Let me explain…
The Persian goes:
پارسال دوست، امسال آشنا
pârsâl dust, emsâl âshnâ
(Audio pronunciation below)
This is like the English “long time no see.” Leave it to Persian to put a poetic spin on it. You used to be friends, maybe even good friends. But now, you’re mere acquaintances. Sometimes, we even say pârsâl dust, emsâl gharibe, last year friends, this year strangers.
So here I am on Substack.
What is Substack? Truth be told, I’m still trying to sort that out myself. But so far, it seems like a friendlier place for my musings and more bite-sized Persian language lessons. Perhaps even a more private space to share some more personal thoughts because it lets me focus more on the writing as opposed to all the other tech and SEO stuff that I don’t care for and am not good at. And honestly, it gets a bit pricey keeping a website up, especially one that doesn’t generate any income. For now, I’ll keep it, but I’ll be posting here (and may eventually migrate permanently). As my aunt often says:
…ببینیم چی میشه
bebinim chi mishe… (Let’s see what happens/We’ll see)
Substack basically delivers posts straight to your inbox, so you don’t have to keep checking my website for updates. For you dedicated readers out there, I think it’ll be easier for you to read and stay up-to-date with what’s going on since you’ll get each post right in your email. In case you miss any, you can always find them here in the archives.
My newsletters were previously delivered on another platform. For the sake of transparency, I exported your email addresses here, and that’s why you’re getting this today. If this is not what you signed up for or you’re just not that into it anymore, feel free to unsubscribe. No hard feelings. You won’t hear from me again. (Unless you change your mind and come back!) I know I often sign up with the best of intentions, but then the inbox starts getting full, and I just need to clear the clutter. We’ve all been there.
In case this is exactly what you signed up for, I’m so glad you’re here and sticking around! There’s free and paid content on Substack. Until I figure out where I want to go with that, read for free! Paid subscriptions are always welcome and incredibly encouraging for me, especially if you feel that anything I’ve written in the past has been helpful. *The mere mention of this makes me uncomfortable- I come from a culture of taarof, after all.* But to be clear, I’ve always written because it brings me joy, and I will continue to do that.
(The only way I am capable of saying “joy” is to say it like Prince Akeem. If you don’t know, watch it here.)
Turning 10
This year, My Persian Corner turns 10 years old, and oh the places it has taken me! If only I had known. But I’ll tell that story a little later. What I want to say now is this. Even though it’s been nearly 10 years, writing doesn’t get any easier. I’m still terrified every time I want to post. Terrified of what, you ask? Of putting myself out there. Of people reading it. Of people not reading it. Of being judged. Of it not being of value. Of what I will write next. Of ideas running dry. Of not being able to keep up week after week. Of something I’ve written coming across in a way that I didn’t intend. #perfectionistproblems! I feel nauseated. My palms get sweaty. My heart beats faster. I read over what I’ve written 100 times. I chicken out. Leave it. Come back to it later. By then, too much self-doubt has insidiously crept in. بیخیال Bikhiâl (never mind), I won’t post it.
Then a burst of inspiration comes. Aaand POST! I hold my breath. Nothing. Did anyone read this? Disappointment. People are busy, it’s ok. And then out of the blue, a kind word. A sigh of relief. A snarky email. Serenity now!
Writing this now is reviving those emotions. Wow. Pârsâl dust, emsâl âshnâ.
So what’s new?
Well, for one thing, my Etsy Store! It’s fairly new, and I’m updating it frequently. For now, you can find cards, posters, and Persian language learning materials. Loads more to come soon! Got any requests? Let me know, and I’ll do my best if it’s something I think I’m able to do.
Thank you for taking the time to read. I’m so happy you are here.
Booses & Baghals,
Pontia
So glad to see you here !😁🙌🏼