I am still thinking of how to get readers to connect with me enough to want to donate now and then. I am already doing all I can to present fresh material. That isn’t the answer.

I had to go to T. J. Maxx to return a couple of things today. The woman at the register was angry about the previous customer who had returned something that was obviously damaged. I said to the woman, “Are you having a bad day?” She looked furious about her exchange with the woman.

“Sometimes I wonder why I am in retail,” she said. “I’m only working part-time and it is very hard.”

I looked her in the eye and said, “I’m so sorry.” She seemed moved that I was actually listening to her. We exchanged a few more words, me continuing to make full eye-contact with her. I said, “One conscious exchange with someone is worth more than a whole day with none.” And she understood and thanked me again.

Some days I wonder why I am still writing online….

Vicki Woodyard