This is a really charming interaction - I hope Jasper carries it with him no matter where he goes. Loved hearing about the West Wing visit to the West Wing too. In light of what's happened on the other side of the building since you wrote this, I wonder if the show could even exist in today's world, as desperately as it might be needed.
What a meaningful gift you gave Jasper -- nurturing his career dream and reinforcing the value of political volunteering. Way to elevate a brief, random encounter into a spark that may last a lifetime . . . because "make believein' is hard alone, out here on [his] own."
Very interesting. I'm sort of sitting on the stoop in the twilight of my years. When I meet someone who says they want to peruse the arts -- any of them -- I encourage them. I tell them if you don't at least try, you'll never know and it will haunt you forever. I never made anything of myself, but I never stopped dreaming. Once I found Substack, I knew I could make something of myself, and be something to myself. So it's never too late. I chased my dreams and finally caught up to them. Now, I write long novella length stories and don't care if people read them or not. I write for myself. And I'm damned good at it. It's great to see that people still have dreams like that kid. No one ever encouraged me like that when I was younger, except for my parents, but who ever listens to their parents?
Your essays are wonderful. I look forward to them like I look forward to conversing with a good friend. I love the stories behind the episodes and the weaving in of insights to your current life. You are not only a wonderful actress/performer but a beautiful writer. Keep the essays coming, please.
Wait I think this is my favorite essay so far! So real and so much depth for the moment you shared. Love this so much. Happiest of Sundays to you Janel.
The visit to the Bush White House seems quaint now; was there actually a time when you could have some respect for others whose politics were different?
A large part of my fascination with your writing is learning about a life so different from mine. Besides being dumbfounded by educated people condoning things going on today, there aren't many similarities. Back in the day, I didn't even get a part in my 6th grade play. But a couple of things strike me as great about a life like yours, however imperfect the life of an actor may be. One, the legacy you leave. Within moments, I can see 30ish Donna sassing Josh. Two, the ability to affect and inspire the lives of others. Just ask Jasper. Or Allison White.
I had a similar thought about the lasting impact of Janel's heartfelt advice, Christine, and imagine Jasper may be inspired to pay it forward in wherever his career leads. A brief and potentially priceless front stoop conversation on a Sunday in Brooklyn.
This is a really charming interaction - I hope Jasper carries it with him no matter where he goes. Loved hearing about the West Wing visit to the West Wing too. In light of what's happened on the other side of the building since you wrote this, I wonder if the show could even exist in today's world, as desperately as it might be needed.
Janel, don't ever leave Substack. Your essays are a light in my life.
Thank you! Writing is hard so we’ll see!! Haha
A wonderful piece. I can imagine Jasper watching the West Wing and being amazed that he got to chat with Donna.
If he watches it!!
I’m not crying. YOU’RE crying.
This is just amazing. It really screamed the hope of Donna. I loved every second of reading this essay.
Thanks Mike:)
What a meaningful gift you gave Jasper -- nurturing his career dream and reinforcing the value of political volunteering. Way to elevate a brief, random encounter into a spark that may last a lifetime . . . because "make believein' is hard alone, out here on [his] own."
You inspire across generations, Janel.
Hilarious. Thanks Alan!
Very interesting. I'm sort of sitting on the stoop in the twilight of my years. When I meet someone who says they want to peruse the arts -- any of them -- I encourage them. I tell them if you don't at least try, you'll never know and it will haunt you forever. I never made anything of myself, but I never stopped dreaming. Once I found Substack, I knew I could make something of myself, and be something to myself. So it's never too late. I chased my dreams and finally caught up to them. Now, I write long novella length stories and don't care if people read them or not. I write for myself. And I'm damned good at it. It's great to see that people still have dreams like that kid. No one ever encouraged me like that when I was younger, except for my parents, but who ever listens to their parents?
Good for you Ben. Life is long I guess. Keep trying right?!
Amazing! Best thing I’ve read today! I’m so glad this young man ran into you!
I hope he isn’t horrified if he reads this!
Your essays are wonderful. I look forward to them like I look forward to conversing with a good friend. I love the stories behind the episodes and the weaving in of insights to your current life. You are not only a wonderful actress/performer but a beautiful writer. Keep the essays coming, please.
Hi Cathy. Thank you pal. ❤️
Wait I think this is my favorite essay so far! So real and so much depth for the moment you shared. Love this so much. Happiest of Sundays to you Janel.
I labored over this for some reason! Thank you!!
My most-admired too. A brief encounter that likely makes a lasting impression.
And I watch the West Wing every night because it gives me hope to watch all of you attempt to govern our country. Thank you, 26 years later
Thank you for reading!
The visit to the Bush White House seems quaint now; was there actually a time when you could have some respect for others whose politics were different?
A large part of my fascination with your writing is learning about a life so different from mine. Besides being dumbfounded by educated people condoning things going on today, there aren't many similarities. Back in the day, I didn't even get a part in my 6th grade play. But a couple of things strike me as great about a life like yours, however imperfect the life of an actor may be. One, the legacy you leave. Within moments, I can see 30ish Donna sassing Josh. Two, the ability to affect and inspire the lives of others. Just ask Jasper. Or Allison White.
This essay is some of your best work.
Thanks so much Mike. xx
“No!!” he said, excited. “Are you in that?”
I’m eating alone at a restaurant and that made me laugh out loud so much that people turned heads.
You’re weird why are you writing here hahah
I try to always leave a comment! And sometimes I side text 😂
THAT was delightful. It's been a good weekend for delight - thank you!!
Thank you Erin!
This pocket of hope was so beautiful to read the day after the No Kings protest. Thank you.
That was an amazing day!
lovely read and i’m sure he’ll remember ur advice forever, hopeful for zohran!
Thanks Christine!!!
I had a similar thought about the lasting impact of Janel's heartfelt advice, Christine, and imagine Jasper may be inspired to pay it forward in wherever his career leads. A brief and potentially priceless front stoop conversation on a Sunday in Brooklyn.
Sorry Alan that was meant for Christine hahah