have this wonderful friend who is a philosopher, dreamer, and lover of life all rolled up into one. Theo is constantly in a state of awe and wonder at the beauty around him.
In college, he would often gently tease me for always being so busy and a fast walker. (One of my biggest pet peeves is getting stuck behind slow walkers. Sorry, slow walkers. It’s just really hard for me to take.) More than once, I got a text message from Theo that said something to this effect:
(Theo, if you’re hoping to commission someone for a portrait above your mantel piece anytime soon, I’m available.)
Honestly, I was grateful to him because sometimes there were entire days when I didn’t consciously look up. I’ve been gifted with this amazing sky and yet my head can remain at eye level all day long. How is that possible? Thank God for the Theo’s of the world.
Ready for a plot twist, though? If you’re ever in Wynwood in Miami, keep your eyes on the ground. There’s magic to be found there.
As part of Bobby’s birthday celebrations on Sunday, we went in search of Art Basel events in Wynwood, an artsy neighborhood in Miami. We were too early for most of the events to really be hopping, but I was most interested in the sidewalks anyway.
Maybe you’ve been looking for a sign today. Have you seen that bumper sticker that says, “If you’re looking for a sign, this is it.”? Well, here’s my little blog bumper sticker. Pretty sure one of these messages is the sign you’re searching for, if you’ve been on the lookout…
That one above nearly had me kissing the ground. It reminded me of a beautiful thought written by Hannah Brencher, the founder of More Love Letters:
“We need people who don’t ask us to become different for their own acceptance and terms of approval. We need people, and we need to be the people who give others the permission to sit in their own skins and not be afraid. That’s the best gift you are ever going to give someone– the permission to feel safe in their own skin. To feel worthy. To feel like they are enough.
You don’t need people who will never be pleased with the human you are. You don’t need the ones who want to dismantle you before they introduce you to the world. You just need to find the good ones– the ones who already know you’re golden.” {Hannah Brencher}
Let’s be the people who affirm, who let others know they’re golden, who stay.
I breathe easier, knowing that there are people who walk over these messages and see them everyday. I think the world needs more sidewalk art and more R.M. Drakes.
Here’s the one that made my soul leap:
I’m curious – does one of these stick out to you? Let me know your favorite in the comments!
Let’s try to love a little deeper and breathe a little more today. And please – know that I think you’re golden.
I liked the same one that spoke so loudly to you, Grace: “The best kind of humans are the ones who stay.” I wish I could get my 5th grade students to understand this!
Yes Gini, humans going into middle school would do well if they could absorb that wisdom! I think maybe your little trivia student could get it! :)
For a quote-lover such as yourself, those streets are sidewalk heaven! It’s so good to be reminded of such important things with simple, beautiful words.
It’s also great that the street art features a local (though web-popular) writer! Certainly, I think the people who stay in our lives, who stick with us through all the complicated and messy and chaotic times, are the best. It’s so hard at times, but I’m forever grateful to those people in my life.
So glad you are getting and giving those reminders to look skyward or earthward (is that even a word?) to have the chance to marvel at the universe.
YES the quote lover in me was so in awe! I actually didn’t know about RM Drake until this weekend – how was I so out of the loop? Then to find out he’s not only a big deal but also discover that he lives in Miami was a double treat.
I think earthward is totally a word! At least in the YBFG world. :)
So good! I keep thinking about the “person who stays” quote over and over. I think I have a lot of fear of abandon, and yet I have trouble staying in one place quite often. Thoughts to chew on…
Yeah, I think that one’s so amazing because it can be viewed in various ways…staying with someone emotionally when they’re struggling, staying put physically in a city and engaging in the community even when things start to get monotonous, sticking with a relationship that is ultimately good but going through a rough patch…it can be taken in so many different directions! (Just for the record, I think that leaving has it’s place, too, sometimes, and can be an equally brave choice. It all depends on the situation.) But I think you’re such a loyal person, Leah – and even though you’re kind of obligated to stay by me via this whole “sister thing,” I still appreciate you daily. :)
I’m with Leah & Gini about the people who stay. I’m glad I saved this to read at exactly this moment.
I’m so glad it came at the right moment for you, Dave. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts about it in PERSON! So soon!