Dear Friends,
Once a year, I like to write a brief note of gratitude and invitation.
First, thank you.
Whether you’ve been reading for years or only recently stumbled across this little corner of the internet, thank you for spending some of your attention here. Attention is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer one another, and I never take yours for granted.
One of the great joys of writing has been discovering that these reflections often become conversations. Sometimes those conversations happen in the comments. Sometimes they happen in emails or messages. Sometimes they happen months later over coffee, on a walk, or in a completely unexpected place. I am grateful for all of it.
Over the years, several people have asked whether I would ever move this blog to a paid platform like Substack. The answer is no. I want these reflections, stories, questions, and occasional rabbit trails to remain available to anyone who finds them.
That said, a number of people have also asked how they can support the writing. So once a year, I open a small window for those who would like to do so.
If these posts have encouraged you, challenged you, made you laugh, helped you notice something differently, or simply become a meaningful part of your routine, and if you’re in a position to contribute, you can do so below. Thank you.
As it happens, this is also a season when my house is in the midst of a significant glow-up. There are repairs to make, projects to tackle, and a long list of things that have been waiting patiently for attention. For so many exciting reasons, I can’t wait to see that vision become a reality. So if you’ve been looking for a way to support the writing, you can help me make this house a greater place of hospitality — something that is very important to me.
Please know that there is absolutely no expectation. The writing will continue either way. Your presence here is gift enough!
Thank you for being part of this ongoing conversation. It continues to be one of the great gifts of my life.
With gratitude,
Renee
Smuggling Grace 