Allyn

There is a new struggle brewing to expand into the community and, at the same time, be very picky with who comes in. I think it has to do with a desire to help others but the wisdom knowing mean people are just not worth my time. Is it a growing up kind of thing, maybe past hurts have taught us to be careful with our hearts, but continue to love as much as possible? It is a great thing to meet new people, but also special to keep it small and personal. I want to get in deep with my town but have only a couple plates at the dinner table. Give myself to others but show everything to a select few. 

This side of the water is very different. Especially this side of this side of the water. Neighbors can be acres apart. We live on an island that is inhabited by Seattleites who visit every other weekend starting in June. I know the dogs name next door but can't remember the women's who is always calling for him. 

And god can people be weird here. There is an underlying weirdness to every Washingtonian (my favorite traveling game is "from Seattle"--identifying that traveller who definitely lives here). But weird is a whole new level in this county. Like "get off my land!" and don't try to learn my name kind of weird. There are pockets of civilization and hope for community, but no strong push. 

We want to live here, in this house if we can, for a real long time. Long enough to build fences and grow perennials. Maybe even plant trees. So we think a lot about how we can get involved and improve our community. How can I help? Who will be important to me? 

But we also know that we value our little life. Our select few who have stuck around. Maybe it's not just growing up, it's adapting to our environment too.