In Your Hands

an attempt to blend the online and the tangible

Alright, folks, here we go. An attempt to throw out into the world something I think we are all craving more of—something bright in our mailboxes, a little snippet of sunlight, one we know to be true, not artificially created, but from the realm of one home, and through the old fashioned method of The Post Office delivered into yours.

I am NOT a business person. I am not an organized person. I’m very, very good at coming up with half-baked ideas and trying to make them work out, but ultimately failing or losing interest, or allowing them to fizzle out. Like the tattoos that I’ve never gotten, I need to really think long and hard about something before jumping in, or I’ll just be filed with disappointment and guilt about having done a shoddy job at something that could have been great.

This is not a very promising introduction, is it? I’m also not a salesman.

BUT, I’ve got my whole family on board with this one, and am ready to introduce to you, a hand-held publication called The Villagers’ Sunbeam. (Ok, I know I just changed my Substack name to The Villager’ Sunshine, simply because I like the word “sunshine.” But the truth is, it feels a little arrogant. Like, “here I am! A whole sun full of shine, just for you!” No, no, I’m much smaller—just a little square of light on kitchen floor. Just an itty bitty beam. But, maybe significant to some.

So, yes, the Villagers’ Sunbeam is prepared at my own kitchen table by my own hands and the hands of my daughters who will definitely be contributing some. It will consist of two or three pages only—a Substack post, which can also be found right here for free, and another page of extras. It will be a mixed offering; maybe a recipe? Maybe a knitting pattern? Maybe more writings? Maybe a bit of art that you can cut out and keep or let die in the recycling bin? A sticker? It will be a surprise! But whatever it is, it will be a tangible bit of life, something not powered with blue light, something you can share in real life, not just digitally. Pass it across the table, mail it on to a friend, donate it to someone who has a bird so they can line their birdcage with it. Think of it as a stone in the path toward your own village—just a little handheld prompt toward connection with others.

So, here’s how to participate:

Okay, let me begin by saying: I hate money. I hate money! I hate that money dictates everything, I hate that money is needed for things like food, clothing, and shelter. I don't mind giving money, I’m actually pretty good at spending and giving without thought, which is NOT a good way to be when your income requires a pretty strict budget… but what I hate most of all about money is asking for it. Or accepting it. Let me be clear: I wish so much that I could just send this out for nothing. Sometimes we buy lottery tickets to have a chance at that possibility! But for now, it is not possible for me to do this for free. AND SO, if you are NOT INTERESTED (or if you think this is a dumb idea with or without applying a monetary value to it,) that is A-OK! You will always be able to read my Substack posts here for free! (And if you like folk music, you can follow my YouTube channel or my Patreon page and learn lots of folk songs also for free!) please feel no pressure to join this mailed newsletter!

But, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE, here’s what to do: Subscribe to my Substack for a “pledge” which should be set at a fixed $5/month—this should offset the cost of paper, printer ink, stamps and envelopes—but MOST IMPORTANTLY, please send me an email to:

cobbledshop@gmail.com

WITH THE SUBJECT LINE:

The Villagers Sunbeam: Sign Me Up!

Or something like that so I don’t miss anyone. And in the body of the email, please put your preferred snail mail mailing address! My first issue will be sent in March, and this will a monthly mailing.

And that’s it! Thank you for your support, friends! I am excited about this little project… excited to share a little beam of light!!