As I read this, I could absolutely visualize you moseying up to these total strangers and starting the conversation. You find humanity in seemingly mundane circumstances.
Dr. Bob - your capacity to see life through another’s lens happens each time you immerse yourself in all the unique stories. Also, your curiosity .. there’s that. Beautiful piece.
Thank you for sharing these stories. I usually wave to the flag people, and sometimes even say thank you if my window is down. It has never occurred to me to chat with them. Good talk Dr Bob, you do good talk.
Good piece on your great chats, Bob. Follow-up with that last flagger, the one who dreams of being a writer. Let’s hear (or read) what’s on her mind and in her notebook.
If possible, I try to talk with flag people. I don’t get out of my vehicle but talk through a rolled down window. Your conversations are much more interesting than mine. Wonderful story.
Really enjoyed this!
Loved this. I hope the Merlin app makes life on the asphalt a little more fun for the one flagger, and that we see the writer here on Substack soon.
As I read this, I could absolutely visualize you moseying up to these total strangers and starting the conversation. You find humanity in seemingly mundane circumstances.
Thank you for this wonderful piece of writing.
Delightful post! Thanks for sharing these stories!
Dr. Bob - your capacity to see life through another’s lens happens each time you immerse yourself in all the unique stories. Also, your curiosity .. there’s that. Beautiful piece.
Such an educator and mentor!
Lovely article, Bob. Thank you. I love Merlin too.
Margaret
Bob, thanks for this. How can we get in touch with the flagger who writes? Let's get her a scholarship to the Okoboji Writers' Retreat.
Bob— Have been re-reading some Cormac McCarthy in honor of his recent passing. Your beautiful piece is, as McCarthy’s work is, eminently readable.
Wow. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing these stories. I usually wave to the flag people, and sometimes even say thank you if my window is down. It has never occurred to me to chat with them. Good talk Dr Bob, you do good talk.
Good piece on your great chats, Bob. Follow-up with that last flagger, the one who dreams of being a writer. Let’s hear (or read) what’s on her mind and in her notebook.
You make the world better by elevating everyone. Thank you. And simply damn fun to read too.
100%
Sorry, damn autocorrect, FLAGGERS.
The floggers have true grit.
Can’t imagine standing on an asphalt project on a hot day for 10/12 hrs! Whew👍✌️❤️
If possible, I try to talk with flag people. I don’t get out of my vehicle but talk through a rolled down window. Your conversations are much more interesting than mine. Wonderful story.