I loved this description Larry. I could 100% see you doing this. It conveyed the mood of your calmness so well. “It’s like Rick … and Richard,” I said, slightly tilting my head left, then right, creating an unspoken rhythm that seemed to merge the two names into one, a rhythm that calmed my still-jangled nerves.
What a powerful gift of calm power Matt gave to you. I can unfortunately relate to what you went through. Having the name of Flori which is so foreign to most people to begin with has created problems all my life. Your exceptionally told story felt all too familiar, but reminds me that remaining calm and connecting is key. You always give good on the humor. :)
Yeah, Matt has always been a source of calm equanimity ... and still is. That I was able to tap in to that energy when I needed it most was really a moment of grace.
And I can see how your name would lead to a bit of a hassle, though a lifelong one.
Thanks, Simon. For the longest time, the "art of persuasion" was little more than "the art of not blowing my lid."
Copenhagen is beautiful, and so are many of the people. Must be something in the Viking blood, right? It's also the most bike-friendly city I've ever been in. At least it was back in '94.
I think it still is. Even more so than Amsterdam, I’d say. Definitely more than my old home town of Bristol, which rather weirdly became the cycling capital of England.
Brilliantly told! What a lovely tribute to a worthy exemplar. I think we all need to channel our inner Matt from time to time. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re such a great writer my friend. So great. The detail with the names and head movements is EPIC. I’m trying to imagine how you felt after you boarded, thinking about the weight of that moment where you changed tactics and connected brilliantly.
Thanks for the reminder of the power in desiring to connect rather than win an argument.
Thanks, Kathy. I was very VERY relieved to get my boarding pass, and I'm quite certain that it wouldn't have happened had I not done a complete 180 with my energy. My next step is to get in touch with Matt, catch up on what's been going on, and send him a link to this essay.
Whoa, Larry, what an excellent description of the potency of going soft. "Like a seed that germinates only when it’s ready;" You really were ready to take on that mountain.
I loved this description Larry. I could 100% see you doing this. It conveyed the mood of your calmness so well. “It’s like Rick … and Richard,” I said, slightly tilting my head left, then right, creating an unspoken rhythm that seemed to merge the two names into one, a rhythm that calmed my still-jangled nerves.
Thank you, Rick. The challenge is to remember to go to that calm, centered place more often!!
What a powerful gift of calm power Matt gave to you. I can unfortunately relate to what you went through. Having the name of Flori which is so foreign to most people to begin with has created problems all my life. Your exceptionally told story felt all too familiar, but reminds me that remaining calm and connecting is key. You always give good on the humor. :)
Thanks, Flori.
Yeah, Matt has always been a source of calm equanimity ... and still is. That I was able to tap in to that energy when I needed it most was really a moment of grace.
And I can see how your name would lead to a bit of a hassle, though a lifelong one.
Great story, Lawrence! And a fabulous example - no two - of the art of persuasion. “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
I hadn’t realised you’d been to Copenhagen. I was just there for the first time back in March. We need to compare notes!
Thanks, Simon. For the longest time, the "art of persuasion" was little more than "the art of not blowing my lid."
Copenhagen is beautiful, and so are many of the people. Must be something in the Viking blood, right? It's also the most bike-friendly city I've ever been in. At least it was back in '94.
Enjoy your time in Greece!
I think it still is. Even more so than Amsterdam, I’d say. Definitely more than my old home town of Bristol, which rather weirdly became the cycling capital of England.
Brilliantly told! What a lovely tribute to a worthy exemplar. I think we all need to channel our inner Matt from time to time. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re such a great writer my friend. So great. The detail with the names and head movements is EPIC. I’m trying to imagine how you felt after you boarded, thinking about the weight of that moment where you changed tactics and connected brilliantly.
Thanks for the reminder of the power in desiring to connect rather than win an argument.
Thanks, Kathy. I was very VERY relieved to get my boarding pass, and I'm quite certain that it wouldn't have happened had I not done a complete 180 with my energy. My next step is to get in touch with Matt, catch up on what's been going on, and send him a link to this essay.
Such a smart, effective instinct you had to switch gears.
Whoa, Larry, what an excellent description of the potency of going soft. "Like a seed that germinates only when it’s ready;" You really were ready to take on that mountain.
Thank you, Alden. And I love the way you put it: "the potency of going soft."
Delightful. When can I meet Matt. I need some his Obi-Wan-ness! And this gift for life is a beautiful thing for a friend to leave you. x
Thanks, Dana. I look forward to contacting Matt and sending him this essay (letter). BTW, I just read your sonnet. Wonderful!!