Ohh I love this idea. I had planned a few days for stillness in the natural world in a few weeks, but now I want to see if I can stretch it to five days and see what arises. Thank you!
I love the idea of collecting images and quotes and thoughts and other things. I have a notebook as a commonplace book, but I actually do much reading and searching online. I want a quick and efficient system for collecting ideas, but also for turning those ideas into something tangible. Right now my inspiration is all over the place, literally. I wish someone would design the perfect commonplace book website or software with phone app companion that syncs perfectly. Or perhaps Pinterest could be used in that way 🤔
Oh yes, there’s so many options! That’s always my problem, too! I loved reading Twila Tharp’s book on creativity. She used a big banker’s box for each show she choreographed-- just threw everything related to the project in there. So analog but cool. I imagine how interesting it would be to look through her boxes. Like a museum. I guess I want the digital version of this!
Thank you, Mariglynn! Notion looks like an interesting option. It's possibly bigger and more powerful than I need, but the tagging functions look helpful.
Love this post! Since I started drawing and collating more in my physical notebook this year, I found I love flipping back in time and seeing my creations with fresh eyes. I told my daughter I’m making my notebook into a wizard’s spell book. Each page now holds a creative magic I can draw from later. Your walks, pictures, and newsletter have been a big influence on my creative practices!
Hi Ann- I followed the link again to the list of micro seasons and I’m wondering if you are tracking a similar brief description of each 5 days for your own area? I love the idea of being in relationship with nature like this--the tracking descriptions like a “getting to know each other” period at the start of any relationship--such that patterns at such a micro scale become known and therefore comforting over time. But I also can’t imagine being able to come up with such a brief description for a 5 day season!!
Hi Mariglynn, I do try to give a name to each microseason. And you are so right-- this encourages a comforting sense of belonging to a place and time that feels uniquely personal. Some ideas for you to consider...In addition to the more obvious plant and weather events, you may want to notice tiny changes in your 5 senses: things like shifts in the color palette (are a few leaves starting to change on the trees yet?) , or the sounds (quieter mornings or more solo birdsong now?), smells (rain-dampened soil), feelings (a slight coolness in the mornings), tastes (seasonal foods or a special tea that you are craving) or even micro-changes in your *inner landscape* like the urge to buy new office supplies! This is mine right now at back-to-school time :) One's inner landscape is seasonal as well. I think it all matters. The small names you choose are totally up to you. And you can always change them next year if you think of something that you like better. Thank you for this great question, Mariglynn!
I am going to reread this post a few times, there is a lot to unpack! I think I operate in 7 day increments, that seems to work well for me. My attention was snagged by the words ‘filing system’ and my immediate thought was oops, damn! That’s what I need work on is the system!!
Thank you for reading so deeply, Donna. It's great to have you here. I think whatever smallish increment of time feels human-sized and *fresh* to you is great for creativite work! I like the microseasons's poetic 5-day haiku chunks of time because they shake me awake from my usual western Gregorian calendar way of thinking about life. Have fun experimenting with your system! I will love getting to see whatever you make!
I've stumbled onto your substack because of a comment you left on Austin Kleon's substack. (I loved the ideas you suggested!) Microseasons is such a fascinating concept! I am currently busy with uni-teaching work, but love dipping into the substacks of interesting people for inspiration! It IS easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the good stuff. But maybe looking more into this concept (and your substack) will be a therapeutic practice! Thank you.
Cathie, I'm so glad you're finding something to ponder here. Noticing and enjoying 72 tiny seasons is my nerdy joy! I wish you many happy hours following your own special curiosity and creative rabbit trails wherever they lead you. Welcome!
Curating the microseasons: Brilliant! I also adore collages and leaves 🍃 in general make me swoon with their veiny gorgeousness and patterns and shapes. So happy to have discovered your writings here! ✨✨✨
Paula, I hope you have fun designing your own way to cherish the seasons! I find it endlessly fun and fascinating and calming. May this practice bring energy and peace to your life as well.
Love this! Also thanks for sharing The Art of Curation podcast (new to me) and the image source.
You’re so welcome, Virginia! Have a wonderful week.🌿
I love what you've shared here about immediacy versus urgency. There really is so much distinction between the two.
I’m so glad you found a helpful idea here, Laura!
Ohh I love this idea. I had planned a few days for stillness in the natural world in a few weeks, but now I want to see if I can stretch it to five days and see what arises. Thank you!
Oh enjoy every moment! I hope it’s just what you need.💚
I love the idea of collecting images and quotes and thoughts and other things. I have a notebook as a commonplace book, but I actually do much reading and searching online. I want a quick and efficient system for collecting ideas, but also for turning those ideas into something tangible. Right now my inspiration is all over the place, literally. I wish someone would design the perfect commonplace book website or software with phone app companion that syncs perfectly. Or perhaps Pinterest could be used in that way 🤔
Oh yes, there’s so many options! That’s always my problem, too! I loved reading Twila Tharp’s book on creativity. She used a big banker’s box for each show she choreographed-- just threw everything related to the project in there. So analog but cool. I imagine how interesting it would be to look through her boxes. Like a museum. I guess I want the digital version of this!
Me too, because my apartment is too small!
Have you looked into Notion? It can function kinda like Pinterest but without all the ads!!
Thank you, Mariglynn! Notion looks like an interesting option. It's possibly bigger and more powerful than I need, but the tagging functions look helpful.
Love this post! Since I started drawing and collating more in my physical notebook this year, I found I love flipping back in time and seeing my creations with fresh eyes. I told my daughter I’m making my notebook into a wizard’s spell book. Each page now holds a creative magic I can draw from later. Your walks, pictures, and newsletter have been a big influence on my creative practices!
Thanks for yet another great read and lesson
Aw Jason! That makes me so happy!!!
Hi Ann- I followed the link again to the list of micro seasons and I’m wondering if you are tracking a similar brief description of each 5 days for your own area? I love the idea of being in relationship with nature like this--the tracking descriptions like a “getting to know each other” period at the start of any relationship--such that patterns at such a micro scale become known and therefore comforting over time. But I also can’t imagine being able to come up with such a brief description for a 5 day season!!
Hi Mariglynn, I do try to give a name to each microseason. And you are so right-- this encourages a comforting sense of belonging to a place and time that feels uniquely personal. Some ideas for you to consider...In addition to the more obvious plant and weather events, you may want to notice tiny changes in your 5 senses: things like shifts in the color palette (are a few leaves starting to change on the trees yet?) , or the sounds (quieter mornings or more solo birdsong now?), smells (rain-dampened soil), feelings (a slight coolness in the mornings), tastes (seasonal foods or a special tea that you are craving) or even micro-changes in your *inner landscape* like the urge to buy new office supplies! This is mine right now at back-to-school time :) One's inner landscape is seasonal as well. I think it all matters. The small names you choose are totally up to you. And you can always change them next year if you think of something that you like better. Thank you for this great question, Mariglynn!
I love this post Ann. I’m working myself towards developing a system that will work for me and there are some really sterling thoughts here.
(So what else is new? 🤣)
Thanks. 🩷
Oh, and I just read your comment to Mariglynn above. Love the idea of using our senses to track the microseasonal movements...
So glad you enjoyed this, Roseanne! I’m sure you’ll figure something out that feels just right for you. Thanks for reading!
I am going to reread this post a few times, there is a lot to unpack! I think I operate in 7 day increments, that seems to work well for me. My attention was snagged by the words ‘filing system’ and my immediate thought was oops, damn! That’s what I need work on is the system!!
Also, I love your art in this post.
Thank you for reading so deeply, Donna. It's great to have you here. I think whatever smallish increment of time feels human-sized and *fresh* to you is great for creativite work! I like the microseasons's poetic 5-day haiku chunks of time because they shake me awake from my usual western Gregorian calendar way of thinking about life. Have fun experimenting with your system! I will love getting to see whatever you make!
An excellent perspective Ann, haiku chunks of time to shake up the set pattern of daily living! Well said.
I've stumbled onto your substack because of a comment you left on Austin Kleon's substack. (I loved the ideas you suggested!) Microseasons is such a fascinating concept! I am currently busy with uni-teaching work, but love dipping into the substacks of interesting people for inspiration! It IS easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the good stuff. But maybe looking more into this concept (and your substack) will be a therapeutic practice! Thank you.
Cathie, I'm so glad you're finding something to ponder here. Noticing and enjoying 72 tiny seasons is my nerdy joy! I wish you many happy hours following your own special curiosity and creative rabbit trails wherever they lead you. Welcome!
Thank you, Lasha!👊💛
Curating the microseasons: Brilliant! I also adore collages and leaves 🍃 in general make me swoon with their veiny gorgeousness and patterns and shapes. So happy to have discovered your writings here! ✨✨✨
Paula, I hope you have fun designing your own way to cherish the seasons! I find it endlessly fun and fascinating and calming. May this practice bring energy and peace to your life as well.