Neighborly-ness

July 10, 2008

Good things are already starting to come out of our weekly love your neighbor flower bouquet deliveries. During last week's delivery of patriotic inspired red Gaillardia, white Chrysanthemums and blue Hydrangeas (to celebrate July 4th) we met a relatively new family to our neighborhood. While talking I found out that they are interested in organizing a block party. Yippee! I've always wanted to plan a block party but each summer zips by before we have a chance to put any grand ideals into action. Not only that, the husband/father/man of the house makes home brew. Now, this sounds like someone I want to get to know!

Then today a different neighbor returned a vase and delivered home baked rhubarb bread. So we ignored the kid's gluten "issues" and enjoyed some while at the beach this afternoon. Took care of this morning's "what snack should I pack for the beach" dilemma. I think that's the first time I've ever received something baked from a neighbor.

Hum... maybe we're starting something here. Or, just a part of something already started. Either way, we're getting to know our neighbors and hopefully making our street more of a community not just a group of houses.

Looking to change your neighborhood for the better?

Flowers and gardens are an amazing way to brighten, beautify and build community, and children can play a big part in that. The kids and I recently read Glenna's Seeds by Nancy Edwards. A book with a pay-it-forward type idea. The kids loved how it showed simple acts of kindness (simple enough for kids to do) improving a neighborhood. Another wonderful, and better book in my estimation, on urban transformation is Home by Jeannie Baker. A gorgeous picture book about one family's garden changing their city neighborhood over time. A book worth owning.