I'll start! I'm Lou, a corporate escapee who's found a new passion in writing, asking questions, and dabbling in philosophy (small "p", philosophy in denim). I’ve lived all over — NYC, NJ, OH, MD, FL — and these days, I’m spending more time in the Philippines, where I was born before emigrating to the U.S. Oldest-of-the-old Gen X here. My Sharona, Whip It Good, and Don't Stop Believin' are time machines! What I'm unlearning these days: that busyness equals productivity and that slow is bad.
Oh, and I'm definitely working on defying that old saying about not teaching new tricks to old dogs... because you absolutely can! 🤗
Hi everyone - I'm Alex, from Salt Lake City, Utah. I was born and raised in Utah. Left, doing a "finding myself" phase of life before returning to Utah. I'm instantly transported back to teenage angst when I listen to anything Yellowcard related, but especially Ocean Avenue. Lots of old memories associated with that song :)
I'm currently unlearning that my value and worth is associated to my productivity :)
Hi Lou and everyone. My name is Matthew and I am a retired Navy Officer living in rural Tennessee. I spend my days reading, writing, walking my dog, and working in the garden. I went to high school in the early 90s so Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do" was my go to at the time. I am unlearning much of the bureaucratic nonsense I had to learn during my days working in government. Glad to be here.
Hi Lou. Here goes. I'm Cathy and I recently closed my 20 year leadership coaching practice to devote myself to writing full time. I am in year three of The Slow Sip, my Substack, where I support readers to create a world where less is more, slow is fast, failure is funny, and relief is just one slow sip away. I am a big fan of WAGO and all you do here, Lou, which is why I'll be featuring your work on my stack this Sunday! This very moment I am sitting in my writing perch overlooking Halifax Harbour, located in Nova Scotia on Canada's east coast. So let me date myself here by telling you that my teenage self is still hoping some boy will ask me to waltz to Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven. And the thing I'm unlearning at the moment is "Nexting," that irritating habit of always focusing on what's next instead of savoring what is right here, like this gorgeous view on a sunny May morning. Thanks for creating this space, Lou.
👋 Hello, everyone! I'm Dawna. I, too, have lived many places - CA, OH, CO, Germany, MD, NY (Upstate), MO, SC. Currently, my husband and I are nomads in the US.
Hmmm... Which one song? It would have to be something from Pat Benatar or Duran Duran.
What am I currently unlearning? That would be that "home" is attached to a place or even another person.
Ooh - you and I have to chat about home one of these days. That's one thing too that I'm having to learn/unlearn in the last couple of years! Sooo glad you're here Dawna.
I’m from New Jersey, grew up in PA and have also lived in DE and CA.
Here comes the sun, Beatles 1968 brings me back to the winter when childhood left me. Currently I’m trying to uncouple my self image from one of worth through productivity to one of discovery. It’s a process.
Hi, I'm Nancy. I am semi-retired and learning how to relax and just Be. Besides being a grandma, my other great joy is volunteering with the elderly. 👵 When I'm not doing either of those, I'm either hiking or trying to inspire more kindness here and everywhere. 💗
It's funny Nancy. I see your name, on Notes or in my inbox, and immediately, my brain sends a reminder. "Be Kind". Thank you for being that person for me! Cheers Nancy!
I'm Nimita, from Delhi, India. I was born and raised here, been here through school, college and law school. I'm a 5 yr old artist and a 15 yr old lawyer :) I run a law firm with 4 other Partners.
I used to fear water colours and now I can say I'm slowly becoming better at it. I have tried creating with oil pastels, acrylics, calligraphy, collages, brush pens, micron pens, pencil colours, crayons and sketching - I love trying out different art supplies and have learnt a lot through tutorials uploaded on Pinterest by artists. I haven't been officially trained as an artist which is both nerve wracking (at times) and exciting for me! I copy well ;) so I started there and now trying to create originals.
I joined Substack thinking I'll write prose/ essays/ longform however, I ended up composing poems :) I share my art through notes and sometimes with my posts.
I'm unlearning perfectionism and concept of me-time or self preservation being selfish.
Hi Nimita. I LOVE the idea of a 5 year old artist, existing along side a 15 year old lawyer. What a great way to describe the different selves in your life. I've been thinking about taking some kind of visual art program, maybe sketching? Not sure. If I do it, that would make me a newborn artist, I guess. Nice to meet you here.
Thanks Cathy! Art has been so rewarding! Happy to hear about you wanting to take it up, if you want some video tutorial references do let me know, I can share the ones I followed on Pinterest or YouTube. Lovely to meet you too :)
For an introduction to different kinds of arts, I highly recommend registering for the Workshop Week hosted by artist Becca Courtice of the Happy Ever Crafter (Calligraphy, cards, chalk and water colour lettering), the links are provided below:
Not overthinking it! (Hard for me!) Located in beautiful Bucks County, PA, USA.
American Pie - Don McLean - does the transporting for me.
Unlearning having to be busy and productive now that I am in my own business. I'm 4 years in and still unlearning after a lifetime of parents who were always busy and a 33+ consulting firm career where there was no 'downtime'.
Hi- so pleased to meet you! I’m Jane, and retired and not able to give up learning/ exploring, seeing what the next adventure will bring. A serial seeker, endlessly curious.
I’m a huge fan of WAGO. I’ve recently started a newsletter on Substack. an extension/expansion of writing on Medium mostly on aging and related topics (family and travel, mostly) . I’m part of the Crow’s Feet (Medium publication) podcast host/producer team. Home base is the Hudson Valley, NY. Looking forward to getting to know you.
Hi all. I’m Nicole. I’m an optometrist living in Johannesburg, South Africa. I’m almost 51 and decided not to let a good mid life crisis go to waste; so I studied health coaching (flying to London for graduation next week). I’m still trying to figure out what to do with it for now.
There are many songs that take me back but for some reason Billy Idol “white wedding” has just popped into my head.
I’m trying to unlearn that my core being does not need to be defined by my profession; and to stop wearing busyness as a badge of honour.
I love to travel and I’m also crazy about animals.
The 3 Ps in my life that keep me sane are: my pugs, pole dancing and pottery.
Currently living in my forever home, Los Angeles, for the last 20 years, with my hubby of 35 years. But also lived in WA & FL, both of which I seem to be allergic to.
SONGS that GenX-*transport* me:
VENUS (Bananarama),
BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG (Pretenders),
SWEET DREAMS (Eurythmics),
WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO (Wham),
YOU SPIN ME ROUND (Dead or Alive)
RASPBERRY BERET (Prince)
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF (Duran Duran), and
DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME (Simple Minds). -our anthem.
I'm a professional writer, working for a large studio, where my hubby also works.
Value emotional intelligence and empathy, logic and critical reasoning.
What I'm currently unlearning... productivity does not equal value, acceleration does not equal progress.
Not on Substack for monetization or guru advice, here to connect with individuals. 😊
Hi. Hi. Hi. I live in Portland, Oregon, but have recently been part of the large wave of people in the United States wondering if it's time to relocate...it would have to be someplace with lots of opportunities to be out in nature, because aside from writing, that's what I love best. My happy place is a meadow of wildflowers underneath a snow-covered mountain. The song that will instantly transport me back to college is Burning Down the House by the Talking Heads. Bad Moon Rising by Credence Clearwater does a pretty good job of sending me down memory lane as well.
As for what I'm currently unlearning? I am TRYING to unlearn the idea that I always have to be productive.
A meadow of wildflowers underneath a snow-covered mountain.... aagghh. I can just see it and want to be transported there, Kaarin! Burning Down the House! Wow, that takes me back for sure. I'm so happy you're part of the WAGO neighborhood. 🤗
Hi guys! I'm a podcaster and photographer. I'm a self proclaimed "age agitator" and "play instigator". I'm 57 and back on my roller skates learning how to roller dance. I am learning how to bring playfulness into everything I do and ready to stop wearing my busy life as a badge of honor. Quick side note: Lou was one of my very first guests on my podcast 5 years ago and I decided that I had to keep her in my life, so now, we're good friends. Lou is one of my "favorite people" and I love that she started this Town Center. (I guess I'm a little late to the party 😜) Any friend of Lou's is a friend of mine!
I'll start! I'm Lou, a corporate escapee who's found a new passion in writing, asking questions, and dabbling in philosophy (small "p", philosophy in denim). I’ve lived all over — NYC, NJ, OH, MD, FL — and these days, I’m spending more time in the Philippines, where I was born before emigrating to the U.S. Oldest-of-the-old Gen X here. My Sharona, Whip It Good, and Don't Stop Believin' are time machines! What I'm unlearning these days: that busyness equals productivity and that slow is bad.
Oh, and I'm definitely working on defying that old saying about not teaching new tricks to old dogs... because you absolutely can! 🤗
Hi everyone - I'm Alex, from Salt Lake City, Utah. I was born and raised in Utah. Left, doing a "finding myself" phase of life before returning to Utah. I'm instantly transported back to teenage angst when I listen to anything Yellowcard related, but especially Ocean Avenue. Lots of old memories associated with that song :)
I'm currently unlearning that my value and worth is associated to my productivity :)
You and I are unlearning something similar! I soo appreciate you being here Alex! Cheers 🤗
Thank you, Lou 🩵
Hi Lou and everyone. My name is Matthew and I am a retired Navy Officer living in rural Tennessee. I spend my days reading, writing, walking my dog, and working in the garden. I went to high school in the early 90s so Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do" was my go to at the time. I am unlearning much of the bureaucratic nonsense I had to learn during my days working in government. Glad to be here.
That song was on repeat in my boombox for a while 😊. Thank you for being here Matthew!
Hi Lou. Here goes. I'm Cathy and I recently closed my 20 year leadership coaching practice to devote myself to writing full time. I am in year three of The Slow Sip, my Substack, where I support readers to create a world where less is more, slow is fast, failure is funny, and relief is just one slow sip away. I am a big fan of WAGO and all you do here, Lou, which is why I'll be featuring your work on my stack this Sunday! This very moment I am sitting in my writing perch overlooking Halifax Harbour, located in Nova Scotia on Canada's east coast. So let me date myself here by telling you that my teenage self is still hoping some boy will ask me to waltz to Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven. And the thing I'm unlearning at the moment is "Nexting," that irritating habit of always focusing on what's next instead of savoring what is right here, like this gorgeous view on a sunny May morning. Thanks for creating this space, Lou.
I think I've said this to you before, but I'm sooooo jealous of your writing perch! Thank you so much for being here and for supporting me and WAGO 🤗
Oh, Nexting! I definitely want to unlearn that habit!
"Nexting"... going to remember that clever term...
👋 Hello, everyone! I'm Dawna. I, too, have lived many places - CA, OH, CO, Germany, MD, NY (Upstate), MO, SC. Currently, my husband and I are nomads in the US.
Hmmm... Which one song? It would have to be something from Pat Benatar or Duran Duran.
What am I currently unlearning? That would be that "home" is attached to a place or even another person.
Ooh - you and I have to chat about home one of these days. That's one thing too that I'm having to learn/unlearn in the last couple of years! Sooo glad you're here Dawna.
I would be happy to! 🥰 Happy to be part of your ever-growing community. ❤️
Hi Lou,
I’m from New Jersey, grew up in PA and have also lived in DE and CA.
Here comes the sun, Beatles 1968 brings me back to the winter when childhood left me. Currently I’m trying to uncouple my self image from one of worth through productivity to one of discovery. It’s a process.
Hi there, Teresa. So nice to see you here. You and I are working on unlearning similar things. Welcome to the wacky WAGO neighborhood.
Hi, I'm Nancy. I am semi-retired and learning how to relax and just Be. Besides being a grandma, my other great joy is volunteering with the elderly. 👵 When I'm not doing either of those, I'm either hiking or trying to inspire more kindness here and everywhere. 💗
It's funny Nancy. I see your name, on Notes or in my inbox, and immediately, my brain sends a reminder. "Be Kind". Thank you for being that person for me! Cheers Nancy!
That's the nicest compliment ever! Thank you! 🥰
Hi Lou,
This is a great idea, love this space.
I'm Nimita, from Delhi, India. I was born and raised here, been here through school, college and law school. I'm a 5 yr old artist and a 15 yr old lawyer :) I run a law firm with 4 other Partners.
I used to fear water colours and now I can say I'm slowly becoming better at it. I have tried creating with oil pastels, acrylics, calligraphy, collages, brush pens, micron pens, pencil colours, crayons and sketching - I love trying out different art supplies and have learnt a lot through tutorials uploaded on Pinterest by artists. I haven't been officially trained as an artist which is both nerve wracking (at times) and exciting for me! I copy well ;) so I started there and now trying to create originals.
I joined Substack thinking I'll write prose/ essays/ longform however, I ended up composing poems :) I share my art through notes and sometimes with my posts.
I'm unlearning perfectionism and concept of me-time or self preservation being selfish.
I'm so glad to be here. Hi everyone!
Welcome to the WAGO neighborhood, Nimita. I think you'll like it here! 😊 There's a whole bunch of us unlearning perfectionism too.
Hi Nimita. I LOVE the idea of a 5 year old artist, existing along side a 15 year old lawyer. What a great way to describe the different selves in your life. I've been thinking about taking some kind of visual art program, maybe sketching? Not sure. If I do it, that would make me a newborn artist, I guess. Nice to meet you here.
Thanks Cathy! Art has been so rewarding! Happy to hear about you wanting to take it up, if you want some video tutorial references do let me know, I can share the ones I followed on Pinterest or YouTube. Lovely to meet you too :)
I’d love that Nimita!
Will compile over the weekend and share with you.
Thank you, Nimita. And no rush. Whenever you have time.
Hi Cathy!
For an introduction to different kinds of arts, I highly recommend registering for the Workshop Week hosted by artist Becca Courtice of the Happy Ever Crafter (Calligraphy, cards, chalk and water colour lettering), the links are provided below:
https://www.workshopweek.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@TheHappyEverCrafter
Hope you have a lot of fun and are inspired by these and the artist links provided below:
1. Water colour Painting, Sketchbooks - Artist Ohn Mar Win (links provided below):
YOUTUBE
www.youtube.com/@OhnMarWinArt
PATREON
patreon.com/user/about?u=38641590
WEBSITE
artwithohnmarwin.com/home
INSTAGRAM
instagram.com/ohn_mar_win
2. Water Colour Paintings - de Winton Paper Co. (links provided below):
Website
dewintonpaperco.com
Facebook
facebook.com/dewintonpaperco
Instagram
instagram.com/dewintonpaperco
Pinterest
pinterest.co.uk/dewintonpaperco
3. Sketchbook ideas - Creative Paula (links provided below):
Website
pacalart.com/shop
Instagram
instagram.com/bycreativepaula
www.youtube.com/@bycreativepaula
4. Sketchbook - Mira Byler
youtube.com/thatartsygirl?sub_confirmation=1
ART SHOP
mirabyler.com
Instagram
instagram.com/mirabyler
Twitter
twitter.com/mirabyler
RedBubble
redbubble.com/people/mirabyler/shop?asc=u
5. Water Colour Sketchbooks
Relevant Links
bio.site/rebelunicorncrafts
Website
rebelunicorncrafts.com
Instagram
instagram.com/rebelunicorncrafts
TikTok
tiktok.com/@rebelunicorncrafts
Amazon favorites
amazon.com/shop/rebelunicorncrafts
Facebook
facebook.com/pages/That-Artsy-Girl/1427818230829420?ref=hl
6. Pinterest App - Just type in 'Sketching' or 'Drawing' and you will find many boards under the heading with several video tutorials.
Have fun!
I’m a musician, tattooist, vegan cook and yoga addict. I write a lot about what goes on in my head, I think they are fun!!!
Welcome to the neighborhood Paolo
Not overthinking it! (Hard for me!) Located in beautiful Bucks County, PA, USA.
American Pie - Don McLean - does the transporting for me.
Unlearning having to be busy and productive now that I am in my own business. I'm 4 years in and still unlearning after a lifetime of parents who were always busy and a 33+ consulting firm career where there was no 'downtime'.
Sooo glad you made it to the Town Center, Paula! And I'm totally with you re: not having to be busy! 🤗
Hi- so pleased to meet you! I’m Jane, and retired and not able to give up learning/ exploring, seeing what the next adventure will bring. A serial seeker, endlessly curious.
I’m a huge fan of WAGO. I’ve recently started a newsletter on Substack. an extension/expansion of writing on Medium mostly on aging and related topics (family and travel, mostly) . I’m part of the Crow’s Feet (Medium publication) podcast host/producer team. Home base is the Hudson Valley, NY. Looking forward to getting to know you.
Serial Seeker! I love this….
Hi Jane. Welcome to the neighborhood! And wishing you all the best with your Substack too!
Hi all. I’m Nicole. I’m an optometrist living in Johannesburg, South Africa. I’m almost 51 and decided not to let a good mid life crisis go to waste; so I studied health coaching (flying to London for graduation next week). I’m still trying to figure out what to do with it for now.
There are many songs that take me back but for some reason Billy Idol “white wedding” has just popped into my head.
I’m trying to unlearn that my core being does not need to be defined by my profession; and to stop wearing busyness as a badge of honour.
I love to travel and I’m also crazy about animals.
The 3 Ps in my life that keep me sane are: my pugs, pole dancing and pottery.
It would be amazing if you could somehow combine all three P’s lol
Congratulations on finishing the program, Nicole! And I love your 3 Ps!
Hi Everyone, I'm Leo 😊.
Currently living in my forever home, Los Angeles, for the last 20 years, with my hubby of 35 years. But also lived in WA & FL, both of which I seem to be allergic to.
SONGS that GenX-*transport* me:
VENUS (Bananarama),
BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG (Pretenders),
SWEET DREAMS (Eurythmics),
WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO (Wham),
YOU SPIN ME ROUND (Dead or Alive)
RASPBERRY BERET (Prince)
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF (Duran Duran), and
DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME (Simple Minds). -our anthem.
I'm a professional writer, working for a large studio, where my hubby also works.
Value emotional intelligence and empathy, logic and critical reasoning.
What I'm currently unlearning... productivity does not equal value, acceleration does not equal progress.
Not on Substack for monetization or guru advice, here to connect with individuals. 😊
I LOVE all those songs! Don't You Forget About ME - definitely the anthem! 🤗
Hi. Hi. Hi. I live in Portland, Oregon, but have recently been part of the large wave of people in the United States wondering if it's time to relocate...it would have to be someplace with lots of opportunities to be out in nature, because aside from writing, that's what I love best. My happy place is a meadow of wildflowers underneath a snow-covered mountain. The song that will instantly transport me back to college is Burning Down the House by the Talking Heads. Bad Moon Rising by Credence Clearwater does a pretty good job of sending me down memory lane as well.
As for what I'm currently unlearning? I am TRYING to unlearn the idea that I always have to be productive.
A meadow of wildflowers underneath a snow-covered mountain.... aagghh. I can just see it and want to be transported there, Kaarin! Burning Down the House! Wow, that takes me back for sure. I'm so happy you're part of the WAGO neighborhood. 🤗
Love this!
Hi guys! I'm a podcaster and photographer. I'm a self proclaimed "age agitator" and "play instigator". I'm 57 and back on my roller skates learning how to roller dance. I am learning how to bring playfulness into everything I do and ready to stop wearing my busy life as a badge of honor. Quick side note: Lou was one of my very first guests on my podcast 5 years ago and I decided that I had to keep her in my life, so now, we're good friends. Lou is one of my "favorite people" and I love that she started this Town Center. (I guess I'm a little late to the party 😜) Any friend of Lou's is a friend of mine!
Love you much! Thank you for keeping me in your life! and for being part of WAGO! Keep playing 🤗
Yay playfulness, with a dash of silly and a heaping helping of dance like no one is watching!
Hello again! I’m still me. Commenting to boost engagement… if you are reading this, you are the recipients of internet hugs and psychic chocolate 🥰
I just now saw this. I so appreciate you, Leo.
Back at you, Lou! 🥰