I did not want to do this. When a clerical problem dropped the small checks I have been living on down close to zero, my first thought was to sell more paid subscriptions on Substack. And that worked well. But not quite well enough. It is still my first choice.

I don’t need a lot, but have had to admit that where I am now falls below “not much” and into “not enough to remain healthy.”

Three people I trust said I should just do this. Because the format is easy for people.

When I saw what was happening, my body slowed down almost to hibernation. I ate little and stayed in bed most of the time.

But my mental and creative abilities have been in overdrive. I am writing at a high level and have a created a free Zoom class on capitalism, oligarchy, and ecocide, starting on March 22.

I am planning on finally fixing my issue with Social Security so I can file. I am 66 and having that would change everything. But there are some issues as I have fallen through the cracks.

What I need are patrons of the art of writing…