I am here , hiding in my corner, opening my eyes bit by bit , thanks to the room of creative solidarity Natasha and you decorated with gems and rhinestones 🧿
I could get used to listening to you read out your essays, Raju Tai. Heard this on my way to the mall, a 7mins drive from home. Deliberately didn't rush to get here like I normally do. If people could see me drive, they would wonder what's this big grin on the weird woman's face Lol I wouldn't mind leading them to your Substack to explain myself ;) You are such a gift, Raju Tai. What a beautiful journey of two women, shedding their inhibitions and coming towards each other thanks to your creative resilience! And your own journey towards yourself! Thank you for showing us the way. For being our creative solidarity ❤️
Thank you Sanobar jaan. Your comment made me want to take a sweet nap. I was feeling low when I read it and instantly felt held and smiled at. So I smiled back. ♥️♥️ thank you for your encouragement i cherish every milligram of it ⚡️
This piece is so wholesome, Raju. It talks about so many things, the power of creativity of course. But also the feelings we unconsciously nurture within and how they transform with generosity and love and finding like-minded people. 🤍🤍
The part where you wrote about shutting your eyes against brightness because you've grown used to the darkness was soooo relatable. Your post read like a journey from start to finish. I'm glad you've found the courage to open up to the light of others and that there are many lovely people you've found along the way. I've began enjoying reading from you! ☺️🍋
Raju such warmth and resonance in this piece. I think the ochre circle has helped many of us experience creative solidarity. It is magical. Sarah finding you on substack and then connecting with you from across the planet so special.
Your essay as ever leaves me so full & so hungry, both at the same time. Your way with self meanders so delicately from subtle to strong and back. And your way with words … so delicious
‘creative resilience’ club mein by the way main bhi kaafi arse se hun
Thank YOU Anusha… Fluttering feelings to be read by you here on Substack, especially an essay which mentions you. I hold the postcards with your handwriting very close. 🩷🌼
This was tremendously healing to read. So relateable! Knowing that there is an 'other side' and one doesn't have to keep Oliver Twisting through one's writing life (for comrades) is reassuring!
What a heart warming piece, Raju! Sending a big hug across.
Lately, I have been reveling in female friendships...its kind of a phase for me right now...reading Rachel Joyce (Ms. Bensons Beetle), watching episodes of Grace and Frankie, going on dates with friends doing full wellapanthi... and also stalking people who you would so love to include in your friend circle :) This piece gets added to the list...
“I live alone by choice, and I graze on solitude like a hungry goat.”
Tum kya cheez ho, Raju 💜 🐐
Shurkiya Natasha — for all the epic creative solidarity I have received from you and through you. 🌻💖
Corner-ness. I will never forget this. And reading writing like this, a salve on all the corner-ness in me. Thank you Raju for writing .
Thank you Sanket ♥️ We will remind each other to take a few steps ahead into warm spaces and “wokshas” and substack.. 🥰
LOVVVVVVVVEE THIS IN CAPS - "Saying “I am lonely” is hard. Saying “I am no longer lonely” is harder."
Thank you dearest 💜🍬
Totally!
I am here , hiding in my corner, opening my eyes bit by bit , thanks to the room of creative solidarity Natasha and you decorated with gems and rhinestones 🧿
🥰🫂
I could get used to listening to you read out your essays, Raju Tai. Heard this on my way to the mall, a 7mins drive from home. Deliberately didn't rush to get here like I normally do. If people could see me drive, they would wonder what's this big grin on the weird woman's face Lol I wouldn't mind leading them to your Substack to explain myself ;) You are such a gift, Raju Tai. What a beautiful journey of two women, shedding their inhibitions and coming towards each other thanks to your creative resilience! And your own journey towards yourself! Thank you for showing us the way. For being our creative solidarity ❤️
Thank you Sanobar jaan. Your comment made me want to take a sweet nap. I was feeling low when I read it and instantly felt held and smiled at. So I smiled back. ♥️♥️ thank you for your encouragement i cherish every milligram of it ⚡️
Tight hugs, teacher :)))
I'm pumping my fist in the air reading this comment <3
Glad to have your acquaintance :))
Through me, around me, by me
Coming out of the cornerness
Thank you, Raju. For telling your truth in the juiciest way! 🤭
Thank youuu, Suruchi. ♥️🌼
This piece is so wholesome, Raju. It talks about so many things, the power of creativity of course. But also the feelings we unconsciously nurture within and how they transform with generosity and love and finding like-minded people. 🤍🤍
Thank you Priyanka.. ♥️ Heard your comment in your voice and felt grateful for the generous way in which you read 🌸🌸
Thank you for introducing me to creative solidarity. By showing but more importantly, by doing. The world is better for it
Nishi, can’t imagine the alternate universes where I don’t know you. 💜🍬
<3 <3
Our worlds are so much better thanks to creative solidarity!
The part where you wrote about shutting your eyes against brightness because you've grown used to the darkness was soooo relatable. Your post read like a journey from start to finish. I'm glad you've found the courage to open up to the light of others and that there are many lovely people you've found along the way. I've began enjoying reading from you! ☺️🍋
Thank you, Krisha! So grateful to be read with such attention. 🦚💜
Raju such warmth and resonance in this piece. I think the ochre circle has helped many of us experience creative solidarity. It is magical. Sarah finding you on substack and then connecting with you from across the planet so special.
<3<3<3
thank you dearest Shalini. you read with such fondness ♥️♥️
Your essay as ever leaves me so full & so hungry, both at the same time. Your way with self meanders so delicately from subtle to strong and back. And your way with words … so delicious
‘creative resilience’ club mein by the way main bhi kaafi arse se hun
Thank you Neena for being ever so generous 🥰 and for sharing your own love for the phrase creative resilience.. 💜
Full + hungry = an ample, flexible creative spirit! I love this. Very Baba Yaga.
You have taken something intangible and described it in that special, endearing Raju way! ❤️❤️
Alaknanda now i’m singing “That’s the way… Raju way” 😁🩷🥰 thank you for reading the way only you do
😆😻😎💙
Raju is incredible!
Yes, she is!!
From healing the cornerness to feeling the camaraderie. And we can comfortably inhabit both . Thankyou comrade , for the solidarity
💚✊🏽🌻
Thank YOU Anusha… Fluttering feelings to be read by you here on Substack, especially an essay which mentions you. I hold the postcards with your handwriting very close. 🩷🌼
This was tremendously healing to read. So relateable! Knowing that there is an 'other side' and one doesn't have to keep Oliver Twisting through one's writing life (for comrades) is reassuring!
Koyel. This is one of the loveliest responses I have ever received. ❤️❤️ I’m so glad I wrote this if it gives you that feeling.
Good for you! You are in good company. Try to enjoy every moment of it.
What a heart warming piece, Raju! Sending a big hug across.
Lately, I have been reveling in female friendships...its kind of a phase for me right now...reading Rachel Joyce (Ms. Bensons Beetle), watching episodes of Grace and Frankie, going on dates with friends doing full wellapanthi... and also stalking people who you would so love to include in your friend circle :) This piece gets added to the list...
May you find more of your tribe
Love, Amrita
Aaa so happy to hear from you, Amrita ♥️ Thank you so much. Big hugs back. Love Grace and Frankie. Will check out the book. 🌼🦋