Sandals and a Stick

What They Carry

These stories are true. AI has not been used in writing any part of this project. The feelings expressed are genuine – and have failed to wither over the years. The people are real – and I loved them, still do.

Burners and Hippies

Some core values are common between Hippies and ‘Burners’. But there are differences – especially in structure. Burners are very organized and adhere to “10 Principles” while Hippies have an informal, relaxed existence. As part of my confession, I admit that I would fail to perform well with one of those Burner Principles. They call it “Radial Self-reliance”

Waloyo Yamoni

Listen – Hope will engulf you and you’ll be enveloped in a light of promise! I pray for light-filled hope - • to push against the headwinds of a culture that rewards few and punishes many. • to lean into this squall with a low center of gravity, feet planted firmly, and to defy this screeching derecho that blows against peace, unity and love. • to know that one day, everyone to be able to say, “Then all is well.”

Chicago Walmart Takeaways

Sometimes, the tiniest of actions can have enormous consequences. All it takes is an openness to see, an ability to recognize, and the willingness to act. In those few seconds of interaction with the grocery carts, it seems that I was able to brighten someone’s day. Only moments later, the woman and her two-dollar donation bumped into me. She gave me the courage and excitement to look forward to SOS2009’s fundraiser. She brightened my day and the pathway ahead.

Effortless Adaptation – Short Version

If I let go so effortlessly in this get-to-where-you’re-going-at-all-cost scenario, what other moral and ethical commitments might also be subject to unconcerned termination?

Effortless Adaptation – Storied Version

This Awooga issue becomes merely a sad question, “That too?” It is a sign of resignation based on the underlying thing-beneath-the-thing: Me before you – at every intersection of life.