OHMG....Elizabeth! I adore this. The contrast is so powerful, your sense of humor delightful, the details are delicious. I remember those old service stations. Such a different time. The whole world sped up, leaving way less room for the slower moments when a temporarily stranded butterfly might be rescued by one as mindful as you. And this, "A teenager in plaid pajama pants lumbers past, hugging a cup so big it could hold a chihuahua." I laughed out loud. I've seen that kid way too many times, at these locations. He gets around! xo
You know that kid, too?! I’m convinced they're some kind of time-traveling mascot for our era, perpetually plaid and caffeinated. Thank you so much for the lovely words, Nan. I’m thrilled it resonated (and that the butterfly made it out with some dignity). xo
This is better than Bishop's poem "Filling Station." The on-point portraiture of gas stations from prior decades, and the almost desultory beauty of the dropped-receipt simile. So much to admire here! --- not the least, your solicitude to the butterfly.
Okay, being mentioned in the same breath as Bishop, especially when it comes to gas stations, is wildly flattering. Thank you, Thomas! I’m so glad the dropped receipt and butterfly both landed softly for you. It's good to see you in the comments today.
Nancy, I'm grateful to have been given the chance to save it! Thank you so much—and yes, butterflies get me every time. They seem so fragile, but also kind of miraculous, don’t they? 🦋
Powerfully beautiful ❤..... Wouldn't it be wonderful if people took time to notice our being blown around by life's harsh winds... And with eye to eye contact...possibly a gentle touch, and words that encourage...someone repositions our hopes and dreams, and frees us into saving flight..
Thank you so much. I love how you put that—being seen, steadied, and maybe even set free again. We all need that kind of lift now and then. So grateful for your thoughtful words, Barry. ❤️
Thank you for this flash backwards, it was a perfect reflection for me this morning as I try to digest the world around me in search of beauty. And then pop comes this gem of yours.
My sincere gratitude, Sue. Beauty is harder to hold onto these days, so I’m glad for the times when it's impossible to miss. Isn’t the Universe amazing for bringing us exactly what we need right when we need it—butterflies included? 🦋
You capture so well what is but a microcosm of what some of us see as decline…😒. But as others of your readers convey, amid the detritus are the threads of hope and endurance. Thank you.
The just-arrived Smithsonian Magazine (July-August’25) has an article on the work to combat insect/bird decline that parallels your thinking. Bright spots abound, but we need to pay more attention. You’re doing it.
I can always count on you for a thoughtful reflection, Charlie. Thank you! I love how you put it—the threads of hope and endurance woven through the decline. It’s encouraging to hear about the work highlighted in Smithsonian. It's going to take a lot of collective attention, but I also think we are more alert now than ever. May the bright spots continue to show themselves! Good to see you here.
Dear Wild Wave , First, I love and miss Wawa. Rumor is... we're gettin one in nc. But the dichotomy of which you are also a NOTICER is so appreciated by me. My work world is not squeezing in my creative court these days, but yours always always inspires. Can't wait to return next week to keep ya some substack compn'y... Smooches.
For your sake, I hope you get your Wawa. Sometimes I miss the old school gas stations!
I totally get the creative squeeze and am glad a little splash of Substack inspiration can help tide you over until you’re back in the groove. Thanks for the kind words. Smooches are received loud and clear, Vanilla Splash!
Yes! Wonder feels like the perfect word for it. It’s amazing (another good word) how even the tiniest beings can pull us into that space—if we let them. Thanks for sharing that with me, Switter.
She was! In spite—or because—of what she also knew to be true about the destruction of our environment. I’m not sure if it’s true for everyone, but for me having a kind of awestruck appreciation makes it harder to be careless.
OHMG....Elizabeth! I adore this. The contrast is so powerful, your sense of humor delightful, the details are delicious. I remember those old service stations. Such a different time. The whole world sped up, leaving way less room for the slower moments when a temporarily stranded butterfly might be rescued by one as mindful as you. And this, "A teenager in plaid pajama pants lumbers past, hugging a cup so big it could hold a chihuahua." I laughed out loud. I've seen that kid way too many times, at these locations. He gets around! xo
I loved that line too.
Yep. I was going to call out that same line!
Right? Hilarious. xo
Where's the chihuahua emoji when we need it?
🐕
Let’s pretend. I say it’s a chihuahua. Okay?
You know that kid, too?! I’m convinced they're some kind of time-traveling mascot for our era, perpetually plaid and caffeinated. Thank you so much for the lovely words, Nan. I’m thrilled it resonated (and that the butterfly made it out with some dignity). xo
That kid had a supporting role in everything, everywhere, all at once.
Ha! Yes! (Loved that show.)
This is better than Bishop's poem "Filling Station." The on-point portraiture of gas stations from prior decades, and the almost desultory beauty of the dropped-receipt simile. So much to admire here! --- not the least, your solicitude to the butterfly.
Okay, being mentioned in the same breath as Bishop, especially when it comes to gas stations, is wildly flattering. Thank you, Thomas! I’m so glad the dropped receipt and butterfly both landed softly for you. It's good to see you in the comments today.
Such beautiful writing! And thank you for saving the butterfly. They are so special to my heart, and clearly yours as well. 🦋
Nancy, I'm grateful to have been given the chance to save it! Thank you so much—and yes, butterflies get me every time. They seem so fragile, but also kind of miraculous, don’t they? 🦋
Beautiful, Elizabeth. Funny, sharply observed and surprising. I never guessed where you were going until we took wing together.
What a lovely way to put it. Thank you, Rona! A detour that ends in unexpected flight sounds delightful. So glad you came along for the ride. 🛻🦋
Awww, this one brought a happy tear to my eye!!! Love love love…
Oh, friend. Thank you. 💚
Ps: have you ever entered a “Buckeye’s”—Wawa on massive steroids…
I've only experienced them virtually. When a gas station and a theme park have a baby and raise it on caffeine and brisket... 😅
Finding those moments of beauty and kindness...
Thank you again
Many thanks, Sandy. Those moments feel small, but they stay with us, don’t they? Appreciate you being here today.
I lifted right up into the sky with that butterfly. Beautiful writing.
That’s the best kind of lift-off—thank you. So glad you took wing with me today, Leslie. 🦋✨
Powerfully beautiful ❤..... Wouldn't it be wonderful if people took time to notice our being blown around by life's harsh winds... And with eye to eye contact...possibly a gentle touch, and words that encourage...someone repositions our hopes and dreams, and frees us into saving flight..
Thank you so much. I love how you put that—being seen, steadied, and maybe even set free again. We all need that kind of lift now and then. So grateful for your thoughtful words, Barry. ❤️
Thank you for this flash backwards, it was a perfect reflection for me this morning as I try to digest the world around me in search of beauty. And then pop comes this gem of yours.
My sincere gratitude, Sue. Beauty is harder to hold onto these days, so I’m glad for the times when it's impossible to miss. Isn’t the Universe amazing for bringing us exactly what we need right when we need it—butterflies included? 🦋
Just lovely.
☺️ I'm glad you're here, Linda. Thank you.
This is exactly how we proceed in heated, harsh times -- in our own spheres, offering one saving grace at a time.
Absolutely — it’s those small acts of grace that steady us in the storm. And oh, the storm! So grateful you're part of this community, Kim.
You capture so well what is but a microcosm of what some of us see as decline…😒. But as others of your readers convey, amid the detritus are the threads of hope and endurance. Thank you.
The just-arrived Smithsonian Magazine (July-August’25) has an article on the work to combat insect/bird decline that parallels your thinking. Bright spots abound, but we need to pay more attention. You’re doing it.
I can always count on you for a thoughtful reflection, Charlie. Thank you! I love how you put it—the threads of hope and endurance woven through the decline. It’s encouraging to hear about the work highlighted in Smithsonian. It's going to take a lot of collective attention, but I also think we are more alert now than ever. May the bright spots continue to show themselves! Good to see you here.
Dear Wild Wave , First, I love and miss Wawa. Rumor is... we're gettin one in nc. But the dichotomy of which you are also a NOTICER is so appreciated by me. My work world is not squeezing in my creative court these days, but yours always always inspires. Can't wait to return next week to keep ya some substack compn'y... Smooches.
Wild Wave here sending a fragrant hello back! 😅
For your sake, I hope you get your Wawa. Sometimes I miss the old school gas stations!
I totally get the creative squeeze and am glad a little splash of Substack inspiration can help tide you over until you’re back in the groove. Thanks for the kind words. Smooches are received loud and clear, Vanilla Splash!
I think the word is wonder. No creature is to small to not evoke it from us, if we are open to it.
Yes! Wonder feels like the perfect word for it. It’s amazing (another good word) how even the tiniest beings can pull us into that space—if we let them. Thanks for sharing that with me, Switter.
Rachel Carson was an advocate for nurturing a sense of wonder.
She was! In spite—or because—of what she also knew to be true about the destruction of our environment. I’m not sure if it’s true for everyone, but for me having a kind of awestruck appreciation makes it harder to be careless.
I was watching that butterfly as it became real so virtually far away....
I’m moved by how you describe it, Jill -- the butterfly coming into focus, even from a distance. Thank you so much for spending some time here today.