Under My Fig Tree — Back In Print

October 28th, 2016  |   

Do I Care A Fig About My Readers?

You must think I don’t care a fig about you, my Notes From Under the Fig Tree readers. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’d come to that conclusion. The last time I posted and mailed an issue was last December, just before Christmas. And then, POOF, I disappeared from print.

That final issue ended with these words:

Up the stairs I go, climb into my familiar bed, pull up the comforter, prepared to slip into a swaddled sleep, praying for another day to search, along with the Magi, for what it means to be human in a world where Hellfire missiles do battle with angels.

Let me assure you that I did not pull a Rip Van Winkle. I’ve been awake and attentive to what’s going on in the world, close at hand and far away, in what’s called “real time.” Maybe I just needed a break from writing. Perhaps I needed to get up and walk away from my fig tree. Breaks and walk-away time often revitalize the spirit.

For over thirty years, I sat beneath the Biblically inspired image of a fig tree, and harvested a collection of insights and observations. Sharing them with my readers, the intent was always to solicit response from folks who took time to read what I wrote. Originally written for a church newsletter, Notes From Under the Fig Tree readership grew beyond the parish. It grew even larger with a web site.

So, my tree is still standing. It has been there during sunny days, and withstood stormy times, and so have I. Since even a tree’s days are numbered, as are mine, I intend to sit beneath its branches and get back to my writing. I am looking forward to doing that, with renewed energy, and hope my readers will read my words and stay in touch.

Here’s My New Plan

1-    Notes From Under the Fig Tree will be posted as many as three times a week, as well as on significant occasions.

2-    Each posting will attempt to be brief and timely, and will invite reader response.

3-    Readers will get the familiar e-mail notification each time I do a posting.

4-    As for my faithful readers who receive printed copies in the mail, I will offer them an opportunity to read Notes From Under the Fig Tree on the web site. If they do not have Internet capabilities, they will be offered a mailed monthly collection of writings.

5-    My Facebook page will continue to offer an opportunity to connect with my web site.

6-    Notes From Under the Fig Tree will continue to be free. Contributions, to help underwrite the publication, will always be appreciated, payable to “Jim Lewis” or through PayPal on the web site.

What’s Next?

This Sunday, October 30th, I will offer my first posting, utilizing this new format.

I’d love to hear from folks, some feedback, comments and reflections. I’ll be right here, back again under my fig tree, with my same e-mail address (ejlchas@aol.com).

Entry Filed under: A Fig Just Dropped Archives