Brief, hopefully a story to consider in contrast with your own lives. I enjoy talking with people, learning as much about them as I can when we have even a brief encounter. I had a wonderful time at the poetry retreat last week at Highlights with time to visit with others in the group as enjoyable as the work on poetry was.
Yesterday I posted this picture on FB, with these words:
"There is joy found when leaves fall. Now I can see more of the sunset!"
And I was reminded of the quote which I have on my refrigerator.
You know that I focus on the good things in my life, and that was brought into a new focus last week from my Uber driver to the airport. This driver was a young man with an accent, and I discovered he had immigrated from Togo (east of Ghana) three years ago. He came alone, misses his family, but told me things were going well. And then he said that he was lucky to get my call for a ride. He came from work and was nearby, so could pick me up fast. And he did. He had just finished his night shift at a nearby factory, told me that he worked as long in the morning as he was called for more rides, then slept a few hours in the afternoon, then back to work. He felt lucky. We had a nice conversation on the way, about Denver and the mountains. Enough of a slice to remember, right?
Having a conversation is a very good thing. It makes us more human. It buoys our spirits as it lifts others. You are a blessing to those who have the pleasure of your presence. Even a tiny slice of it.
ReplyDeleteI am captivated by the life stories and experiences of others. I also love this focus on always seeking the joy.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote. It's all about perspective, isn't it? That Uber driver sounds like a strong person. I love that you enjoyed that conversation with him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great slice! Reading it reminds me how important it is to take the time to talk with strangers. So often we end up enriched. The quote is great! Hoping to channel some of that positive joy-seeking energy today!
ReplyDeleteI felp like I was in the uber with you and want to give that man a big tip. Somehow reading the story right after reading the 2 quotes made the story more powerful too. I might try using that technique...have inspiration in the forefront as I try to craft a story. Thanks for sharing SO much in a short Slice.
ReplyDeleteI love how you used your positive encounter with the Uber driver to illuminate the positives of fall and the barn quote. All three of them together were a very effective way to show a "looking-for-the-bright-side" way of living.
ReplyDeleteYour two quotes and your living like a writer, learning other peoples stories... so great Linda. Thank you for the slice and the message/reminder.
ReplyDeleteThe stories we hear, the perspectives we see, when we take time to listen.
ReplyDeleteLinda, your post takes me back to last year when I chaired the PTELA Conference. Our theme was that everyone has a story to tell. Your post proves that all people need is someone to listen to them and they will tell their story.
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing your pic and that quote on FB. I think there's a special beauty in bare branches and I love looking at the trees after the leaves have fallen. It takes only a bit of time to learn about someone else and understand his/her life a bit. Thanks for pointing the way.
ReplyDeleteI loved the photo and this brief conversation with the Uber driver was so cool.
ReplyDeleteThe photo is magnificent. Please have that and your great quote for the fall gallery, Autumn Ablaze. It certainly fits. I also had a great conversation with my Uber driver when I was in Tuscon. I do so want to hear more about Highlights.
ReplyDeleteWhen we get another perspective, it is always enlightening.
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