When I first started exploring Substack in January of last year, I was fascinated by the work of one particular author. Almost daily, she would post a nature photo of landscapes, of wilderness, of wildlife, of gardens, of country lanes, of seashores, of anything that would be so skillfully and artfully captured that I couldn’t help but stop scrolling and pause. Pause to take in the picture, pause to experience the sensory imagery being conveyed, pause to appreciate the patience, the care, the art required to create these photo moments.
But what really makes me a fan of her work is the fact that she couples her wonderful photography with an affirming message. Although she deals with personal struggles, as we all do, she still makes it a point to encourage, to exhort above all else in her posts. Pamela Leavey is, without a doubt, one of the most positive people I have followed on this site.
Here are a few samples of her work and hopefully you will consider subscribing to her Substack:
Musings: Old Friends at the Park
Another Spring Day on the Rail Trail
Photo Essay: The Elusive Red Bird
In those early days of Substack discovery, someone else caught my eye. Roshni Robert combines her love of writing with her passion for visual art. Combining activities into a synchronized spiritual exercise, namely running and contemplation, is one of my passions in life, so exploring her work led me to appreciate Roshni’s art and writing. Her Substack,
Roshni's Occasional News, showcases her writing talent as well as her paintings and jewelry items that she creates. While browsing her online shop, I loved her jewelry so much that I thought that they would make unique gifts and so I picked up a few items. I gave my wife a pair of earrings and a few hand painted prints as gifts and she loved them as much as I did.
This past January when we lost nearly all of our possessions in the fire that destroyed our home, all of the gift items that Roshni had created were included in the loss. My wife and I are still grieving the loss of one-of-a-kind, heartfelt memories that we have collected over the years that are forever gone. In the aftermath of the fire, we received and are still being blessed with much love and support from our Substack community and when Roshni heard of our tragedy, she reached out to me and wanted to send me a package.
To my delight and surprise, not only had Roshni replaced the lost items but also included a beautiful calendar that she created for 2025, as well as, other new pieces we can add to our art collection.
While I am very grateful for each person that has reached out to us, I will deeply cherish the loving kindness that Roshni has given us. I will always hold this in my heart, Roshni.
Here are some of her recent offerings and I’m hoping you find the beauty in her writing also:
As I begin to write today, it is still dark.
I met Kara Westerman at an online Lit Salon hosted by Jeannine Ouellette. As part of the activity, several writers shared snippets of their work and Kara shared a sample of the book she’s writing in conjunction with her late husband. The premise behind the book speaks of mystery, intrigue, and the unknown of a hidden world. While embodying her husband, she skillfully writes from both of their perspectives. Her writing is heartfelt, poignant, and intimately revealing, drawing the reader into the depths of their story.
In addition to being a gifted writer, Kara also offers a wonderful community service. Every weekday, Kara hosts the Writer’s Daily Dive. For an hour each day, writers gather online to meet, to chat, then write together. I have been regularly attending these daily sessions and have become online Substack friends with the fellow writers in our group. I’m sure other writers can resonate with the thought that being in a group setting can be both motivating and encouraging. I must admit, my regular posts would probably not be so regular if it wasn’t for the camaraderie I feel with everyone who joins us and I am especially grateful for Kara who leads by example, showing up everyday to host these sessions.
You can find chapters from her book here at Kara Westerman's Suitable Vessel For Magic:
#25, Dispatches From Our Book: A Suitable Vessel For Magic
Dispatches From Our Book, Episode #24
Dispatches From Our Book: Episode #23
Dispatches From Our Book, Episode #22: A Suitable Vessel For Magic
Dispatches From Our Book: Episode #21
Next week, I’m going to talk about the kindred spirits, the consolers, the ones who speak in a way that resonates with my soul.
Thanks for reading Tales From The Trails! Thank you to all of my subscribers and if you liked what you have read please consider subscribing for free to receive new posts every week and to support my work. I really want to hear your thoughts on my work so please consider leaving a like and comment. I greatly appreciate you being here and I’ll talk to you next week.
Thanks always for the repost @Stanley Wotring
Thank you for the repost @Kara Westerman (she/her)