sun is coming, that ICE really is melting (hopefully both kind) and I hope the light will help to buoy you going forward.
Thank you. Yes, spring does bring renewed energy, once we finally get there. :)
Manuela, I’m so grateful for your presence here on Substack and am inspired by both your words and your art. In a world full of so much darkness, you bring a glimmer a hope, and help to uplift spirits that need inspiration. Thank you for that. Today’s post was is exception - the images are lovely and I especially love the path from above - the light is just stunning!
Todd, thank you for your kindness! it means a lot.
Your writing is inspiring. I love the photos you posted. 💥
Thank you so much, Gaye! I hope you are feeling better.
This is a beautiful and thoughtful essay; and – having gone through something similar – can only agree with your conclusions. Thank you… – for the wonderful images, particularly.
Thank you! I am glad it resonated.
Thanks. I (we) needed that. Here's to Spring.
Thank you and yes, here's to spring.
The path from above is a beautiful photograph! Love it
Thanks, Shital!
Beautiful piece, Manuela. Art really begins the moment we slow down enough to notice.
Thank you!
Beautiful, honest, insightful…as always.
Thank you so much!
I’m happy you found your way back to your camera. Your photographs are breathtaking.
Thank you so much!
Well done, you! I am not surprised. You write beautifully, and your words speak to the reality we are in! Congratulations 🥳
Thanks!
Absolutely, Manuela! art and attention is the antidote to the world's plight. Quiet beauty fuels resilience. I believe that wholeheartedly. Rest when you need but keep showing up here. You are one of the bright lights here in Substack.
Thank you so much, Stella!
When I wrote my note a couple of minutes ago I meant to say “let’s go for a walk sometime.”
That would be great.
As a fellow Twin Citizen I share your experience of being weighed down by our circumstances. My double-exposure collab with Juliette M helped me feel engaged, as has continuing to photograph “bridge brigade” demonstrations around Minneapolis. Have you attended a Singing Resistance event? I found that to be incredibly uplifting, too.
Hi, yes, I still need to check out the beautiful project that you and Juliette created. I have not personally attended the Singing Resistance, but I was at Brandi Carlisle's show who invited them to come on stage with her at the very end. So awesome! Art certainly continues to be a wonderful tool for healing and connection.
As always, Manuela, reading your words helps me to think and reset. Thanks for reminding that art helps and does have a place in our lives, particularly now.
Thanks for your comments! Just trying to tell myself that what we do still matters. What a crazy world we live in...