I tried to write a couple of posts recently but they just didn’t come out right. So after editing them and thinking about them, I deleted them. Then, as I was driving to get some groceries, I saw some goings-on at a pop-up park in downtown Poco. Several years ago a building burned down and after removing the debris, a fence was put up around the empty site. Then several weeks ago the fence came down and a wooden deck was installed, along with planters, umbrella tables and chairs. Today, there was a band playing. What a great idea. It made me happy. Talk about taking lemons and making temporary lemonade. I’m not sure the city can afford to have prime city property not making revenue, but I have to tip my hat to the people who thought about and then brought about this idea.

In the grocery store I was standing by the cantaloupes, wondering what a Tuscan canteloup was and whether I should buy it or the regular one. An older lady came by and picked a Tuscan one. I asked her what the difference was. She said she found the Tuscan ones sweeter, so I decided to get one. I asked how you knew you were getting a good one. “Oh hell, I don’t know,” she grinned, “take it home and cut it open!” We both laughed and grabbed the canteloupes closest to us.

There is a balloon arch across the pedestrian walkway just down from our building. There is a seniors fair going on. I can hear live music playing. I’m not sure if it’s coming from there or from Leigh Square, which is a block or two the other direction. Later tonight, Twitter tells me the city will be hosting an outdoor showing of a family movie in a local park. What fun that will be! In my mind’s eye I can see families spread out on blankets, with snacks and toys, enjoying the movie and the evening.

Finding things to make us happy is important, especially now. I’m a political being, so you know what I’m alluding to. Be aware, be informed but look after your mental health, because honestly every morning after googling “Trump news“ I could lose my mind. There are amazing, wonderful people around us doing wonderful, amazing things. And there are hundreds of little things to enjoy every day. I’ve said this before, look for poop and you’ll find it. And as parents of young children will tell you, the smell of poop lingers. If you look for it, the stench will surround you. So, stop looking for it people, because if you’re looking down, you’re missing the pop-up parks, the conversations with feisty older ladies, the little fairs and all those other lovely things that occur around us all the time.