Of Kids and Dogs

Busy Day--Fireguy just left-- he arrived a few minutes after we returned from our bikeride to Traveling Man's--phew-- cleaned out the trailer finally--and best of all, had lunch with G and C--- Felt a little apprehensive before the dinner, thinking that maybe the nether blog world was meant not to intersect with the real world and that somehow the magic would diminish---but we had a great time and I thank G for planning (and paying for) it, and C for joining us---- Lots of laughs---
Back to Keji, and AA--after Austin, it all changed-- yes, the activity level was off the richter scale- up with the warbling birds, and go-go - go- all day--biking, walking, finding playgrounds, beaches, soccer, and golf~~~ But the biggest change---- a whole new world of smiles, laughter, and conversation--- the same people we had been passing by the previous week, on the way to the bathrooms, on trails, playgrounds, and beaches- you know how you wonder if you should say hi or look down, trying to detect subtle body language as to whether you should speak-----the same people suddenly seemed friendlier, engaging in conversations, smiling at us with Austin--- no uncertainty anymore-- the world was a happier place--- or was it us projecting our happiness, making ourselves more hospitable with the help of that little hand in ours--- And then the dogs--- same effect--- all social barriers removed-- instant connections, no inhibitions---- and I couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if we could all hold on to that mystical feeling of holding a little hand when we interact with others.