I knew I would love this essay from the name of the title.
I don't have words, and I won't try to land on any that will sell my feelings for this piece short. I am left with a glowy warmth in my chest. That is all I can wish for as a reader. I hope that feeling stays for a while.
What an absolutely beautiful piece this is. It's like you opened the curtain to the window of your own perception and have generously invited us to watch you warm yourself by a fire of insight. It makes me, too, want to come inside and enjoy my own attention. "If I’m not deliriously grateful to be alive, then I’m not paying close enough attention."
Nice one Tommy. I think you'll appreciate this log of mine from last night:
"7:49 pm — brisk night and a walk to car with passing glimpses of bright inner portals to worlds of tv and weed and Atari games; a mosaic of interiors. maybe everyone speaks different languages"
Tommy, this might be my favorite piece I've read all year. You took this concept, or aesthetic, or whatever you want to call it and made it available to us all. Fantastic work!
I share your love of lighted windows in the dark! I've had the same imaginings about what the people are doing inside. Maybe because it reminds us of the warmth of a glowing fire? Thanks for painting this momentary portrait.
Omg, I love this essay. I was also listening to the perfect background music as I read this - magical. I smiled so many times. The feeling in my chest is comforting and deep. This is one of those essays that I will re-read when I forget. So beautiful. I want to print this out and put it in all of the mini wooden libraries scattered around my city. Perhaps I will <3
What a beautiful read! Reminded me of the very first piece I wrote for my own Substack, on this exact topic. It’s my favourite thing when out on evening walks, to look at those warm, glowy windows and make up stories about them :)
Your reflections on what’s behind the lighted window definitely resonate with me! With every lighted window I pass, I too am intrigued by notions of togetherness, comfort and “home”. The possibilities are endless. That you bring this back to our own gratitude is an invaluable reminder. We can all reflect upon, practice and exude deep gratitude for our own “lighted windows”!
Thank you for expressing this sentiment in such a poetic way, Tommy. Earlier sunsets make me happy because of lighted windows and the possibilities they hold. I also contemplate tangential connections we make with others through the glass of car, train, and bus windows. I was eager to subscribe to your newsletter.
Autumn has always been my favourite season too. Something beautiful about the colours, the chill in the air, the whispers in the breeze of new beginnings. Candles and sweaters and books.
Thanks Becky - it’s so hard to do but trying to ground myself more each day in gratitude. Haley Brengartner said to me last week that she tries to be someone who exists with a lot of gratitude - and that idea of incorporating gratitude into your identity in some way really stuck with me.
Thank you Catalina. Seriously appreciate it. All along I had written down “capture the visual aesthetic” so I’m so glad that come to mind & it resonated :)
I knew I would love this essay from the name of the title.
I don't have words, and I won't try to land on any that will sell my feelings for this piece short. I am left with a glowy warmth in my chest. That is all I can wish for as a reader. I hope that feeling stays for a while.
Thank you Haley. That’s all I can hope for as a writer :)
Means a lot coming from you & I really appreciate you taking the time to read and all the support you’ve showed me
What an absolutely beautiful piece this is. It's like you opened the curtain to the window of your own perception and have generously invited us to watch you warm yourself by a fire of insight. It makes me, too, want to come inside and enjoy my own attention. "If I’m not deliriously grateful to be alive, then I’m not paying close enough attention."
Rick, thank you for the kind words. As always. Your support means a lot to me.
You are a writer my friend - even the language in your comments is beautiful. I must’ve read it 10 times.
Nice one Tommy. I think you'll appreciate this log of mine from last night:
"7:49 pm — brisk night and a walk to car with passing glimpses of bright inner portals to worlds of tv and weed and Atari games; a mosaic of interiors. maybe everyone speaks different languages"
Thanks Michael :) thank you for reading - seeing you in the comments brought a smile to my face
That’s a lovely log. You always impress me with how much you can see in so few words. “Bright inner portals” is a beautiful way of putting it.
Tommy, this might be my favorite piece I've read all year. You took this concept, or aesthetic, or whatever you want to call it and made it available to us all. Fantastic work!
Jordan, thank you so much for your hand in crafting this piece & for the very kind words. Made my day brighter.
Appreciate you :)
tommy, i think you've hit the nail on the head with your intentions for this piece. this is SO good!!
Kora, thank you so much man. Seriously couldn’t have evolved to anything close to what it did without your feedback.
Appreciate the kind words :)
“Each window, my heart aches a little. Like I’m longing for a lost lover.”
Lovely.
Thank you James. It means a lot coming from you :) hope you are well & enjoying this cohort of WoP
...lost in the illusory...what a place to go...
how dangerously inviting it is
I share your love of lighted windows in the dark! I've had the same imaginings about what the people are doing inside. Maybe because it reminds us of the warmth of a glowing fire? Thanks for painting this momentary portrait.
Thank you for reading and the kind comments Marsha. Means a lot :)
The warmth of a glowing fire just might be it. Certainly more inviting than the blistering cold.
Omg, I love this essay. I was also listening to the perfect background music as I read this - magical. I smiled so many times. The feeling in my chest is comforting and deep. This is one of those essays that I will re-read when I forget. So beautiful. I want to print this out and put it in all of the mini wooden libraries scattered around my city. Perhaps I will <3
Libby, thank you so much for the kind words. Brought a smile to my face during a tired morning :)
I’m so happy it resonated. I really tried to capture and share an aesthetic experience I cherish. That’s exactly the feeling I hope it would kindle.
I’m a big fan of mini wooden libraries. Can’t help but peak into every one I pass to see if there’s anything I know.
Thank you again for this :)
Ps. What was the background music?
It was a song called magnificent by oh wonder :)
I’ll have to check it out :)
What a beautiful read! Reminded me of the very first piece I wrote for my own Substack, on this exact topic. It’s my favourite thing when out on evening walks, to look at those warm, glowy windows and make up stories about them :)
Aw Carina, I’m so glad you enjoyed it :) glad we have that in common. “Warm, glowy windows” is exactly it.
One day I'll write something almost as good as this. Until then, I'll keep immersing myself on your essays to learn how to do it! 🙂
Loved this, Tommy, amazing work. 👏
Ah Danny, you’re too kind. I wouldn’t discount yourself my friend. It’s been incredible to watch you grow and evolve as a writer :)
Appreciate the kind words & support
Lovely, Tommy! Thank you
Thanks Emma! Really appreciate the kind words :) means a lot
Thanks for this beautiful piece, Tommy!!!
Your reflections on what’s behind the lighted window definitely resonate with me! With every lighted window I pass, I too am intrigued by notions of togetherness, comfort and “home”. The possibilities are endless. That you bring this back to our own gratitude is an invaluable reminder. We can all reflect upon, practice and exude deep gratitude for our own “lighted windows”!
Thank you for the kind words Mom :) Thought of you and hygge and I wrote this. love you lots
Thank you for expressing this sentiment in such a poetic way, Tommy. Earlier sunsets make me happy because of lighted windows and the possibilities they hold. I also contemplate tangential connections we make with others through the glass of car, train, and bus windows. I was eager to subscribe to your newsletter.
J.T., thank you so much for reading & the kind words :) made my day
So often people complain about the shortening days but I love that you’ve reframed in light of new possibility.
Really appreciate you being here
Tommy, Autumn is my favorite season. It’s when new school years, art projects, and intentions launch. I am happy to be your new fan!
Autumn has always been my favourite season too. Something beautiful about the colours, the chill in the air, the whispers in the breeze of new beginnings. Candles and sweaters and books.
Kindred indeed :)
Your contemplation always inspires me. A good reminder to be deliriously grateful in this life by paying more attention.
Thanks Becky - it’s so hard to do but trying to ground myself more each day in gratitude. Haley Brengartner said to me last week that she tries to be someone who exists with a lot of gratitude - and that idea of incorporating gratitude into your identity in some way really stuck with me.
Appreciate your support & kind words :)
Wow, Tommy! This is so beautiful, and the ending is perfect. I feel like you communicated perfectly a whole aesthetic in a few words
Thank you Catalina. Seriously appreciate it. All along I had written down “capture the visual aesthetic” so I’m so glad that come to mind & it resonated :)