Fragments
Inspired by artist Hiller Goodspeed. This is a part of the internet I come to share my thoughts...
( pardon the typo's they keep me human )
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spending ` $400 USD on website housing, decided to make this space more interesting, enough that people want to visit regularly and connect. so if you like this, share a screenshot with your friends, talk about it at the office, send a link to 1 person, leave a comment or email me . ha!
18.10.2925 | 9:45 am AST
it's my friend's first wellness day retreat today. I feel terrible, I can't go together, but the timing isn't right. it'll be beautiful. She just bought a property in the mountains. it's a vibe. I'll have a wellness day at home.
18.10.25 | 9:49 am AST
i don't know how i will keep up with this, it's a bit wored as i'm not always at my computer when thoughts come to me. i suppose i must keep a commonplace journal. save my thoughts and then share them here , when we meet for snapshots and stories creative friendship circle. I like the idea of less screen time + i need to get over my mobile phone addiction.
18.10.25 | 9:53 am AST
my puppies are becoming a nuisance, they ate piece of a chair, are chasing after the neighbours and overwhelm me at times. we need to house train them. this is getting tricky. did i mention, my old RAV4 broke down at Victor's supermarket yesterday - it keeps stalling.. can't afford to replace it until next year ( hopefully )
18.10.25 | 9:54 am AST
Jason spots a moon jelly drifting in rocky surf. It's huge, it could fit on his head like a hat. He says he's seen them that big twice before.
18.10.25 | 10:28am AST
How do we spend more time offline, while building on online community? Are online communities an illusion? What happens with the power goes? or there is no internet?
19.10.25 | 7:01 am AST
My frustration isn't the mission, itself, its with the instability and loneliness of holding everything up 'alone.' We need the structure of security and dignity at FNF. I'm mindful to move forward with fairer conditions for myself. Advice to whoever wants it , ASK: will this let me work with joy and stability instead of being in survival mode?
19.10.25 | 2:21pm AST
A productive planning meeting at FNF.
19.10.25 | 5:10pm AST
It's such a wild mix of pain and joy, when you're chasing something that matters
19.10.25 | 6:17 pm AST
The best opportunities find you when you are still, no need to chase a thing.
19.10.25 | 6:19 pm AST
I went to visit an elder family member in my village today ( a second, maybe third cousin - i think) we spoke about his life growing up, family, his talent for boat building and love of fishing and the sea. We laughed, and commiserated too. It was a good vibe.
20.10.25 | 11:24 am AST ( Lower Friths, Salem)
If you haven't downloaded Jason's zine as yet, you should. it's precious.
22.10.25 | 7:17am AST
I'm invested in strengthening my creative brain and it's paying small dividends.
22.10.25 | 7:32am AST
Today, I'm aiming to complete the final report/recommendations on the technical consulting work for the Montserrat Tourism Authority. Purpose and Meaning are my focus. The world needs more people coming together to support one another, and care for nature - rather than (over) consumption.
22.10.25 | 7:34 AST
Doodling, asking myself can I draw the things that make me smile each day.
22.10.25 | 7:48 pm AST
Within two month of writing on substack a total stranger paid me, $125 for writing for the year. I am eternally grateful. it was the push I needed to not give up + the money was a lifeline at the time. To support my writing a person has to be bothered enough to pay close attention.
22.10.25 | 8:15 pm AST
My new neighbors are from the USA. They sold their home after the 2024 election and bought the house across the street. They now volunteer with Fish 'N Fins Inc. They are super amazing humans and a blessing in my life.
22.10.25 | 8:22pm AST
Thinking about Christmas and what I can make for the folks I hold dear.
22.10.25 | 8:45pm AST
10 years+ as a non-profit founder of a small but mighty marine conservation org in a tiny volcanic island. I feel it in my bones . The epic effort has taken its toll. Why? Because I said, diet, healthcare, can wait until I figure out our revenue stream, improve capacity, and strengthen our team, and figure out my son's education, online schooling, and a support system.
23.10.25 | 7:10am AST
If I could train myself to swim, I can train myself to draw, and if I can train myself to draw, I can train myself off my sugar addiction and loose 50lbs in 12 months. Let's do this!
23.10.25 | 7:22am AST
At 10 years into this non profit work, I felt I was gonna fall flat my face with exhaustion; breathless with frustration. The team told me today , well we are just getting this thing started! I need a tonic.
23.10.25 | 7:32 am AST
Please go check out Jason's zine it's cool stuff; at least I think so.
23.10.25 | 10:00 am AST
Practicing drawing and water colouring. The spotted eagle rays are easy to draw. But my lines are very messy- maybe that's just my style. Embracing it, instead of trying to fix it.
23.10.25 | 5:33 pm AST
I walk barefoot everyday, at home and in my neighborhood. Nothing about grounding myself. It's just how I go about my days. Simple.
23.10.25 | 5:40 pm AST
A few years ago, I took my primary school friend, Jocelyn Mercer <3 on a tour of the most mystical coastlines of our island. She captured this epic photo. It was her first revisiting the island since we were kids, before the volcano times.
23.10.25 | 7:11 pm AST
Tonight, as Hurricane Melissa approaches our friend and family in Jamaica, expected
to impact the island for 2/3 days, the whole Caribbean is locked in, sending prayers
and best wishes. This is going to be scary.
25.10.25 | 9:56 pm AST
Well, I just tried sketching out the concept for the Halloween zine, I want to make and it looked so terrible. It's so hard when you a vision in your head but you struggle to put it on paper.
24.10.25 | 2:15pm AST
Water babies Nibbles and Shadow are playing in the rain puddle.
24.10.25 | 2:20pm AST
Sometimes you really have to laugh at yourself.
24.10.25 | 3:10pm AST
Real story. I’ve realised that news of natural disasters triggers PTSD. I think I’ve got serious climate anxiety. I’m not anxious, worried or scared about what might be, as much as I’m triggered about what is. When a Category 5 storm hits the Caribbean, I’m glued to the news. I’m scrolling social media nonstop. I get a headache…I lose focus…then folks start recounting their stories, their experiences; near death, major losses, they start sharing the lessons they've learned, like wear shoes in case you have to run from your home, there’ll be nails and pieces of galvanized on the ground. If you live in a flood-prone area, keep a life vest with you; also consider keeping a helmet nearby. When I experienced volcanic eruptions, stones were raining from the sky. It’s wild out here, and not even the strongest will survive. This is what the front line of climate change feels like. I hope you understand.
26.10.25 | 8:12 pm AST
Ask directly for what you need.
27.10.25 | 6:50 am AST
Greet the world, and share your story.
27.10.25 | 7:02 am AST
My investment of volunteer hours and expertise is both generous and vital to our shared goals, but sustainable, impactful work also deserves fair recognition and support, including compensation.
31.10.25 | 7:11 am AST
30 day challenge - " journalling in public." It was free therapy and an invitation to create + tell your story. Thanks to everyone who followed me, subscribed and recommended my newsletter - snapshots and stories. A HUGE THANK YOU! I've got a gift for you...coming soon **
1.11.25 | 8:05 pm AST
Laurie Maves Guglielmi says : keep connecting and keep bothering to know each other. Good advice!
1:11:25 | 8:15pm AST.
Share your story. Often. Last month, I did that, and in case you missed it, here's the receipt.
2.11.25 | no time.
What EXACTLY is your dream?
3.11.25 | 7:15pm AST
I once owned and managed a sustainable seafood restaurant in Montserrat. It wasn’t planned nor did I ever dream I would do such a thing. It was an effort to keep my non-profit going ( long story). I was working to generate a regular income , that did not rely on grants. It looked great, it was a fun times for many, but I didn’t make any money for myself. I personally lost USD $20k and USD $100k went back into the community.
But what matters most is how each step we take gives others permission to believe in, and go after, their own dreams, no matter where the journey leads, because making the most of our one life inspires others to do the same.
I realised along my journey, most of us can't answer this simple question. What is your dream?
And even when we think we do it’s so easy to go off mission.
Do you "have" a dream? Are you "following" your dream?
I think we should talk more about our dreams, passion, and purpose and ask ourselves these questions.
Snapshots of the AQUA SeafoodBar -another chapter of my story. (2017-2018) #Followyourdreams #Livethelifeyouwant
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I was searching for a particular zinester and stumbled into the most racist writing against black people I’ve ever seen in my life. Cringeworthy. Substack algorithm - please can you never brings that crap back into my feed. Sigh. SMH. This is why I had no business on the internet first thing in the morning. I’ve got emails to send, my newsletter to write, a proposal to write… should’ve walked to the beach. A reminder to focus on my ecosystem.6.55am AST | 03.11.2025
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I was just simmering in how wholesome my Substack feed is, and then I took a wrong turn. Moments like this make me want to embrace my website more and mind my business. Positively - I’ve been making my own feed and i love it.
7:16am AST | 03.11.25
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Since my Halloween zine mashup I lost a bit of confidence. Today, I’m trying to build back my confidence by drawing in my homemade trash zine. 2:52 pm AST | 03.11.2025
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Environmental Voices from the Caribbean. I’m happy to have contributed to An Anthology by Mr.Clish Gittens and Dr. Crystal Drakes of Barbados. Beyond the Beach is a book of stories from the shorelines of Barbados & islands beyond. I just picked up my copy from the post office.5 Nov
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What a day! Communication. Collaboration. Community. Complicated. 6 Nov
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Today was tough, I need to read a few more paragraphs of my piece,” Just Blue Economy,” from the anthology Beyond the Beach LIVE to feel a bit better and get out of bed. Stay tuned.6 Nov
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I have 70 lovely subscribers. They don’t always comment but they read my stuff and they’ve stayed for the journey this year. I’m quite content. 🙏🏽 Help me get to 100 lovely subscribers by Christmas. That would be a wonderful gift! 6 Nov
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I used to daydream that one day I could operate a deep-sea remote underwater vehicle. It’s fun to daydream and make drawings about your dreams. 6 Nov
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Today I did another impromptu LIVE reading of a published essay “ Just Blue Economy.” This time I sat on my moms porch and recorded myself. I told my mom there was no one watching, i’m literally talking to myself . She found this hilarious. Mom gave me some cooked food to bring home and this is a look at the drive back to my house.https://youtu.be/-OutjR2cqrI?si=dyQ70x3NbG-AtcjE
6 Nov
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Errands day . Up early to work on my newsletter for an hour before hitting the town. 7 Nov
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7:44am | 7.11.2025 Sat at my small desk on a Stormy morning. Hoping for a rainy day ⛈️
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Not your ordinary zine/journal. I’ve got a gift coming out to my subscribers later today. “Invitation to Create 2026,” is designed for anyone who’s got big ideas, wild dreams, and wants a chill space to sketch, doodle, and figure out cool stuff about their year. Over the years, this zine/journal became my constant companion:helping me plan projects,write consulting decks and talks,document conservation wins,and rediscover play through mini zines and creative journaling.Whenever the work felt impossible, it kept me grounded, grateful, and curious; a reminder to create without pressure or deadlines.Now, I’m passing it on to you. Stay tune…
7 Nov
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See you later at 5pm AST. I’ll be doing my another LIVE reading of my essay, “ Just Blue Economy,” published in a new Anthology called “ Beyond the Beach,” by Clish Gittens and Dr. Chrystal Drakes of Barbados. You can purchase the book here: https://www.beyondthebeachbb.com/product-page/beyond-the-beach-hard-cover7 Nov
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I'm human . The dogs were fighting inside my house and the wind was blowing heavily ; the electricity was on and off, but I was LIVE doing my essay reading so I stuck with it. Sometimes we are going to create some dodgy stuff but it’s ok, it’s all part of the process. That whole Substack live today felt like one big blooper! 7 Nov
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Website Stats ( October). I had 81 new visitors to my website + 88%! Following @Seth Werkheiser’s advice has been helping a lot. The most popular post that people viewed was on my blog. “ 5 Ways to Ignite Change in Conservation Funding and Leadership.” Saving this so I can schedule it into my Substack LIVE essay reading - now happening daily at 5 pm AST. 07.11.25 | 6:39 pm AST
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How much is enough? Took me ages to write a newsletter post. When I was finally happy enough with it, and pressed publish. I realised it’s 2 or 3 posts in one.Hmm, now I want to edit it again, and post twice in one day ( because it was actually 3 or 4 posts before the final edit - pre:publishing that is 🤔) but I won’t overwhelm your inboxes. I’m just trying to find my groove; getting there slowly. Be kind to me and go read my post :)) 9:01am AST | Sat 8 Nov | ☀️ Weedwacker noise in the background.
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Put yourself out there; share your stories. Join me daily at 5:00-5:30 p.m. AST (Substack Live) as I unpack the ideas behind my favourite essays/newsletters. https://vetawade.substack.com/p/live-essay-reading-on-substack-daily
7 Nov!!
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Behind the scenes of my live. 5 dogs came charging at me, then they headed for the road. Jason came home and tried to get them under control. They nearly knocked over my tripod. The puppies are too much. Overwhelmed.5:49pm AST | 8 Nov 2025 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶😫😥
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Fill your world with real life, so when you do get online it just enhances the stories you share. Join me at 5pm AST for my live “ Invitation to Create.” 9 Nov
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Ask me anything. If you’re an environmental artist aiming to bring new perspective or deeper meaning to your work, I’d love to support your creative journey,with practical insights, opportunities for collaboration, or a fresh round of creative brainstorming. If this resonates, feel free to reply or reach out, I’m always happy to connect and share ideas. www.vetawade.com/askmeanything. Or catch me live at 5pm this week. 11.11.25 |
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If you are an environmental artist - you should visit Montserrat. I will be your personal guide and you can stay at my beach house. Take a glimpse ..https://youtube.com/shorts/00bzB46fnjI?si=NlHENBVviwxUB73F
11.11.25
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My friend this morning : You’ve carried this [ wwwaquafishnfins.com ] so long on sheer passion and grit, but no one can sustain that without a base income.Me: Today I’m going to ask everyone I know to take up my Ask Me Anything Offer. www.vetawade.com/askmeanything
1.11.25 |
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Want to collaborate?? If you or your network are working in sustainability, communications, or community-based conservation, I’d love to connect. I currently collaborate with individuals and organizations by by:• Designing and managing field projects that deliver measurable, lasting impact• Producing local impact stories and creative content from the Caribbean• Advising on authentic, equitable partnerships in ocean and climate work. I work remotely from Montserrat . www.vetawade.com
11.11.25
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You’ve got to be creative. When you can’t get verified because your island isn’t on the list of countries. Can’t use modern digital banking options because your island doesn’t qualify. For no other reason but our small size and geographic location. If you want to support my writing you have to donate to PayPal : https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=JK3M9J95AMG8L&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Even so I can’t draw down funds until I get back to the UK, sometime in the future. We have no choice but to be creative. 11.11.25 |
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LinkedIn newsletter is full of glitches. Though I got 300 followers there quickly , I can’t build authentic relationships with them. It’s difficult to speak to them personally, the platform is not user friendly. I’ve asked my subscribers to come over here to Substack. Let’s see who likes me enough to be bothered to do that. 11:20am | 12.11.2025. 😣 Tired already. Today is turning into a very busy day.
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Careers are overrated. Finding identity, purpose and peace + a balanced life is the future. 12.11.25
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Daily Substack lives are teaching me a lot. I’m understanding more about myself and my audience, a tiny audience for now. Although my stories are based around ocean science and I share nuggets for early career professionals.. you know who I realised would find this useful … seekers, dreamers and anyone ready to rise above limitation.7:17 pm | 12.11.25 🌚✨a good and productive day is ending. #Ahamoment
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Gratitude. I appreciate my penpals here who comment on my post share their thoughts or life experiences. I learn from you all. I appreciate your connection 🙏🏽8:53 am | 13.11.2025 ☀️ washing the dishes, about to have breakfast.——What have you been learning this week? I’ve been leaning into putting myself out there, sharing my story and doing that on my own terms this week. Every day this week! Today is the last of my daily Substack lives. Please help me celebrate at 5pm AST, by joining the live. Let’s connect!
https://open.substack.com/live-stream/78028?r=2v4uny&utm_medium=ios
My next newsletter will share all of what I learned in the process.
14.11.25
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🥳🎉Free up Friday on my live today! I think I need to do a sound check. Bring your music , juice, wine…let’s dance, chat or work on your art piece you’ve be meaning to finish this week.What’s on your playlist? Mine is a mixup but it’s fun! 5pm AST14.11.25—-Guys you should’ve been there . Feel Good Friday Live was a whole vibe imo 🩵✨ Have a super weekend !!!14.11.25
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There is a difference. I keep saying thanks for subscribing to my Substack but I should say, thanks for subscribing to my newsletter. 15.11.25—-We are all connected. This time last year, I was scuba diving the giant ocean tank at New England Aquarium, Boston . Here I was rubbing the carapace ( shell ) of this loggerhead turtle when the other loggerhead came bumping up on my leg - she was like what are you doing in my little cave ?! I swiftly got out of her way. Safety warning ⚠️ Never attempt to touch a turtle in the wild - they have a powerful flipper slap and bite. 15.11.25
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For you: the seekers, dreamers and anyone ready to rise above limitation.🎥 Me scuba diving at New England Aquarium, Boston, Big Ocean Tank.(2024)15 Nov 25
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Wrote a poem to Beth today. One of the most extraordinary beings I know.15.11.25
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Sit with the loss and create something new with the pieces. The puppies ate the last 4 pages of the handmade trash zine I’d been creating for the past few months. I was so sad. Ezra and I picked up the pieces and made something even more special, with a mix of happy photos. Just like that , a cool little collaboration with my son began. 17.11.25
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Email newsletter typos are training my ego. After I press publish these typos start running all over my computer screen. My heart sinks; ugh the enbarassment and self -criticism. But then, I remind myself that I’m not here to show off a perfect process. I’m inviting you into the real story, messy and human. 18.11.25
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I’d love your help telling my story. Subscribing or pledging to my newsletter makes it possible. Parts of my life have been out there, TV, Nat Geo, podcasts, documentaries, blogs like Hakai Magazine and Scientific American. But honestly? The version that feels most honest, my real story, hasn’t been shared yet. I want to show you what it looks like through my own lens, my heart and consciousness. That attached video? That’s when my journey met the ocean. If you sign up , to snapshots and stories you’ll help me put the fragments of my story together. Every subscription helps for real!
https://youtu.be/AJcKB5DYyl0?si=BLpD7aVtDWuDz256
9.11.25
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Today was a tough day, but I had some really positive and hopeful conversations. And now I’m sharing a doodle of a green parrot that shows up in my royal palm tree every now and again. 19 Nov 25
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To the 22 people who open my newsletters every time! Thank you! You help keep me going. Love you all ! From my noisy home in Montserrat19.11.25—-I think science is broken, and it nearly broke me. Science has achieved many good things, but when I decided to get more involved, I realized it made me sick. It isn’t fair to women, and it’s unsupportive to moms. I’ve noticed that technocrats rarely read scientific research papers, local communities don’t trust scientists, and there’s not enough clarity, transparency or appropriate/impactful communication , hence alot of suspicion towards science and those involved in this sector. I was tired of waiting for others to provide a seat at the planning table—so I built my own instead. Oh man, I gained weight, got more grey hair, and lost lots of time with my family. I nearly destroyed myself trying to fit into a broken system. I hurt myself a lot.Later, I thought I could work with people who are trying to fix things, but there hasn’t been enough support for me to do that. I hurt myself even more, and people hurt me too.Now, I believe care and wellbeing should drive progress. I’m making conscious decisions to only work with teams that share these values, while I focus on healing myself. There are many things I could unpack from this note. In tomorrow’s newsletter, I’ll begin a series on the topic: “Is Science Broken?”. You tell me.20.11.25
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Enjoying making doodle portraits of imaginary and familiar faces. I wonder if I keep doodling every day what I’d be able to create?! 20.11.25
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How do you see the future of science, for communities, kids, and the planet? I’d love to hear what you imagine.21.11.25
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We are days away from the end of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. I’m celebrating with cardboard and paint. 21.11.25 | 8:47am AST🌤️ Errands day
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It’s starting to look like Christmas around here! One of our internet providers had their office fully decorated for the season and this was pleasant surprise. I thought I’d even take a selfie. Christmas is our favourite time of year!! May all of your New Year dreams come true 💝21.11.25
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The way old white men used to do science can’t be the way young women are expected to do science. My last newsletter invites you to consider being part of a solution.While we are figuring things out, let’s embrace the changes and flow with happiness ! 22.11.25
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I prefer real honest over smartStop pretending This work is hardWe are all figuring -ish outIt’s ok to be human It’s safe to say I don’t know This is a work-in-progressPatagonia’s latest impact report ( link below ) is an example we should follow. Speak truth! Sometimes the process is painful, cringe, messy, ugly, … but it’s progress. It’s the honest truth and some people need to hear it. Enjoy the aesthetics and mini masterclass in creative comms! https://www.patagonia.com/media/pdf/patagonia-progress-report-2025.pdf
8:04 am AST | 22 Nov 2025 🌤️
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I used to be so uber obsessed with the ocean. It was as if the ocean had become my child. I got swept up in it, forgetting my being needs time and space for other creative things. 9:02 am AST | 22 Nov 2025 🌤️
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Resetting my creative life. Mixed media , one line drawing. I added some finishes in the end. The Halloween mashup broke my confidence but this messy approach suits me fine. Trying to make it my own. Washed watercolour on the khadi handmade paper - experiment with an acrylic pens in the mix. I like how it came out. 22 Nov 25
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Resetting my creative life. Experimenting with one line drawings. I enjoy taking portraits of people , so using those photos as a guide but still the drawings tend to take on a look of their own. 22 Nov 25
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Show up for yourself. 23 Nov 25
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Document a chapter of your story. Getting to know you is important to me so I shared a little more about myself today. I don’t have all the answers about “starting over again ,” but I’m committed to being truthful and present. Here’s a link to today’s replay: https://vetawade.substack.com/p/starting-over-again?r=2v4uny&utm_medium=ios23 Nov 25— “starting over” is sometimes a recurring theme rather than a single event. Tell me about a time you had to start over. I would love to listen to/read your stories. 👂🏾23.1.25
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In this day and age, who talks for a whole hour - unedited, solo - about themselves and their life story, and actually gets anyone to listen for more than three minutes? I’m brave enough to do it. The ones who stick around to watch are definitely my people.🥰23.11.25
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Tell your story and watch the magic happen. You just never know what opportunity might show up in your inbox or how far and wide your brand might reach. One way I tell my story is through my website. http://www.vetawade.com. I’m building momentum on my website with 250 monthly visitors , up by 239% compared to last month. These visitors are coming direct and not from a search engine or social media. 23.11.25
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Think Local, Act Global. When you live on a tiny island with only 3,500 people, and your livelihood depends on connecting with clients and partners remotely, you have to be willing to tell goodat telling your story.23.11.25——-I need to read this again yes!
26 Nov 25
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I'm best with small groups (maybe 4) real talk, intentionality, bespoke experiences and long term collaborations.24.11.25
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Goodness Gracious! @Elaine Luther I just took an hour scrolling and re scrolling through notes to find your recommendations! I’m setting up to buy them for Xmas . This whole notes option is not very user friendly. 24.11.25
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As of today - I’m taking my art seriously. 7:03 am AST| 25.11.2025 🌅
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Truth be told - I deleted today’s live because I thought I looked awful 😢 (long story).Plus,My Lives need a plan/a strategy. I’ve been so happy just being myself and telling stories, but honestly, that only really works with a solid strategy. To design a good strategy means I need some more feedback from you . In fact , I welcome your feedback and comments on all my posts. It’s all helpful.Let’s comment more on each other’s post this week. 25.11.2025
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Be confident in yourself. In an AI world when avatars are hosting lives and making video content - being comfortable with all your imperfections is the magic sauce in building genuine , intimidate and authentic relationships. 25.11.25
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Holding on to possibilities when loosing everything. Choosing to see opportunities and reimagining a new future rather than sitting with grief and fear is how you rise above loosing everything.26.11.25
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Sometimes you might think sleep is the rest you need. But it’s not always the only kind of rest you need. Many people especially freelancers need the pressure removed from them.I wish there was a “community” set up where freelancers can take off a 3/6/12 month sabbatical. 26.11.25
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I wish @Substack would let solo lives be filmed in landscape , rather than strictly portrait. @substackteam if you are encouraging long videos to sync to YouTube why not optimize the look/format. I want my followers to enjoy more of my background pls. Thanks 26 Nov 25
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I own/built a beach house and I can actually stay there when I want to. So why don’t I? It’s on a public beach and it’s away from my son , pets and loves at home. But I will be staying there soon, so you don’t have to wonder what it is like. 27.11.25
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I didn’t build the original structure. I reimagined it. I created and redesigned this beach house as a community space, and now living and studio space on the bay. It’s a work-in-progress. 27.11.25
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My next post might be titled: My Beachhouse. Why I don’t come here often, and why I’m changing that.27.11.25
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Living creatively, for me, means treating my whole life like a studio: I redesigned a beach shack into a living and art space, turned sea trash into altars, and use a tiny volcanic island as a testing ground for new ways to live, work, and tell stories. None of it is polished, but all of it is alive.27.11.25
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Living creatively is letting your real life become the art project. 8:33am AST | 27.11.2025 ⛅️🌧️
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On my to do list this weekend: check out all my quiet cool subscribers , and see what they have been up to. What’s exciting them , what their world is like. These amazing humans who support my tiny newsletter, non viral posts are the real deal and I want them to know I’m grateful for their support and encouragement, it helps more than you know! 🥳✨🩵🙏🏽27.11.25
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Woke up thinking I’m speaking out loud but I’m not speaking the complete truth. About what conservation is to me, what it looks like from on the ground working with local community and international orgs. There is a whole lot of talk about capacity building in island when I don’t think most of these international orgs have a clue how to really work with us, how to collaborate equitably, how to strengthen capacity and even less of a clue of how to be a good allie. Or maybe they do and just don’t give a damn . Can’t be bothered , simply don’t know, are overwhelmed or too distracted to see the light. Maybe, I don’t speak the full truth because I’m scared you won’t listen, or care or be part of a solution - this solution. Maybe I’m scared that the same crap will keep happening , and nothing will really change. Join my live at 5pm AST. I’m going to speak some truths that have been on my mind this week. I’m not unhinged I’m just fed up. 7:25 am AST | 28. 11.25am ⛅️
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I feel like my newsletter has an identity crisis. This is probably because I don’t say exactly what I want to say, I’m too diplomatic and professional ( partly or mostly scared) - I also have multiple interests. But for my new followers- WELCOME 🤗 - Here I share my Climate frontline memoirs and DIY clubhouse experiments in Montserrat ( the tiny volcano island with c3500 people where I live ) real stories of ocean life, creativity, and community resilience you won’t see in the news.The tiny islands and people from them tend to get overlooked by algorithms and humans. So I try to show up more intentionally ( often outside of my comfort zone) and I hope you can slow down and be bothered enough to get to know me. 28.11.25
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If you are already following me: you already know that the way we work ( and live ) grinds people down, extracts care and creativity, and rarely makes room for the actual humans holding the broken system and leaky ship. If you are ( quietly ) looking for another way to live, work or even travel. I’m here, becoming more visible and inviting you to join me along this journey of designing another way. Better is possible and those of us who reimagine a brighter , more healthier, happier future - now is the time you need to listen to your body and DIY. It’s a lot easier when we have people around us who support each other, can provide orientation, language, companionship.28.11.25
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It’s ok to be grateful for the good stuff and know that some things are broken, making you unhappy, blocking your progress, taking up too much of your time, and wasting your good energy. You’re in a season of questioning, recalibrating, or rebuilding (or you secretly want to be), my newsletter is meant to be a kind, practical companion to that shift ( in real time) 28.11.25
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Substack is my ideas lab. It’s where I find space to figure things out with people who get it and hold space for me to do just that. Some folks are unbothered, and that’s okay too. Fewer eyes on me when I make a mess and my experiments blow up in my face. 🥰🧪🥼🥽🧫🔬28.11.25
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I won’t sugarcoat it. Life’s not always a beach. Sometimes you’ve got to acknowledge real struggle and good allies will too.I want you to see real examples of people living and working differently, so it doesn’t feel like your only options are to burn out or drop out. You’re allowed to be fed up and still keep going. You can let the frustration wash through, have some experiments blow up in your face, and still move closer to the life you actually want. Sometimes you’re already living parts of that life and don’t even realise it, because you’re still distracted by what the world says you ‘should’ be doing. How are you redesigning your life right now?Snapshot from yesterday. Let’s connect. Join me on a live sometime. 28.11.25
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Well said and structured insights. A moment of serendipity as your post dropped in my inbox before my live, “Fed up and still here.” What keeps me active and thriving is my creative life. https://substack.com/@vetawade/note/p-180170012?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2v4uny
28.11.25
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Big dreams in a small place. On an island of 3,500 1,500, you’re basically trying to run a regional/ global practice from what is, in audience terms, a tiny, tiny village, so the strategy has to be different.30.11.25
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Weekend recap ☀️ 29+30.11.25.This weekend, I pulled from all three shelves of my artsy life.Shelf 1: art. Shelf 2: ask me anything /guidance.Shelf 3: the ocean and environment. All of them got used and the vibes were alive! This week, is full on art studio mode. I hope to bring you along.What shelf of your creative life will you choose on purpose this week?
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A beautiful moment: kids playing ball in their village rather than choosing TikTok and gaming. 🩵30.11.25 | 3:29 pm ☀️ Lookout Village.
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Zonked, messy, fulfilled. This is what a full creative day looks like when your whole life is the art studio, not the side project.Photo: Flotsam and Jetsam + a tiny turtle art - proof that the sea has already delivered the materials. Now it’s on me to start making.
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Find joy in finding. 1 Dec 2025
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Another one line doodle 🩵This one is a portrait of my friend and carpenter, Zimbabwe. My son says I made him look like Wario 😄I didn’t mean too. Zim made a cameo in one or two of my newsletter posts- you might recognise him here: https://vetawade.substack.com/p/iguanas-eat-fry-chicken-wings?r=2v4uny&utm_medium=iosI love hanging out with Zim, we have a good laugh + we work super well together! 2 Dec 2025
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The impact of 1. In March, when I had fewer than 50 subscribers and no payments enabled, one stranger chose a top-tier sub and then went out of her way to send two separate donations to my PayPal so I could actually receive the support. She cared enough about the writing to find another route. Her support and generosity covered my nonprofit’s webhosting fee and even fed me on a trip while I waited for travel funds to land. That one person kept me writing this year, trusting small circles and the quiet, life-changing impact of one. 🙏🏽✨3.12.25
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Christmas card ideas. I want to make my photos and doodles into Christmas cards. Local printer doesn’t have photo paper but glossy card. Hmm 🤔 I think I want a matte card finish. If anyone has advice on what would look cool please let me know. 3.12.25
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November Stats: YAY!!! In Nov I got 14 new subscribers and 413 more reads 🥳Thank you for quietly reading my posts. #slowandsteady 3.12.25
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Wierdest thing I’ve done this year. Create a media series where I explore drains and sewage systems? After a while the pretty sea views, and “ tourist attractions,”! get boring to me. So I’m experimenting with the random conversations - that aren’t in the news. I’d love to know what you think about it. #Experimentalart 6:59 am AST | Dec 4, 2025 ☀️
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Top 3 things I secretly miss about living in the UK:- Same-day printing - All the fintech options - Wandering through art shops, art galleries and museums7:14 am AST | 4 December, 2025 ☀️
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intregrity and sensitivity. I’m figuring out how to express myself creatively and still enjoy doing environmental work, without losing people in the nuances of it all.+ I’m experimenting with a body of work that doesn’t fit neatly in “tourism promo” or “policy brief.” Folks might wonder, “What box is this?” I guess this is what creating a different kind of island storytelling is all about. 5:59 pm AST | 4 December 2025 🌕
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Experiments & Doing difficult things. Honouring nuance and learning how to shape it so others can hold it too . R&D at “Field Notes from an Island‑Sized Studio.”6:28pm AST | 4 December 2025 🌕
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Who else is building new ways of working / travelling that don’t fit old systems? I’m testing walks, films, and field notes as prototypes for creative environmental storytelling, and it’s energising. What bold experiment are you running right now? What’s lighting you up (or what’s the toughest part)? Comment below, subscribe, and let’s chat, inspire + motivate each other to keep prototyping. 🚀6:38pm | 4 December 2025 🌕
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Juvenile sea turtle surveying the next generation of Montserrat’s reefs, where volcanic stone becomes a nursery for new coral life. 📍The Clubhouse Backyard. @Aminus3 Photography prompt - “ scenic”
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Stories in the making. Finding purpose behind my doodles. What do I do with them?Doodle real people vs. imaginary characters?Just doodle more, a lot more.Tell your story, do it often, share it.8.12.25
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Little Bay doodle breaks. “ Nature Collection.” A reminder that making art can be as simple as a 5‑minute doodling between jobs. 9.12.25
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My little art gallery. Today’s office view. My pieces are made from pieces of wood repurposed from the clubhouse repairs and maintenance and washed ashore by the ocean. Each piece is on average 5 x 4 x 0.5 Montserrat has a high‑energy coastline, so during storms and rough seas the ocean washes ashore all kinds of things. There are shells, driftwoods, pieces of boats, rope, nets, plastic objects, even coral skeletons. These objects have “lived” in the ocean for months, sometimes years.They carry memories of the ocean inside them. I collect them while walking the beach or doing trash surveys or field work, then use them in my art. Each piece is a way of turning what the sea leaves behind into a small, tangible shoreline story.I put them out for the visitors of the big cruise ship that was in harbour today to find and purchase but no one did today. Though, I had a couple good conversations and one walk in booking for a weekend at the clubhouse. 10.12.25
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current situation: 2 guys taking photos at my little art gallery. I wonder if they will buy my art?? Only $10 USD 10.12.25
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I’ve got a gift for you! I don’t give solutions or lessons but I can give a little guidance through your invitation to create 2026 journal.It’s kept me focused while inspiring days of visioning, strategy, experimenting and creative comms in work and life.You can find a link to it on my website http://www.vetawade.com/publications or I’ll be gifting my free subscribers for the holidays. If you haven’t got one yet DM or drop a 🎄in the comments. 6:40 am AST | Dec 11,2025 ☁️
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These are the opening pages of your “Invitation to Create 2026” journal—a companion for artists and observant, thoughtful people who want structure without losing their intuition. These first pages introduce the experiment, share design + intent tips, and invite you to map your project, values, and ecosystem so your ideas have somewhere to landIf you’re looking for a journal that actually helps you plan and make, rather than just track tasks, this might be for you 🎄reply if you’d like the link.11.12.25
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Today’s office view. Gage’s Valley. St. George’s Hill, Montserrat.After the 1995 onset of Soufrière Hills volcanic activity, St George’s Hill and the old town area were buried or devastated by ash and pyroclastic flows, and the area was placed within the exclusion zone. Imaginging what the views into the capital city of Plymouth would’ve been pre-volcano and my mind is blown by how incredible, Pam and Percy Arthurton’s home view would’ve been. 12.12.25
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Found a home for some of the washed up buoys I’ve found over the years. The clubhouse back yard is looking cool. You can stumble on awesome pieces when doing coastal ups solo or as part of an existing program/ group.12.12.25
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Stop saying yes to work that drains you, and make space for opportunities thatcalm your nervous system that actually bring you joy, sustainability, financial security and spark your creativity.9:00 pm AST | 12 Dec 2025 🌚_________
Up since 1:30am. I felt sick. We got a call from our neighbour at 3am. Her dog took a turn for the worst. My partner went to dig Codie’s grave while they waited for the vet to arrive. They buried Codie an hour ago. I couldn’t go , it was too much sadness. Codie was a gentle giant. I can’t even believe he was so ill and yet so strong and pushing on through. Feeling it in my gut for my neighbour - she’s lost too many loved ones in the past 1-2 years. 13.12.25
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If you’ve missed me on here I’m good “For a week, I swapped my computer screen for working on the clubhouse, carrying only my iPhone and a running list of (big ) and small things I didn’t want to forget.“13.12.25
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I received the most special gift today from my fisher friend and mentor. A handmade Christmas wreath - old fishing nets, handmade lures, flotsam and jetsam ,; creativity is so much fun and I love it ! It’s now on my front door for the season. Most precious gift I’ve had in a long time! 6:26 pm | 17 December 2025 🌚🍃
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I’m finally learning to give time and energy only to the people, projects, and places that truly nourish me.And I’ve made a creative journal that can help you in similar ways. DM me if you want a copy of my invitation to create 2026 journal.We can work on it together or separately. Either way it’s sure to bring positive results. Recently it was so easy for me to say yes to a potential client because I’ve done the reflection, written stories, done the art and focused on my wellbeing. 18 Dec 2025
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Over the past 3 months, I’ve been saying no to work that didn’t align, so there’s room for one big yes that does. I’m trusting my gut on this one. 4:18pm AST | 18 December 2025 ☁️
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Tired of only hearing the sad volcano story? Same.I think I’m going to ask my guests to snap images of the weird and wonderful things they find on island - an only - in - Montserrat series. 19.12.25
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Co-designing some cool projects for 2026. Imagine if you had 300 years to rebuild a new island what would you do? Photo credit: Veta Wade 📍 East coast Montserrat looking at our volcano.19.12.25
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1 adult male green turtle spotted by local spearfisher - nature valley. 2 remoras attached. 9:30am AST | 19 Dec 2025.
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I’m here writing my 2025 wrap up newsletter and a gecko just shat on my notebook. 10:56p AST | 19 December 2025 🌚🎄______
