Block Party

Ana walked with my friend Georgia and I as we distributed flyers announcing the planning meeting for the block party.

Over the course of the walk, Ana heard different versions of why we were having the party. After a few houses, she was in dialogue about the rash of crime, and people stealing from "that house, and that house, and then they came to that house over there." Sometimes, she would offer a simple, "We're having a block party," and hand them the handbill. This was all a very different way to spend our twilight hours.

At the last house we visiting on the next street over, came the words that would have me rethinking all our interactions that night through Ana's eyes:

Neighbor: I'll bring some cookies. Is that all right? And I'll ask X to bring something too.

Me: Great. Thank you. We'll see you Sunday.

Ana (calling after the woman as she walks away): And don't forget your blocks.

Neighbor: Excuse me?

Ana: (with great authority) Don't forget your blocks. It's a block party.

(-; Fighting crime, one lego at a time.