Member-only story
What Typical Island Rituals Can Teach Us About Living Better with Each Other
It was Sunday morning. I was a little groggy from a late night and found some mindless task outside while the absolutely not “pandemic-puppy” played around my ankles. I was staring out at the ocean and all her glory when there was a ping on my phone — “What’s a good time to stop by to help with that roof project.”
In the non-existent rush of island life, I’d forgotten that my neighbor had offered to lend a hand. “How’s 11 looking?” I texted back and two hours later we’d made quick work on a project I’d been putting off for a while.
I usually write a small piece everyday and around midday I got lost in my thoughts about “labeling” and how much it makes me uncomfortable in supposed news sources. When I finished, I noticed my phone was abuzz — “Thanks so much for last night. I’m a bit broken but am going to stop by to help get rid of that nasty rug.” “Me too,” I replied. “Bring the boy so we can get the pups together.” Moments later, once again, a neighbor and I laughed together as we took out the trash and watched two young pups do what young pups do.
I barely had a chance to sit down to make some tea when another message came through from yet another neighbor — “Bring your…
