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I just walked through a neighborhood of Manhattan. Each person, each sound and sensation, lifted me out of my own funk. It's going to be a humdinger of a week, and this essay made it so much more endurable. Thank you, Tonya.

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That makes me so happy to hear! I'm glad to have had you along for the walk.

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reading this was a lovely journey. I so relate to the state of "not feeling", to waking up to the day thinking, "why bother". I need to do this, just get out and observe and react and be a part of something, be a part of myself. watch a leaf fall. thanks,Tonya. your words always engage me.

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Yes! It's the only surefire cure I know for that horrible blah-ness, other than maybe falling on my head. Otherwise it's too easy to let that mood take over a whole day. I'm so glad to hear you can relate. Thanks, Tabby!

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Nov 5Liked by Tonya Morton

Chalk days

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Nov 5Liked by Tonya Morton

Mmmm. Nice feel to this piece. Meditative. There's an autumnal light.

The bookstore ritual pertains fer sure. Have you read Louise Erdrich's book Sentence, about a bookstore in Minneapolis during the George Floyd demonstrations? It has a feel too . . . and a ghost.

Thank you Tonya, as always.

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I haven't! I've loved a few others of hers, though, so I'll put it on the list. And thank you, Tim. I like the way you describe the piece. I'm glad you could feel the light coming through.

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I love this post, both writing and photos, Tonya! I have taken to Citibiking everywhere, but I recently opted to do errands walking, because I miss a lot on the bike. And on a total side note... the Locavore Variety Store is wonderful. She is having a book launch party the 7th, maybe you and Paul can stop by for a visit? I'm going to be there!

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I saw that book launch was coming up! Yes, we should definitely try to show up for that. And thank you! I've realized I lose so much by doing anything the "fast" way. Doing errands on foot, shopping at multiple smaller places rather than one place... it turns out, that's what makes life worth living.

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Nov 4Liked by Tonya Morton

I loved reading this. Thanks for taking us along on your city walk and sharing how the randomness and beauty of small, everyday moments can be uplifting.

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Thank you so much, Amy!

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Nov 4Liked by Tonya Morton

"A day like thin soup" ~ ahh, Tonya, you write so pretty. This is such a beautiful, relatable snapshot of our shared 'hood. I too assign myself solo walks & arbitrary errands for inspiration; my mood is often the barometer for the beauty or bleakness outside. Thanks so much for this lovely piece.

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I had a feeling you would get this piece! You are one of the few people I know who truly understands the value of an open-ended walk. Thanks, Ellen.

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