Flow & Voice: a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey.
My mom has settled into her final resting place, a beautiful, marble-encased columbarium niche at our local church. Writer Joan Didion's ashes are across the way, former Mayor David Dinkins is around the corner, and in between them, many other beautiful souls who called the Upper West Side their home and wanted to have their eternal rest in the enchanting Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
It's a beautiful church, and we had a small, intimate service where poetry, remembrances, and art were discussed and given deference. I felt the weight of her ashes in my hand as I placed her in the niche. Honestly, I don't think of her as being in those ashes, though. She seems to reside in me now.
I feel her presence so strongly. She's in my hands, my bones, and all around in the trees I see. She's in my favorite cup of coffee, by the book on my nightstand, within those jazz notes playing on the radio. She is everywhere, and always with me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
But my family and I did say our goodbyes. We made tributes, and we attended to our hearts' gladness and sadness. Mostly, we felt grateful to have known her and honored that she was chosen for us.
Today's episode is about giving without expecting anything in return. Something my mom was exceptionally good at. I've been lucky to be surrounded by people who give in this way. Giving without expectation – that's lesson four in my 10-part series called "What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.”
Check out episode #67 and find out about the lovely ripple effect your giving has on the world.
This Month on Let the Verse Flow
Episode 67: Giving Without Expectation – Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 4)
Episode 66: Take Notice of Little, Beautiful Things — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 3)
🎙️Behind the Mic
Everyone has a unique vocal style, one that helps set you apart in the voiceover industry. As I continue to develop my audiobook narration skills, I look for books to practice with (and audition for) that resonate with my vocal quality.
I surveyed my listeners, friends, and colleagues in the voiceover industry, and here's how they described my voice:
Do you agree? Hit reply and let me know if you hear those qualities in my voice. Then, share your favorite book or audiobook title with me!
📖 Worth Exploring (Hand-Picked Resources)
#1 Mary Oliver's In Blackwater Woods
This was the poem I recited at my mom's committal service. Through Oliver, I said I would let my mom go. I would let her physical presence go. What I hold on to now is her embodied spirit – it lives in my body, my heart, and my soul. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, soul to soul...
T.
#2 A Stone-on-Stone Church
What does it take to build one of the sixth-largest church buildings in the world on a hill in NYC in the 1900s? For all my history buffs, here's a fascinating video on the making of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Within walking distance of my house, it is a magical place of solace.
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Let the Verse Flow (and its companion newsletter Flow & Voice) is a creative project created with love by writer, podcast host, and narrator Jill Hodge. If you subscribe today, you'll have full access to the website and newsletter, including articles, podcast episodes, and the Flow & Voice monthly note. Members are vital to building a rich community of diverse voices. Join us by subscribing today; consider a paid subscription to support Jill's work. Thank you!
