The Nice Thing About Strangers

Creative Non-Fiction Short Stories. :) Travel, Oldsters, Love, and Compassion.

About

Paige M.J. EricksonWelcome to this collection of very short non-fiction stories from my years of travel. I seem to find only the lovely, beautiful, awkward, breathtakingly human things one can discover in strangers.

Sometimes there are photos when I can manage to focus my camera.

I write in the hope that you will also see the strangers who surround you, and offer them a merciful view.

I’m a Colorado native and the fourth of five children. Always bookish, sometimes shy to a fault, I opted to tackle my inwardness by heading solo to Europe. I went to Austria for the novelists and the pastries, to Croatia for the sea and the mopeds, and to Turkey for the language and the carpet salesmen. It’s been a wonderful five years of roaming, where I constantly found goodness in the people I encountered. I still do! May you see your fellow humans in the same way.

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to comment, re-blog, or just read along!

–Paige M.J. Erickson.

pmjerickson@gmail.com

**

“What moves lives. What is said endures. There’s nothing in life that’s less real for having been described. Small-minded critics point out that such and such a poem, with its protracted cadences, in the end says merely that it’s a nice day. But to say it’s a nice day is difficult, and the nice day itself passes on. It’s up to us to conserve the nice day in a wordy, florid memory, sprinkling new flowers and new stars over the fields and skies of the empty, fleeting outer world.”

-Fernando Pessoa. The Book of Disquiet.

**

The Nice Thing About Strangers. Original writing and photos are the copyright property of Paige M.J. Erickson (unless guest bloggers or authors are noted) and may not be used without permission.

Pessoa, Lisboa, Lisbon

 

204 comments on “About

  1. stardust310
    November 2, 2011

    Your writing is truly amazing. So descriptive and brilliant. I simply cannot wait to read more! The way you see things leaves one wanting to experience the same things. I have joked with you about the apple but now I see, it was not that funny, it is just your perspective on things which is nothing less than amazing.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      November 7, 2011

      Thanks for the encouragement! And I swear I had was a religious experience with a tomato. Best tomato of my life! It made the world seem simple and beautiful. If I can find a way to explain it without sound like I should be carted away, I’ll post it someday.
      pmj

  2. stardust310
    November 10, 2011

    Yes! Tomato! Amazing I remembered it was something red. (Sins of memory). Your writing makes “every day” things seem so aesthetic. 🙂 (Nice work with the vocab there, eh?)

    M

  3. Thanks for sharing your blog with me!! I am so excited to dive in. I love your categories already. Mischief is often fun. 😉

  4. derekmaul
    November 23, 2011

    Nice work, Paige… and thanks for the comment on mine. I read several of your posts and find them compelling.
    Peace – DEREK

  5. Wendy Weinhold
    December 1, 2011

    Paigey, I began to feel like a stalker as I read an commented on almost every post, so I decided to limit my comments. But my appreciation for the lovely way you describe your world is endless. ~hearts and flowers

  6. Steph
    January 22, 2012

    Paige- it’s such a joy to read your stories. I’ve always known (from college) how beautiful your perspective. However your entries a truly a breath of fresh air! All of you Ericksons are equally just as beautiful on the inside as the out. Whenever I read your stories it makes me re-draw and re-evaluate my perceived notion upon our society and status quo; makes me break through what I deal with daily and look beyond. Thank you for sharing. And I look forward to the next day I get to see you and catch up on your life, love, and educating. Xo

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      January 25, 2012

      Thanks, Steph! We’ll have to make a plan to get together. I love that the stories leave an impact. They all struck me as new ways to see the world. I’m glad to have a project to delve into my old notebooks too! Pass on the nice things, lady! –Paige

  7. Bob Othman
    July 23, 2012

    Such a smooth “about” page, i LIKE!

  8. aleafinspringtime
    August 22, 2012

    Your stories and the way you view the world overflows with gentle kindness and deep reverence for humanity. I am honoured to meet you Paige. My warmest wishes, Sharon

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      August 22, 2012

      Thank you so much, Sharon! I also appreciate everyday heroes (as you mention on your blog), even in tiny human ways. Nice to meet you too!

  9. Subhan Zein
    August 22, 2012

    I loved the idea of your blog. It’s great. One cannot see the beauty of humanity if unable to see the sparkle of potential friendship in the eyes of a stranger. I am looking forward to reading the many wonders you experience with strangers.

    Many blessings and much happiness to you. 🙂

    Subhan Zein

  10. boomiebol
    September 1, 2012

    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog

  11. the blogging disciple
    September 1, 2012

    Hello Paige. Your blog content is truly fresh and unique. I love the quote you chose by Fernando Pessoa. That is a new name to me and sounds like a good winter read, sitting in front of the coal stove, snowflakes softly falling, cozy socks pointed toward the glowing pane, ahhh……..
    Thank you, and I was humbled that you liked “In the Sea of Uncertainty”. I only began writing about a month or two ago.

    Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! 🙂 Peace.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 2, 2012

      You only began a month ago? Amazing! Well, keep it up! And, yes, The Book of Disquiet is a really nourishing book. It’s given me a lot of comfort, inspiration, and energy. Books like that are a brilliant reason to get out of bed (or curl up with paper and pen!). Thanks for reading the blog!

  12. rigmover
    September 2, 2012

    Hey thanks for the follow, you have a great blog.

  13. Jade Jarvis
    September 2, 2012

    Interesting blog. Finding interesting in the everyday things makes life worth living. You have a way with words.
    Thank you for checking out my blog.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 3, 2012

      Thanks! I agree with your blog “walk with love and we never walk alone.” A lovely sentiment and it’s certainly been a part of my experience! Nice to meet you!

  14. Sheila T Illustrated
    September 4, 2012

    Hello, Paige. Thanks for your recent visit to my blog. Nice to meet you. Now we are no longer strangers. 🙂

  15. friday23
    September 4, 2012

    Hi Nicething – pleased to meet you…. Leon

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 4, 2012

      Leon: I’ve got a fondness for those close to their “sell by date,” as you called it. So your blog made me extremely happy! Nice to meet you too. -Paige

  16. hafong
    September 4, 2012

    Thank you for visiting and liking my post! It’s nice to get to know strangers.

  17. anelephantcant
    September 6, 2012

    Ah, Budapest, brings back memories, thank you.
    Do you know the Chain Bridge was buit by a Scottish Engineer Adam Clark?

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 6, 2012

      I didn’t. I’ve heard tales about the lions, but always from life-long Budapest dwellers–most of whom were not up on all the historical details, which I sort of love. 🙂 They did appreciate their city, but probably should take a tour someday. Hehe.

      • anelephantcant
        September 6, 2012

        But is that not true wherever you are?
        The locals only do the tourist stuff when they have visitors from space!

      • thenicethingaboutstrangers
        September 6, 2012

        Agreed. Even when I moved to Vienna, I couldn’t give anyone a proper tour. I was there to live, not to take waltzing class! (Gotta leave some things on the list for visitors.)

  18. eldinsmille
    September 6, 2012

    Had a nice time in BH? Welcome to my country!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 6, 2012

      Loved it. I went a few times solo and took my brother on his summer vacation. I made lovely friends there and I still have adventures I didn’t yet turn into stories. Perhaps I should skim through the notebooks.

      • eldinsmille
        September 6, 2012

        I would love to read about it!

  19. fivereflections
    September 6, 2012

    A pleasure to meet you Paige M. Erickson
    David in Maine USA

  20. escapingdarkness
    September 11, 2012

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! Kat 🙂

  21. Jade Jarvis
    September 16, 2012

    Congratulations! You have been nominated for the Super Sweet Blogging Award. Keep sharing the sweetness of life with us.

    You can find your nomination in my blog.

  22. Paul J. Stam
    September 17, 2012

    Hi. So glad you liked Caught In a Brown Vortex on Paper, Mud and Me. I have enjoyed what little I have read of yours and I like your philosophy and style. I will be following.

  23. nnkato
    September 18, 2012

    nice to meet you paige. i noticed you stopped by my blog, so thought i’d do the same, and visit yours. beautiful pictures, amazing stories. a lovely treat!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 18, 2012

      Nice to meet you too, KeepingThisReal. 🙂 I hope you find some excellent stories in those bookstores nearby as well. I’ve always loved to read, but I’d forgotten until lately what a consolation a book can be. Thanks for dropping in. Hope you’ll return!

  24. Arlene
    September 25, 2012

    Thank you for stopping by ArmouredUp:) Bless you!

  25. colossalgarbage
    September 27, 2012

    Really enjoy your blog. Very original.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 27, 2012

      Thanks so much! I’m glad you stopped in and hope you’ll come back. I’ll try to have more adventures… 🙂

  26. autographen
    September 30, 2012

    Thanks for following my blog. It is not only my stories what I tell but the stories of great personalities. Read those letters from the great artists like Monet, Pissarro, Miro, Magritte , they allow you to get back into their times and take part in their lives.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      October 1, 2012

      I wonder about the letters that will be left behind from this generation. Only email? Meh. Alas. 🙂

      • autographen
        October 2, 2012

        You are totally right. Writing a letter becomes a rare thing. As well people do not take the time to express themelves.i am very curious how this will develop.

  27. Joycelyn
    October 1, 2012

    Dearest Paige, your blog is truly amazing. The title says it all 🙂 Keep writing and inspiring others! ♥

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      October 1, 2012

      Well, you must be pretty amazing too because I’m grinning ear-to-ear! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you’ll be back! 😀

  28. stephenedwards425
    October 3, 2012

    Thank you for deciding to follow…I hope as result you will become Stronger, Better, & Ready For Whatever.

    Be encouraged!

  29. Joycelyn
    October 6, 2012

    Hi there! Please check this out, I nominated you 🙂 Have a LOVELY day ♥ http://joycelynaralar.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/my-second-blog-award-lovely/

  30. GalOnTrip
    October 11, 2012

    thanks for visiting my site! your travel blog is very descriptive, not just about places you visited, but also the strangers you met wherever you go. that what makes yours different, something pleasant to read! still somewhere on earth but home? have a great trip!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      October 11, 2012

      Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoy them. I think the best part of travel are the humans I meet. Nice to meet you too!

  31. Denise Hisey
    October 12, 2012

    Wow, what wonderful travels you share! I’m so envious 😉
    It is my dream to have a stamp in my (sadly) blank passport!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      October 13, 2012

      Thanks so much! I hope you will travel. It’s been one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I learned as much in the years of travel as I ever did in school. 🙂

  32. arranqhenderson
    October 23, 2012

    Nice blog. Very jealous you are living in Istambul. (if I have that right?) Great city.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      October 23, 2012

      I was there, now I’m in the US for a while. I never know where the wind will blow… 🙂 Thanks for reading!

  33. shofar
    November 2, 2012

    Enjoyed your short heart-warming stories. Thank you for visiting my blog!

  34. petchary
    November 10, 2012

    I wanted to thank you for visiting my blog some time ago. My apologies for the belated greeting from Kingston, Jamaica! Nice blog!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      November 10, 2012

      Sure thing! Thanks for visiting! I bet there isn’t any snow in Jamaica today…Greetings from Colorado!

      • petchary
        November 11, 2012

        No – not one snowflake! Just nice and warm, with a gentle breeze… But I have visited Colorado – such a beautiful state!

  35. journeyman1977
    November 19, 2012

    loved the Pessoa quote 🙂

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      November 19, 2012

      He’s a marvel. And an excellent place to turn for advice, assurance, and beautiful lines for dreaming. 🙂

      • journeyman1977
        November 19, 2012

        That he is, Paige. Enjoying reading your blog.

  36. Joycelyn
    November 19, 2012

    Hope you are having a great day, I nominated you for Liebster Blog award! Love your photos, words and everything in between! 🙂 http://joycelynaralar.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/my-fourth-blog-award-liebster-and-im-sharing-it/

  37. allthingsboys
    November 27, 2012

    Thank you for visiting my blog so I could find yours!

  38. Eattravelphotograph
    December 15, 2012

    Dear Paige, I’ve nominated you for the ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ Award… to check out how it works please visit my post at http://autumninbruges.wordpress.com/2012/12/16/really/. I’ll be glad if you accept it.

  39. Travel with Jodi
    December 16, 2012

    Paige it seems to be your moment I have also nominated you for an award. Enjoy! http://travelwithjodi.com/2012/12/16/and-the-award-goes-to/

  40. peacefulpartings
    December 31, 2012

    So glad to have stumbled upon your blog! Are you from Colorado? I was born and raised here but have lived in numerous states and on 3 continents. I always return home. I look forward to reading more from you!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      December 31, 2012

      So glad you stumbled over here as well! I am a native Coloradoan with a wandering streak. Maybe it’s the water? 🙂 Welcome to the blog and Happy New Year!!

  41. sheila7697
    January 10, 2013

    Hello Paige! Great to find your blog. I love travel, and I love your comment in this post about seeing beautiful strangers, and offering them a merciful view. My sentiments exactly! And thank you for stopping by my blog…hopefully we can visit each other often! ~ Sheila

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      January 11, 2013

      Thanks so much, Sheila! I think it’s one of the best ways to see the world. It even makes errands into a task of possibility! Welcome and I’ll visit you again soon as well!
      -Paige

  42. stuartart
    January 15, 2013

    Not to mention that one must decide ‘why’ the day is nice, and what may be exclusively nice about ‘this’ day compared to a previous nice day. 🙂

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      January 15, 2013

      Yes, so that sorting and sifting process can make even a long afternoon in traffic full of possibilities! 🙂 Thanks for stopping in to read the blog!

  43. russianmartini
    January 17, 2013

    I’m so envious of how much you have traveled for how young you seem!! I am hoping to do more of that myself this year…

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      January 17, 2013

      I didn’t start until 29, but I made a serious sport of it for a while. Always a valuable investment. 🙂

  44. lagottocattleya
    January 17, 2013

    Thank you for finding me…I have spent some time here now and …I will be back. You have a fine eye for people and for writing about them. It’s really…well, you make me sit back, totally relaxed in my chair after a hard day’s work.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      January 17, 2013

      Greetings from a fellow Swede! My father’s family came to the US from Malmö, so naturally I loved your photos. 🙂 Thank you for reading some of the stories! I do hope you’ll enjoy them. –Paige

      • lagottocattleya
        January 17, 2013

        Well, maybe a strain somewhere in your writings told me…! Malmö is close to us, about 100 kilometres. Have you ever visited?

      • thenicethingaboutstrangers
        January 18, 2013

        I did! My brother and I were there for literally 24-hours. 🙂 We took the bridge over from Copenhagen. We had a breakfast that was the best of the trip and tried some Swedish Mexican food…not what we expected, though probably what we should have expected. It was beautiful! I’ll need to use some of the pictures soon to share them with you!

      • lagottocattleya
        January 18, 2013

        Oh, I’d love to! It would be fun to recognize things…!

      • thenicethingaboutstrangers
        January 18, 2013

        Hehe! Good point! I’ll post some local and foreign ones too…But I’m not a photographer like you are. The photos are accidents, the stories are on purpose.

  45. Jo
    January 23, 2013

    Thank you, for stopping by.. I like your title for your blog. By coincidence my next blog due on Frday, 25th January is called, No Longer Strangers.

  46. AadiRohilla
    January 24, 2013

    Hi Dear, your writing is truly wonderful. love ur blog and happy to follow you!! You’re “Awesome”. hugs and love u!!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      January 24, 2013

      Thanks so much for stopping in to read the blog! I appreciate the support and you’re welcome any time! 😀

  47. moi du toi photography
    January 26, 2013

    Oh dear! I can’t remember if I thanked you for following moi du toi photography, I think I did and I know I read a few of your posts, ah silly me. Anyway thank you for following if I didnt thank you before and keep writing your stuff is good.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      January 26, 2013

      I think you did. I so admire real photographers! Thanks for the encouragement. I’m glad you like the stories!

  48. shofar
    February 4, 2013

    Hi Paige
    Thank you for visiting my blog http://drgoldsite.wordpress.com! I see from an earlier comment 11/12/12 that my wife had met you already! God bless you as you also encourage others!
    Aloha, Drgold

  49. Richard Leonard
    February 6, 2013

    Thanks for liking my About page, Paige! Your blog title sounds good. There really are many nice things about strangers. I can’t find it but a popular Australian singer from the 80’s once said “be nice to people because people are nice”. I can swear I heard it on the radio once and his stuck in my head.
    I’ll be back… 😉

    • Richard Leonard
      February 6, 2013

      *has* stuck…

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      February 6, 2013

      I’m glad you’re be back–though “I’ll be back” reminds me of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Perhaps you’ll like the Austria series! 😀 Have a great week!

      • Richard Leonard
        February 7, 2013

        Re “I’ll be back” and Arnie – of course it did. 🙂
        Cheers, you too! 🙂

  50. Edibles&Travels
    February 11, 2013

    Such an incredible blog! It’s how I aspire to have my blog looking one day 🙂

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      February 11, 2013

      Well, that is a very blush-worthy comment! 🙂 Thank you and I appreciate you stopping in. Come again soon!

  51. Pingback: 159. | Eldin Smille

  52. eldinsmille
    February 17, 2013

    I had to do this award, so you are nominee:
    http://eldinsmille.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/159-2/

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      February 18, 2013

      Thank you so much! I need to do one of these myself some day…

      • eldinsmille
        February 18, 2013

        First this one, I guess… (:

  53. Tamas Lonyai
    March 5, 2013

    You are simply amazing:)
    xoxo t

  54. Jackie
    March 13, 2013

    Thanks so much for visiting my blog and liking my photo! I appreciate it very much. I’ve enjoyed my visit here and look forward to following your posts.:-D

  55. Tim Shey
    March 14, 2013

    I hitchhiked the United States for most of 16 years. Everywhere I went, I was pretty much a stranger, but I met a lot of great people on the road.

    “Author”

    My Books

    If you want to read some more hitchhiking stories, go to this link:

    “Hitch-Hikers’ Handbook”
    http://hitchhikershandbook.com/

  56. The Wandering Gourmand
    March 26, 2013

    Love the concept of your blog. Thanks for finding me and I look forward to reading your work.

    • Thanks! I hope you’ll enjoy the posts. Enjoy that beer too, by the way… Perhaps I need to run and fetch one myself!

  57. ottomandandy
    March 27, 2013

    very interesting blog and idea indeed …I ‘d look forward to read more of your Istanbul stuff 🙂

    • Thanks! I loved Istanbul. I met many an Ottoman Dandy there, actually. 🙂

      • ottomandandy
        March 27, 2013

        Many Ottoman Dandy ? Ottoman maybe , but I doubt there are dandies out here…There are only few sharply-dressed guys if any…95 % of the people dress up badly…this is a place where pocket square is perceived as weird ….

      • Lol, I guess I meant men who think they are one. Lots of pointy shoes… Hehe. Friendly young men there. Your thoughts on Orhan Gencebay?

      • ottomandandy
        March 27, 2013

        Yes, lots of wanna-bes…orhan is a talented artist that sold molllions of copies , yet i’m not so into his music style…you like him?

      • “Hatasiz Kul Olmaz” made me fall in love with Turkey. I understand he’s highly sentimental, but he’s a wonderful ice breaker in a pinch. 🙂

      • ottomandandy
        March 27, 2013

        Very astonishing:)) but how come you get to know him?

      • Crossing the Bridge. The film by Fatih Akin about music in Istanbul. He has a lovely acoustic version of the song. (As I child I was terrified of men with mustaches, but obviously I’ve had to make adjustments if I planned to mingle in Turkey…)

  58. ottomandandy
    March 27, 2013

    Moustache is very trendy now in turkey;) do you know the series MAgnificent century ? About Sultan soliman the magnificent :)))

  59. fgassette
    April 12, 2013

    Thank you for visiting my blog today. I appreciate the time you took to stop by. May your day be filled with joy and peace.
    BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!

  60. Insight
    April 15, 2013

    Wow! Amazing pieces of shares, madam. Will be definitely looking forward for your future posts. Have a good day ahead. God bless. Cheers.\m/ 🙂

    Rahul

  61. inourstars23
    April 19, 2013

    such a beautiful way to see the world 🙂 I just stumbled upon it and am happy to have had the chance to read such insightful writing!
    Blessings and Love,
    Flammel

  62. lagottocattleya
    April 23, 2013

    Thank you for all wonderful writings – you are truly “family”! I just had to pass this on to – you! http://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/family/

  63. SpirAnima
    April 25, 2013

    Sei una bella persona di cuore!
    Un caro saluto
    Claudio

  64. Jonathan Caswell
    May 8, 2013

    PAIGE—Thank you for “Liking” a poem that wasn’t that easy to write….my wife was the one abused by an older half-brother…but I hope may bring some healing somewhere. Sure hope you haven’t had to go through something similar—but there is hope and healing available. If the media want to focus on their rescuer, that’s more than fine with me! Thank you for your unique sensitivity. 🙂

  65. Gina Marie
    May 11, 2013

    Hi Paige! I think I might have already nominated you for an award, but here’s another because your prose is THAT good. 🙂 There are no red carpets to walk, no flowery acceptance speeches to give, and no Blog Award Police to handcuff you for doing it the wrong way. Blog awards are purely for fun. Here is the link: http://iridescently.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/blog-awards-version-3-0/

  66. Olga Brajnović
    June 8, 2013

    Thank you for stopping by my blog vivirquenoespoco and liking my post about an unorganized visit to Croatia. I’m glad this gave me the opportunity to know your great blog!

  67. lidipiri
    July 6, 2013

    Oh my goodness. So often, in seeing a stranger and their interaction with another or his/her surroundings, have I spun a story. I am absolutely taken by your writing! I have worked as script doctor in the past so take that from someone who is not easily impressed!

    • Thank you so much for your kind words! I appreciate the encouragement. The writing has been a joy for me, so I am glad I could pass it on. Thank you for stopping in and I hope you’ll come again soon!

  68. Jeff
    August 8, 2013

    Really enjoying your vignettes. Alas, I have to go and eat now. Will return soonest!

    • Thank you for stopping in, Jeff! I am glad you have enjoyed the stories. They are a delight for me to create and share. Bon appetit! 😀

      Hope to see you soon,
      Paige

  69. My Tropical Home
    October 3, 2013

    Hi Paige, thanks for visiting my blog. Glad I came here to visit yours, I’ve enjoyed my time so far. Looking forward to more of your stories. Warmly ~ Mary

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      October 3, 2013

      Hi Mary, thanks for visiting as well! I appreciate blogs with gratitude and kindness like yours. I’ll be back! 🙂

  70. Lucas J. Draeger
    October 4, 2013

    Thanks for the visit. I’m a fellow stranger lover. 😉

    What Is “Faces In The Sea”?

  71. gpcox
    October 5, 2013

    Very pleased to meet you. I’m looking forward to many visits here.

  72. kandee2013
    October 8, 2013

    Good morning Paige … thanks for stopping by my humble Blog … I’ll be following yours with interest for I too am a wanderlust 🙂 Stay hungry.

  73. maryoconnor12
    October 8, 2013

    Thanks for liking and following my blog and, in the course of so doing, introducing me to yours. I’m delighted with what I see there and look forward to enjoying the fruits of your wanderlust!

  74. Sharon K.
    October 8, 2013

    What a lovely and original blog. Your humanism and kindness shine :).

    Thanks so much for the follow :).

    Sharon K.

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      October 9, 2013

      Thank you, Sharon! Nice to have you here as a reader. I hope I’ll be able to keep on shining for you. You do the same! 🙂

      All my best,
      Paige

  75. Sandy's Hopeful Room
    October 23, 2013

    Paige, nice to meet you and thank you for the follow. I find you interesting in that you went overseas alone and discovered so many wonderful things. I am looking forward to reading more about your adventures. Therefore, I am following you as well. . .

    Be blessed
    SandyO

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      October 24, 2013

      Thank you, Sandy! I really like your positive spirit, so I figured we’d get along nicely!
      Blessings back atcha! 🙂
      Paige

  76. Robert M. Weiss
    October 31, 2013

    Thank you for following my blog. I really appreciate it!

  77. Sherri
    November 1, 2013

    Hello Paige! Many thanks for visiting my blog, for enjoying my recent post and for the follow. I truly do hope that you enjoy what you read at my cyber summerhouse! I definitely share the same philosophy as you in finding the beautiful in everyday life.
    I look forward to reading more of your travels and your thoughts, especially having visited several of the places that you have also visited. I will definitely be back very soon but meanwhile, I did just want to touch base with you and say hello and thank you 🙂
    Have a great weekend!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      November 1, 2013

      Hi Sherri, nice to meet you are well! Thanks for checking out the blog as well. I think from your summerhouse to my suitcase, we’ve got a lot in common!
      🙂

      Paige

  78. Nancy Loderick
    November 2, 2013

    Hi Paige,

    Thanks so much for the blog follow. It led me to your fascinating blog, which I am now following. I haven’t been fortunate enough to do much traveling overseas, so it’s fun to live vicariously through others such as you.

    I look forward to reading more of your posts.

    Happy blogging!

    Nancy

  79. Chris
    November 25, 2013

    Hi Paige, I love that your writing is to see the merciful view in strangers, and isn’t that one of the greatest gifts of travel…when we realise that we are all humans, and all facing our own battles. Thanks for the follow too. Chrissie

  80. iamforchange
    December 6, 2013

    Hi Paige… Fascinating and quite a story and person you share in doing so. I am most intrigued and look forward to what you choose to share on your incredible journey. Thank you for sharing some of it with me and us as it were! 🙂

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      December 6, 2013

      Thank you, Joe! Your own story is quite remarkable! I look forward to staying in touch as we both aim for positive change. 🙂

  81. John
    December 7, 2013

    Thank you for your follow, appreciate that Paige. 🙂

  82. silverlinks1
    December 8, 2013

    This was lovely, Paige. Thank you. You are a lesson in attracting the positive that you put out there!
    Best wishes,
    Karen

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      December 9, 2013

      Thank you so much, Karen! 🙂 It’s been a joy to find all of these little stories and have the chance to share them.
      Paige

  83. silverlinks1
    December 8, 2013

    Thanks, Paige. That was lovely. You are truly a lesson in attracting the ‘positive’ that you put other there.
    Best wishes,
    Karen

  84. Cali Ali Kitten
    December 11, 2013

    Thank you so much for viewing my blog. The story “Miss Trixy” is actually a true story. Since my cat cannot express her thoughts through words – 🙂 I was able to capture her “thoughts” by observing her actions and reactions during all those moments. It was actually fun to write and my kids love it! I’ve also published it on Storybird. I am so glad to find your blog! It looks so exciting to read I can’t wait to dive right in! Thanks again, and happy writing!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      December 11, 2013

      Thank you for stopping by as well! We used to have cats when I was younger, and I always did wonder about their deep thoughts. 🙂 I also like Mr. Finn!
      Paige

  85. wingedprisms
    December 11, 2013

    Nice blog, Paige. Thank you so much for the follow.
    cate b

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      December 11, 2013

      Thanks to you, Cate! I look forward to reading you work. I’ve been changing through some traditions myself, so your post today really hit the spot. I’ll be back there soon. 🙂
      Paige

      • wingedprisms
        December 11, 2013

        Looking forward to seeing you more. 😀

  86. Ann Koplow
    December 18, 2013

    Love the title of your blog and all you wrote here. I’m so glad our paths have crossed!

  87. annetbell
    December 20, 2013

    Thanks so much for the like. i hope you will return again soon and often! Namaste. . .

  88. Beth Ann
    January 3, 2014

    You stopped my blog and “liked” a post and I had to check out what you were all about and was so happy to sample a few of your offerings! Lovely. Simply lovely descriptions of travel experiences that so many others just simply overlook. I find if I take the time I can really have enjoyable experiences when I travel with the folks I encounter. Thanks for stopping by!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      January 3, 2014

      Thank you, Beth Ann, for the return visit. I’m glad that you’ve enjoyed the blog. I agree that travel is so often about the people we meet–or observe and transcribe. 🙂 Welcome and I will be returning to your page as well!
      Paige

  89. Deb
    January 9, 2014

    Cool blog! What a great way to view life, I will try to impart this theory in each person I have the pleasure of meeting 🙂

  90. M. R.
    January 20, 2014

    I, too, am the fourth of five children. I haven’t shown the character that you do in these words, alas. I have loved travelling. I loved beyond words my husband. Now perhaps it’s time for me to learn to love people in the way that you do.

  91. ME and the Boss
    January 23, 2014

    Yes you were following , however, I built a new platform this year,
    using a domain name, so I can keep his one for a few more years,
    God willing…
    Really enjoy your photos…Love, hugs and blessings…
    MAE and the Boss

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  93. Rajat Chauhan
    February 4, 2014

    Nice shots and story
    much appreciated the way you doin
    we al are stranger to some point or any point ehehehehe lolz
    cheers
    love-n-peace

  94. Jude
    April 25, 2014

    Many thanks for stopping by my blog and liking it enough to follow it. You have a lovely take on life – to have a merciful view of strangers, and so very important for a traveler. You’ve certainly spread your wings!

    • Jude,
      Of course! I’m happy that I stumbled upon it. Thank you for your kind comment. I hope you’ll enjoy the blog! It’s been a way for me to stay positive as well! 🙂
      Paige

  95. darealztalk
    April 30, 2014

    Amazing Blog! The journeys you have been on along with your outlook on like and those who are in it is outstanding! I look forward to your posts

  96. celebratingsunshine24
    May 6, 2014

    Thank you so much for the follow! You have interesting posts, great pictures and now a new follower! 🙂

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  98. Risty
    May 23, 2014

    wonderful blog. flowing to read…love it 🙂

  99. Alison and Don
    July 26, 2014

    Hi Paige, nice to meet you. First I was caught by the title of your blog, then your lovely stories: tiny little slices of ordinary life. We too have found in all our travelling that people are generally kind and welcoming. Like you we look for and expect the best and usually get it. Openheartedness is almost always met with openheartedness.
    Thanks for following our blog. I hope you enjoy the stories of our journey, both inner and outer.
    Blessings, and happy travels
    Alison

  100. Leya
    August 10, 2014

    Hello Paige, I want to invite you to go on a virtual journey with me and other bloggers. I am going to do the post on Monday the 11th August and I want you to join the journey on Monday the 8th September. http://irisgreenwald.wordpress.com/ Iris started the journey and now I’ve been invited by Scrapydo at http://scrapydo.wordpress.com/ ! This journey is only in its baby shoes, but I think reading about how others work will be interesting! There are four questions to answer with photo or what ever you want. If you accept this invitation I’ll send all the information. Hope you want to join if you haven’t done this already!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      August 11, 2014

      Hi Leya– I’d be happy to be a part of your plan, my friend. 🙂 Thank you!

      Paige

      • Leya
        August 11, 2014

        I’m so happy about it! Thank you! Here’s the Howtodo:
        Here is the information on Virtual Blog Tour. Yours is September 8! The Virtual Blog Tour is a relatively new project for bloggers. The rules are fairly simple:

        Compose a one-time post which is posted on Monday (date will be given to you from whoever passes on the tour)
        What am I working on?
        How does my work differ from others of its genre?
        Why do I write/create what I do?
        How does your writing/creating process work?
        Answer four questions about our creative process which lets other bloggers and visitors know what inspires us to do what we do.
        Then pass the tour on to up to four other bloggers. Get their permission first and give them rules and specific Monday they are to post.

  101. Lynda
    September 13, 2014

    I’m the fourth of five children too! 🙂 Looking forward to reading more…

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 15, 2014

      Thank you, Lynda, for coming to the blog. Nice to meet you! Being 4th of 5 has some interesting results, I think. I’m grateful not to be first or last, that’s for sure. 🙂
      Paige

  102. motherhendiaries
    November 14, 2014

    Hello there, Paige! (Love your About Paige page, btw…. haha!) Thank you so kindly for dropping by my little corner of the world and hanging around there long enough to read and follow. You are so very kind! I look forward to hearing more of your adventures, past and present! xx Mother Hen

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      November 14, 2014

      Thanks, Mother Hen! We can all use a mother hen in our lives–or a few in case we might get out of line. 🙂 I look forward to getting to know you as well!
      Paige

  103. Thom Hickey
    November 15, 2014

    Delighted to have found your interest packed blog Paige. Looking forward to much enlightening reading. Regards from Thom at the immortal jukebox (drop a nickel).

  104. thatssojacob
    January 3, 2015

    Hello Paige! I’ve decided to read and follow 15 interesting and new blogs a day every day for the first month of 2015, and yours is today’s #9! Feel free to come visit me when you can at http://www.thatssojacob.wordpress.com, and follow if you like what you read. Happy new year and happy blogging!

  105. 365dniwobiektywielg
    March 28, 2015

    This is a woman of great beauty runs this blog 🙂

  106. Vlad Zaycev
    April 4, 2015

    Hello!
    You have very interesting blog. I enjoyed it. Well done!
    If you like music and fashion, please, look my blog too.
    I hope that you will enjoy it!
    -Vlad
    P.S. I’ll go to Turkey in summer)

  107. Bagher Afshari Gharyaghdi
    April 15, 2015

    “The Nice Thing About Strangers”. Strangers who are closer that we have thought. Good to know because you make other feel their not alone..

  108. ThePower&TheG
    May 20, 2015

    Your Blog is a stunning achievement in ART your profile pic just simply stunning.

    • Well, thank you! 🙂 My friend Gonzalo was so kind as to give me a few hours and a lot of patience with my camera shyness.
      I appreciate you coming by the blog!
      Paige

  109. Shery Alexander Heinis
    June 14, 2015

    Hi Paige – Thanks for “liking’ my poem. I am in envy of those who travel as I’m quite peripatetic myself. I also love books and reading and writing, so we already have four things in common! I look forward to reading your stories.

    • Hi Shery, I really admire people who are willing to share their poetry. 🙂 I agree that we have a lot in common. I’m glad we found each other’s blogs!
      Paige

      • Shery Alexander Heinis
        June 16, 2015

        Same here!

  110. leelootz
    September 22, 2015

    Dear Page,
    First of all thanks a lot for stopping by and also for following my blog. I love your way of seeing the world. Your blog is an inspiration. Keep going!

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 24, 2015

      Thank you so much for the encouragement! Some days I need it more than others. 🙂 All my best to you!
      Paige

  111. Andrea
    October 23, 2015

    Hallo Page,Liebe Grüsse aus der Ankerfiliale in Wien.
    Andrea

  112. Lux.Plosion
    September 1, 2016

    Oh my god this idea you got is amazing! I love the way you look to people and the way you travel. Have you ever heard of Teju Cole? Your blog (and you) reminded me of him.
    Again, compliments! 🙂

    • thenicethingaboutstrangers
      September 2, 2016

      Thanks so much! 🙂 I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the blog and I hope you’ll find other stories you enjoy here. 🙂 I’ll have to check out Teju Cole. Have a lovely week–
      Paige

  113. Will
    January 17, 2021

    These always are entertaining and only seem to get better. Thank you!

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