I have a conundrum around social media …
Although I clearly see how it works for millions of people who run businesses, I have FINALLY come to the conclusion that it does not work for me.
Making random connections to people all over the place, who may or may not share my deeper interests, doesn’t really interest me. Clearly, I am not a person who lives by the numbers. (Or too many other standard rules either!)
I thought I could find a way that didn’t feel weird, a way to put things into the world, and still maintain a connection to the process, but I can’t seem to find that aspect of social media. I cannot tell you how many times I have hooked myself up to Instagram, only to find out that the sense of disconnect was daunting. Okay, that didn’t work. Big time.
So, I sat down with myself, and my board of directors (the other thoughts in my head), and this is what I know to be true: I am drawn to doing this in small ways, with great intention and connection. It’s why I enjoy sitting and folding the Bento Box Letters when I get an order. I am making it for that person. I want to feel that all the moments I spend have a significance well beyond the action itself. I want someone who receives a letter or package from me to feel how much joy it brings me to put it together.
Social media can’t do that, at least not for me. I actually find email more endearing than social media, because it takes a greater amount of time and thought to write a personal email. For me, social media lacks a necessary depth, in many cases.
I know exactly when something is “canned”, or created and then scheduled to go out … the personal presence is missing. I feel it. And that is not to say that anything is wrong with it, it’s just not the way I feel best doing things.
Yes, I realize why I am so attracted to stories of people who have slowed down and are now creating with a different sort of focus and care. They aren’t concerned with the numbers or in mass producing things, or having their works everywhere. I get it. There is a deep satisfaction in being present to all the aspects of creating, from the simple act of base coating something, to the final wrapping and sending something off in the mail.
Just like when I write this blog, or produce compendium (more on that in a minute) … I am actually writing to people I know who read it, and that makes all the difference in the world.
So, as I surrender my internal struggle with the idea of fitting into the world of social media, I have freed myself to create and share an even more present me. One easy step at a time.
Flow, flow, flow …
Even though I am happy to use these funky/refined pen/pencil caddies in my studio, since they have proven quite handy actually, I know that they are intended to be in the world.
So, I have chosen to drastically reduce the price, in order that they find their forever homes.
See them here: compendiumshop.ca
New pieces … Joy and Delight
I finally made the trip up island this week, to deliver these two tables, and a few other things, to the Salish Sea Market … my other family!
They join in the wonderful variety of curated work by 195+ artists, who all live with insight of the Salish Sea.
If you have the chance to visit the market in person, you will not be disappointed … it is nothing short of fabulous.
If you are limited to visiting the market online, then grab a coffee/tea or wine, and sit and bask in the amazing talents, passions, and creativity that is represented there. You will be enthralled!
~s
I was introduced to FOLKLIFE magazine when it first came out, but it didn’t really capture my imagination until now. I wasn’t there yet. This is a beautifully designed and produced magazine about the lives and work of people who live on the Gulf Islands. For those of you who don’t live on the west coast of Canada, the Gulf Islands sit between the mainland and Vancouver Island, and there are lots of them!
Folklife is a slow, deliberate and calming read. The images capture a feeling that is the Gulf Islands. The people who are featured are the heart of what makes life unqiue. It is inspiring and motivating, and gives me a sense of connection to this place. Even though I don’t live on a Gulf Island now, I have in the past and know that life isn’t like other places … in so many lovely ways!
If you live on Vancouver Island, good news … you can check out Folklife from the library, and get a taste of it yourself.
Alas, our Squeak has not returned to our home, but I think about him every single day. We miss our sweet boy.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about compendium, my periodical.
The last issue of compendium came out around Christmas 2021, number 9. I haven’t felt desire to write, or the energy to create number 10 until recently. So, I have started to think about it again.
I wonder whether people are still interested in it. I wonder what it wants to become, I know there is a shift to happen. So, I putter with ideas and directions and feel I am starting to take it more seriously.
You see, it is a labour of love really. It takes a lot of time and energy, and its not like I sell enough to really make it financially viable, yet. But in my head, it could be.
And so, I continue to ponder the idea of what will become of this periodical of mine, and how it may shift and change to be of service to its readers.
Hmmmm.
Wishing you a good stretch of joyous pondering.
~sarah
I have to say I love to read your writing. I look forward and have loved every issue of compendium. I hear your humour and your Sa personality as I read your words , and they make me smile, just the same when I hear Ma read her poetry. Please don’t give up on Compendium. You’re in a new space now literally and you share so well with all the lovely things that are new in your world. We the reader are receiving your gifts.
I awoke to your words this morning my dear friend, and they have inspired me to sit with compendium 10 today and see where it wants to take me. Thank you for your support and belief in what I do, you have never waivered!
Sarah, it is such a joy to read how you are slowly and intentionally following your heart and finding where you best fit into this world of creative talents. I love following your journey and look forward to the next issue of Compendium. May you continue to find the sweet spot in all that you do.
Thank you Beth, for reading my blog and for finding benefit in it and compendium. I plan to look at #10 today!
HI Sarah, I really enjoyed each and every issue of Compendium, as it was my window into your very creative life, and your thoughts and history, too. Please keep on doing it. However it morphs it will be wonderful, lovely and very valid for our weird times just barely after covid, when some of us still fear going out of our homes and launching out in to the bigger world.
Thank you Di, I will continue on with compendium 10 and see where it takes me. Your encouragement means the world to me!
Dear Sweet Sarah,
I love, love, love getting Compendium. It feels like a long telephone wire from you to me. I know it’s not just me that gets it but you make us all feel that it is written just for us. No pressure…
Thank you my dear sweet Kathy … I am glad that you get it is written just for you … because that’s the truth. I imagine each person reading it and what they might like to know about what’s going on in my world. Rather then feeling pressure, I feel your love and support … and am currently working on compendium 10!
One of the amazing things that I get from reading your blog is an enormous sense of true caring. Every word seems to speak volumes of personal love and a true genuine self. Maybe it’s because I somehow feel like I live in a similar reality and therefore that connection feels stronger. Maybe it’s just because of your ability to craft words into effective communication. Either way thank you for sharing.
I do want you to know I have experienced the personal packaging and care you put into a gift, that gift brings me peace and joy daily.
S
Thank you so much Sean, I truly and deeply take in your words into my being. May the little gift continue to bring Joy and Connection to you every single day! ~s