Monthly Archives: January 2026

Just past the back fence

Taylor in the back yard

If you hopped the fence and pushed your way through the thorny growth on the other side, you’d be in the parking lot of the town library. If you went through the front doors and looked to the left, you’d see the main desk. I’ve seen kind acts from each of the people who work behind that desk. Sometimes, it’s listening to someone who has no one else to talk with; occasionally, it’s coughing up a couple of quarters so someone could use the photocopier; many times, it’s just helping people find something interesting to read – or a quite place to do so.

That library is a sanctuary of sorts – a quiet, calm, warm place for anyone who needs it. No one has to buy anything to enter or to linger. Even those who don’t live next to the library are neighbors in the best sense – welcome to drop in for no reason in particular…

Who Is My Neighbor?

Main Street Perspective

It’s the new year that follows a stressful one. The endings and beginnings always bring up questions for me. Since I’ve lived on four different streets in two states and four houses over the last three years, where I am in a geographical sense has been on my mind. And with that, the people that have had streets and property lines in common. So my question this January 1st, 2026: Who Is My Neighbor?

I hope you will explore this question with me – neighbors in conversation, if not location…