I came here because of a quote from this achingly beautiful essay featured in Frank Bruni's weekly newsletter. I, too, have learned to flirt with the world. Thank you for an especially resonant perspective.
Hi Daniel, glad you found this and so happy to hear it resonated with you. Noticing when I'm allowing myself to flirt with the world has become one of my new favorite things. I feel much more intentional when I'm moving through my days.
Would you mind linking to Frank's newsletter? I can't find him by searching, but I'd love to see where I was mentioned :)
I also came here after reading Frank Bruni's weekly newsletter. Flirting with the many beauties of the world is an absolute necessity... Interacting with nature is great for the soul and it brings me such joy! So glad I discovered you!
I'm participating in a mindfulness course at present and came across your writing same way Daniel did via NYT. Your piece captured so much of what mindfulness is about - curiosity, focus, noticing the senses and feeling what is there in front of us, rather than being distracted by the wanderings of a fevered mind. Thank you, a beautiful piece.
Oh I love that for you! It took me a while to figure out the ways that help me be most mindful—but spending time in nature—enjoying nature, appreciating it, relishing in it—is what brings me the most inner peace and helps me be most present. I hope you find some good stuff on your journey, Alan ✨
Stephanie, you spoke directly to my heart and soul. I've always been the girl that holds back the group to look at a bug or a plant or a tree. I majored in geology so I could work outside and do science on rocks. I've always noticed those small gifts around me. I love that smell right before it rains. I spot the bird in the tree, or gently enclose the spider and invite it to return to the outdoors. I take a moment to see the kitty cat, a butterfly, a sour-faced baby who is not on board with the plan for the day.
Roses are such a beautiful example of what you're describing. In spring they reveal their devastating beauty and produce heavenly fragrances, each rose bush different from the other. Yet they're only noticed by the few who slow down to revere their existence, to take a brief journey to a state of pure love and joy.
PS. I also found you through the New York Times article. Bravo!
Thank you for this kind note, Jen. I love your mention of the roses! My grandma had a small rose garden in her yard when I was growing up and I always loved when it was time to bloom. You could smell them the second you opened up the back door. 🌹
sometimes you read something you wish you could've written yourself and this essay was one of those times. flirting with the universe is such a gorgeously perfect way to put it. love everything about this.
I came here because of a quote from this achingly beautiful essay featured in Frank Bruni's weekly newsletter. I, too, have learned to flirt with the world. Thank you for an especially resonant perspective.
Hi Daniel, glad you found this and so happy to hear it resonated with you. Noticing when I'm allowing myself to flirt with the world has become one of my new favorite things. I feel much more intentional when I'm moving through my days.
Would you mind linking to Frank's newsletter? I can't find him by searching, but I'd love to see where I was mentioned :)
Guess I can't paste a PDF here. Perhaps this link will work. The quote is in his feature "For the Love of Sentences." https://messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/dynamic/render?campaign_id=93&emc=edit_fb_20250623&instance_id=157065&isViewInBrowser=true&nl=frank-bruni&paid_regi=1&productCode=FB®i_id=111780062&segment_id=200463&sendId=200463&uri=nyt://newsletter/86c4a301-2aef-52dc-8333-b96ab804fc4b&user_id=2055e738d77fc3fc751783decd94180d
This was an absolute pleasure. Beautiful thoughts paired with beautiful pictures, what a wonderful piece in every way. 💕
tysm, Mackenzie 💗
I’m so glad i found your Substack! 🫶🏼
Yay! Looking forward to reading more from you—love the publication name! 💁♀️
Absolutely loved this! Thank you for sharing.
So glad to hear it—thanks for reading :)
Beautiful! 🙌
I also came here after reading Frank Bruni's weekly newsletter. Flirting with the many beauties of the world is an absolute necessity... Interacting with nature is great for the soul and it brings me such joy! So glad I discovered you!
nature always wins, as they say 😊
I'm participating in a mindfulness course at present and came across your writing same way Daniel did via NYT. Your piece captured so much of what mindfulness is about - curiosity, focus, noticing the senses and feeling what is there in front of us, rather than being distracted by the wanderings of a fevered mind. Thank you, a beautiful piece.
Oh I love that for you! It took me a while to figure out the ways that help me be most mindful—but spending time in nature—enjoying nature, appreciating it, relishing in it—is what brings me the most inner peace and helps me be most present. I hope you find some good stuff on your journey, Alan ✨
Stephanie, you spoke directly to my heart and soul. I've always been the girl that holds back the group to look at a bug or a plant or a tree. I majored in geology so I could work outside and do science on rocks. I've always noticed those small gifts around me. I love that smell right before it rains. I spot the bird in the tree, or gently enclose the spider and invite it to return to the outdoors. I take a moment to see the kitty cat, a butterfly, a sour-faced baby who is not on board with the plan for the day.
Roses are such a beautiful example of what you're describing. In spring they reveal their devastating beauty and produce heavenly fragrances, each rose bush different from the other. Yet they're only noticed by the few who slow down to revere their existence, to take a brief journey to a state of pure love and joy.
PS. I also found you through the New York Times article. Bravo!
Thank you for this kind note, Jen. I love your mention of the roses! My grandma had a small rose garden in her yard when I was growing up and I always loved when it was time to bloom. You could smell them the second you opened up the back door. 🌹
thank you for this! I read it as a reminder from a sister, I feel much resonance.
Aww I love that so much. Glad it resonated with you, niki xo
this is incredibly well written! thank you for sharing your beautiful way of experiencing the world🌞🤍
tysm, Tabea! 💗
sometimes you read something you wish you could've written yourself and this essay was one of those times. flirting with the universe is such a gorgeously perfect way to put it. love everything about this.
Such a beautifully written essay - a reminder to slow down and enjoy the magic around us everyday. ❤️ Keep on flirting. 😉