22 Comments
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Frances Dimmer's avatar

I totally get it. I have subscribed to so many talented bloggers on Substack my practice barely gets a look in as I scroll through reading them all. You are definitely doing the right thing. I am only a free subscriber but was contemplating upgrading to paid as your mindset always matches mine. I will certainly follow through your change and congratulations on making a wise decision. Good luck with the transition.

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Thank you Frances - your kind words and support is always appreciated! I'm feeling much better now I have made the decision!!

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Fran's avatar

Well done for making the changes.......once a month is fine. It is the making that the important part

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Thanks Fran - you're right, it is the making that is the most important thing, so I am looking forward to focussing on that! Hopefully the rest will follow naturally, and I will look forward to sharing my progress or mishaps, albeit monthly instead of weekly! Happy Sunday!

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Jan's avatar

Hi Carolyn, I love your work and I love your words but I also love and respect the decisions you have made. Thank you for sharing us . Xx

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

You're very welcome Jan - thank you for your support. I am looking forward to focussing on my creating, and sharing my progress or mishaps with you monthly in my emails. Happy Sunday!

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SWL's avatar

I trust you will keep us posted as you make the move to a new platform. I will miss my Friday Substack from you and coffee!

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Oh definitely keep you posted as things move along - but don't worry, I will still be sending out a monthly email, so coffee and chat as usual!! xx

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E Daggar Art's avatar

Yes, your list of things to focus on is long, it’s a lot! It helps to decide what things to say No to, or even just Not Now. I’ll miss your weeklies but monthly is thoroughly reasonable, too. And I’ll see you on YT.

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Thanks so much for all of your support Liz! Yes, I think I was being a tad optimistic with my list, but hopefully now, having made the decision to get back to focussing on my painting, everything else will just follow on... and monthly feels a lot more achievable!! Happy Sunday!

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Deborah Vass's avatar

All of this sounds very sensible, and your relief at your decision is palpable, so it is clearly the right thing to do. But I shall miss you here! I shall instead though look forward to your monthly posts in my inbox!

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Many thanks for all your words of support and encouragement Deborah, it is all very much appreciated! And yes, I do feel better for having made the decisions. Looking forward to focussing my attention on the painting - and monthly emails feels more achievable!!

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Deborah Vass's avatar

I confess I need to have a rethink too, as painting too often gets shunted down the lift, which is perverse!

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Trina Baker's avatar

Carolyn, like you I love my afternoon walks. So great for letting go and being in the moment. I have loved your post here, but completely understand getting off the content hamster wheel and simply creating. YouTube is my outlet of choice mostly because I have grown a community that interacts and engages in conversation by posting my random thoughts. It's really refreshing. My suggestions is to post your musings on YouTube. I can't wait to see where you journey takes you.

Trina

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Thank you so much Trina for all of your words of encouragement and support - very much appreciated! Yes, I look forward to focussing on my creating, and sharing my musings on my progress or mishaps albeit monthly. Happy Sunday!

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Sue McGeechan's avatar

Oops sorry Carolyn. I spelt your name incorrectly

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Ha, no worries, Sue, I answer to most things!!

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Sue McGeechan's avatar

Hi Caroline, I always enjoy your musings. As you say better to focus on fewer tasks, do the ones that you enjoy the most and give you most saisfaction….that way you are more likely to get on with those. What paper are you practising on at present. You have mentioned the sea white paper and the better quality wallpaper/ lining paper.

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Thanks for your words of encouragement Sue, much appreciated! And yes, hopefully, focussing on the things that I want will bring its own rewards!! I've been using this wallpaper lining paper from Screwfix...was going to post a photo of the label, but I don't think I can here in the Notes, but here's a link to it...

https://www.screwfix.com/p/wallrock-white-fibreliner-smooth-545mm-x-20m/971vt

It takes quite a lot of water/ink and is a cheaper alternative for practising on! Hope this helps... best wishes and have a great weekend!

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Sue McGeechan's avatar

Ahh thanks I will look at that. Same to you. The weather is looking good.👍

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Rachel Goddard's avatar

I will miss your posts on here Carolyn but I always enjoy your YouTube videos. Well done for unscrambling what you need to do for you and your painting.

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Carolyn J Roberts's avatar

Thx Rachel! Hopefully I will be delivering the same sort of posts via my mailing list on Flodesk, but only once a month. Having made the decisions, it certainly feels as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders!!

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