There are those people who draw light to themselves, and almost can’t help it.
They just stand still and keep the lamps lit.
These are the people who pull out a chair for you when you approach the table: “please,” they say, gesturing you into it, earnest and unaware of their outsized generosity. It is instinctive, their pre-disposition to include.
These are also the people who say “atta girl!” to strangers who have just ridden a big wave, or run the bases, and they fill the hungry heart with pride, and they do it with such ease, and egolessness, having learned some time ago that there is no economy of compliments.
These, too, are the people who say “my pleasure” and mean it, who gamely forebear conversations with the lonely or unhappy, who are practiced in the art of “yes, and–” thinking. They teach us that a rising tide lifts all ships, and that there is enough good in the world to go around, and then some.
What made them this way?
Not the absence of pain, no. More often than not, heartbreak is the holy ground that anoints them.
The more of these light-gatherers I meet, the more I believe it’s will, and will forged anew each day. They wake up and they call forth an adamantine determination to resist the ease of despair, and to believe that reality is mainly possibility — even when the wicked comes knocking.
I would like to learn from them how to draw the luminous, too,
how to stand still and shine,
how to turn on every last light in the city,
flame to flame,
unbound luminescence.
Post-Scripts.
+I don’t know who the gorgeous gal at top is, but I saw this photo on Pinterest and I thought she captured the exact energy of the light-gathering people I know.
+While writing this, I was thinking of a few specific light gathering people in my own life, but the inspiration came from the receptionist at the pediatrician’s office who offered to look after my son while I took my daughter to her annual check-up. She was so easy with her generosity, so light-hearted and joyful, while in a job that is undoubtedly draining — I can just imagine that she bears the brunt of scared/frustrated parents! I was thinking, too, of Katie from Beach Reads and Bubbly. I am only loose Internet acquaintances with her, but my goodness does she reflect the light and lift other people!
+It’s just that….we have so little time with our loved ones.
+Life is short. You might as well…
Shopping Break.
+Madewell has some FAB new arrivals — I ordered these sandals! I have been eyeing similar pairs that are 3-4x as expensive from Amanu and Beek but these are perfect. I’m imagining pairing those sandals with dresses like this, this, and this.
+Other things I like from Madewell: this skirt, this top, this bag.
+OMG this $20 bag with the bungee cord detail! (You know I’m loving this nanotrend…)
+This easy gingham dress! Perfect for summer concerts!
+I just ordered this crochet tank. $60! They also have a cute bucket hat!
+Veronica Beard vibes for $35. (Although I did find the Veronica Beard version of those shorts on sale at The Outnet!)
+Other great Veronica Beard clearance finds at The Outnet and Nordstrom Rack: this striped blazer, this linen waistcoat (pair with white jeans!), and this iconic tweed blazer (70% off!).
+LOVE this striped sweatshirt! Reminds me of the one I have from Frank and Eileen, but it’s 1/3 the price.
+I’ve been seeing these jelly flip flops all over, but the price is steep! Found these looks for less.
+New NBs for your kids! While you’re there, how chic are these retro canvas bags?!
+Just discovered a fab new athletic/swim/UPF brand called Watskin. They have great court/course options, like this dress, and also these chic rash guards.
+Love these jelly t-straps. At the other end of the sandal silhouette spectrum: these funky Naghedis!
+I would wear this as a pool cover-up. So sweet!
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This blog is always a lamp lighter for me – Thank you Jen for being a lamp lighter and encouraging us to do the same!
Gah!! Thank you, Kristin, and right back at you and all the Magpie readers who show up here with such grace, wisdom, curiosity, humor every day. Lamp lighters for sure!
This is so beautifully written, a good reminder each day to try and be one “who keeps the lamps lit!”
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Kate! You and me both!! Aspiration!
The last few lines (“flame to flame…”) instantly brought to mind candles at a Christmas Eve service. Starting at the front of the church, everyone spreading flame to someone else’s candle, until the whole sanctuary is lit. Beautiful!
Thank you — that’s the exact vision in my head, too!! So powerful! xx