It takes me fifteen minutes to walk from the train station to my school every day. I spend a lot of time watching other people. The business men and women in suits. The homeless man with one leg and his cardboard sign. The construction workers operating cranes and directing foot traffic around sidewalk barricades. Parents wrangling young kids. The endless sea of black coats, iphones and Starbucks to-go cups. Cyclists. Taxi drivers. Teenagers. Models. New Yorkers of all sizes, shapes and colors.
Sometimes, I wonder if anyone is watching me. The city is simultaneously comforting and isolating for this very reason. We're all together but so often we're not together at all. I'm working on changing that within myself. Smiling at more strangers. Holding more doors. Looking up. Cracking jokes to the random person next to me as we nearly get run over and shouted at by an irate bus driver. Whatever it takes to appreciate and acknowledge the humanity in all of us, because at the very least, it's there, and it's worth something.
You look absolutely beautiful in these pictures. I'd say good job T, but when the subject is so stunning...
ReplyDeleteI'm listening to the Civil Wars as I write this. The natural melancholy quality in their song was a perfect backdrop to this post. Brought a little tear to my eye
I love you.
love you too, sistah
DeleteThese photos are stunning–because of both the subject and the perspective. It's funny, that impersonal behavior is one of the things I miss about the East Coast–John used to think I was dotty, but now we both equate it with respect, a value it seems not very many West Coasters share. If only there were a perfect happy medium.
ReplyDeletehaha, I have a friend who moved to the bay area from the east coast and she says she can't quite explain why, but the personalities of people are different on the west coast, and she too misses the "realness" of the east coast.
Deletefirst of all, you are super gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteMark and I are both naturally outgoing people, so we have a tendency to talk to anyone and everyone. it always makes me a bit sad when someone makes the remark, "wow, you two are really friendly" - usually strangers. It's like no one has conversations anymore. So, I love your idea to be more aware and interact with those around you.
a month or so ago, i was in a coffee shop and i had stepped out of line to take a phone call. when i was finished i went to the back of the line. the couple in front of me were so kind and offered my spot back. I politely declined as it was my choice to step out. then they asked me to partake in a rocks-paper-scissors game to see who would go first. how could i refuse? they won, stepped up to the counter and ordered their coffee... but they got me one too. it was so kind and so unusual.
That type of kindness is exactly what I love. nothing over the top or crazy, just taking the time to be thoughtful to strangers in your day to day. thanks for sharing, C..brought a smile to my face!
DeleteI love these photos of you. They are (and you are) gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI'm such a people watcher, too. People are endlessly fascinating, aren't they? In all sorts of ways.
Hope you have a magical weekend.
yes indeed, rachel. I find that people-watching is the best inspiration for writing.
DeleteBeautiful photos. Truly.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Masha! I did the post-processing, but I don't think I'd like them nearly as much if they hadn't been taken by him.
DeleteSo beautiful my dear daughter. Yes, indeed, we must all stay awake and merely embrace with great love in our hearts those around us. I love you.
ReplyDeletelove you too, mom!
Deletegorgeous photos - I'm lucky enough to live in a place (small town) where people do smile & say hello as you walk past. I always find it kind of strange when we visit the city & that doesn't happen so much.
ReplyDeletetiho captured you so well.... calm, collected, beautiful.
ReplyDeletesuch gorgeous captures...well done Tiho (although your beauty speaks for itself)! a lovely reminder to us all...thank you.
ReplyDeletebeautiful. the photos and words.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! People watching is my favorite and yet I can't say that I ever think about actually being watched.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are stunning. I love black and white photos, especially natural ones. There's something so beautiful about them, they show you a side of the person you can't quite capture normally.
ReplyDeleteI decided to try to interact with people more, like you, a year or so ago. I can honestly say that it was one of the best changes I've ever made to my life. You feel so connected with the world around you and you get to see your actions have a positive effect on someone's day. It feels great to see a stranger happy because of something you've done. Good luck with making that change in your life! :)