245 Comments
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Mina Teijo's avatar

oh Patti, the way i feel you…

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Laura Fissinger's avatar

Hello dear human Patti - I want to thank you for just being yourself. And for all the creative beings you talked about in “Just Kids”. Because of that book, I’m now reading “The Basketball Diaries” by Jim Carroll (“People Who Died” is a favorite song), and “Queer” from William S. Burroughs.

Strange but true: their struggles remind me of the power of radical hope and love.

🌞

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Susan's avatar

We love you Patti, thank you for speaking the truth. You are the only person I know doing just that. Blessings.

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Addie Mahmassani's avatar

it is not lost on me that most of the times you are just saying hello and musing about what you’re reading and doing, you wind up calling out abuses of power and worrying about others 🤍 thank you for being the coolest ever patti 🦷

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Cate Salenger's avatar

Thanks so much, Robin. I created a little altar for her with her box of ashes, her collar and some paintings I did of her. A candle. The sweet cards I got. It helps. I light the candle every day and something about it is comforting in a way I never would have guessed. And yes, I'm painting again and doing a portrait of her.

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Julie York's avatar

I do write fiction in my spare time, however I think my stories are too long to put on Sub stack all at once. I have sent samples of my writing. I also do agree that those who are able to walk should do so. I know many people who have belittled me, and discouraged me from doing so. I live in a fairly safe neighborhood where I can take my walks during the day. Also, I love your e-mails.

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Sophie Leigh Fisher's avatar

Love you Patti Smith, thank you for being a beacon of light to me.

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Andrea Way's avatar

Hi Patti,

The first time I visited Japan was on a Far East trip with my mother that lasted 4 weeks. the trip was made through Saint John's Episcopal Church at Lafayette Square in Washington.

We began the adventure in Tokyo, Nara and Kyoto. then we went to Beijing, Xian, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, Then we travelled on to Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Then we returned to Tokyo.

Japan was the country that changed my life forever. the first day we went to a store in the Ginza where I bought a beautiful tea box made from a single piece of wood. Then we had lunch at a restaurant where we had a dish named Tempura Zen. Afterwards I knew that I would return someday, and I did.

When I arrived home, I went to my library and read all the books by Japanese authors, saw every Kurosawa film, and became a Zen student at Green Gulch Farm in California, where I formed a student/ teacher relationship with Norman Fischer, who was the Abbot at the time.

I went on to receive the precepts. Norman is also a poet and writer. You may like his work Patti!

I have loved your work ever since I saw you perform at the Cellar Door in Washington DC.

I have read all of your books, loving them all especially M Train.

I feel as though we are kindred spirits, and love seeing you almost every day.

Love, Andrea Way

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Alissa Obrien's avatar

I wanted to share something about your song Frederick. That song always comes to me at times when I need to let go of everything that holds me in a place of fear. It comes at me with intensity, urging me to let go of all that holds me back. It is a yearning for passion and the need for me to surrender to pure love. I found myself once more needing to let go of all what has been keeping me constricted. The fear came back but so did your song… I feel that yearning again for passion for life, and the reason why I started a Substack page. I want to share the passion I feel for the art I create. Thank you for creating such a powerful and meaningful song❤️.

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Graeme Outerbridge's avatar

Heah Smithy..you like Japanese Books....try..The Guest Cat^^

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Andy Ulrich's avatar

Respectfully, there's a wide split in this country and one side is pulling it down. One side is fascist and the other is not. I respect all artists getting involved with politics but I disagree with the same sidderism.

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Karen Starr's avatar

I always look forward to your posts, Patti. A few minutes of sane reflection and kindness. Thank you.

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tif's avatar

Thank you Patti. I totally agree we dont

need a parade. The American people are hurting. The world is hurting.

I love thar you recommend books.

Thank you

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Alison O's avatar

I ate 7 eclair toffees while watching your video!!😬Where do you like to read when you are at home in NY?

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MAntis Lew's avatar

Wow- it's always awesome to see u on here! I always keep your performances of GLORIA and HORSES that drew me to your arts and music! ✌️

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Lisa A's avatar

Dear Patti, Hello and always so nice to see you. Gosh you are right about the children of this world. I pray for them everyday and for the world's political leaders to gain some compassion and empathy.....if possible....it must be in there somewhere for them. I think most in the military would agree to not spend money on a parade and give it to those who suffer with PTSD, and so many other illnesses, housing, food. It boggles my mind how we are in the state we are in here in this country. Walking is a must. In the city, by the beach, in the woods... wherever your feet take you....Much love to you and our little community.

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