WALKING THE HIGH LINE | FEEDING THE HUNGRY

We're still here, in this wild city.

Kesh will tell you, we're country people. I've never enjoyed the city life. Traffic and crowds - they irk me and make me feel funky. I've always lived outside the city and by the beach.

That's something that is changing though. New York isn't somewhere you can just come and see and leave. I don't think it is, anyway. It's what you've seen in the movies. It's what your friends have told you it is. And it's way more than that, too.

I've gotta be honest and tell you the first few days threw me. I felt like me and NYC were different people. She was intimidating and it was like I was in this awkward relationship, trying really hard to make something work. It's clicked though. And now, I'm properly in love with this place to the point of not wanting to leave. I'm actually sad about the thought of getting on a plane and flying away.

That's crazy to me.

I've got a heap of experiences that I want to share with you but one from today, especially.

We were walking through the Subway at Times Square after lunch with friends. Up on the left, Keshy and I saw a homeless person.

I know I talk about Kesh a lot. Every post it seems. There's a reason though. And the reason is she is my everything. She is a person so sensitive.

We got a little closer and realised that this wasn't a grown man but a young boy. Maybe 14 years old. He wasn't asking for money, either. He held a cardboard sign that sought for life's necessities - something to eat or drink.

Wow. With a belly so full I couldn't eat another thing, I was walking past a young black boy, partially blind, homeless and hungry...

He was hungry.

Kesh stopped walking and she stopped me with her. She asked for my wallet, walked into a store at the end of the subway and bought the boy some food.

I stood with my hand holding Roo's stroller and leant against the cold tiled wall of the subway and watched Kesh walk back to the boy. I watched hundreds of others passed him by, as Kesh walked against the flow of human traffic to make her way to him. She lent down, looked into his eyes and handed him a packet of chips and biscuits.

I could tell as she walked back to me that she had been effected by the boy in a matter of seconds. She reached me and told me that she felt like crying. And then she cried, held my hand and told me that she loved me.

I asked Kesh what the boy said to her. She tried to blink her tears back as she recited his words.

Oh wow. You have a beautiful smile. Thank you.

It's a small thing she did. I know others would have done it, too. But I love Kesh because she is that person. I want to be that person. I want everyone to be that person.



49 comments:

  1. beautiful, you guys. I do love the coulsons. your hearts are so encouraging. hopefully someday, we'll be able to meet. so many blessings, you three.

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    1. ps. that last shot is wonderful. sweet kesh and rooza. love.

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  2. this is oh so powerful. my goodness. i don't even have words.

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  3. That Keshy is something seriously special.
    Such beautiful images with a really cool feel to them - I love it!

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  4. fabulous .. did Roo take the photo of the two of you :) .. we are off the NYC in September .. so looking forward to it ..

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  5. It might be the air-con in this building, but I just got goosebumps. Kesh is a beautiful soul. You can't do everything for everyone, but can do your bit and that you have done.
    PS: Did Roo take that shot of you and Kesh on the bench? Amazing ;)

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    1. just a friendly European who tried really hard to zoom with my 35L. It was kinda funny. He got the job done though.

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  6. Kesh does have a beautiful smile x

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  7. Your family is so cute. Have a wonderful time while still in NY. :) It's a once in a lifetime chance!

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  8. i love the textures and how spontaneous these photos look. great job. ☺

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  9. Visiting here always reminds me that the world is a very, very beautiful place. Thank you, Kesh.

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  10. Gosh, Kesh is a beautiful soul. Inside and out.

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  11. what a wonderful soul your wife has Tim! Kesh, you should consider becoming a social worker...you know something to do with people...the people that need people like you. wonderful images. I like that you snuck one of the two of you in there... happy new york-ing around xx

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  12. What a sweet and loving gesture of Kesh. It's so tempting to get into the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we forget to look around at the less fortunate. I know Kesh's kindness really touched that young boy.

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  13. It is these simple acts done by lovely souls that make this round ball of rock tick over. Warms my heart so. I am intrigued but also a whisker scared of New York. Your images are magic!

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  14. We should all try to be that person Tim. Your photos are totally rocking too!

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  15. I actually felt my eyes welling up at this post Tim...and im not just saying that...i actually did. I can totally identify with Kesh, It would make me cry seeing those kids on the subway...and seeing people walk past without any emotion would also make me well up :(
    We, who are sitting behind our laptops reading your blog are so blessed to even have a laptop, yet there are so many out there with nothing. wow.
    x

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  16. She has the sweetest soul. I'm going to think about this a lot today, carry it with me, tell Ben and Josephine and try to be more like Kesh. Beautiful pictures as always Tim xx

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  17. Love that photo of the both of you together. You guys are awesome. x

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  18. I love Kesh and I love Roo and I love your photos. So, so great.

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  19. Great series of images! Loved the highline - though can you imagine it in spring/summer?!

    A seemingly small gesture from Kesh would have been profound and significant to the boy.

    P.S - I spy some familiar moccasins!

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    1. He has worn the moccasins so much. Kesh loves them. Thank you so much for them.

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  20. Bawling my eyes. Simply beautiful. You both are.

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  21. Oh, this made me cry. What beautiful--inside and out--people you are.

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  22. Beautiful post! - Love the picture of Kesh and Roo at the end!

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  23. Amazing photos! Looks like you're having an awesome time in the city that never sleeps!
    Kate xo
    www.and-kate.blogspot.com

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  24. Very beautiful,Mr. Tim! That story made me very sensitive, although its our daily life. Specially here in Portugal, which we see more homeless everyday. The world needs a serious change. We need more 'Keshes' around us, we need to trust the present and the future. I need to trust it, because I want a son or a daughter too, and so to teach the world is a beautiful place, and we deserve to live it.

    Ira

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  25. Tim, your photos make me want to go back so badly. I absolutely agree with the way that place takes a hold of you. The city has so much soul for place that has so much glitz. For a big city, people are so friendly too (much more so than here in Sydney). I dream about living there and might do it for a few months. It is just such a shame that J would have to do the NY bar exam to get a job there!

    And the story about the boy... I'm sure Kesh lit up his day, or even his week! He would have slept easier that night without a rumbling tummy.

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  26. I'm unsure how how to even start this, but basically, you and Kesh are just indescribably beautiful people. your photos and words and stories never fail to make me tear up and feel deeply and want to experience them again. thank you for that - you both are both so inspiring.
    Also, I am so, so anxious to go to New York someday soon...gorgeous photos as always!

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  27. Imagine what a wonderful place the world would be if we all wanted to be that person just a little bit more. Thanks for sharing your stories, I can't wait to go to NYC one day!

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  28. hello. i was just recently introduced to your blog and it is indeed a beautiful new place for me to visit. beautiful words and beautiful photography. nyc is a hard place. your Kesh is sweet.

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  29. Far out Tim, these are some of my favourite images you've taken, EVER!

    Kesh, you a dreamy doll in every photo. The city suits you both.

    I cannot wait to take my smalls to NYC, you guys have totally inspired me to do so.

    xx

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  30. This is wonderful, thank you for sharing this. : ) You are all three so stinking cute! I love how when I read about people's experiences in NYC everyone has a different story to tell

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  31. Your photography is so beautiful and soulful. I have admired your images for a long time and these brought tears to my eyes, and made me smile. You have such a beautiful family.

    You are an inspiration.

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  32. these photos + your story are so beautiful. we need more people like kesh in this world.

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  33. great pictures..
    i have yet to make it over to the high line..

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  34. Tim, these photos are just amazing. I think I know what you mean about New York - I felt very similarly about London a few years ago. London and I didn't leave on the best terms, and one day I hope to make it up to her ;)

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  35. Her act and your words are just so beautiful. And seeing the High Line in winter. I love that place so much and can't wait to go back and see it in a different season other than summer. It looks like there were much fewer people!

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  36. I love the shot of you and Kesh on the day bed...gorgeous

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  37. I'll just add myself to the long line of people admiring your pictures. I stumbled here through anther blog and am so glad I did. It shows NYC from such a different angle than I'm used to. So min friendlier. And yes your Kesh has a beautiful smile. Thanks for sharing

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  38. Such a nice trip you're doing. Your baby is so beautiful, and surely she is too!

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  39. Wow- I don't cry over anything and this post did it.

    What a beautiful moment captured perfectly by your words. Thanks for that.

    -Katie

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  40. Thank you so much for giving to that boy. Sometimes, in Philly, I get used to seeing people in need. It seems as if there are so many. Every once in a while though, I see someone, and my heart hurts so badly for this person who has lost their way. I hope that boy is ok. To be so young, and to be out on the streets begging. It is very sad indeed.

    Kesh is beautiful in every way.

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  41. As you say it´s a small thing but if each person would do that this world would different, it´s beautiful to read how you write! about your photos, they are just too perfect!

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  42. Amazing Images Click by photographer. This Called professional Work.

    Hunter Valley Wedding Photography

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  43. This is so beautiful. And that's all I have words for right now. <3

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  44. I, too, want to be that person. You and your family are truly an inspiration to me.

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