Hello again, dear reader.
In case you're new here, I'm Alastair Johnston and you're receiving this newsletter because you subscribed over at my blog or via a link from Substack. I'm grateful for you giving me some of your time and attention and hope I always inform or entertain you here. If not, please feel free to unsubscribe, I won't be offended.
Here are this week’s updates and things I’d love to share with you all.
Most of the things I’ve worried about…
I’m gradually pulling over more of the Letters to Lawrie posts that I wrote on another of my websites. I started these as a way of recording all of the things that I’d like to share with my son, in case one day I’m not here any more to do so in person.
I used to be a chronic worrier. I put it down to losing my own dad when I was very young. It is something I still fall prey too as an adult, yet pretty much every time I worry about something, I’m proved wrong. It’s draining. So maybe in writing down good advice about worrying on my blog, I’ll be better able to apply it to myself.
How to Grow Up
While we’re on the subject of advice for children, I’d love to share this fabulous article on The Marginalian: Nick Cave’s advice to a 13yr old on how to grow up.
Livejournal is back
I’m a big fan of blogs, websites and anything messy and human where we can share what’s important to us. Although I nowadays prefer to have my website on my own domain, created with static pages, back in the day I used Blogger, TypePad, Geocities etc. I loved the community feel to these places. Things were more interesting, less cookie-cutter. What I didn’t realise is that some kind geeks have resurrected Livejournal on the fabulous dreamwidth.org. Go visit, enjoy and maybe set up your own little piece of digital real estate.
An Irish Goodbye
I watched this Oscar winning short film last weekend. Only about 20 minutes long, but it blew me away. Laughter and tears. I watched it on BBC iPlayer, but I’m sure it’s available on other international platforms.
That’s it for now. Be kind!
Comments? Insights? Join the discussion or email me.