Colleen, this is an important message for all of us. Sometimes we are the lifters. Sometimes others lift us up. The little things matter. Connections matter. In troubled times, I have memories of those encounters and I hope paying it forward matters to that next person. Thank you.
This is a beautiful message--the power of connectivity. And I adore the idea of doing something like your feast. What a marvelous way to remember a key moment that made an impression on us over the last year. So many little moments really that make up our days, weeks, months--but there is always that one encounter that we can't stop thinking about.
Your post reminds me of something. I grew up in Texas, where everyone talks to everyone, even strangers, passing on the street. When I married and had a family, I was living in Chicago, where, if you said hello to a stranger, he looked at you as if you were crazy. And everyone taught their children never to speak to a stranger. So one day my four-year-old son and I were on a commuter train, and I said hello to someone I didn't know. My son called me out in a loud voice, "Mommy. You just talked to a stranger." It took me a long while to figure out how to handle the contradiction., but I did it, because, you're right--sometimes talking to strangers turns into something really remarkable.
That is a great anecdote. I had a similar experience when moving from Northern Ontario where everyone spoke to everyone, to Southern Ontario, where they didn't. It was a sad habit to lose and I'm trying to regain it. Thanks for the story!
I love the example you shared of the woman trying to donate bread to a homeless shelter. You're so right—"It is those little sparks of connection that can change the course of a person’s day.
What a wonderful event! Striking up conversations with strangers has always been difficult since I'm an introvert. I have improved over time and, yes, we can learn fascinating life stories about people when we take risks to speak up. Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful post, Colleen. My story is the opposite of Saralyn's. I grew up in Indiana and though Hoosiers are friendly we don't go out of our way to talk to strangers. Strangers danger was imposed in schools so I avoided people. When I moved to the east coast, I met a woman from the Bronx. She took me to her hometown and knowing me, she said New York isn't like where you're from. If someone talks to you on the street, say hello or they'll think you're being rude. I won't tell you how many years ago that was, and idk if it's the same. But I still talk to folks. Otherwise I wouldn't have met you!
I love this post and your beautiful examples of connecting with others. I can think of many times when a smile and hello from or to a stranger has made my day. I can only hope that it's made their day too. You're right, we are social creatures, even when we think we're introverted. :)
This was a lovely reminder on how to be human in a world that has become increasingly unfriendly to anyone different than ourselves. Most people are nice if given the chance.
In my haste late this afternoon to get to zero email inbox, I almost archived this post. Glad I didn't. The theme of real connection kept me reading to the end. Thank you.
I enjoy that everyone brings whatever they want to talk about related to literacy. One feast, Colleen and I both brought Neil Gaiman's The View From the Cheap Seats; what were the odds? Colleen prepares and serves the main courses; I now like backed brussel sprouts. The rest of us bring salads and desserts. The food is always intersesting and tasty. It sets the tone for the next part of the adventure which really is unknown.
Literally all but Colleen and her husband Ron were strangers to me. Now these people are not. I look forward to what they have to say and share. I appreciate that they listen to me too. I look forward to similarities in presentation and talking mannerisms from the others. Their passion and interests are fascinating. Although I only see most of the others once a year, they make the saying 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' true.
When we first started the feast I never would have thought it would carry on to become such a tradition. I think one of the reasons it has endured is because everyone does listen and share. Which I supposed is how you become not strangers. Looking forward to next year. :)
Colleen, this is an important message for all of us. Sometimes we are the lifters. Sometimes others lift us up. The little things matter. Connections matter. In troubled times, I have memories of those encounters and I hope paying it forward matters to that next person. Thank you.
This is a beautiful message--the power of connectivity. And I adore the idea of doing something like your feast. What a marvelous way to remember a key moment that made an impression on us over the last year. So many little moments really that make up our days, weeks, months--but there is always that one encounter that we can't stop thinking about.
Absolutely. There is such power in those connections even when they only last a few minutes.
Love this post, Colleen. And very valuable advice for making small connections that give big satisfaction.
Your post reminds me of something. I grew up in Texas, where everyone talks to everyone, even strangers, passing on the street. When I married and had a family, I was living in Chicago, where, if you said hello to a stranger, he looked at you as if you were crazy. And everyone taught their children never to speak to a stranger. So one day my four-year-old son and I were on a commuter train, and I said hello to someone I didn't know. My son called me out in a loud voice, "Mommy. You just talked to a stranger." It took me a long while to figure out how to handle the contradiction., but I did it, because, you're right--sometimes talking to strangers turns into something really remarkable.
That is a great anecdote. I had a similar experience when moving from Northern Ontario where everyone spoke to everyone, to Southern Ontario, where they didn't. It was a sad habit to lose and I'm trying to regain it. Thanks for the story!
I love the example you shared of the woman trying to donate bread to a homeless shelter. You're so right—"It is those little sparks of connection that can change the course of a person’s day.
And perhaps change how we perceive the world for a few moments.
What a wonderful event! Striking up conversations with strangers has always been difficult since I'm an introvert. I have improved over time and, yes, we can learn fascinating life stories about people when we take risks to speak up. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! It is incredible what you can learn in short interactions.
What a beautiful post, Colleen. My story is the opposite of Saralyn's. I grew up in Indiana and though Hoosiers are friendly we don't go out of our way to talk to strangers. Strangers danger was imposed in schools so I avoided people. When I moved to the east coast, I met a woman from the Bronx. She took me to her hometown and knowing me, she said New York isn't like where you're from. If someone talks to you on the street, say hello or they'll think you're being rude. I won't tell you how many years ago that was, and idk if it's the same. But I still talk to folks. Otherwise I wouldn't have met you!
Exactly! You never know what kind of friendships or relationships might spring up from everyday encounters.
I love this post and your beautiful examples of connecting with others. I can think of many times when a smile and hello from or to a stranger has made my day. I can only hope that it's made their day too. You're right, we are social creatures, even when we think we're introverted. :)
Especially if we are introverted! Those small interactions are even more important to get us out of our shells.
This was a lovely reminder on how to be human in a world that has become increasingly unfriendly to anyone different than ourselves. Most people are nice if given the chance.
I absolutely agree. The 95 (?) percent of humans who are good people need to get more press.
In my haste late this afternoon to get to zero email inbox, I almost archived this post. Glad I didn't. The theme of real connection kept me reading to the end. Thank you.
You're welcome. I think we could all use a reminder about the importance of connecting right now.
I enjoy that everyone brings whatever they want to talk about related to literacy. One feast, Colleen and I both brought Neil Gaiman's The View From the Cheap Seats; what were the odds? Colleen prepares and serves the main courses; I now like backed brussel sprouts. The rest of us bring salads and desserts. The food is always intersesting and tasty. It sets the tone for the next part of the adventure which really is unknown.
Literally all but Colleen and her husband Ron were strangers to me. Now these people are not. I look forward to what they have to say and share. I appreciate that they listen to me too. I look forward to similarities in presentation and talking mannerisms from the others. Their passion and interests are fascinating. Although I only see most of the others once a year, they make the saying 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' true.
When we first started the feast I never would have thought it would carry on to become such a tradition. I think one of the reasons it has endured is because everyone does listen and share. Which I supposed is how you become not strangers. Looking forward to next year. :)