There is perhaps no role I identify with more, than the flâneur. Only the French could come up with such a word—it means “the stroller” or “the saunterer,” or quite simply, “the walker”—someone who wanders down the boulevard with an amiable sense of leisure.
I just have to say from reading this beautifully written piece from you - I feel seen, and for all the right reasons it's a sort of sign I was looking out for that I am doing something right.
So for that Elle Griffin, I thank you (for doing the WRITE thing).
Thank you, for what might have relit an old flame in me. I’m 52 now. Between the ages of 46 to 50, I had both of my knees replaced, a left hip replacement, and my right ankle reconstructed twice, from a near fatal car crash. Walking, was not a desire, but a necessity for healing at one time. Although I’ve recently lost weight and do exercises at home, I have (for the most part) “stopped walking.” Other than anxiety and ruminating thoughts of what I need to do next for survival and income, making me feel as if I don’t have the time, my unsupportive footwear (regarding my multiple injuries) makes walking-even standing, a painful endeavor. I am “finally” seeing a Pedorthist this Tuesday in Manhattan and praying for resolution, as well as a fee I can tolerate.
After over thirty years as a Stand-Up Comedian, I began writing blogs and memoirs, when Covid shut down live entertainment. I loved revisiting this lifelong passion of mine. A few weeks ago, I “put down the pen.” I was exhausted with churning out, what I thought, were compelling articles, yet despite diligent promotional efforts, having such low subscription numbers. Let us just say, that the paragraph on Samuel Beckett has been copied and pasted into my notes.
If I can find the right footwear and embrace my “dark” inner writing style again, walking may very well be at the forefront of my life once more.
Walking is my not-so-secret weapon for writing. I get my best story and poem ideas on walks. And thank you ever so much for including Baron Britpop Blastfurnace in your newsletter. I am honored.
I’d forgotten about the beautiful power hidden behind a long walk. Long runs alone; backpacking a winding trail in silence ... somehow the non-rushed hours, the rhythm of your breathing, heartbeat, your steps ... like magic these activities release those inner thoughts we never have time for. Thanks for the reminder!
strolling ,walking..a very cheap way to see the world,to think and imagine...
I just have to say from reading this beautifully written piece from you - I feel seen, and for all the right reasons it's a sort of sign I was looking out for that I am doing something right.
So for that Elle Griffin, I thank you (for doing the WRITE thing).
What a delightful essay! There really is something magical about writing: ideas manifest, problems seemingly solve themselves, creativity blossoms.
Thank you, for what might have relit an old flame in me. I’m 52 now. Between the ages of 46 to 50, I had both of my knees replaced, a left hip replacement, and my right ankle reconstructed twice, from a near fatal car crash. Walking, was not a desire, but a necessity for healing at one time. Although I’ve recently lost weight and do exercises at home, I have (for the most part) “stopped walking.” Other than anxiety and ruminating thoughts of what I need to do next for survival and income, making me feel as if I don’t have the time, my unsupportive footwear (regarding my multiple injuries) makes walking-even standing, a painful endeavor. I am “finally” seeing a Pedorthist this Tuesday in Manhattan and praying for resolution, as well as a fee I can tolerate.
After over thirty years as a Stand-Up Comedian, I began writing blogs and memoirs, when Covid shut down live entertainment. I loved revisiting this lifelong passion of mine. A few weeks ago, I “put down the pen.” I was exhausted with churning out, what I thought, were compelling articles, yet despite diligent promotional efforts, having such low subscription numbers. Let us just say, that the paragraph on Samuel Beckett has been copied and pasted into my notes.
If I can find the right footwear and embrace my “dark” inner writing style again, walking may very well be at the forefront of my life once more.
Feel free to peruse my work:
https://crookedviews.substack.com
Walking is my not-so-secret weapon for writing. I get my best story and poem ideas on walks. And thank you ever so much for including Baron Britpop Blastfurnace in your newsletter. I am honored.
Another great newsletter, Elle.
I’d forgotten about the beautiful power hidden behind a long walk. Long runs alone; backpacking a winding trail in silence ... somehow the non-rushed hours, the rhythm of your breathing, heartbeat, your steps ... like magic these activities release those inner thoughts we never have time for. Thanks for the reminder!