For decades I wrote only the barest fraction of the words, ideas, and memories I longed to share. Then I discovered writing on Medium; A desert flower, finally blooming after years of drought best describes how grateful I feel for being part of the Medium community. I have signed up for the next level, becoming a Friend of Medium.

It gives me great pleasure to know that by “kicking it up a notch” I can help the excellent writers whose work I really enjoy to earn more. And not to seem too idealistic, I also am happy that I have a chance to occasionally earn more myself if some of my readers and followers become Friends of Medium . I appreciate that Medium continues to value its writers and is always striving for ways to recognize and reward us.