Don, I always enjoy reading your essays. You have a great ability to help ground me when my head is running wild. During our trip to Italy this summer we had quite a few of these serendipitous moments you are talking about. Speaking with street vendors, getting off the tourist path and talking with locals, or even meeting other tourists and learning about their lives. Those people moments remain with me more so than even some of the big landmarks we visited. Glad you guys had a great trip, the pictures are wonderful. That artwork is amazing as well.
Yes, so true, Matthew. The Mexican busker I briefly alluded to—that was such a beautiful encounter and he was such a lovely, loving person. We saw Mayan ruins, Cenotes, beautiful beaches in Mexico, but it was meeting Rojelio that remains the warmest and most meaningful memory.
Thank you so much for reading and being here, Matthew. I truly appreciate you. Looking forward to reading your Steinbeck review!
My father was a travelling accountant. One of the most wonderful things he taught me was to say something nice to the people you come across. So often a little friendly comment can open a door to a memorable, heartfelt conversation. Those connections make life so rich, vivid and special. A lovely post. Thanks so much.
Thank you, Beth. That’s so nice that your father taught you that. Such a simple yet profound practice. In fact, that alone—saying something nice to the people you meet—could change the world!
Just the other day I was walking with my wife in Cornwall, UK on a public footpath. There was an older gentleman by himself standing at a fence catching his breath. Our gentle exchange of pleasantries with a deeper rooted energy has stayed with me all week. He was going to watch ships sail in the afternoon, and my wife dog and I were enjoying the beautiful sun. Life, as simple as that.
I just want to say, this post is a very good lesson on embracing life, not material stuff and loving who you share it all with. I wish everyone a love of life like this and partner. Great couple roll model.
Love this Don. Adventures are so important and I particularly relate to you sharing these fun times with Jennifer. That's everything - to have a life adventuring partner!
I'm a Kiwi and we are apparently the biggest travellers/seekers of adventures of any nationality- perhaps because we think we are missing out on something that is happening away from our little island at the bottom of the Pacific. Turns out everything is here, both in New Zealand and within ourselves. 😊 However travelling is still a wonderful refreshing experience. 💛
if you guys ever get here.....theres a free stop up north here.....and just so you can get the picture...you may enjoy my stack. I feel a tad kindred spirit mate! You and Jennifer would be most to set up a base and explore.
Great! We may someday take you up on that. Jennifer has been there briefly—as part of her college experience she lived for a time in Papua New Guinea—but I have never been to that part of the world.
You guys are most welcome, the whole world is beautiful I have learned….from my armchair and limited travelling. I am too fascinated by stuff on my doorstep LOL. But Don, you and Jennifer are most welcome here………..we would love to provide a base for adventure……so pleased to have found you by clicking on the Travel buotton in Explore in SubStack. :-)
Oh really? That’s interesting. My chosen genres are “Faith and Spirituality” and “Culture,” so it’s interesting to learn that you found my post under travel. I, like everyone I’m sure, am still figuring out the Substack algorithms and such.
opps….come to think of it, twas Faith and Spirituality………..not somewhere I usually go…..coz I have had a life of that….and happy in my own zone after that life. Too much SubStack exploring……I wish there was a welding sculpture tag LOL. or sewing…….
Yes I always get that excited feeling too! A bit like travelling eh, ( "eh" in celebration of Kiwi slang 😊) when you hear that familiar accent or see that constellation of freckles on someones shoulder that seems to be so common to us sunbaked New Zealanders. xx
I can always remember in another life it seems (2008) being at LAX and having lived in Denver, having tried to move my life there..............I remember getting in line to head home and hearing 'that' accent. It was home, even Aussie's sounded like home.
In America not many people could pick where you were from when they heard you talk. Ozzy, Scotland......very few got NZ. Where the heck is that anyways? LOL
In fact when you think about accent...or thought about it as a kid, you can't hear it...yet you are told you have it. I used to ponder that alot. (as a kid)
So after nearly a year in America, (in that other life) it was an amazing moment....an ahaaaaa kinda momento, when I heard my own accent. I remember smiling.......and it felt good, it felt like home, and I went home and stayed home. Happy as a pig in mud.....................that time in America proved to be seminal in my seeing my own country and what being a kiwi meant without the patriotic rah rah I lived amidst in America. In a way, America was my initiation into becoming a real kiwi.
This is beautiful, what great thoughts here, Don. Glad I have time to catch up with my Substack reading and so happy I was blessed with this. Thanks, Don. One big thought that your essay has started to stir in my brain, is the idea of abundance vs scarcity. I know a lot is being bantered about by this idea but you bring us the importance of this mindset. If I really look at my resources, adventuring without a plan when I have the mindset of I have the time, I have the money rather than holding back because of a sense of lacking. As usual Don, I resonate with how you think and I sit with your prompting so much while I run. Thanks again for this wonderful piece, Don.
Thank you so much, Steve, and how synchronistic your comment. I just got back from Trader Joe’s where I was thinking about the idea of competing for so-called scarce resources (it’s easy to see who’s rich and who’s poor at the grocery store). I dictated a note into my phone and was planning to post it today:
“I’ve always disliked competition, especially the idea of competing for so-called limited resources. My attitude is, if there isn’t enough for everyone, then I don’t want it.
But I do recognize the attraction to healthy competition. This would be the kind of competition where the participants fully accept and embrace that they may win and they may lose. And losers don’t go hungry or unhoused!”
Such a lovely piece and so many great comments. My Dad was one of those people that was always chatting somebody up, usually about cars or motorcycles. When I was younger, I was always SO embarrassed, but now I do the same thing. Thanks for the memory Don. And I’m with you, traveling is an amazing experience, especially when you get off the beaten path.
Thank you, Noreen. My dad was very quiet. Like, VERY quiet. Quiet and strong. I admire him for that but I had to teach myself to reach out, to say hi to strangers, to remember to ask people about themselves and their lives. Sure glad I did!
Don, I think I’m a little like you. It didn’t come so easy for me either and I sometimes have to push myself to do it, but when I do I am reminded how rewarding it is. It probably didn’t hurt that I had a career that frequently required public speaking and addressing groups, large and small. Terrifying at first but I survived and learned from it.
That’s how I felt when I came up with the idea. And somehow, verbalizing it legitimizes it morally in the mind, actually causes a shift. Do you feel it, Kate?
This is such a rich window into your story, but the takeaway that opened my heart the most was this: "follow the faded plywood signs." Put that way, I can see those metaphorical signs everywhere, and I'm aware of the sheepishness that still hides in the nooks and crannies of my soul, and the distractedness my ego still drives me too. I'll be watching more intentionally for the faded signs.
That’s so great, Kelly, thanks for distilling that. It makes the metaphor more prominent in my mind, too! I wonder what sorts of “faded signs” I’ve been ignoring right here on Cape Cod…
Sometimes one just has to stop along the side of the country road or while out on a walk and strike up a conversation with a local about that certain thing in their yard, their small roadside stand or shop, or just what is it that makes their little village feel so magical. Most folks will love to tell you why and appreciate that a friendly stranger took notice.
My wife and I like places and trips off the beaten path. Ten years ago in the small Alaskan fishing town of Cordova, Alaska (only accessible by float plane or passenger ferry) we saw a sign for a performance by Alaskan children and teenagers at a summer music camp being held in a small K-8 school cafeteria. We figured, looks and sounds like a fun two hours and it’s free for locals or anyone wandering in off the streets. No ticket required. Little did we know that it was some of the best bluegrass and folk music we had ever heard and the summer camp instructors came from all over North America and Europe and most were multiple Grammy Award winners, who also got up and played and sang.
"we have found that the thrill of discovery always lands us in the center of the here and now—the best place to be!" I've said multiple times to too many people that I love serendipity and surprise. You are so right that travel, and just pursuing connection in general, brings us more of both. I traveled a lot this summer, and rather than finding it depleting, I found myself enjoying the freedom from daily routine and also, being present, as you say. Thanks for this joyful piece, Don!
Don, I always enjoy reading your essays. You have a great ability to help ground me when my head is running wild. During our trip to Italy this summer we had quite a few of these serendipitous moments you are talking about. Speaking with street vendors, getting off the tourist path and talking with locals, or even meeting other tourists and learning about their lives. Those people moments remain with me more so than even some of the big landmarks we visited. Glad you guys had a great trip, the pictures are wonderful. That artwork is amazing as well.
Yes, so true, Matthew. The Mexican busker I briefly alluded to—that was such a beautiful encounter and he was such a lovely, loving person. We saw Mayan ruins, Cenotes, beautiful beaches in Mexico, but it was meeting Rojelio that remains the warmest and most meaningful memory.
Thank you so much for reading and being here, Matthew. I truly appreciate you. Looking forward to reading your Steinbeck review!
My father was a travelling accountant. One of the most wonderful things he taught me was to say something nice to the people you come across. So often a little friendly comment can open a door to a memorable, heartfelt conversation. Those connections make life so rich, vivid and special. A lovely post. Thanks so much.
Thank you, Beth. That’s so nice that your father taught you that. Such a simple yet profound practice. In fact, that alone—saying something nice to the people you meet—could change the world!
Looking for happiness and contentment in simplicity. Beautiful sentiments, Don.
Thank you, Maureen. I’m always so glad to hear from you. Have a wonderful day!
" You don't have to worry if you got no money people on the river are happy to give " - Proud Mary, AKA Rollin on the River. Just popped into my head.
Great, I remember that one! Now it’s in my head too 😀🎶
Sharing is a spiritual thing, you know..... 🎼🎶🎵
Just the other day I was walking with my wife in Cornwall, UK on a public footpath. There was an older gentleman by himself standing at a fence catching his breath. Our gentle exchange of pleasantries with a deeper rooted energy has stayed with me all week. He was going to watch ships sail in the afternoon, and my wife dog and I were enjoying the beautiful sun. Life, as simple as that.
Beautiful, thanks for sharing, Joe! 🙏💚
Gorgeous reminder of the simple pleasures in life, thank you Don 😊
Thank you, Vicki. 🙏😊
I just want to say, this post is a very good lesson on embracing life, not material stuff and loving who you share it all with. I wish everyone a love of life like this and partner. Great couple roll model.
This was so enlightening to read.
Thank you so very much! 🙏💚
Love this Don. Adventures are so important and I particularly relate to you sharing these fun times with Jennifer. That's everything - to have a life adventuring partner!
I'm a Kiwi and we are apparently the biggest travellers/seekers of adventures of any nationality- perhaps because we think we are missing out on something that is happening away from our little island at the bottom of the Pacific. Turns out everything is here, both in New Zealand and within ourselves. 😊 However travelling is still a wonderful refreshing experience. 💛
That’s interesting to know about Kiwis. I sure would love to see your beautiful island some day. Thank you for being here, Jo!
if you guys ever get here.....theres a free stop up north here.....and just so you can get the picture...you may enjoy my stack. I feel a tad kindred spirit mate! You and Jennifer would be most to set up a base and explore.
Great! We may someday take you up on that. Jennifer has been there briefly—as part of her college experience she lived for a time in Papua New Guinea—but I have never been to that part of the world.
You guys are most welcome, the whole world is beautiful I have learned….from my armchair and limited travelling. I am too fascinated by stuff on my doorstep LOL. But Don, you and Jennifer are most welcome here………..we would love to provide a base for adventure……so pleased to have found you by clicking on the Travel buotton in Explore in SubStack. :-)
Oh really? That’s interesting. My chosen genres are “Faith and Spirituality” and “Culture,” so it’s interesting to learn that you found my post under travel. I, like everyone I’m sure, am still figuring out the Substack algorithms and such.
opps….come to think of it, twas Faith and Spirituality………..not somewhere I usually go…..coz I have had a life of that….and happy in my own zone after that life. Too much SubStack exploring……I wish there was a welding sculpture tag LOL. or sewing…….
Hi Jo, fellow Kiwi here 👋
me too. Whangarei Te Tai Tokerau. Northland
Kia ora 😄👋
Kei te pai, e hoa ma.
Nice to connect.
😊🤗 Hey Vicki. Thanks for connecting. 🌸
Always a little bit exciting to find a fellow Kiwi here, there aren’t too many of us it seems 😀
Yes I always get that excited feeling too! A bit like travelling eh, ( "eh" in celebration of Kiwi slang 😊) when you hear that familiar accent or see that constellation of freckles on someones shoulder that seems to be so common to us sunbaked New Zealanders. xx
I can always remember in another life it seems (2008) being at LAX and having lived in Denver, having tried to move my life there..............I remember getting in line to head home and hearing 'that' accent. It was home, even Aussie's sounded like home.
In America not many people could pick where you were from when they heard you talk. Ozzy, Scotland......very few got NZ. Where the heck is that anyways? LOL
In fact when you think about accent...or thought about it as a kid, you can't hear it...yet you are told you have it. I used to ponder that alot. (as a kid)
So after nearly a year in America, (in that other life) it was an amazing moment....an ahaaaaa kinda momento, when I heard my own accent. I remember smiling.......and it felt good, it felt like home, and I went home and stayed home. Happy as a pig in mud.....................that time in America proved to be seminal in my seeing my own country and what being a kiwi meant without the patriotic rah rah I lived amidst in America. In a way, America was my initiation into becoming a real kiwi.
Fellow kiwi, so very very true, and I wrote about such things in my last substack write this wiki.
This is beautiful, what great thoughts here, Don. Glad I have time to catch up with my Substack reading and so happy I was blessed with this. Thanks, Don. One big thought that your essay has started to stir in my brain, is the idea of abundance vs scarcity. I know a lot is being bantered about by this idea but you bring us the importance of this mindset. If I really look at my resources, adventuring without a plan when I have the mindset of I have the time, I have the money rather than holding back because of a sense of lacking. As usual Don, I resonate with how you think and I sit with your prompting so much while I run. Thanks again for this wonderful piece, Don.
Thank you so much, Steve, and how synchronistic your comment. I just got back from Trader Joe’s where I was thinking about the idea of competing for so-called scarce resources (it’s easy to see who’s rich and who’s poor at the grocery store). I dictated a note into my phone and was planning to post it today:
“I’ve always disliked competition, especially the idea of competing for so-called limited resources. My attitude is, if there isn’t enough for everyone, then I don’t want it.
But I do recognize the attraction to healthy competition. This would be the kind of competition where the participants fully accept and embrace that they may win and they may lose. And losers don’t go hungry or unhoused!”
Such a lovely piece and so many great comments. My Dad was one of those people that was always chatting somebody up, usually about cars or motorcycles. When I was younger, I was always SO embarrassed, but now I do the same thing. Thanks for the memory Don. And I’m with you, traveling is an amazing experience, especially when you get off the beaten path.
Thank you, Noreen. My dad was very quiet. Like, VERY quiet. Quiet and strong. I admire him for that but I had to teach myself to reach out, to say hi to strangers, to remember to ask people about themselves and their lives. Sure glad I did!
Don, I think I’m a little like you. It didn’t come so easy for me either and I sometimes have to push myself to do it, but when I do I am reminded how rewarding it is. It probably didn’t hurt that I had a career that frequently required public speaking and addressing groups, large and small. Terrifying at first but I survived and learned from it.
Yes, I’ve heard that two of the top fears of all time are the fear of death and the fear of public speaking, so kudos on you, Noreen!
Great photos, Don, especially like the art-alley, and fab about spontaneity as a lifestyle! Bring it on!
Thanks, Jeanine! 🙂
Absolutely love the idea of one holiday per quarter - such a great thing to aspire to. Life is short and productivity culture is toxic!
That’s how I felt when I came up with the idea. And somehow, verbalizing it legitimizes it morally in the mind, actually causes a shift. Do you feel it, Kate?
This is such a rich window into your story, but the takeaway that opened my heart the most was this: "follow the faded plywood signs." Put that way, I can see those metaphorical signs everywhere, and I'm aware of the sheepishness that still hides in the nooks and crannies of my soul, and the distractedness my ego still drives me too. I'll be watching more intentionally for the faded signs.
That’s so great, Kelly, thanks for distilling that. It makes the metaphor more prominent in my mind, too! I wonder what sorts of “faded signs” I’ve been ignoring right here on Cape Cod…
Sometimes one just has to stop along the side of the country road or while out on a walk and strike up a conversation with a local about that certain thing in their yard, their small roadside stand or shop, or just what is it that makes their little village feel so magical. Most folks will love to tell you why and appreciate that a friendly stranger took notice.
My wife and I like places and trips off the beaten path. Ten years ago in the small Alaskan fishing town of Cordova, Alaska (only accessible by float plane or passenger ferry) we saw a sign for a performance by Alaskan children and teenagers at a summer music camp being held in a small K-8 school cafeteria. We figured, looks and sounds like a fun two hours and it’s free for locals or anyone wandering in off the streets. No ticket required. Little did we know that it was some of the best bluegrass and folk music we had ever heard and the summer camp instructors came from all over North America and Europe and most were multiple Grammy Award winners, who also got up and played and sang.
That's awesome, Michael. That is exactly what I'm talking about! Thank you for sharing that story with me. 🙏💚
Aren’t those encounters—those connections you make— while wandering everything? To me, it’s hope.
Yes, Hope. Thank you, Holly. Hopeful Holly! 😊
"we have found that the thrill of discovery always lands us in the center of the here and now—the best place to be!" I've said multiple times to too many people that I love serendipity and surprise. You are so right that travel, and just pursuing connection in general, brings us more of both. I traveled a lot this summer, and rather than finding it depleting, I found myself enjoying the freedom from daily routine and also, being present, as you say. Thanks for this joyful piece, Don!
Thanks, Emily!