Wandering Home favorites: 2022.
our favorite posts of the year
When I launched Wandering Home in February of 2022, I had shaky hands, a shakier voice, and no guarantee this would be a good path for me.
This newsletter was my answer to making a commitment to myself to write and publish consistently. I’d been banned from Instagram, losing years of writing and posts. I needed a space where I had the agency to write lengthy essays and letters that could be around for the long haul, without the limitations and distractions of social media. I decided Wandering Home would be the place I’d post as often as I was able in order to share my words, develop my craft and voice, and perhaps build up some readership that would become a new community.
47+ weeks, 32+ posts, 75+ subscribers, and 1,000+ cups of coffee later: Wandering Home is a true highlight of my 2022. I’m taking my writing seriously and showing up as a writer in ways I hadn’t up until now. It is one of the things I’m most proud of from the past year. It’s spurred new opportunities, ambitious projects, remembered confidence, and a circle of readers who encourage me to keep writing, keep sharing, keep dreaming, keep wandering home. I’m so grateful.
To honor the year, let’s take a look back together at some favorite posts on the journey.
Most popular posts (reader favorites):
Not to say these weren’t fun to write, but the proof is in the pudding these resonated with you. This list is based on number of views, shares, and comments.
10 years a maker: Part one.
Celebrating the early years of my design and photography business. (from August)Wild vulnerability is the center.
Reflections on wilderness, connection, and enoughness from my NOLS horsepacking trip. (from March)Dear Prudence.
A love letter about the love of an aging dog. (from March)In pursuit of “why not?”
Naming ways asking a single question has shaped my life. (from April)If that ain’t love: a poem.
Easter traditions and questions. (from April)Home is here.
An ode to the places and homes where all the wandering led. (from June)Something I learned in Italy: a poem.
Poetry that’s a little about risotto and a lot about communion. (from December)
My favorite posts (writer favorites):
These are the posts I enjoyed writing most, either because of the subject, the courage it took to hit “Send”, or just how much I appreciated having written it. This list is unique from the “most popular” list, although most of the above fall into my favorites category as well.
I Won’t Stop Singing.
The inaugural essay I wrote for Wandering Home, about reclaiming my voice. (from February)Art as resistance.
Engaging art as a language and a weapon. (from May)From a balance beam.
On types of rest, resistance, and restoration. (from July)Love what you love.
On my long companionship with the music of Conor Oberst, the frontman of Bright Eyes. (from July)10 years a maker: Part three.
What design has taught me about life, and life taught me about design. (from August)
In the introductory Wandering Home post, I wrote this:
“Here’s a new thing I’m trying out: writing, publishing, and gratefully landing in your email inbox instead of relying solely on social media. This newsletter will be designed for quality over quantity, and serves to feed our creative spirits rather than the consumption monsters in us all.
I named it Wandering Home because while the journey of life and being human takes us many places, the beauty and connection we find together along the way of our wandering through the wilderness is what truly makes the journey home. I don’t know exactly what I’m going to be writing about or how often or what form it will take, but as an artist I know to trust the process. I know the stories and the themes will emerge with time and intention. I know my voice when I hear it.
But I’m a beginner here, so bear with me as I make this up as I go. Welcome to wandering home… together.”
Today I’m proud that this is the space I set out to make, the place I sought to build when I planted this seed in the darkness of mid-winter in February. And when it wasn’t, I’m proud of the ways I learned how to I make it better as I went along. I’m proud that I named it Wandering Home, because it still fits. Still what I’m learning to do.
I hope you’ll take a moment to reread your favorites and give them a share on social media! Sharing and commenting are great ways to support my work and help Wandering Home find its way to those who will appreciate it most. Did you know you can also “like” your favorite posts and “save” them on Substack? Look for the heart and bookmark icons. These little interactions make sure readers keep seeing the best Wandering Home posts. If you aren’t subscribed to get these posts as emails in your inbox, do that so you don’t ever miss a thing!
Thanks for everything, friends. For subscribing to my newsletter, for participating in community conversations, for sharing my work on social media or with your friends, for buying my art, for generously supporting the causes that I feature here, and for the ways that we've connected. I’m truly grateful!
I’ll be back in with more letters and wonderings in early 2023. I’m still focused on a writing project that is taking all of me right now. Can’t wait to share what I’ve been up to when it’s ready.
Onward to 2023!
