Well I saw that he commented on her status
and she's not my friend
but like
I could see the update
so that's how I knew about the job change.
They stir the whipped cream through their coffee
and keep going,
about updates
and the way they know
things that way.
I've been feeling scared to say hello to another stranger,
she's reading a Donald Miller book in a chair nearby.
I figure we're both probably going to hear him
tonight.
The conversation that's still going makes me
want to say hello to a stranger in person.
So we talk a moment
and we find out we know some of the same people.
Her smile is the light up the room kind
and I'm glad I asked about her book
and if she's going tonight because she is.
So we talk about what it is we love about Miller books.
Right there in person
two strangers connecting without a
blinking cursor
or a keyboard
I had an apple tart
and I said yes to the caramel and whipped cream.
I tweeted that I was happy about the apple tart
and that I'm going to hear Donald Miller speak
tonight with Shaina
(the hardest working freelance writer and photog on the interwebs)
and because of the tweet I learned that Kim's husband
is a fan too but he can't go tonight.
We connected.
I love the fast and impulsive connections
we hold at our fingertips online
but even though that's true,
sometimes I want to go back in time
to when our quickest human connections were unplanned
and random and almost always in-person.
Where we see something and we ask,
even a stranger
right in person
even though they might not receive it warmly
because most of the time,
they do.
I didn't ask her to be my friend on facebook
and I didn't tell her I have a blog.
I told her that I know someone she may know
because of her job
and then we smiled a knowing smile
because those are good people to know.
Now Shaina texted to say she's on her way
so I'm closing this blinking cursor and keyboard
because I get to see her now.
That's why this is the end of another freely written (fast with no edits) post from a coffee shop. Try it sometime, it's fun.
Peace, friends.
14 clicked right here to comment:
i love this. a lot.
and i'll be at a coffee shop tomorrow night. just might try it.
These "interweb" connections sometimes feel so....windblown. Face to face old time reach and touch connections are like a tent pitched right. They're secured with hooks, dug into the ground, solid. These interweb meet and greets are as fleeting as our fingertips are heavy. As intriguing as our real time distractions can allow. They sometimes feel like a tent pitched without digging the holes to secure the pegs and tie it down, firm and strong.
I love these little child moments that my life is currently idling in, but I do look forward to the chance to sit idle in a coffee shop, reading or typing, and finding a face in the crowd with whom I can fasten a security post. What a refreshing feeling to have.
I hope you enjoyed your Miller meet up. I hope that all is well with you and yours.
I'm working on saying "hello" to strangers too.
Can you right a recap of your evening w/DM? I love his books!
Lovely prose as poetry. And apt. There is nothing like face to face for meeting new friends or reconnecting with old. Thanks for reminding me...
I can make new 'friend' just about anywhere but in person is usually the best. Hope you had a good time!
I have the best time talking to strangers. Especially old people. Them it doesn't catch off guard. But younger people, they're not used to it. So when I click with one of them I'm totally happy.
Wow, that would be "write" a recap. It was a busy day yesterday and I was tired!
I love that you love both and share that love here. I love both too. The way the cursor and keyboard bring strangers into each others' circles, and the way that a stranger met in person brings a sort of warmth and joy that nothing else does. We're so lucky to have both. Though sometimes I would like to rewind a little too.
Good stuff! I'm all about talking to strangers ~ I think its kind of a cultural thing we do here in MN, at least that has been my observance. I have had so many encounters with strangers where following the interaction I am quick to discern, THAT was a God thing ~ I was put right in that place right at that time and God actually used me (little 'ol me) to make a difference in the life of another human being. That's powerful and I pray continuously to be used in this way. So, yes, by all means, talk to strangers! Its like a box of chocolates, ya never know what you're gonna get !!!!
I think blogging and other online connections are terrif, but nothing beats (to me anyway) a face-to-face meet up.
Perfect kind of poem. Says a lot with a little, and means something to everyone. Thank you!
I love when you meet someone knew, who also knows so-and-so. And the connections grow and you realize that you aren't really strangers afterall.
Loved it...free with no edits. Hmmmm. I'm not sure I'd do as good as you! :)
YAY! Goose is back. (Excuse me. I really missed it.)
Thank you so much for bringing me to see Donald Miller. I loved hearing him, and sitting next to you always makes my heart smile.
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