Life

[payitforward]

Dat, Doc, Jim, all of you... I am proud of you all. Proud & grateful to know smart people who think & care & give.

I could add another long list of names from this Board, & in my mind, w/o typing out your names, I do add so many of you.

As we used to say when I was a lot younger -- peace & love. They go a long way.

[Pitbull]

Life is easy and I can't complain though I do.
I'm the Board Chair of a soup kitchen, and do get other perspectives. We're closed today, but I was there yesterday.
Spoke with Billy who suffers from PTSD from foster care and 25 years in prison. He finds mindfullness to be very helpful, and is now housed after years on the street and shelters, which is probably more helpful.
A man I don't know asked for a belt and demonstrated his pants falling down. Fortunately we had a good supply of belts. He also asked for gloves and we're unfortunately out. I'll have to order from Amazon - about $50 for 50 pair, and they do the job.
Michelle asked for a hoodie, telling me her clothes were stolen recently. Not sure if that is true. She is pretty fashion conscious and frequently has specific requests. (We're co-located with another non-profit and we do have access to a good supply of women's clothes.) Brought Michelle several hoodies to chose from including a Boston Red Sox hoodie. She said she'd explode if she put that on and asked for a Yankees hoodie.
Robert was playing the piano. He's a talented musician, having attended the Philadelphia School for the Performing Arts. Mental illness curtailed his career and life in general. After more than 20 years of homelessness he recently got Section 8 housing.
We were able to give out blankets. New Haven does have shelters and warming centers, but they were full recently. Many sleep out in the cold. There were 2 deaths from exposure in the last several weeks.
Ann, a volunteer, brought is a new supply of books for our library. The library is very popular. There are no rules. Our guests can take what they want. They frequently make requests for specific types of books. Fortunately we have access to an endless supply of books, which are donated to local libraries, and they can't use them all.
I have many stories. Some are here in a photo exhibit which was in a local library last year.
https://bobsilverstein.smugmug.com/Exhibits/Sunrise-Cafe-Stories

Really moving... reminds me we all have a story to tell and should appreciate our blessings - big or small.

Thank you for sharing!

[doclinkin]

Never change my guy! When I need reminders of how a pure soul acts and treats others, you are one of the first people that come to mind. I have learned so much over the years from you on how to look at things, to focus on the positives. To not ignore the bs, but the recognize the potential & uniqueness in others and focus on that. Thank you for being an incredible example of how to live and love life to the fullest!

Ha! Said to the guy who created the insults and trolling thread.

I will say this, I think to be a wizards fan you either have to be an unreasonable cockeyed optimist, or else you have to love disaster. Like you feel better because somebody in the world messes up more consistently than you. (Like our buddy ji, who is never more happy than when he predicts a nasty snowstorm and is proven right).

At least when it comes to fandom I count myself in that former category. I’m Linus in the pumpkin patch when it comes to this franchise. And happy to share that lil garden with a handful of other hopeful skeptics.

[Northwest Roddy]

Perfect analogy. We are a collection of Linuses in the pumpkin patch.

[payitforward]

Nice stuff, guys!

Great photo/bio exhibition, bsilver!!

[gambitx777]

My X account got hacked . Working on getting it back now. Any advise . I am a pretty active community noter so I really would like to get it back.

Sent from my SM-S926U1 using RealGM mobile app

[montestewart]

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to everyone! I love you all!

I see Dat amended this message as he indicated he might do. Maybe everyone who quoted the original message might consider likewise amending.

Happy New Year, friends!

[Zonkerbl]

I'm a grandpa!

[payitforward]

Congratulations Zonk! That's great! let's see pix as soon as practical....

[Zonkerbl]

My grandson Robin would like you to reconsider your choices

[pancakes3]

Big weekend - I got engaged last night. Mazel, Zonk!

[AFM]

My grandson Robin would like you to reconsider your choices

Image doesnt load for me but congrats man. That's a blessing!

[payitforward]

Zonk!! What a great kid -- go Robin!!

[payitforward]

Big weekend - I got engaged last night. Mazel, Zonk!

Well done, pancakes! Get married soon & then have a kid right away -- Robin is looking for more friends!

[pancakes3]

Big weekend - I got engaged last night. Mazel, Zonk!

Well done, pancakes! Get married soon & then have a kid right away -- Robin is looking for more friends!

gotta get these kids posting ASAP. I want to see Robin and (name tbd) to start sparring with WizD by 2040 (I was 14 when I started lurking)