Friendly Folk. I haven't been out a lot lately. I've been tethered to my computer finishing the editing of my book on Adelaide Herrmann, the first great female magician.
Last weekend I managed to take part in the EMBARK festival and the grand opening of Peekskill's Raw Life Food Co-op, both of which deserve I Love Peekskill posts of their own. But today I just want to tell you of a recent walk to the Peekskill Post Office. The P.O. is three and a half blocks away, and it can take me a little while because of course I have to stop and say hello at the various businesses along the way - Resouled by Bess, the Chamber of Commerce, the Treat Station, Scott Camera, the Field Library Bookstore (if I walk via South Street), the Bruised Apple (if I walk via Central Ave). But lately with my project on deadline I've usually been managing just a quick wave as I scurry by.
I decided a few days ago, even though I was in a hurry, to incorporate a totally unscientific survey into my P.O. errand. I don't know what possessed me, but with every stranger I passed on the street, I looked them in the eye, smiled and said a cheerful, "Hello!" I saw at least 20 or 30 people on my walk, of greatly varying ages and ethnicities. EVERY PERSON smiled and said hello back. Nobody seemed the least bit taken aback. Nobody looked at me like I had two heads. That day Peekskill got an A+ on my informal friendliness test. Try it yourself and let me know how it goes!
