Hi friend,
I’m so happy to announce an exciting new community offering. It’s called Chat, and it’s a private space in the Substack app to have conversations with me and each other. Think of it as a giant group chat just for the Isolation Journals!
From the very beginning, I’ve wanted a private place, free of ads and algorithms, where our community could connect and share ideas, where conversation is easy but also meaningful. I’m reminded of the chat box during the Hatch, our virtual creative hour, and how lively and generative it is. What I hope is that our Isolation Journals Chat becomes that kind of space, but in a more permanent fashion.
So with that said, you may be wondering how it works. To join me:
Download or update the free Substack app. (Right now, the iOS app is the only place you can join our Chat. They’re currently working an Android version for Chat, but it’s not quite there yet.)
Tap on the Chat icon—it’s the second from the left and looks like a couple of chat bubbles (see below). That’s where I’ll share photos, pose questions, host Q&As, and everything else that doesn’t fit neatly into the Sunday newsletter.
We hope to use the Chat in a number of ways, but for the moment, the main function is a place for our new Friday ritual: our list of collective gratitude. You can send replies directly from the app and get push notifications for new updates.
Feeling chatty,
Suleika
As if the Isolation Journals Chat weren’t reason enough to get the app, there are lots other reasons, like—
All our newsletters get delivered in one place, rather than buried in your inbox.
The app is well designed and easy to use, and it’s a really nice reading experience.
You can watch videos, listen to audio, and comment on posts or discussion threads—all in one place. Get it here:
“Threads” sounds great. I love the title “Threads” as we weave the tapestry of our journey together. This is like a coffee-less coffee shop; a gathering, sharing place. Thanks for your foresight in creating this space.
During the time from my diagnosis to being done with my radiation treatments, I made pair after pair of beaded earrings. It was something I did for lots of days during 7 months. I seemed to need putting my attention on something outside of myself, which needed mindfulness. In all, I probably topped 30 pairs! I made them, using #11 Delicas, which are lovely, tiny Japanese beads, made exquisitely, and which are a delight to work with. Suleika, your perseverance inspired and sustained me in a peaceful quiet way. Thank you.