Noticing

I went out about an hour ago to pick up some cleaning. As I was walking beside Gramercy Park on my return, I just picked up on a small exchange. A gentleman of diminished means was doing a few dance steps on the corner, with probably half a self-rolled or filter-removed cigarette dangling from his mouth. A workman said “Here, have a whole cigarette” and gave him one.
Now, sure, loads of people would say “What?!? Give a man poison when he’s down at heel?” But. The man clearly wanted to smoke, and was doing the best he could. The working fellow noticed that he wanted some tobacco. He provided him with a whole, intact cigarette to enjoy at his leisure.
This city, as crazy and busy and wild as it gets, is full of moments like this. Maybe it’s a coffee, or a chat, or a smile in passing. Maybe it’s tucking a woman’s tags down if they are sticking up from her collar.
Moments of noticing.
Have a fine day.

*random* It’s always nice to see things like that, no matter how odd (such as your encounter!) 😀 — Meg and Jorge

Ms. Monday

September 20, 2006

Oh, that was very kind of him. And, I agree with the rest of what you said, too. Noticing is good. Healthy, even. I hope it’s as nice there today as it was here yesterday. 🙂

I love New York! It’s such an amazing place!

Robin W

Wonderful vignette and the lesson therein. Hugs,

CharmingBilly

i hear Blanche DuBois and her famous line about “the kindness of strangers” but she probably had something else completely in mind. *hugs*

MynameisnotfreD

how is handing out a fag unusual? most people i know (including myself) dont think of tobbacco as a poison, even though we all know it is.

That toxic stick is more costly now, too, hmm? It’s wonderful that you notice the giving and compassion people demonstrate for each other 🙂 Nice to get more perspectives of your city and of people. Hugs,

Dr Lisa is not in the office today. So, FD is not in the dentist chair today 🙂 Love ya,

gilraent

I try to notice things… wish more people would.

jasspirit

I don’t know what is more ‘New York’ – the dancer or the cigarette giver….

love it. tiny little kindnesses. as the buddha and my mom say, even tiny little drops fill the bucket.

My brother and I often go into the city and just walk around around for hours in silence. We call it “people-watching”. The average person site-seeing might not notice such a slight moment occuring. I can appreciate how refreshing it is to see a glimmer of humanity amidst so much bustle.

FallingDog

I love to watch people in action this way. It makes life livable.

dear_gertrudeperkins

ThomaS

Yes, Random acts of kindness make my faith in Humanity blossom again.

~Dreamer

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life…. that mean such a lot. Love hugs, Bren

A major aspect of not driving everywhere, is you get to see these cameo moments. Thanks for sharing 😀

Woman of many hats..

I almost can’t keep myself form doing the tag thing – I always do if I know the person – strangers, I don’t know… And I always tell anyone if their shoe is united… I though I was a busy body – never thought of it as noticing – life is all about perspective : ) *hug*

darcy0207

We DO take care of each other… I always have conversations with strangers on the bus. It helps.

Beautiful. Moments like that remind me that life is worth living and why.

I’ve read this one a few times…and I love it more every time. Jennifer