It’s certainly a different dynamic in this neighbourhood, a whole new set of vibes, as I hardly ever spoke to the neighbours in our old street.

The feeling of belonging to a little community gives me the warm fuzzies, and tells me that it’s yet another reason why we have picked the right house. In the past, I had thought that it was better for me and my family to keep to ourselves, don’t know why, just did, but I no longer believe that… I find that if I am open with them, then the feeling is reciprocated. The guard goes down. I really appreciate the fact that my neighbours know me.

The craziest thing is that most of the time I am the one that stops and introduces myself. In my younger years, I never would have done that. So, that tells me I am growing as a person–I’m just that little bit more comfortable meeting new people. (My photography work helps in that regard, too.)

Another positive to the neighbourly chats is that I get a little bit of adult interaction in my day, as I spend all my time at home with my little boy.

And all of this has been helped by the construction work that is occurring next door to our place, spanning two blocks. The daily building progress has been a good excuse for all of us to get talking to each other (I met two of my neighbours that way.)

So, here’s to spontaneous chats, random smiles, happy waves and six degrees of separation. I love all of that, and I love the availability we all have for each other. Cue lame Truman Show music score, or something.