53 Comments
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Jennifer Earle (Jen)'s avatar

I wanted so much for this to be a physical place!!

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Karen Altergott Roberts's avatar

Lovely. Just so lovely. I feel it too, but I just arrived and haven't explored much yet. Seeking my own little cozy spot and trying not to be overwhelmed by the number of choices of volumes to pick up, I already feel comfy, befriended, and fortunate to be here now.

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Nancy Warren's avatar

Wow. I am just arriving for the first time in that library. Sounds like my college library but without the stress. Much more welcoming and warm Thank you.

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Kat River's avatar

Haha yes! Without the stress. Where was your college?

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Nancy Warren's avatar

I was a student at Duke University in the 1970’s. The library was amazing. No other college or university library has compared even my graduate school or faculty days. The older parts with giant reading rooms with wooden shelves and giant study tables reminded me of your description, but without any of the cozy factor. no not drinks or conversations allowed....

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Kat River's avatar

I just had a google! It’s stunning, wow.... but yes needs some chai and couches 😅

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Nancy Warren's avatar

I just looked again on Google. And yes, it looked like I remembered it. 😀 Definitely needs more cozy, with chai and couches, and friends meeting up in there. ❤️ thank you for the images. I can really see your sense of ‘Place”.

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Shaista Ali's avatar

Beautiful description of how this platform and the promise that lies ahead feels to me. No dust! You are so right, I didn’t realize how appropriate that is. It’s new, yet feels lived in. And of course the velvet couch is mustard - so many signs connecting my heart to yours.. and to those in the garden out back.

Thank you ✨

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Kat River's avatar

Cant to without a mustard velvet! I actually bought a forest green velvet couch for home, instead of the mustard and couldn't stop thinking about it haha!

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Mandy's avatar

thank you for taking me on your journey I followed you as you entered the cathedral , and Could smell the sweet flowers from the garden. I am encouraged and feel optimistic about my writing

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Kat River's avatar

Thank you for slowing down enough to read x

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Oh, Rae, this is absolutely wonderful. You absolutely captured the essence of being on Substack, in this community, the magic of discovering like minded people, the wonder of reading new talented writers, the art and history shared here, the beauty and love shared here. Brava!!!

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Kat River's avatar

I’m glad you enjoyed the storytime! Thank you

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Debs Stott's avatar

Just brilliant. What an inventive way to describe it to others. I'd be sold if I wasn't already here!

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Kat River's avatar

Hahaha I’d be sold if I wasn’t already here, love that

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Donna McArthur's avatar

This. Is. SO. Good.

Kat you nailed it with mighty fine writing, telling an amazing story. Who wouldn’t want to join the party! Bravo!

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Kat River's avatar

Thank you Donna! 🥰🥰

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Haven Hall's avatar

AH YES! This is exactly IT. In love with this story...read at the perfect time xx

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Nicola Talia's avatar

A beautiful and inspiring read. We don’t know one another but I learnt about this space through you so thank you thank you 🤍 as a busy mama of two it’s now become something I choose to get lost in when I find pockets of time, whether it be reading or writing, and it is SO worth my time x

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Kat River's avatar

I'm so glad you're enjoying this space here. Especially as a busy mama! I appreciate your time xxxxxx

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Charlotte Rose's avatar

Wow that really moved me and captured exactly how I feel. Beautiful writing Kat 💗

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Kat River's avatar

Thank you for reading 🥰🥰🥰

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Lori Jackson's avatar

I feel so inspired by your story Kat, it’s wonderful! Thank you 💛 I really want to take my shoes off in this garden too 🪴

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Kat River's avatar

Barefoot bandits is where it’s at 🙊 thanks for reading beautiful xx

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Natalya's avatar

I loved reading this ✨gold✨

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Kat River's avatar

Thank you for being here & enjoying!

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Sarah Bolton's avatar

Thankyou for sharing. I loved reading this story. What a magical library that would be. I’m starting to enjoy reading on Substack more and more. It feels so much more slow and satisfying. I’ve only started following a few people, but look forward to exploring and interacting more. Xxx

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Kat River's avatar

Well, I hope you have a beautiful time here!!

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Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

Beautiful Kat! I really saw myself in your story and I seem to have made the analogy of Substack feeling like a garden party a fair few times because it just works for better understand our potential and permission here. Hope you are feeling well in these last days. ✨🧜‍♀️💫

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Kat River's avatar

Ah, I once saw it as a bustling cafe, but the garden party brings about the lighthearted fun of this space too, laced with beauty. Thank you for being such a wonderful holding point for what’s possible here xxx

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Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

It’s been a real space to grow into for me. I think if I’d have found it for my original mums project (Creativity Island for Mums) it would have flowed in a slightly different order but I’m feeling so full of grace with what has transpired! ✨🗝️

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Kat River's avatar

Do you still do that project? Sounds intriguing xx

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Claire Venus ✨'s avatar

I turned it into a journal but yeah the original workshops and resources are still available! ✨⭕️

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Naomi Connell's avatar

I love this! So beautifully and creatively articulated. You invited me in off the streets and in to the library. I’ve fallen in love with the space, the slow pace and the parts of myself I’m meeting here... and I think I’m ready to join the garden party.

Your writing is like soul food for me at the moment Kat. I’m finding so much resonance here in the stories you share, self reflection, inspiration and a swirling desire for creativity.

Thank you xx

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Kat River's avatar

I’m also loving that you feel so much resonance. Thank you for telling me

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Kat River's avatar

Ah this comment was so beautiful to read! Thank you! And yes come join the party! Haha

I find browsing the notes section to be an easy way to connect and find new writers and I’ve so enjoyed getting involved in “their” communities and comments etc too

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Naomi Connell's avatar

Amazing, I’ll scan my notes section and see where it leads me :)

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