Patti Smith $7 / month

Patti Smith's Substack 'The reader is my notebook' offers deeply personal reflections, blending her daily experiences, travels, music appreciation, and memories of beloved companions like her cat Cairo. It serves as a diary, capturing her thoughts on art, relationships, places, and events, accompanied by poetic musings and photographs.

Personal Reflections Music and Art Travel Daily Life Literature Photography Pets and Animals Historical Figures Performances

The hottest Substack posts of Patti Smith

And their main takeaways

Hanging out with Lenny Kaye

14996 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Movies Poetry Friendship
  1. Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye enjoyed a day together in the city, reminiscing about past performances and exploring the neighborhood.
  2. They watched the movie Poor Things in an old-fashioned theater, appreciating the cinematography and performances.
  3. Their friendship spans over half a century, highlighting the value of long-lasting friendships.

A poem for Pollock

11871 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poem
  1. The post is a poem celebrating Jackson Pollock's birthday
  2. The poem pays homage to Pollock's art and spirit
  3. Readers are encouraged to support Patti Smith's work by subscribing

The Cup

7704 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The Cup is a meaningful gift from a friend
  2. The cup has a symbolic feature with pale blue crossed swords
  3. Patti Smith's work is reader-supported

Writing on the wall of heaven

10554 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Handwriting Art
  1. The author reflects on the joy of learning penmanship and practicing handwriting with dipping pens and ink in school.
  2. The author's dream was to write like the authors of the Declaration of Independence and copied it line by line at different points in their life.
  3. The post celebrates National Handwriting Day and mentions a meditation on the importance and beauty of handwriting.

Prophesy's lullaby

7527 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Biographies
  1. Patti Smith shares her daily activities and wishes readers a good night.
  2. She prepared cod, purple sweet potatoes, and micro greens for the evening meal.
  3. Patti Smith's publication is reader-supported, and readers can subscribe to support her work.
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A Time of Gifts

6387 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Visual art
  1. The post is the final installment of a series called The New Jerusalem
  2. The author discusses responding to difficult times with art, music, poetry, theater, dance, and film
  3. Patti Smith expresses appreciation for the engagement and shares an image of a youth with birds

To my Subscribers

8942 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art
  1. The author visited Naples to see the Sansevero Chapel.
  2. The author wanted to study the Veiled Christ sculpture for a story they are writing.
  3. The post is intended for paid subscribers only.

Experimental hello

25492 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Family Travel
  1. The writer shares a message from the airport, mentioning the struggle of buying coffee without a credit card.
  2. The writer reflects on the upcoming family gathering and the significance of significant events for them.
  3. The post ends with a wish for the readers to have a great day while considering the challenges faced by others.

Cairo Smith

28342 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Death Legacy Connection Love
  1. Cairo Smith was a unique and special cat who lived to nearly 22 years, showing unwavering love and courage.
  2. Cairo had a deep bond with Patti Smith, being her guardian, friend, and companion throughout their time together.
  3. Cairo's gentle and loving nature touched the lives of many, bringing comfort, affection, and joy to those around her.

A morning message

19458 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Loss Journey
  1. The author shares thoughts and emotions on a chilly autumn morning.
  2. The author reminisces about a beloved companion, Cairo, who has passed away.
  3. The author will continue to write and travel, sharing personal reflections along the way.

A love Supreme

18121 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music
  1. John Coltrane's music was a powerful force of love and creativity.
  2. For many, Coltrane symbolized spiritual seeking and artistic freedom in the 1960s.
  3. The impact of John Coltrane's music on individuals and their relationships is profound and lasting.

For my Subscribers

2299 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Visual Arts Poetry
  1. The post titled 'The New Jerusalem' by Patti Smith is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for a specific audience.
  2. The post delves into deep philosophical or spiritual themes, referencing biblical verses and provoking thought on the nature of time and existence.
  3. The content presented appears to be rich in imagery and poetry, inviting readers to explore complex concepts within the author's perspective.

A pictorial report

16411 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Writing
  1. Patti Smith shares a pictorial report on her recent journey
  2. She talks about her experiences in Paris and at the Rimbaud property
  3. Smith reflects on visiting the Reims Cathedral and lighting candles for her cat Cairo

Parma Return

13660 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature History Travel
  1. Patti Smith returned to Parma for a festival honoring Guiseppe Verdi and St. Francis.
  2. Loris Borghi, who previously presented an honorary doctorate to Patti Smith, passed away in 2018.
  3. Patti Smith's visit to Parma included exploring the town, sharing pictures, and a venue performance the next day.

Morning report

11871 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🎶 Music Live performance Music Artists Music Events
  1. Patti Smith had a great show in Cincinnati with The National's Homecoming.
  2. She sang 'I Need My Girl' with The National's singer and got a cool hoodie from Dave Willis.
  3. Packing her things, Patti Smith is off to Washington D.C., with Michael Stipe and The Walkman members making appearances.

Avedon 100

11910 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Exhibition
  1. Patti Smith shares pictures from the Avedon 100 show
  2. The show featured portraits of old friends and Samuel Beckett
  3. Smith is looking forward to the upcoming Smithposium event

Vermeer

11792 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibition Painter Inspiration Creativity
  1. Vermeer's exhibition featured 28 of his 37 known works in one space.
  2. Vermeer faced financial struggles and only sold two paintings a year.
  3. Vermeer's family, though not wealthy in their lifetime, are admired through his works today.