I enjoy and appreciate your posts—newly found as I am new reader on Substack. My husband and I are also retired educator/administrators so I find a comfortable connection to your very fine essays. Thanks for offering them to us.
That’s such a lovely comment, thank you Gay! We fellow educators, we recognize each other don’t we—in our passion for kids, and our desire to touch the future through their lives. Teachers who are in the profession for the right reasons, who bring their full hearts and clear eyes with them to the classroom every single day, are special people.
Thank you Kert for reminding me to stay in the moment and enjoy the important simple little things in life. I need more warm hearts in my life, just like yours. I look forward to these type of posts from you in 2025!
Interesting observations Kert about your time in NY. It’s sad that talented young people perform on the subway to people who would rather do something virtual than watch something unique that is happening in front of them.
This is why we write to observe and record how the world is changing, documenting the moments of kindness , inspiration and sheer joy.
Such a fun read Kert. I will share a few stories that came to mind as I read.
First, the time my husband and I were riding the locals train in Cuba and noticed someone get on with a couple buckets. Everyone crowded around them. What is it? we wondered. Pizza! Bucket pizza! And then at the train stop, women were walking around with fancy cakes to share.
Secondly, I appreciate your comment about the visceral sensation that comes up when faced with a fellow human experiencing poverty, and the gift you received in connecting with Christian. Every time I go to the college where I teach, I ride my bike through the city's main area of homelessness. The sidewalks are filled with tents (and shopping carts, and clothing, and RIP graffiti for those lost to overdose, and stray socks and shoes, etc). The bike path is physically part of their community so I have to be a little more alert when folks stumble across the path. Many people there are very polite, and many are very distressed. It is an experience that I revisit a couple times a week and more than I can adequately process in my human heart. It touches my son's heart too and last year he chose to create a care package for a particular woman we often see. We carried the care package in our car for over a month and never saw her again. One day we chose to give it to an older man we saw. I hope his toes were warmer that night at very least and I hope his heart was a little warmer too.
I so love this Lindsay—thank you for your gifts of reflection and connection. Bucket Pizza!!! Of course! And since NYC is supposed to be a Mecca for pizza (can I also get a “bucket bagels” amen???), I’m surprised that’s not a part of the underground there. Or maybe it is and I just haven’t been lucky yet. But your comments about the homeless camp near you, that you intentionally ride through. What an amazing life practice—like a monk meditating in the charnel grounds. The story about your son’s passion to give warmed my heart—we know, don’t we, that even if that man didn’t respond with ample gratitude in the moment, that his feet and his heart were warmer—likely most for having been seen and acknowledged, the socks were a happy addition.
Though my days get busy and I may miss a post or two I look forward to your writing, Kert. I appreciate the way you see the world and write about your observations. I enjoyed the details and images and feelings about your visit to NY. The knitting ending was perfect.
This is so kind of you Paulette! Thank you. Like you, I subscribe to way too many writers here—but they are all so good. I read most as often as I can, and always hit the 💙 button to share both my presence and my appreciation. I am grateful for you and your kindness.
I enjoy and appreciate your posts—newly found as I am new reader on Substack. My husband and I are also retired educator/administrators so I find a comfortable connection to your very fine essays. Thanks for offering them to us.
That’s such a lovely comment, thank you Gay! We fellow educators, we recognize each other don’t we—in our passion for kids, and our desire to touch the future through their lives. Teachers who are in the profession for the right reasons, who bring their full hearts and clear eyes with them to the classroom every single day, are special people.
Thank you Kert for reminding me to stay in the moment and enjoy the important simple little things in life. I need more warm hearts in my life, just like yours. I look forward to these type of posts from you in 2025!
Love you Janelle!
Interesting observations Kert about your time in NY. It’s sad that talented young people perform on the subway to people who would rather do something virtual than watch something unique that is happening in front of them.
This is why we write to observe and record how the world is changing, documenting the moments of kindness , inspiration and sheer joy.
Your voice is valued 💖 thank you.
I really appreciate this Susan! Thank you.
“This is why we write to observe and record how the world is changing, documenting the moments of kindness , inspiration and sheer joy.”
I LOVE that!!! And I’m grateful for that reminder.
Such a fun read Kert. I will share a few stories that came to mind as I read.
First, the time my husband and I were riding the locals train in Cuba and noticed someone get on with a couple buckets. Everyone crowded around them. What is it? we wondered. Pizza! Bucket pizza! And then at the train stop, women were walking around with fancy cakes to share.
Secondly, I appreciate your comment about the visceral sensation that comes up when faced with a fellow human experiencing poverty, and the gift you received in connecting with Christian. Every time I go to the college where I teach, I ride my bike through the city's main area of homelessness. The sidewalks are filled with tents (and shopping carts, and clothing, and RIP graffiti for those lost to overdose, and stray socks and shoes, etc). The bike path is physically part of their community so I have to be a little more alert when folks stumble across the path. Many people there are very polite, and many are very distressed. It is an experience that I revisit a couple times a week and more than I can adequately process in my human heart. It touches my son's heart too and last year he chose to create a care package for a particular woman we often see. We carried the care package in our car for over a month and never saw her again. One day we chose to give it to an older man we saw. I hope his toes were warmer that night at very least and I hope his heart was a little warmer too.
Enjoy your winter rest and digital detox.
I so love this Lindsay—thank you for your gifts of reflection and connection. Bucket Pizza!!! Of course! And since NYC is supposed to be a Mecca for pizza (can I also get a “bucket bagels” amen???), I’m surprised that’s not a part of the underground there. Or maybe it is and I just haven’t been lucky yet. But your comments about the homeless camp near you, that you intentionally ride through. What an amazing life practice—like a monk meditating in the charnel grounds. The story about your son’s passion to give warmed my heart—we know, don’t we, that even if that man didn’t respond with ample gratitude in the moment, that his feet and his heart were warmer—likely most for having been seen and acknowledged, the socks were a happy addition.
Though my days get busy and I may miss a post or two I look forward to your writing, Kert. I appreciate the way you see the world and write about your observations. I enjoyed the details and images and feelings about your visit to NY. The knitting ending was perfect.
This is so kind of you Paulette! Thank you. Like you, I subscribe to way too many writers here—but they are all so good. I read most as often as I can, and always hit the 💙 button to share both my presence and my appreciation. I am grateful for you and your kindness.