Life pulled me underground, and for a while, I let it—staying quiet, hidden, slowly breaking down. But even in the dark, things grow. Here’s what happened, and what has brought me back to the surface.
Thanks so much Bee, you came along with this incredible project at just the right time. It was exactly what I needed to force myself back to the surface.
I am so looking forward to seeing what we all create together 💚
I keep reading the collection as Julia has curated it and am blown away time and again, Donna. Isn’t it thrilling we’re in this together. Can hardly wait to share it.
Donna, your words are raw, real and beautifully untamed. The way you describe retreating underground, composting and emerging transformed is deeply moving. Your writing, like the fungi you evoke, thrives in unexpected places, feeding on truths often ignored.
Thank you so much for sharing your 'surfacing' journey - it’s a reminder to so many of us that even in the darkest spaces, growth is inevitable. I look forward to seeing how your wild, wondrous words continue to flourish. Keep nurturing them - they’re a gift!
Thank you so much Deborah, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and also for your words of encouragement. I’m so glad my writing resonated with you 💚
So much of this mirrors my own experience, not just of winter but of the last few years. Going underground and feeling confused as to why my own petty problems take up as much (if not more) headspace as the big stuff that we are all navigating together. Thanks for sharing this wild and wonderful piece, Donna. Caroline x
Oh thank you. I’m glad this resonated with you and it’s comforting to know others feel the same feels - when you are down there in the dark, it’s easy to believe you are alone 💚
Thanks so much! It feels like coming back to school after summer holidays and seeing lots of friendly faces again. Slowly catching up on everyone’s Substacks, looking forward to seeing what you’ve been up to 💚
Your words in this essay are deep, meaningful and feel like they are emerging from the dirt, churned from the rising mushrooms, risking a bit of exposure to the light. This is beautiful writing.
Welcome back and thank you. Here’s to wild and fierce writing. I’m honestly thrilled you’re here.
Thanks so much Bee, you came along with this incredible project at just the right time. It was exactly what I needed to force myself back to the surface.
I am so looking forward to seeing what we all create together 💚
I keep reading the collection as Julia has curated it and am blown away time and again, Donna. Isn’t it thrilling we’re in this together. Can hardly wait to share it.
Donna, your words are raw, real and beautifully untamed. The way you describe retreating underground, composting and emerging transformed is deeply moving. Your writing, like the fungi you evoke, thrives in unexpected places, feeding on truths often ignored.
Thank you so much for sharing your 'surfacing' journey - it’s a reminder to so many of us that even in the darkest spaces, growth is inevitable. I look forward to seeing how your wild, wondrous words continue to flourish. Keep nurturing them - they’re a gift!
Thank you so much Deborah, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and also for your words of encouragement. I’m so glad my writing resonated with you 💚
What a beautiful, thoughtful comment.
So much of this mirrors my own experience, not just of winter but of the last few years. Going underground and feeling confused as to why my own petty problems take up as much (if not more) headspace as the big stuff that we are all navigating together. Thanks for sharing this wild and wonderful piece, Donna. Caroline x
Oh thank you. I’m glad this resonated with you and it’s comforting to know others feel the same feels - when you are down there in the dark, it’s easy to believe you are alone 💚
I look forward to reading your words, and to our collaboration!
I’m looking forward to our collaboration too Julie, I think there’s going to be some interesting times ahead!
Thanks for restacking this - such a lovely Saturday morning read 🌅
It's good to have you back, Donna. And I very much enjoyed reading this piece.
Thanks so much! It feels like coming back to school after summer holidays and seeing lots of friendly faces again. Slowly catching up on everyone’s Substacks, looking forward to seeing what you’ve been up to 💚
This is so exciting, our collaboration.
Your words in this essay are deep, meaningful and feel like they are emerging from the dirt, churned from the rising mushrooms, risking a bit of exposure to the light. This is beautiful writing.
I loved reading this post, Donna. Such clever and meaningful writing. Your words give great insight into self, creativity, and change.
I'm so pleased that you have emerged from the dark, (stronger I hope), and I'm grateful to be collaborating with you on our new Substack project.