I have a vegetable garden. It gives me tremendous joy to grow my own food. This is a 4’x16′ raised bed in a community garden. One of the gardeners planted a box full of wild flowers. So pretty. Thank you.
Evidence of a friendly universe: gardens.
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Friendly: Rhiannon Giddens and Sarah Jarosz
Yesterday I went to the American Roots Music Festival at Caramoor, near Katonah, New York.
The headliners for the evening performance were Sarah Jarosz and band, first up, then Rhiannon Giddens and band, who closed the show.
It was some of the most enjoyable music I have ever heard. The two artists combined to make this was one of the most thrilling performance experiences I’ve experienced.
Evidence of a friendly universe: talented musicians giving it their all.
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Friendly: when nothing happens
The mere fact that sometimes nothing bad, or good, or horrible, or terrific is happening can be evidence of a friendly universe. That I can get on my bike, go to the pool, swim, get breakfast, go to work without anything much happening, bad or good, is evidence that things are just moving along. The world is just turning. No huge problems, no big disruptions, the world is basically at peace.
That said, judging from a text I received, from a friend of mine seems to be in pain and I’m sorry that should be the case. For the moment, it seems her universe has some sharp edges.
Evidence of a friendly universe: when things are simply going along.
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Friendly: old friends
I saw my ex-wife yesterday. We had some things in storage at a mutual friend’s home. My ex and I get along okay, with some irritation but also some humor and not too much friction. We see each other only rarely, maybe twice a year. We talk a few more times than that just to say hi. I like to hear about her family.
We went out for tea and miso soup afterwards. She told me she wanted us not to be in contact for the next several years because she’s started seeing someone and wants to give that new relationship the space to grow. I’ve had the experience where I feel a new partner doesn’t understand my friendship with my ex, and doesn’t understand that the ex-relationship is nearly totally cold. I’ve had to break off contact for the same reason — to give the new relationship a chance. So, I completely understood where she was coming from.
Today, she called me to ask if I was okay and at ease with her request. I am. I also appreciated the call. This ex is the closest thing I have to family anywhere nearby and it’s nice to have that person, who knows me so well, to talk to from time to time and make me feel like there’s someone out there who cares about my feelings.
She didn’t have to call, of course. I was okay with her request. But it felt nice to get the call and have her ask if I was alright.
Evidence of friendly universe: an old friend who cares about how you feel.
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Friendly: Fun
I’m unsure what to write here that will feel honest.
I had a nice day and evening yesterday “out on the town” which, for me, means folk dancing. The band was raucous and loud, the callers were great, the people were energetic, the water had fresh mint leaves in it.
It’s simply an amazing thing that a a large number of people, enough to pack a gymnasium, will all come together for an evening of raucous good clean fun.
I also exchanged phone numbers with a woman and she and I went out for ice cream after the dance. I’m nervously excited about the possibilities there but I’m unsure if it’s evidence of a friendly universe because it’s so nerve-wracking to consider.
But simply having fun without worry or anxiety, that seems to be at the heart of the friendly universe.
Evidence of a friendly universe: fun.
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