Greetings from my 'hood

Via Exit133, I read about the Neighborhood Postcard Project in The Atlantic Cities.

I like the idea of highlighting the good in the world, especially when there are hyper-regional misconceptions that lead to derogatory rumors, shame, and a lack of neighborhood pride. But really, even in a place that may be highly regarded, the essence of sharing good news to to share joy and hope with others is too good to miss out on.

So, pretend today that you're sending a "wish you were here" postcard to a random stranger in another part of the city (truly random--they may be next door or several exits down the freeway). How would you design it? What would it say?

Dream house

I don't believe I've shown off the playhouse yet. How distracted of me!

Several years ago we pulled invasive holly and dying rhododendrons out of an alley corner of our yard. With access to light, a thick growth of seedy weeds took over. To tamp out the blight, I covered the area with an oh-so-attractive black tarp. Well, at least the weeds could no longer multiply.

I kept thinking we'd do something constructive back there. A hidden patio? A shed? A... playhouse?

We have an active alley life, and a neighbor finally broached the subject: "What's going on with that corner?" I told him that maybe, someday, perhaps we'd stick a playhouse there.

And thus began the 12-month journey of playhouse dreams to play-castle reality.

Steve loves to dream and construct. Using imaginative plans of his own, the back corner of our lot, and surplus lumber from another neighbor's project, he designed a two-story play structure, complete with pull-down covered stage, latching doors, summer shading, and safety protections.

I wasn't of much use in the assembly portion; I'm not terribly handy. I was happy to take direction, though, and put my efforts toward priming and painting. As of a couple of weeks ago, the playhouse was finally deemed complete:


I am proud of my recently-discovered mural talents. I projected a castle outline onto the stage cover and then added the scenery and colors. Again with the princess, I projected the image and filled in details. We all enjoy the final product.

Please, by all means, stop by and play with us someday!

Many thanks to:

• Steve, for his enormous contribution of parts and labor
• Wendi, for putting up with Steve's absences while he worked on the project
• John, for his surplus lumber and use of tools
• Patrick, for his lumber runs and spare paint
• Michelle, for her spare paint and painting arms
• Michelle's niece, for her artistic flair with faux stone walls
• Mike & Jerri, for moving their cars and letting us take over their parking spot
• Csilla, for her paint loan
• Mike & Julie, for rocks and truck use
• The neighborhood children, for letting us adults become children again for a time

A neighbor has several fantastic trees in her planting strip. I love the way the bark falls away from the trunk:


A neighbor on the other side has this wonderful vine growing along our shared fence. As the blooms open wide and the petals begin to curl backward, they release a heavenly scent. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to embed smells into my blog. Yet.

For these things, I am thankful

When I saw a therapist (I can admit it – I’m a big girl) in 2006 about anxiety issues, she suggested treating one aspect of my neuroses with self-appreciation and thankfulness, without guilt. While I have a handle on most of my issues (well, at least those I was trying to conquer then; I’m sure I’ve developed new ones now!), I realize I haven’t “counted my blessings” in some time. It seems wise to give thanks more often than during an annual November poultry pig-out.

School. Nearly every day I’m blown away by what I see of my daughter’s educational experience. I’m thankful that she has good aptitude for studies and friend-making, that we have access to such a fine learning institution, and that my husband and I have comfortable friend circles there, and are able to share the good experiences as a family.

Retreats. I am thankful that we have open access to a nearby summer retreat where we can all unwind and enjoy Puget Sound and good summer weather. I’m also lucky to have access to a getaway in my hometown, which we use mileage tickets to access at least once a year, in the summer.

Daughter. Of course I’m thankful for a wonderful little girl, and know I always will be. I never dreamed how proud I’d be of her, for her kindness, respect for other, aptitude for learning, and child’s joy of the world around her.

Bidet-functioning toilet seats. It’s warm when I need it, and the spray of water always leaves me feeling oh-so-fresh. It’s a shame these aren’t more common in this country/culture.

Adjustable beds. When I’m sick, it’s indispensable as a TV-watching aide and as a method to keep me propped up so I can breath well. It’s also a great daily tool to adjust to my aging body’s needs based on the variety of activities I’ve chosen.

Good neighbors. Even if the house wasn’t my dream of nooks and crannies, I’d be hard-pressed to move, given our good relationships with neighbors – a great bunch of people who watch out for each other and enjoy spending time together.

This is just a partial list, of course… I’ll endeavor to pepper my thoughts with further thanksgiving.