14 Comments
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Uma Borden's avatar

THIS is why I love you so much. Putting words to the daily of Henry James advice to his nieces: “three most important things in life, my dears, be kind, be Kind, Be Kind”. Third places are exactly where I practice the perception of beauty and the actual speaking out loud of it. Bravo for the wordsmith who can capture its particular moment. 💗

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Patricia, thank you. the bk bK BK is a thrilling, musical run. And those women of TJ Maxx — oh!

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C.'s avatar

What a lovely full breath of air. Thank you.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

This is just how I experienced that moment, C. As a breath of air. Thank you!

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Not The Enemy's avatar

The space between stepping right in, at risk of rejection or a by-your-leave, and watching/wishing/hoping for more, from another. I love this, Beth. Perhaps your empathetic telepathy produced the strangers who fawned over the shopper's treasures, helping her glow?

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Nancy, you are so dear. I think that there are so many really good people in the world and we're just waiting for the clouds to part to show even more of the goodness.

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Eddie's avatar

Graceful empathy is the antithesis of churlish vacancy.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Oh my word! These words!

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Rona Maynard's avatar

The most wonderful things happen in checkout lines. There must be a gifted writer who’s making ends meet as a cashier and could tell some stories. I would read her book.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

As would I!!!! And: Your book is with me. Just waiting for the air to clear, so to speak. Can't wait!

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Martha Chabinsky's avatar

“Kindness is my religion,” the Dalai Lama said. Would that this was true for all people. Thank you for reminding us that we can be kind in every moment.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

I am grateful, will remain grateful, to the strangers at TJ Maxx for the lesson. xo

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Lea Page's avatar

So love this. Kindness in a surprise package.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

so much so, my traveling friend.

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