A love letter to readers of Amanda Thru the Looking Glass
Because I treasure you
Image description: the moon over Ottawa at 11pm on Thursday, October 10. The city bright with light.
Dear subscribers, and those of you reading this who are not subscribers, but maybe will be soon, and those who simply cannot abide subscribing but pop in to read my posts anyway:
Once again, I am awake early. It is just past 5 am. My brain is busy with ideas. I have *so* *many* *ideas*.
Have you read my About page? These pages are often just the canned Substack text, a default. But mine isn't. I worked hard to craft a personal essay about who I am, what I stand for and what I'm trying to do with Amanda Thru the Looking Glass. It's a work in progress. I feel like here more than any other digital space across this galaxy of zeroes and ones, I am finding my kindreds. It is exciting and reassuring that you are here.
Given the deluge of content, I am honoured/surprised/delighted that you have chosen to subscribe to my Substack. I don't take your willingness to do that lightly. I also really appreciate your comments and messages. I value all of you, whether you are subscribing for free or as paid subscribers. I can't pay for subscriptions, so.i completely understand that you can't either. We're just trying to make our rent and cover basic costs every month.
Dear paid subscribers, it really means a lot to me that you support my creative efforts with your hard-earned dollars. It. Means. A. Lot. I am so grateful to you.
I have provided some posts just for paid subscribers and I've also given pdfs of some of my manuscripts, such as Purple, a long erasure poem or the small of july, a quirky collection of quotes and poetic responses.
I have plans to give paid subscribers two more pdfs of book length manuscripts this year. Next year I will be a bit more systematic….ha! Me, systematic? Can you imagine? Well, I will try to be more systematic with monthly offerings to paid subscribers. I envision continuing to give you pdfs of book length and chapbook lenghth work. I have a lot. 2025 is the 10th anniversary of the Vispo Bible, my life's work to translate every book, chapter and verse of the Bible into visual poetry. So expect to receive at least one if not more vispo pdf collections, along with out of print work and unpublished work, especially the hybrid stuff that combines text and visual poetry and erasure and collage and doodles….and, and, &, &…
I am overflowing with wild creative hijinx, my friends. And I can't wait to share them with you.
Since Charles’ layoff last November from the company he worked at for 26 years, we have had quite the journey.
We have had to learn how to live frugally while still aiming for a joyous and enriching existence. And I have to tell you, dear readers, it has indeed been joyous and enriching. But we do not waste a cent. All of your support goes to meals, to rent, to coffee and tea sessions on the patios of beloved local cafes. The staff all know us by now.
Every week, I share quotes of the week posts which is my round up of stuff gathered from my week of whimsy, connections and explorations. This is fun and often includes stuff I've read on Substack.
My other regular and yes even systematic post is The Real Food Cart, which Charles and I create together. He figures out how much our weekly groceries wouod cost if we shopped at just one store, and how much we can save by shopping the deals at various stores. We also include our favourite meals of the week, complete with my wonky photos. Readers, sometimes i don't realize the camera lens is dirty. Oops. I also include your tips on saving money on groceries and various apps . The goal is to share our experiences of trying to survive and thrive in this shitebox of a world.
I share news and thoughts on my readings and publications and reviews of the exquisite work out there: literature, art, film, music. Art helps us cope. It helps us survive. It makes us realize we are not alone.
Thank you for your support. It helps so much. It means everything. You remind me that this is possible. This life can be full of joy if we reach out. If we ask for help. If we help each other.
To support me, you can get a paid subscription, or buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/amandaearl.
If you'd rather just send money via EFT, you can use my email address: Amanda at amandaearl dot com. Thank you to those who have done this. I am so fortunate to be in such a supportive and caring community.
I wish all my Canadian friends a joyous Thanksgiving weekend. If you can help others by donating to your local food bank, please do so.
Stay tuned for a long gratitude post on Tuesday to celebrate my 61st birthday. Im attempting to write 61 reasons why i am grateful. Complete with links to songs that i love!