A perfect metaphor Ben. Gosh. I’m going to hold onto this one. Stitching dreams to reality with purpose and persistence, traveling time (time alterations!) with every stitch. I’ve missed your words and wisdom here. You have so much to offer.
Ben, if even half the world had a heart as big and kind as yours is much of our worries would end. What a strikingly empathetic piece... I love the metaphor, not because of its beauty, though it is, but because stitches, ultimately, not only bind the fabric but can repair it too.
Damn, Ben, this one made me tear up right now. Moving and beautiful. The simple act of kindness and what that can do.
Lovely lovely metaphor, too.
You know, there's a homeless guy who sits down by our local market. He's always reading a book. He has a sign next to him that reads, "Homeless but hopeful" and every time I see that I feel this pang inside to help, to do something, but each time I find I'm in a hurry and I pass him by. I'm terrible, but such is the comfortable loop that I've been in. I have given him some change on the occasion that I've had some, but that's probably not all that helpful. I want to do more like you've done here.
Thank you, Nathan. It’s very hard to step out of our own narrative to see where we might be useful just because the problems around us feel so completely overwhelming. This is just one small thing I’ve found that I can do and it brings me a little peace.
It's beautiful that you didn't have to become homeless to be able to see. Sympathy can awaken powerful purpose. The idea of all humanity walking together
on a quilt we are stitching with our dreams and actions is a strangely comforting and compelling metaphor.
Thanks for the introduction to Darren and more so for offering him your attention and a much needed pair of shoes. I imagine the well of love and compassion you, Paradis, and the kiddos created while compiling the care packages still fills your heart. I always enjoy and appreciate your words and wisdom.
Thank you, Ben, for your humanity and kindness and willingness to try something different. I love the image of stitching our gossamer dreams into the heavy canvas of reality. In rare and precious moments, we might even see that the canvas is a figment of our imagination. Or that we are also weaving the canvas itself with our choices.
Ultimately, I feel like I do so little Julie. The problems in our world are so overwhelming. It provides the perfect alibi to do nothing. Thanks as always friend for reading and commenting on my work.
How many times do we pass the same person, the same corner, the same moment—until it finally looks back at us?
The way you frame routine as a kind of time travel feels exactly right. Sometimes repetition isn’t a trap, it’s the universe giving us another chance to respond the way we should have the first time.
A perfect metaphor Ben. Gosh. I’m going to hold onto this one. Stitching dreams to reality with purpose and persistence, traveling time (time alterations!) with every stitch. I’ve missed your words and wisdom here. You have so much to offer.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Kimberly.
Ben, if even half the world had a heart as big and kind as yours is much of our worries would end. What a strikingly empathetic piece... I love the metaphor, not because of its beauty, though it is, but because stitches, ultimately, not only bind the fabric but can repair it too.
Beautifully spoken my friend... as ever.
Thank you, Susie.
Thank you, Ben.
Thanks for reading, Chris.
Damn, Ben, this one made me tear up right now. Moving and beautiful. The simple act of kindness and what that can do.
Lovely lovely metaphor, too.
You know, there's a homeless guy who sits down by our local market. He's always reading a book. He has a sign next to him that reads, "Homeless but hopeful" and every time I see that I feel this pang inside to help, to do something, but each time I find I'm in a hurry and I pass him by. I'm terrible, but such is the comfortable loop that I've been in. I have given him some change on the occasion that I've had some, but that's probably not all that helpful. I want to do more like you've done here.
Thank you, Nathan. It’s very hard to step out of our own narrative to see where we might be useful just because the problems around us feel so completely overwhelming. This is just one small thing I’ve found that I can do and it brings me a little peace.
It's beautiful that you didn't have to become homeless to be able to see. Sympathy can awaken powerful purpose. The idea of all humanity walking together
on a quilt we are stitching with our dreams and actions is a strangely comforting and compelling metaphor.
Hi Shonda, thanks so much for reading and commenting. I’m glad this piece found you.
Thanks for the introduction to Darren and more so for offering him your attention and a much needed pair of shoes. I imagine the well of love and compassion you, Paradis, and the kiddos created while compiling the care packages still fills your heart. I always enjoy and appreciate your words and wisdom.
Thanks, Phil. That means a lot. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Looking forward to book club in a couple of weeks.
It's fascinating how you turn the repetition of everyday life into something sacred, a time travel that allows us to see and do better.
Hi Ramya! It is fascinating isn’t it? Thanks for reading.
Thank you, Ben, for your humanity and kindness and willingness to try something different. I love the image of stitching our gossamer dreams into the heavy canvas of reality. In rare and precious moments, we might even see that the canvas is a figment of our imagination. Or that we are also weaving the canvas itself with our choices.
Ultimately, I feel like I do so little Julie. The problems in our world are so overwhelming. It provides the perfect alibi to do nothing. Thanks as always friend for reading and commenting on my work.
Beautiful and piercing. Thank you for writing it.
Thank you for taking the time to read it Lisa. I’m glad it spoke to you.
This hit a soft place in me.
How many times do we pass the same person, the same corner, the same moment—until it finally looks back at us?
The way you frame routine as a kind of time travel feels exactly right. Sometimes repetition isn’t a trap, it’s the universe giving us another chance to respond the way we should have the first time.
Thank you so much, Dave. I’m glad this piece resonated with you.
What a wonderful metaphor, Ben. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for your wisdom.
Thanks so much, Holly. You’re too kind. ❤️
I have listened to two of your novels so far and I always enjoy your work and your audio productions, that’s why I subscribe. Thank you for writing.
Thanks so much, Shannon. I’m so happy you’re here.
This is very touching, and insightful too- thank you for sharing your gift for writing.
Thanks so much for reading, Rose.
Beautiful sentiments, beautifully written.
Thank you, Terry!
My pleasure, Sir