The IT that many of us feel is just TOO 2 much ...each day passes with more suffering not being sublime in GAZA. However, taking time out for prayer can bring some feeling of being sublime. davpi3.14
How am I feeling? Am I trying to do too much? I’m exhausted and overwhelmed at times, and most likely, I'm trying to do too much. With all the hurt in the world and the sad unpredictability of events in our country, I feel a sense of loss, and I’m fearful; on any given day, I don’t know where to put my brain while it buzzes like a beehive and the zebras are on the run. But you know what? I’m content and happy here on my acre of the world—how does this make sense? It does and doesn’t. It is what it is.
Hello Jesse, it's nice to read your goings-on on these pages again. One thing I always keep in mind with the chaos of house renovations is that they aren't forever and the result is (usually) a positive one--a temporary discomfort for a long-term benefit. I hope it all goes well!
I should do some of the same perhaps--cleaning, reassessing, organizing, fixing,etc.-- (and have done a bit) but I'm mostly trying to stay the course for now; I've only got two more chapters until I've finished the first part of my book, which I've been publishing on my 'stack. Then, I'll slow that down so I can start publishing some posts about my dad's paintings; my parents are moving into assisted living over the next few weeks and I'm hoping to help find good homes for some of his many paintings, while supplementing the income for their well-deserved retirement. As I'm living on the far side of the planet, it's a way I can help out and stay connected especially with my dad who is, naturally, experiencing the common difficulties associated with aging. (My mom's always been pretty tough and still sharp, thankfully.)
Good luck with the tour! Stay safe, healthy and rested. No dates in Taiwan sadly, but maybe someday? In any case, all the best to you, Jesse, Patti, the band, and everyone else working to make the journey a successful one.
To borrow from Wordsworth, the world is too much with me - intentions are fuzzy, priorities are questioned. The words "do the next right thing" repeat like a mantra in my head as the tasks pile up. Do one thing - that's a start. Got to prime the inner engine. Your energy jumps off the page with each post. So thank you Jesse for the boost. I especially like the playlist you did for your dad's birthday. Wishing you safe travels as you join your mom and brother. The three of you together on stage must be magical - and how happy and proud your dad would be.
😢 bummer…but I am just so grateful that Seattle made the list at all, so I’ll take it! 🙏 Will end up in NYC for one reason or another in the coming year and will catch you both at a show then! 🤞
I’ve been working on compiling a book that includes portraits, essays and quotes specific to the human animal bond. The sale proceeds will go to a charity helping animals displaced by the LA wildfires. I think I’m my own worst enemy in the process though because it requires participation from a lot of people and I’m always shy to ask BUT I have found that using your idea of positive and present tense has been helpful and it’s actually what originally got the ball rolling. You had mentioned it in an essay a while back. I spoke the words “I’m going to put together a book” out loud and next thing I knew, I was working on a mission statement and contact lists. The more roadblocks I hit, the clearer my ideas and more detailed the visualizations. It’s kind of funny how that happens. Ive also been trying to align my tasks with the planets and the moon phases each week. I know that sounds nutty but it helps me to focus my energies and tasks - communications on this day, brainstorming on that….
Hi Stacy 💙💙thank you for sharing this relatable experience of being stuck in a bog. I love that visual, it really matches the feeling of what it describes. What is the vision/plan you are ready to embark upon? When I get stuck I make a to-do action items list, and break it down into smaller and smaller tasks, and choose a few that I can do *right now.* And the feeling of accomplishment adds to the momentum and you just want more and more. Also I use the present-personal-positive self talk as much as I can and that really helps, too. Instead of saying ‘I have to clean my room,’ I say ‘my room is clean and beautiful and I LOVE it in here!!’ And it just sort of kicks my brain and body into motion somehow. Sometimes of course, I just feel totally demoralized and miserable and it’s time for a rest. All in all, we have to be super extra patient kind understanding and compassionate with ourselves while offering the kick/boost that we need!!
Back from the doctor's office (I previously left a comment). As I said, I sure hope that you will be part of the Philadelphia concert in Nov.
I understand your anxiety about your home renovations. I would be a mess! Reminding yourself that it is only temporary is great therapy.
I did send you a note on your father's birthday...I wanted to let you know that you and your family were in my thoughts. I lost my mom (though not as young as your dad) and its was devastating.
I very much admire your outlook on life, Jesse. At least what I learn from your posts. I learn so much from you. For that, and so much more, I THANK YOU!
What a wonderful update! It definitely is that time of year to clean up and prepare for something new. I started doing that, but I keep getting distracted by the kittens. I’ve been fostering since late July. I expected to have my office and various projects all organized by now and ready to get to work, but instead, I’ve been playing with the kittens. It’s important to set priorities. 🤭
Your posts about your dad always go right into my heart. It’s so important to remember and honor our loved ones, and I believe that your words, besides being a beautiful tribute, help a lot of other people.
I look forward to seeing you in Paris! I will be meeting a dear friend from Sweden in Paris. We will spend a few days there together, and of course, the highlight of our “girls trip” will be the concert.
Right now on my mind is how quickly this year is passing. I’m also anticipating a magical new life year, which starts on my birthday this Thursday. ✨🎈✨
My dad’s birthday is also September 14. He died at the age of 49 back in 1987 when I was 23. I had a vanilla ice cream cone, his favourite treat, again this year in celebration of him. I love what you wrote about cleaning up, and all the ways you’re doing this. I find myself doing the same things, I just didn’t actually realise it. Thank you for putting it into words. I enjoy reading what you have to say. Maybe it’s like the universal urge to do a Spring Clean, but in the Fall. 🍁🧹🫧🧽🍂
See you in Seattle in November! I too need to declutter but I never seem to be able to plant my feet and start it. It won’t be long before the weather turns rainy and I’ll be trapped inside. Good luck with your big remodeling project at home. It’s very taxing to have that going on, but one day it will be behind you.
Thank you, Lori!! I look forward to that day so so much - I keep thinking and imagining December when things are looking much different and ready for cozy hunkered down work. I actually won't be in Seattle (joining for Oakland or SF) but sending so so many good wishes!!
Wow! That's great news, Jesse! So happy you'll join the Horses tour! 🐎🤗 Are you coming also to Italy? The concert in Bergamo is on October 10th and I'm going with a friend! It would be awesome to see you on stage with your mom! 😍 Hopefully you'll bring with you some PHTP t-shirt? ✊🌹I love the one with the roses. And I'd have to buy a few, also for a couple of friends of mine. Hope you're doing fine. Sending you much love 💚🦋
Hiiii sadly I won't be there for that show!! Only for London, Brussels, and Paris!! I will have shirts though,, I'll see if I can send any over there to Bergamo.
oh, too bad, Jesse 😞 I would have loved to meet you and say hello 🤗 hopefully someday... 😍 thank you for your interest as for the t-shirts. I do hope you can manage to send any over there, that would be absolutely great!!!! 😃👋👋 ❤️ Thank you!!!!!
A beautifully intimate and reflective update. Jesse Paris Smith captures the quiet chaos of transition with warmth and poetic clarity, balancing renovation, remembrance, and renewal. Her words feel like a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and prepare with intention. A lovely reminder that growth begins with grounding.
Feel a lot of synchronicities here - especially with the attention you give to endings and beginnings. Would love if you felt inspired to check out my recent post. It’s about summer ending, reflecting on projects, and looking ahead. It’s also about noticing small moments and paying homage to those who came before us.
The IT that many of us feel is just TOO 2 much ...each day passes with more suffering not being sublime in GAZA. However, taking time out for prayer can bring some feeling of being sublime. davpi3.14
How am I feeling? Am I trying to do too much? I’m exhausted and overwhelmed at times, and most likely, I'm trying to do too much. With all the hurt in the world and the sad unpredictability of events in our country, I feel a sense of loss, and I’m fearful; on any given day, I don’t know where to put my brain while it buzzes like a beehive and the zebras are on the run. But you know what? I’m content and happy here on my acre of the world—how does this make sense? It does and doesn’t. It is what it is.
Hello Jesse, it's nice to read your goings-on on these pages again. One thing I always keep in mind with the chaos of house renovations is that they aren't forever and the result is (usually) a positive one--a temporary discomfort for a long-term benefit. I hope it all goes well!
I should do some of the same perhaps--cleaning, reassessing, organizing, fixing,etc.-- (and have done a bit) but I'm mostly trying to stay the course for now; I've only got two more chapters until I've finished the first part of my book, which I've been publishing on my 'stack. Then, I'll slow that down so I can start publishing some posts about my dad's paintings; my parents are moving into assisted living over the next few weeks and I'm hoping to help find good homes for some of his many paintings, while supplementing the income for their well-deserved retirement. As I'm living on the far side of the planet, it's a way I can help out and stay connected especially with my dad who is, naturally, experiencing the common difficulties associated with aging. (My mom's always been pretty tough and still sharp, thankfully.)
Good luck with the tour! Stay safe, healthy and rested. No dates in Taiwan sadly, but maybe someday? In any case, all the best to you, Jesse, Patti, the band, and everyone else working to make the journey a successful one.
To borrow from Wordsworth, the world is too much with me - intentions are fuzzy, priorities are questioned. The words "do the next right thing" repeat like a mantra in my head as the tasks pile up. Do one thing - that's a start. Got to prime the inner engine. Your energy jumps off the page with each post. So thank you Jesse for the boost. I especially like the playlist you did for your dad's birthday. Wishing you safe travels as you join your mom and brother. The three of you together on stage must be magical - and how happy and proud your dad would be.
😢 bummer…but I am just so grateful that Seattle made the list at all, so I’ll take it! 🙏 Will end up in NYC for one reason or another in the coming year and will catch you both at a show then! 🤞
I have been struggling to make any headway in my transitional clean up. I try to “clear the decks” and the energy but it seems I am stuck in a bog.
I have a vision and a plan that I am anxious to embark upon but I just can’t seem to climb out of this mess.
Hi Jesse,
Thank you for the reply.
I’ve been working on compiling a book that includes portraits, essays and quotes specific to the human animal bond. The sale proceeds will go to a charity helping animals displaced by the LA wildfires. I think I’m my own worst enemy in the process though because it requires participation from a lot of people and I’m always shy to ask BUT I have found that using your idea of positive and present tense has been helpful and it’s actually what originally got the ball rolling. You had mentioned it in an essay a while back. I spoke the words “I’m going to put together a book” out loud and next thing I knew, I was working on a mission statement and contact lists. The more roadblocks I hit, the clearer my ideas and more detailed the visualizations. It’s kind of funny how that happens. Ive also been trying to align my tasks with the planets and the moon phases each week. I know that sounds nutty but it helps me to focus my energies and tasks - communications on this day, brainstorming on that….
Hi Stacy 💙💙thank you for sharing this relatable experience of being stuck in a bog. I love that visual, it really matches the feeling of what it describes. What is the vision/plan you are ready to embark upon? When I get stuck I make a to-do action items list, and break it down into smaller and smaller tasks, and choose a few that I can do *right now.* And the feeling of accomplishment adds to the momentum and you just want more and more. Also I use the present-personal-positive self talk as much as I can and that really helps, too. Instead of saying ‘I have to clean my room,’ I say ‘my room is clean and beautiful and I LOVE it in here!!’ And it just sort of kicks my brain and body into motion somehow. Sometimes of course, I just feel totally demoralized and miserable and it’s time for a rest. All in all, we have to be super extra patient kind understanding and compassionate with ourselves while offering the kick/boost that we need!!
William P Haynes
4931 Winona Ave 2W
St Louis MO 63109
Here is a link to my new book-Beat,writing. & Ramblings
https://www.amazon.com/BEAT-WRITINGS-RAMBLINGS-William-Haynes/dp/1535601051/
Back from the doctor's office (I previously left a comment). As I said, I sure hope that you will be part of the Philadelphia concert in Nov.
I understand your anxiety about your home renovations. I would be a mess! Reminding yourself that it is only temporary is great therapy.
I did send you a note on your father's birthday...I wanted to let you know that you and your family were in my thoughts. I lost my mom (though not as young as your dad) and its was devastating.
I very much admire your outlook on life, Jesse. At least what I learn from your posts. I learn so much from you. For that, and so much more, I THANK YOU!
What a wonderful update! It definitely is that time of year to clean up and prepare for something new. I started doing that, but I keep getting distracted by the kittens. I’ve been fostering since late July. I expected to have my office and various projects all organized by now and ready to get to work, but instead, I’ve been playing with the kittens. It’s important to set priorities. 🤭
Your posts about your dad always go right into my heart. It’s so important to remember and honor our loved ones, and I believe that your words, besides being a beautiful tribute, help a lot of other people.
I look forward to seeing you in Paris! I will be meeting a dear friend from Sweden in Paris. We will spend a few days there together, and of course, the highlight of our “girls trip” will be the concert.
Right now on my mind is how quickly this year is passing. I’m also anticipating a magical new life year, which starts on my birthday this Thursday. ✨🎈✨
My dad’s birthday is also September 14. He died at the age of 49 back in 1987 when I was 23. I had a vanilla ice cream cone, his favourite treat, again this year in celebration of him. I love what you wrote about cleaning up, and all the ways you’re doing this. I find myself doing the same things, I just didn’t actually realise it. Thank you for putting it into words. I enjoy reading what you have to say. Maybe it’s like the universal urge to do a Spring Clean, but in the Fall. 🍁🧹🫧🧽🍂
See you in Seattle in November! I too need to declutter but I never seem to be able to plant my feet and start it. It won’t be long before the weather turns rainy and I’ll be trapped inside. Good luck with your big remodeling project at home. It’s very taxing to have that going on, but one day it will be behind you.
Thank you, Lori!! I look forward to that day so so much - I keep thinking and imagining December when things are looking much different and ready for cozy hunkered down work. I actually won't be in Seattle (joining for Oakland or SF) but sending so so many good wishes!!
Wow! That's great news, Jesse! So happy you'll join the Horses tour! 🐎🤗 Are you coming also to Italy? The concert in Bergamo is on October 10th and I'm going with a friend! It would be awesome to see you on stage with your mom! 😍 Hopefully you'll bring with you some PHTP t-shirt? ✊🌹I love the one with the roses. And I'd have to buy a few, also for a couple of friends of mine. Hope you're doing fine. Sending you much love 💚🦋
Hiiii sadly I won't be there for that show!! Only for London, Brussels, and Paris!! I will have shirts though,, I'll see if I can send any over there to Bergamo.
oh, too bad, Jesse 😞 I would have loved to meet you and say hello 🤗 hopefully someday... 😍 thank you for your interest as for the t-shirts. I do hope you can manage to send any over there, that would be absolutely great!!!! 😃👋👋 ❤️ Thank you!!!!!
A beautifully intimate and reflective update. Jesse Paris Smith captures the quiet chaos of transition with warmth and poetic clarity, balancing renovation, remembrance, and renewal. Her words feel like a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and prepare with intention. A lovely reminder that growth begins with grounding.
Woww thank you so very much for these words, they really were welcome and met with a great deal of gratitude today. THANK YOU. Truly.
Feel a lot of synchronicities here - especially with the attention you give to endings and beginnings. Would love if you felt inspired to check out my recent post. It’s about summer ending, reflecting on projects, and looking ahead. It’s also about noticing small moments and paying homage to those who came before us.
Much love !
Wonderful, Jesse👏👏👏❤️
Good luck with your ceiling and with all the prep for the Horses tour. I can't wait! See you in London – YAY!!