Turns out a brace-bound leg and jumbo litter box–turned-footrest are a pretty good conversation starter.

We have clear, blissfully blue — not apocalypse-orange, woof — skies today, and it’s Chicago Public Schools’ first day of summer break.

I’m just sittin’ on my porch (like people on crutches do).
Makin’ eye contact and smilin’ (like Midwesterners do).
Sayin’ hey (like a good board president…do).

Who wouldn’t want to be out here on a day like today?

Well, since I ventured outside…
🌪️ The sprinkler guy met with our landscaping committee to address the mini Dust Bowl we have on our hands.
🦮 Folks came and went with their dogs for lunch-hour walkies. 
🌳 Our resident Gladys Kravitz cosplayer told us about the year they had to cut down all the trees in the courtyard.
🥹 My favorite 9-year-old popped over to inquire about my healing and show me the speck of graphite lodged in her right hand (I love her).

Yes, we have a Google Group with a healthy volume of emails.
Our property manager sends official notices of goings-on beyond the board’s pay grade.
We occasionally have scheduled gatherings. (The Halloween potluck is lit 🎃)

But I never feel more in the know or connected to my neighbors than after a good stoop hang.

Those impromptu conversations are where people really let their guards down. (Not in that “no time to prepare for my ambush, mwahahah!” way, though.)

So… Can you kick it? Yes, you can!

👋 Where are your people hanging out?
👋 What could you learn about them — and what makes them tick — by pullin’ up a chair for a few minutes, makin’ eye contact, and sayin’ hello?
👋 How could that help you create a message that really resonates with the people you most want to connect with? 

Imagine what could happen with just a little stoop sittin’.

🎶 Won’t you be my neighbor? 🎶
Paige