From the Publisher: Friends not Friends

One of my dog-walking routes takes us past a tidy home around which are whimsically painted rocks, uplifting signs and . . . many bears. Some are sculpted in metal or resin, others on signs or little flags. Whenever we pass by I feel an energy of peace — and love.

I started hoping I’d see the resident so I could tell her this. One day a young woman was outside cutting roses from the bountiful bushes.

When I asked, she said she didn’t live there but that the woman who did had invited her to take all she wanted. That spirit again.

Then one day, there she was. I finally got to convey my delight and respect for her home. Chatting briefly, she shared that she’d had a long career in working with bears — including camping out among them.

I asked if she was aware of the new gathering of neighborhood women, established so we could know each other.

She thanked me and apologized, saying she had enough friends and was really trying to protect her time. I totally got that, I told her.

As we were leaving, she dashed out again with a small gift (more about this another time).

The following week a beautiful glass paperweight etched with a bear was offered on Buy Nothing. I responded, and got it.

I carried it in my pocket today as Blue and I walked. Just as I was tucking it behind her storm door the front door opened.

“Oh! I just saw this and knew you should have it,” I said.

She told me she was on way out. I told her I wouldn’t keep her.

She lingered though, opening the simple thing.

“I have nothing like this,” she breathed, smiling wide. “I’ll keep it on my nightstand with a light behind it.”

Blue and I trundled on our way, smiling at the richness of even the most fleeting connections.

Here’s to delight in the little things,

Jennifer