The Nice Thing About Strangers
Creative Non-Fiction Short Stories. :) Travel, Oldsters, Love, and Compassion.
The Day We Flew a Kite, Read Books, Hid Under the Lilacs…
I spent the day with my oldest niece. We flew the butterfly kite she got for Easter. Both of us kept breaking into the tune from Mary Poppins, “Let’s go fly a kite…” then swiftly forgetting the rest of the words, but continuing in happy humming. The kite got stuck in a tree. I wrangled the twine while she looked up in worry. Eventually I set the kite free, so I felt pretty darn cool.
We sat in a clearing between two lilac bushes. I told her it was my favorite place to read when I was young, so we gathered a few books and read them together. I lit up when she told me that reading is one of her favorite hobbies. We braided strands of grass for bookmarks. She yodeled at one point, “I love poetry!” So did I. We agreed that haiku can be tough and rhyming is awesome.
We put dandelions behind our ears–our left ears, since we’re both left-handed. I love her so much, and love that we have this in common. Then back to the kite, then back to our clearing, then ice cream cones in the shade. It was the sort of day that made me wonder if she would remember it later. So just in case, here it is.
–Colorado
I’ve probably posted this before. My Grandmother is on the left and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a photo where we have a resemblance. I am crazy about this photo. 🙂
The Nice Thing About Strangers 
It was a truly wonderful day. It is a truly wonderful photograph. There’s beauty in your life, Paige …
It was such a joy to get to spend quality time with her. I agree, I’m very grateful for the opportunities and loves in my life. 🙂 I’m also grateful for your support and our friendship.
I’ve received your book. Hoping to get to it soon!
Paige
Lovely story!
Thank you so much, Sue!
Paige
I bet she remembers!
joy soars with a kite
Agreed, when you can get it in the air and keep it out of trees! 🙂
Thanks, Bilgincs–
Paige
You do look like your Grandmother”””””. What a great story, I can see you flying the kite.
It’s the same thing with my grandfather (my mom’s dad) and I. The resemblance at times is uncanny.
These notions are warming.
However, your art of saying so much in such a short anecdote is still captivating.
Thank you, Christopher. I love finding those resemblances too. I suppose it connects us to the past, makes us wonder about the future.
When I keep it brief, I don’t overthink it. (Stop looking at me, Unfinished Novel!) 🙂
Paige
Lovely story and a wonderful photo. I can so understand your being crazy about it!
I love these finds from old photos. We uncovered a few from my great-grandfather and my father and I keep peering at it, looking for our own faces.
Thanks,
Paige
Sounds like a wonderful day
Paige, this is simply beautiful. I feel like all you were missing was some raspberry cordial (think Anne of Green Gables). And that photo! Yes, there is definitely a strong resemblance there. I love the theme of this post – the threads that link us and our family together…
Thank you, Kim! We even talked about Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I’m going to get her a set for some sort of gift. I want to support any and all booklove!
These are the sort of days I really treasured with my own aunts, so I am glad to get to do the same with Addy.
Paige
Quite a beautiful moment. That photo, with its crazy lens flare, is awesome. It would make a great cover for your collected work.
She’ll surprise you later with what she does remember. And even if she doesn’t remember the details, she will remember that you made her feel special. And the pic of your grandmother is definitely you.
Thank you, Steven! 🙂 I’m so delighted that you read the blog and write such sweet things! I feel very fortunate to have a good relationship with my niece.
Right, it’s very me, that profile! It delights me.
Paige