Special
“You say you’re not special because the world doesn’t know about you, but that’s an insult to me. I know about you.” –John Green. The Fault in Our Stars.
The Impatient Italians and the Fighting Irish
Originally posted on The Nice Thing About Strangers:
In Medjugorje, there’s a crowd of people entering the church, praying at the grotto, climbing steep hills in prayer. It’s a place…
Best of Intentions
I’m delighted to share this story from the clever and insightful SFC Keith Hummel, a former student and current friend. ** I make it a point to avoid social interactions … Continue reading
Missing You
It’s a good turnout for a morning Mass service at the Irish church on the top of the hill. Though, as usual, I am the only person under 40…perhaps the … Continue reading
I Wear My Sunglasses Mid-Day…
Sorry, I’m relocating! Oh, no, not the blog, just this car full of 1/4th of my worldly possessions. I hope you don’t mind a detour to a happy summer from … Continue reading
The Purpose of Rainboots
The little girl is hustling out of daycare with her mother right behind. It’s been raining and Mom is trying to protect and preserve the handful of paper-crafts that her … Continue reading
Guest Post: Rachael Hanel. We’ll Be The Last Ones To Let You Down.
Originally posted on The Nice Thing About Strangers:
Photo credit: Steve Pottenger Thanks so much to Paige for allowing me to guest post on her fabulous blog! If you’re like…
Guest Post by Steven Lincoln: Know Your Audience
Originally posted on The Nice Thing About Strangers:
He sat in the center of the third row, the person nearest the screen in the movie theater. It was a weekday,…
Guest Post: The Huffy Prophet by Sarie Fischer Norval
Originally posted on The Nice Thing About Strangers:
I hope you’ll enjoy this guest post from my dear friend Sarie. I think her story helps explain why we’ve been friends…
A Moment of Silence
It’s rare that I have a photo without a story, but here it is. -Vermont
Two Cheers for Staying Cheerful
He crawls on the elliptical next to mine. He summons a huge breath and sends out a slow, I’d-love-to-seem-determined-but-I’m-here-against-my-will exhale. “Well,” he says it to himself, but doesn’t mind when … Continue reading
You Can Tell Me
Originally posted on The Nice Thing About Strangers:
Yes, it’s true, I was speaking to myself, but don’t we all? We all have a second person buried inside us, a…
A Free Spirit
The plane is nearly full when the family boards. Bringing up the end of the line, the father wears an Armani Exchange t-shirt that reads not only the brand name, … Continue reading
A Thank You Note on a Gloomy Day
I’m sorry. It’s been one of those days where I can’t seem to focus on anything for more than a few minutes. Tonight, I was preparing my coffeepot for tomorrow … Continue reading
Saints and Selfies
Every few minutes the caretaker shushes the visitors. They go quiet for a moment, then keep on talking. It doesn’t disturb me as I kneel, watching young men walking cautiously … Continue reading
Prints
Originally posted on The Nice Thing About Strangers:
It’s the Department of Motor Vehicles, so no one is really crossing any items off their Bucket List around here. The lack…
Spring Reverie
It’s finally and officially warm in Vermont. I think Wednesday there could be snow, but everyone I’ve seen has been seizing the day. People are wearing t-shirts. Scarves have gone … Continue reading
On Dogs and Tough Guys
Originally posted on The Nice Thing About Strangers:
Photo courtesy of Brittany Rolle. The slim, green-eyed teenaged boy wears the now-typical skinny jeans, flashy shoes, and puffy black coat. He…
Men at Work
“Always I find when I begin to write there is one character who obstinately will not come alive. There is nothing psychologically false about him, but he sticks, he has … Continue reading
A Happy and Beautiful Solitude (For Now)
I felt happy and grateful and kept thinking an old thought: I wished that all my friends who I love so much could see and feel what I see and … Continue reading
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