6 Comments

Thank you so much, Michelle, for your mention. I feel truly honoured... and I don’t say this lightly! It’s thanks to you that I started my Substack, so I will always be grateful for your tremendous help and support.

For anyone out there who hasn’t yet had the privilege of having Michelle as a teacher, do yourelves a favour and go check out her courses now!!

It’s great how that hour which I use for records can actually serve as an extra hour to polish and practise (and savour, why not) ANY skill or craft, especially if it involves a combination of technical skills and artistic inspiration/expression. I’m not a parent myself but a friend of mine once told me that the amount of things you can get done in one hour before your baby wakes up/is having a nap is INSANE. I’m sure it’s the intentionality, coupled with the no distractions thing, that plays a huge role.

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You're very welcome! I hope it's okay that I quoted you so much, I figured you wouldn't mind. I really loved the post and found it inspiring. Your friend was right! One of the sweetest memories I have is my son, aged 4, coming into the living room where I was reading early one morning while it was still dark out and climbing into my lap and saying, "Why you always up waiting for me?" And I realized that, though I was stealing an hour or two to work in the mornings before he woke, he believed that I got out of bed early every morning just to wait for him:)

And thanks for the plug, very kind of you:) I feel like I know you and Stephan, and I sure hope you'll let me know if you're ever out this way so we can get together!

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Of course, and thank you! I feel flattered and I’m really glad you liked it so much! It’s great that this “hour” thing can work so well across many disciplines. I can see how it can help with writing, as it requires a lot of dedication and focus.

That memory with your son is sooo sweet! Too cute for words. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful memory. I’m sure those moments make you realise (or rather, confirm) that all the effort is worth it. Beautiful story.

Absolutely, we owe SF another visit and for sure we’ll let you know! And the same goes for you and your family when you’re next in London! :)

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This is so lovely. That hour is so easily lost on us. The idea of listening to vinyl for one hour is also incredibly soothing to me -- the waviness would feel very meditative. Thank you for writing this!

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I enjoyed your post, Michelle. I was a night writer for years. Currently, I am one of those early afternoon writers. New found time. Whenever the creative hour occurs, it is always a little miracle. A tonic for the spirit.

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Thank you so much for the shoutout!!

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