I’m so enjoying chatting to everyday people about their hands for my project These 2 Hands.
Up on substack today, is Sarah. I found Sarah inspirational in that she knew exactly why she was doing what she was doing and what her end vision was. It wasn’t a grand vision, it was purposeful.
And that is powerful.
When we know our why, everything falls into place. It’s a 2 minute read.
That was such a great story, Kate! It shows how everyone has a story and each story has something in it that’s universal and compelling. I love the bit about your sudden self-consciousness over your nails — I relate! 🙂 Sarah’s hands have definite character! And her story makes me think about how I might connect my seemingly mundane or boring tasks to the greater adventure of life. And I especially love “grocery concierge.” A re-framing of language to impart due honor.
Hi Camilla, I’m so glad you read the story, thankyou. We have self service checkouts here but I worry that the more we take advantage of that the less humans are employed and there are some people that enjoy and need the human contact that another human brings. My elderly father would always chat to the ladies as they scanned his groceries and apart from me that might be the only other person he spoke to for the day. He felt seen and heard. As convenience takes over vast tracts of the human landscape stress and loneliness are left in its wake. Oh gosh now I’ve got another poem. Got to go write it down Xx thanks for reading I love your support and comments
I agree. I knew a man who worked as a grocery concierge into his mid-80’s. He didn’t need the money, he worked for the social interaction and to stay busy and feeling productive. He loved chatting with the customers, keeping connected. One of the most inspiring people I’ve ever encountered was a checker in Seattle who was indestructably cheerful and optimistic. Nothing phased that man. He’d always make me smile and laugh and I’d always think, “how can I be more like that guy?” Looking forward to your next poem! 🙂
I read a quote somewhere about people who are sunshine to others not being able to keep it from themselves and I thought it true and lovely.
Wonderful!
Love this.
Thankyou KC that means a lot to me 😊