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John Doe's avatar

Today, the clouds are stunning as usual.

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Spike Gillespie's avatar

As ever excellent food for thought. Thank you! I had so many thoughts come up but will limit myself to just a couple. In my most recent post I wrote about how the young man who loaded my hay and feed at Callahan’s last week was so pleasant. He really engaged and it literally made my entire day better. I happened to have the good luck of seeing him again today and this time I asked his name and I told him how much his pleasant demeanor made a difference. It was just great. What I didn’t tell him is that I’m really struggling right now (same old ongoing cPTSD cycle of depression) and so it wasn’t merely that he made my day nicer, he actually gave me hope. This, in turn, reminded me a a great essay I read—here is a gift link: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/11/well/become-a-regular-loneliness.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Tk8.9U6M.IUgQqRrZ2mlH&smid=url-share— about becoming a regular someplace. I have a few places I visit regularly. A couple of Juiceland locations and Once Over Coffee. Seeing the same people has a magical effect. As an older, post-pandemic introvert, my forays out into the world have diminished tremendously. Knowing I have these places where I can engage is so helpful. I am so grateful for the kindness of the juicers and baristas. I also love to engage with strangers when I am out walking and, like you, find fewer opportunities to do so because of screens. One place I find that screens seem to be less in use is Barton Springs (though of course there are always people to be found doing “sexy selfies”). I go to the Springs several times per week and make a point of finding folks to share a smile with. Thanks for another great installment.

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Krissy Teegerstrom's avatar

I'm sorry you're struggling Spike. You're not alone. There's too much going on. Today I'm depressed about this bill passing. That's a great point about becoming a regular. And simply noticing. John noticed one of our neighbors used to walk two dogs and now walks one, so he asked her about it. I admired that. Maybe I'll finally finish my essay about kindness and these seemingly small exchanges!

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Lisa Keefauver's avatar

Engagement! Love everything about this post. I talk to the flowers on my walks, say hi to every dog, and literally stop to smell the roses every time. Thank you for holding up a mirror to all of us.

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Krissy Teegerstrom's avatar

Of course you talk to flowers and dogs, I love that about you! I'm convinced any rose with a real scent is imparting crucial information to all willing sniffers.

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Neko Case's avatar

It makes me crazy too. I miss human interaction.

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Krissy Teegerstrom's avatar

Yes! Sometimes it's banal and sometimes it's kismet. I miss it too.

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Liz's avatar

As another person who walks to observe the world around me, thank you.

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Krissy Teegerstrom's avatar

There's soooooo much to see! So much beauty and information to take in.

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Marychris Mass's avatar

I confess, as a single woman of a certain age, checking the socials is my main human contact…but trying to figure out how to set limits on time spent with head down…after 4 big falls on my face will not be doing it while walking…and growing up in Chicago has made me leery of greeting strangers I pass…trying to at least return hellos given, but I probably won’t be the instigator…

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Krissy Teegerstrom's avatar

I understand the leeriness of saying hi to strangers, especially as a woman. But the humanity and connection I feel when I do is worth the risk. Sometimes in lieu of human contact I'm perfectly happy to engage with flowers, trees, a library book, my sewing machine or a jigsaw puzzle. :)

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Michael Lipman's avatar

I'm reading!

And I like what you're writing.

Keep going, K.

-Lippy

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Krissy Teegerstrom's avatar

Thanks Lippy! Glad you're here.

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Christopher Ruhlen's avatar

I’m here. I wish we could grab a coffee and chat, there’s a lot on my mind (similar to you).

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Krissy Teegerstrom's avatar

Yes let's catch up! There's so much going on in the inner and outer worlds.

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Mlshukers's avatar

Looking forward to your next art opening. I am usually hesitant to approach the artists at these events, even though they are informal. I will say hello next time. I will engage. Have a lovely walk!

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Krissy Teegerstrom's avatar

Yes please do say hello next time! Thanks for being here and saying hi virtually. :)

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Casey Urban's avatar

here here

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Shannon Cosgrove's avatar

I’m dating my town at the moment. Talking to people, bringing my baristas flowers. I’m exhausted by the cruelty of it all, and wrung out by feeling helpless and hopeless. So I’ve set my sights on what I can do in my city limits. I can shop here. I can beguile my cats and force my tasteless jelly on my neighbors. I can listen to the lady at the laundromat while we’re folding. I can go on a crafting rampage and enjoy the look of gleeful horror when I bestow the ‘gifts’ on friends. I can wildly love my family, and cry more. I can share compost updates with men who didn’t ask for updates. I can wave at my nosy neighbor to confuse him, after never speaking to him before. Thank you for being here.

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christina's avatar

Krissy, this was a great post. I'm so thankful for my garden for keeping me thoroughly engaged. there's so much going on and it feels all consuming sometimes, but i'll take it!

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Alli's avatar

Put down your phone and live! Having a puppy around is helping me live in the moment and appreciate the joys that she has brought to this house. Simple joys? Nah, these are full on snapshots of happiness 😊

I love your posts! It's refreshing to know there are like minded folks out there ✌️

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