Goodness Weekly 8.21.23

“The purpose of life is to listen–to yourself, to your neighbor, to your world and to God and, when the time comes, to respond in as helpful a way as you can find ... from within and without.”
-Fred Rogers

What’s Good:

Call For Artists

We are excited to announce an opportunity to share some of the artistic talent that makes our neighborhood and city so vibrant. “La Luz” aims to be an exhibition of work from local Latine artists illuminating contemporary Hispanic culture in San Antonio. This will be the first exhibition in our new co-working space, which we hope will serve as an intersection for creatives and people working for the good of our community.

This exhibition’s curator, Mae Czarnecki, joined Sunset Ridge Collective as Communications Coordinator this spring as a beautiful addition to our team with an affinity for light, motherhood, and elevated storytelling through photography.

Artists may submit up to five images of two-dimensional work focused on the vibrancy and light cultura adds to our city along with a bio by Saturday, September 2. Media accepted includes photography, painting, drawing, and mixed media. Click here for more information and to submit your work.

Opening reception to take place Saturday morning, September 23rd at 10 AM. Coffee and pastries provided by One Another Coffee.

A Message from Jess

I once bartered Coca-Cola for eggs.

It was winter 2021 when here in San Antonio we were hit with a winter storm that shut down all of our roads and grocery stores–do you remember this time?

I was in a group message with my neighbors to trade necessities for households of all ages. Next door was Sherry, Luis, and Buddy—all over 70 years old, around the corner was Bob and his teen kids, and in my house it was my husband Nathan and I, and our children who were 14, 11, and 4, the youngest of which was accustomed to eating 3-4 eggs a day as her primary food source.

Bob needed a Coke, our girl needed some eggs, and a trade was arranged.

“My stove is electric.”

“No problem, we have no electricity but a gas stove so come over and we’ll cook dinner by candlelight.”

“My power just went out while I was washing clothes.”
“No problem, I have power and the dryer is open for you.”

“We have no heat.”
“We have a fireplace, come with a bottle of wine.”

It’s funny, that even as I write this, I tear up a bit. Because as difficult as those days were (and I recognize that this was much worse for so many around our city), there was something special that happened—we lived as neighbors.

Real neighbors.

Not the kind that smile and wave as we pull into the driveway, but as those who share life together, who even in the midst of trying to care for the issues in our own households, are able to pay attention to the needs of others.

These moments show our humankindness at its best.

It makes me wonder, how can we move further in this direction? How might we pay attention, listen, and look out for one another for the common good of all people?

Less buying, more sharing. Less busyness, more listening. Less independence, and more interdependence.

How will you make one slight movement in this direction this week?

May all that we have—our time, our talent, our resources—be viewed as a gift joyfully received and freely given.

Love, Jess

Upcoming Events