A subtle message wrapped up in double ply... the whisper of butterfly wings, the softness of an angel's touch. There's never a post of yours that's not a keeper. Thank you.
Yes! I’ve been thinking often lately first mind-scrambling months of the pandemic—the fear, the obsession with toilet paper and disinfectant wipes, the sudden loss of everything that held the world together. Except flashes of kindness like the one you bring to life here.
It's hard to believe it's already been four years since it all got going. Almost feels like a dream, except for the reality of so much loss. I suppose those flashes are part of the fabric of life, but they sure feel more noticeable when everything else feels much too heavy. Thanks, Rona!
“. . . the most dreadful excuse for toilet paper ever created . . . “
Not to detract from the inadequacy of Scott tp, but I know a thing or two about dreadful tp. There were places where it was cheaper to simply use the local currency. But in one country where we lived for quite awhile, they sold a locally produced bog roll we called John Wayne brand. It was similar to newspaper, except not as refined. Menacing individual splinters from the trees used to make it were visible and it had a hard, unyielding feel to it. Why John Wayne brand? Because it was rough, it was tough, and it wouldn’t take crap off nobody.
Nope, but you might see a roll of electrical tape outline. It was a habit I developed in high school because it looks like a can of Copenhagen, and it guaranteed that any teacher who saw it would get the vapor. I suppose it’s why the Good Book teaches us to avoid the appearance of evil.
Yesterday morning I was prompted by a guided meditation to choose an intention for the day and I chose “generosity.” I did nothing extraordinary or particularly self-sacrificing with my usual day - but my attitude about everything was softened - to give, to help, to smile, to slow down & be generous to myself & the beings around me. And in this, I truly saw generosity in others through my day, kindnesses which have been there all along in all those small ways. Thanks for continuing my awareness of them & the potential for them in myself.
Ah, Robin -- isn't it remarkable how a shift in our own focus can impact how we see everyone else (for better or worse, of course)? This is so positive and promising. Thanks so much for sharing and for your words of encouragement.
Well, now, Mary. I think this says as much about you as it does about your good fortune. I happen to believe, in broad terms, that we get what we give. So, thank you for your own contributions to the angel account. And, thanks for the comment. 🧡
Just lovely writing, as I've come to expect. I try to be that person here, with other writers. When someone writes something that moves me in some way, I let them know it. It's so easy to do, why wouldn't we? Most of the writers I read here are like me--writing for free, writing only because it's part of who we are. Our payment comes from connection, from knowing that our words meant something to a reader. From now on I think I might think of myself as a writer's angel. 😇
Brilliant, Rita! I certainly get that energy from you. As you say, it's so easy to do, why wouldn't we? But I always appreciate your authenticity and willingness to engage beyond the cheerleading, too. Thank you!
I love those everyday miracles when they happen. At the time, they are the thing we need the most - and I think if we don't cherish those - how can we value the big things....
I know your ultimate point is that the point isn’t the noticing of these moments of randomness or coincidence or serendipity, but I do love noticing them and wondering about them. I love the spirit behind your post….the positivity in this call to take on this role. (I was also glad when it became clear this was in the past. I had a moment of thinking suddenly you were facing this now!)
I love it too, Amy. In fact, I'm definitely inclined that way, seeing serendipity into so many circumstances and appreciating how often it occurs. I'm trying to broaden how I view them, maybe think of them as little tutorials now.
Yes, long past, but not so long that I can't remember the moment like it happened more recently. I wrote down many of the details back then, but they all came back in full force when I worked them into this piece. It was definitely unprecedented on a personal level, even without Covid!
And you my friend must also keep writing! I don’t always comment but I look forward to each and every writing and like to savor it either in the morning with coffee, or a quiet time at night. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your gift!!😘
Oh! Never would I have thought that a post about loo roll would give me the feels quite like it has, Elizabeth. Such a beautiful message in your words, especially these ones, which I’ve just written in my journal with your name next to them:
“The point isn’t to look for the angels and the light they shine. The point is to be one.”
Thanks, Luisa! Across and back again!
A subtle message wrapped up in double ply... the whisper of butterfly wings, the softness of an angel's touch. There's never a post of yours that's not a keeper. Thank you.
Thank you, Prue. Please, nothing less than 2-ply wrappings for me! 😅 Sending good wishes your way...
Yes! I’ve been thinking often lately first mind-scrambling months of the pandemic—the fear, the obsession with toilet paper and disinfectant wipes, the sudden loss of everything that held the world together. Except flashes of kindness like the one you bring to life here.
It's hard to believe it's already been four years since it all got going. Almost feels like a dream, except for the reality of so much loss. I suppose those flashes are part of the fabric of life, but they sure feel more noticeable when everything else feels much too heavy. Thanks, Rona!
“. . . the most dreadful excuse for toilet paper ever created . . . “
Not to detract from the inadequacy of Scott tp, but I know a thing or two about dreadful tp. There were places where it was cheaper to simply use the local currency. But in one country where we lived for quite awhile, they sold a locally produced bog roll we called John Wayne brand. It was similar to newspaper, except not as refined. Menacing individual splinters from the trees used to make it were visible and it had a hard, unyielding feel to it. Why John Wayne brand? Because it was rough, it was tough, and it wouldn’t take crap off nobody.
Ha! I'll have to qualify my Scott-bashing content to designate it as the worst in the U.S.
BUT ANGELS, Switter!! 😅 Do I see a halo there in your hip pocket?
Nope, but you might see a roll of electrical tape outline. It was a habit I developed in high school because it looks like a can of Copenhagen, and it guaranteed that any teacher who saw it would get the vapor. I suppose it’s why the Good Book teaches us to avoid the appearance of evil.
Sneaky! And also hilarious! I bet teachers were delighted by your habit. ;)
There were times when we might have crossed the line, but I hope not. Mostly.
And you, please, must keep writing, too.
Yesterday morning I was prompted by a guided meditation to choose an intention for the day and I chose “generosity.” I did nothing extraordinary or particularly self-sacrificing with my usual day - but my attitude about everything was softened - to give, to help, to smile, to slow down & be generous to myself & the beings around me. And in this, I truly saw generosity in others through my day, kindnesses which have been there all along in all those small ways. Thanks for continuing my awareness of them & the potential for them in myself.
Ah, Robin -- isn't it remarkable how a shift in our own focus can impact how we see everyone else (for better or worse, of course)? This is so positive and promising. Thanks so much for sharing and for your words of encouragement.
I do my traveling in a wheelchair, and I find angels everywhere I go. I am a lucky woman.
Well, now, Mary. I think this says as much about you as it does about your good fortune. I happen to believe, in broad terms, that we get what we give. So, thank you for your own contributions to the angel account. And, thanks for the comment. 🧡
You've just shown, yet again, that you should definitely keep writing!
Thank you, Rosana. Sincerely grateful for that. 😊
Just lovely writing, as I've come to expect. I try to be that person here, with other writers. When someone writes something that moves me in some way, I let them know it. It's so easy to do, why wouldn't we? Most of the writers I read here are like me--writing for free, writing only because it's part of who we are. Our payment comes from connection, from knowing that our words meant something to a reader. From now on I think I might think of myself as a writer's angel. 😇
Brilliant, Rita! I certainly get that energy from you. As you say, it's so easy to do, why wouldn't we? But I always appreciate your authenticity and willingness to engage beyond the cheerleading, too. Thank you!
I love those everyday miracles when they happen. At the time, they are the thing we need the most - and I think if we don't cherish those - how can we value the big things....
So true, Catriona, and they offer example of how we can easily be both giver and receiver. By the way, your name is lovely!
I know your ultimate point is that the point isn’t the noticing of these moments of randomness or coincidence or serendipity, but I do love noticing them and wondering about them. I love the spirit behind your post….the positivity in this call to take on this role. (I was also glad when it became clear this was in the past. I had a moment of thinking suddenly you were facing this now!)
I love it too, Amy. In fact, I'm definitely inclined that way, seeing serendipity into so many circumstances and appreciating how often it occurs. I'm trying to broaden how I view them, maybe think of them as little tutorials now.
Yes, long past, but not so long that I can't remember the moment like it happened more recently. I wrote down many of the details back then, but they all came back in full force when I worked them into this piece. It was definitely unprecedented on a personal level, even without Covid!
And you my friend must also keep writing! I don’t always comment but I look forward to each and every writing and like to savor it either in the morning with coffee, or a quiet time at night. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your gift!!😘
It means so much to know that, Diana. Thank you!
Oh! Never would I have thought that a post about loo roll would give me the feels quite like it has, Elizabeth. Such a beautiful message in your words, especially these ones, which I’ve just written in my journal with your name next to them:
“The point isn’t to look for the angels and the light they shine. The point is to be one.”
❤️
Thanks, Rebecca. Have to admit, I would never have suspected bathroom tissue to be meaningful other than...well, you know. :) Appreciate the comment.