Your honesty always inspires. Looking forward to the inaugural slam and all the brilliance I know it will contain. Thanks for the shout out. You know it goes both ways. xo
Thanks, lovely. You're awesome. I'm so excited about Saturday, and nervous, too. But I know so many people who are coming and I know you're all going to be cheering us on. Friendly, supportive audience. What a gift that is. We're going to play, be authentic, and maybe hope for the best, just a little! xo
Thank you so much, Nan. Not just for including me, but for being YOU! You are phenomenal, and I'm so glad that a (sadly) very disappointing post led us to meet in the comments section. You make this place so much better. And, by that, I mean the world. Love you. xo
Thanks, darling. You're a doll. And you know what? That disappointing post led to a lot of personal growth for the parties involved, at least some of them...a great jumping off point for a friendship to begin. xo
Hi! I just found you! How fun! I was reading the Substack holiday gift giving post, where they asked all the “big” people who they recommend. I’ve never heard of anyone! Big or less big! I found you because you commented that it would be lovely if they shined their light a bit wider, so they could scoop up so much more talent. I’ve been here merely as a reader these past 6 months to read newsletters that I already receive in my inbox. I occasionally comment on a news story, and always comment if it’s a poet, but have never posted until today. I’m so glad to learn of your evolution, I see much common humanity in the story of conditional love, people pleasing, then doing the deep deep work of rebirth. I’m glad you love you. I love me. It’s so nice. I look forward to following you, and hope that ChatGPT will tell me how to post under posts, not have it show up in activity or notes! Oh, and I’d keep the green sweatshirt, and look for the helpers!
Thanks for this wonderful response, Julie. I love being on Substack. I think people say that Disneyland/world's the happiest place to be. I disagree, at least for me.
If you want to read my other work, please subscribe. That way, you'll get them in your email. I'd love to have you. Wearing my hoodie right this minute. xo
Nan, you are so beautiful and a joy to watch. Your growth, your honesty is contagious. You know me. We are a lot alike. And our recovery paths have been similar too. What a joy for me to reach the end of my life, basking in the second chance I've been given to be a better person and to reap the rewards! No more self-delusion, "an ability to see myself as others do" (your words) which enables me to make the necessary changes, give the necessary apologies, and keep my side of the road clean. That kind of spiritual tidiness, alone, raises my self-esteem. And the false generosity of giving presents, compliments, my time and energy to others always expecting something back has gratefully ended. Because I know in my heart that I am enough just as I am. And your shares on Substack these past two years have taught all of your readers the very same thing. Thank you, my friend.
I'm so moved by this comment, Marilea. Getting to know you here has been one of the treasures I've reaped the last two years. Thank you for all the support you've given me. xo
Hey, dear Nan, you continue to blow me away with your generosity and capacity to be with so many people, in a way that feels very authentic. Co-operative camaraderie kicks co-dependency in the ass. You rock. Thank you for including me here and for your invigorating words. (No if grammerly would get the F out of the way, I could post this!)
I love you, Prajna. You're truly one of a kind. Did you know that Abby left a comment for me the other day? That made me SO happy! I responded, but I don't know if she saw it. I can't remember which post it was. xo
Hi Nancy! That's nice, but Substack, I'm sure has no idea I exist, except for the time I pissed off Hamish MacKenzie for tagging him in a note about a Memoir category1 And listen, I said, very seriously, if you feel like you should be on the list, then I agree. AND that was very honest, and I love that. Most people wouldn't say a thing. Happy New Year, Nancy. xo
Nan, this is your list so whoever you want on it should be who's on it.
I love how you appreciated my honesty, though. It was hard for me to share that, and I thought about deleting my comment. I guess lists like this take me back to my childhood when I was never chosen to be on teams because I sucked so bad at every possible sport-like or team activity. My friends would choose me at some point, but everyone knew it was not because I was going to help the team win. It's why I hesitate to put out lists to this day. I know how it feels to not be on them.
Having said all that, thank you for adding me. Just one more example of your generous nature. xo
Oh, boy...do I hear you on that. The team thing. I was always last, and very grudgingly picked. The team captains didn't even hide their dismay that they would get stuck with me...so yeah, I hear you, loud and clear. AND you've given me pause. I may not do this anymore. But then, I still may. Because we're not children anymore even when we still carry those deep wounds. I'm trying to work all that stuff out in my 12-step program. And you've made a huge contribution to me today, and reminded me of the way it felt to get left behind. And that feeling, until very recently, plagued me through adulthood.
Thank you. Sending love and gratitude. Wish I could give you a real-life hug right now. xo
You’re right, we’re not children anymore! Good one. Although, people’s feelings matter no matter our age. You should do whatever you feel suits you when you make lists like this. Maybe I shouldn’t be so worried about leaving others out and make some lists of my own! Because not making lists means I’m not giving shoutouts to my favorites or whatever the case might be. Not the biggest dilemma in the world, that’s for sure, right? Anyway, I appreciate your replies and thank you for your kindness. I feel the hug. xo
Thank you for the shout out, Nanele! And now I have more questions about the slam! (Apologies if the answers are elsewhere, but I haven't seen them!) Ok--100 seats? There's a limit on the size of the audience? Which leads to my other question--as far as I understood, I can either buy a "ticket" OR just be a paid subscriber to the wbtys account to be able to be in the audience... Yes? And if so, does that mean the wbtys account has a ceiling limit for subscribers...?
Hi Wendy! I'd prefer to answer questions like this in the chat, on the Wham! Bam! site or on a Zoom with you. Too many for me here right now. Yes, 100 seats, at least for now. It's a little complicated The Zoom space costs a good deal of money and to add more seats, the price jumps much higher. That's all I'll say for now. But let's touch base tomorrow, okay? We're still working out a lot of the logistics and raising money to support the effort. Love you, and Happy New Year!
Sure. You can answer on the wbtys site. Just ping me or let me know that it's there so I can go find it. Not up for a zoom right now. Love you, too! Happy New Year!
Thanks, Cathy! I know, I was wondering about her, too. I hope she realized what I did. I look at her sometimes in my class picture. I always liked the dress she was wearing. It was the colors of Neapolitan ice cream, the pink, light brown, and white. Little circles that made me think of, well, ice cream! xo
Yup! That's how I feel about Substack and about you, one of the most generous souls here in Substackland and in my daily life too, because thank god, you are in my daily life too. I love and appreciate you so much and look forward to reading you each week, and to our calls. Tears of laughter is my favorite emotion, and most of the time, we get all the way there. Thank you for always, always thinking of me, mentioning me and helping me think about my Stack, and what I'm trying to do here. You remind me, always, that it's about generosity and kindness, a big-heartedness of spirit. I learn from you and bow toward your feet. Wham Bam Thank You Slam is the outpicturing of that spirit, and I am lucky to be part of it.
I love you so much, Susan. We created this friendship together, don't you think? You're family to me in the most real way. Sister/Mother/Cousin/Aunt. And, maybe a wee bit of hummingbird and Pug in the mix as well. XO!
Your honesty always inspires. Looking forward to the inaugural slam and all the brilliance I know it will contain. Thanks for the shout out. You know it goes both ways. xo
Thanks, lovely. You're awesome. I'm so excited about Saturday, and nervous, too. But I know so many people who are coming and I know you're all going to be cheering us on. Friendly, supportive audience. What a gift that is. We're going to play, be authentic, and maybe hope for the best, just a little! xo
It will be excellent!!!
Huzzah! xo
I love it here too! Thanks again for your help in making it happen. ☺️
I'm so happy you're here, Lisa! xo
Thank you so much, Nan. Not just for including me, but for being YOU! You are phenomenal, and I'm so glad that a (sadly) very disappointing post led us to meet in the comments section. You make this place so much better. And, by that, I mean the world. Love you. xo
Thanks, darling. You're a doll. And you know what? That disappointing post led to a lot of personal growth for the parties involved, at least some of them...a great jumping off point for a friendship to begin. xo
Hi! I just found you! How fun! I was reading the Substack holiday gift giving post, where they asked all the “big” people who they recommend. I’ve never heard of anyone! Big or less big! I found you because you commented that it would be lovely if they shined their light a bit wider, so they could scoop up so much more talent. I’ve been here merely as a reader these past 6 months to read newsletters that I already receive in my inbox. I occasionally comment on a news story, and always comment if it’s a poet, but have never posted until today. I’m so glad to learn of your evolution, I see much common humanity in the story of conditional love, people pleasing, then doing the deep deep work of rebirth. I’m glad you love you. I love me. It’s so nice. I look forward to following you, and hope that ChatGPT will tell me how to post under posts, not have it show up in activity or notes! Oh, and I’d keep the green sweatshirt, and look for the helpers!
Thanks for this wonderful response, Julie. I love being on Substack. I think people say that Disneyland/world's the happiest place to be. I disagree, at least for me.
If you want to read my other work, please subscribe. That way, you'll get them in your email. I'd love to have you. Wearing my hoodie right this minute. xo
I love the phrase “loaded generosity.”
Yeah, it says it, doesn't it? xo
Nan, you are so beautiful and a joy to watch. Your growth, your honesty is contagious. You know me. We are a lot alike. And our recovery paths have been similar too. What a joy for me to reach the end of my life, basking in the second chance I've been given to be a better person and to reap the rewards! No more self-delusion, "an ability to see myself as others do" (your words) which enables me to make the necessary changes, give the necessary apologies, and keep my side of the road clean. That kind of spiritual tidiness, alone, raises my self-esteem. And the false generosity of giving presents, compliments, my time and energy to others always expecting something back has gratefully ended. Because I know in my heart that I am enough just as I am. And your shares on Substack these past two years have taught all of your readers the very same thing. Thank you, my friend.
I'm so moved by this comment, Marilea. Getting to know you here has been one of the treasures I've reaped the last two years. Thank you for all the support you've given me. xo
The generosity here is incredible, and I didn’t expect to find it online anywhere. This was so bracingly honest and on point, Nan.
Thanks, Stephanie. It really is a special place. xo
Beautiful and true Nan. Generosity is our foundation here and why this goodness is expansive, generative, and sustainable. Wishing you a magical 2026!
You, too, sweetheart. I'm so glad we met LAST year! xo
Hey, dear Nan, you continue to blow me away with your generosity and capacity to be with so many people, in a way that feels very authentic. Co-operative camaraderie kicks co-dependency in the ass. You rock. Thank you for including me here and for your invigorating words. (No if grammerly would get the F out of the way, I could post this!)
I love you, Prajna. You're truly one of a kind. Did you know that Abby left a comment for me the other day? That made me SO happy! I responded, but I don't know if she saw it. I can't remember which post it was. xo
I am glad to hear it. I will check with Abby. She is on a learning curve as well. Loving you back!
Hi Nan,
Substack should be compensating you! I always enjoy your pieces. That's quite a list, though my heart hurts a little not being on it.
Happy New Year, Nan! Keep those stories coming. xo
Hi Nancy! That's nice, but Substack, I'm sure has no idea I exist, except for the time I pissed off Hamish MacKenzie for tagging him in a note about a Memoir category1 And listen, I said, very seriously, if you feel like you should be on the list, then I agree. AND that was very honest, and I love that. Most people wouldn't say a thing. Happy New Year, Nancy. xo
Nan, this is your list so whoever you want on it should be who's on it.
I love how you appreciated my honesty, though. It was hard for me to share that, and I thought about deleting my comment. I guess lists like this take me back to my childhood when I was never chosen to be on teams because I sucked so bad at every possible sport-like or team activity. My friends would choose me at some point, but everyone knew it was not because I was going to help the team win. It's why I hesitate to put out lists to this day. I know how it feels to not be on them.
Having said all that, thank you for adding me. Just one more example of your generous nature. xo
Oh, boy...do I hear you on that. The team thing. I was always last, and very grudgingly picked. The team captains didn't even hide their dismay that they would get stuck with me...so yeah, I hear you, loud and clear. AND you've given me pause. I may not do this anymore. But then, I still may. Because we're not children anymore even when we still carry those deep wounds. I'm trying to work all that stuff out in my 12-step program. And you've made a huge contribution to me today, and reminded me of the way it felt to get left behind. And that feeling, until very recently, plagued me through adulthood.
Thank you. Sending love and gratitude. Wish I could give you a real-life hug right now. xo
You’re right, we’re not children anymore! Good one. Although, people’s feelings matter no matter our age. You should do whatever you feel suits you when you make lists like this. Maybe I shouldn’t be so worried about leaving others out and make some lists of my own! Because not making lists means I’m not giving shoutouts to my favorites or whatever the case might be. Not the biggest dilemma in the world, that’s for sure, right? Anyway, I appreciate your replies and thank you for your kindness. I feel the hug. xo
XO!
What a great piece to ring in the New Year with, Nan. It's powerful, inspiring, and beautiful. Happy New Year! And thanks for the tag. xx 💜
Love you, Rhaine, Happy New Year. xo
Thank you for the shout out, Nanele! And now I have more questions about the slam! (Apologies if the answers are elsewhere, but I haven't seen them!) Ok--100 seats? There's a limit on the size of the audience? Which leads to my other question--as far as I understood, I can either buy a "ticket" OR just be a paid subscriber to the wbtys account to be able to be in the audience... Yes? And if so, does that mean the wbtys account has a ceiling limit for subscribers...?
Hi Wendy! I'd prefer to answer questions like this in the chat, on the Wham! Bam! site or on a Zoom with you. Too many for me here right now. Yes, 100 seats, at least for now. It's a little complicated The Zoom space costs a good deal of money and to add more seats, the price jumps much higher. That's all I'll say for now. But let's touch base tomorrow, okay? We're still working out a lot of the logistics and raising money to support the effort. Love you, and Happy New Year!
Sure. You can answer on the wbtys site. Just ping me or let me know that it's there so I can go find it. Not up for a zoom right now. Love you, too! Happy New Year!
Dear Nan, thank you for the shout out. A highly skilled co-dependent. Love that.
You would, Dr. Jainchill. I was indeed highly skilled. I could probably give a workshop about it, How to be or not to be! xo
Mwah!
YES! Mwah, back! xo
Thank you for the kind and generous shout out, Nan. I love the company we keep!
I am still trying to process a 1st grader handing out dollar bills. I find myself wondering what her life turned out to be as an adult.
Well done in embracing and acknowledging the generous person you are today! That is definitely YOU!!! 💝
Thanks, Cathy! I know, I was wondering about her, too. I hope she realized what I did. I look at her sometimes in my class picture. I always liked the dress she was wearing. It was the colors of Neapolitan ice cream, the pink, light brown, and white. Little circles that made me think of, well, ice cream! xo
Yup! That's how I feel about Substack and about you, one of the most generous souls here in Substackland and in my daily life too, because thank god, you are in my daily life too. I love and appreciate you so much and look forward to reading you each week, and to our calls. Tears of laughter is my favorite emotion, and most of the time, we get all the way there. Thank you for always, always thinking of me, mentioning me and helping me think about my Stack, and what I'm trying to do here. You remind me, always, that it's about generosity and kindness, a big-heartedness of spirit. I learn from you and bow toward your feet. Wham Bam Thank You Slam is the outpicturing of that spirit, and I am lucky to be part of it.
I love you so much, Susan. We created this friendship together, don't you think? You're family to me in the most real way. Sister/Mother/Cousin/Aunt. And, maybe a wee bit of hummingbird and Pug in the mix as well. XO!
I do agree. Most definitely. Showing up for each other is the creative force; love is the glue. When you really make me laugh... I do pug-snort!
I love that snort! YES! xo
Go ahead. Make me laugh. Just do it. Please. Do it. I’m waggin’ my tail.
I tried to copy and paste a picture of May the Pug, but it didn't show up.
You can only do that in Notes. xo
Oh. I will. You may have to wait a few days, but I will. xo
Perfect description of Substack. I needed to read this today, so I'm sharing it with anyone who stumbles across me in Notes.
Thanks, Nan!
Thank YOU! I'm glad you're going to share it, that's great! xo