Community is my church!

I don’t just live in a neighborhood—I live in a community. It’s the best of both worlds: city living with a small-town feel full of genuinely good humans. I love the quiet of trees and nature, but I also appreciate being able to head out for a nice dinner… not that I’ve had much time for that lately.

My grandmother was from England and always looked for little pieces of home. My grandparents spent most of their retirement living in row housing, which is also where I grew up. We lived about ten doors down from them, with my best friend somewhere in the middle. It was perfect. Close enough for frequent visits, but far enough that my grandmother couldn’t monitor my every move. Yet she alwasy told me what my bestie was up to - my grandma knew her secrets before I did. LOL

Living that close also meant we knew our neighbors—actually knew them. Not just the polite driveway wave. But the kids sharing snacks and each others bathrooms kind of way.

So when I started living on my own, I gravitated toward the same type of living. Semi-detached houses, row houses, townhouses—apparently I like my communities slightly attached.

Now I own a small townhouse (tiny town) tucked into a larger neighborhood . My kids don’t live ten doors down from their grandparents, but they do live less than a kilometre from their dad—close enough to bike, but far enough that we can’t see each other’s living rooms. A VERY healthy distance

After 16 years here, the youngsters and I know a lot of people. We can drive down almost any street and pass a friend’s house.

Last year, with the help of our local councillor Tim Tierney, our neighborhood gained something wonderful—a little coffee shop called Cuppa Chica. I work in the building next door, which means when I forget my lunch or need a treat (which happens more than I’d like to admit), they’re right there to rescue me.

It’s also become a bit of a social hub. I have yet to sit down for tea there without running into someone I know. Today while meeting up with a long time friend, in walked a friend I normally only see at the grocery store or occasionally the brewery. Apparently we’re broadening our social horizons.

Last night was opening night of Bye Bye Birdie at the local high school. I’ve been attending these musicals since before my kids were even in high school and will probably continue long after my daughter graduates this year. Half of the community goes and it sells out fast!

Every year I see the same familiar faces. One of the teachers—who I actually went to middle school with—commented on how long we’ve all been coming to these shows.

Now here’s the thing: large crowds and ADHD are not always the best combination. I like people, truly. But I like them best in small groups or one-on-one. A crowded lobby full of small talk can make my brain short-circuit.

So if you see me at an event leaning against a wall, quietly scanning for the nearest exit, I promise I’m not being antisocial. I’m just managing the crowd.

And if I didn’t say hello… it’s not you, it’s me. No really it's me.

I’ve also been taking a break from social media. I thought that would be easy, but I had to make one exception. A friend and I run our neighborhood Buy Nothing / Free Exchange group, so occasionally I have to log in to deal with admin things.

The group itself has been fantastic for building community. Neighbors meet each other, parents connect kids for playdates, and we all pass along things we no longer need. One person’s clutter becomes another person’s treasure. It’s very efficient—and occasionally entertaining.

The one thing I do miss from social media is seeing what the neighborhood kids are up to. Many of them grew up alongside my own. I love seeing their wins, especially knowing the challenges some of them faced to get there.

This year feels particularly big as my daughter graduates high school. Many of her friends are heading off to university, travel, work, or gap years. Some of have taken big offers to play sports at their chosen schools - oh the pride I feel! (Go B! Go Ivy!)

I just hope that when they come home, they still wander into my kitchen at odd hours to cook ramen (you know who you are) and collapse on my sofa.

When we moved here years ago, I thought we were simply choosing a nice place to live and raise the kids. What we actually found was something much bigger.

When COVID hit, we had an outdoor community. When eclipses happened, we shared glasses. When someone needs help moving something heavy, there’s always a neighbor nearby. Snow gets shoveled. Sugar gets borrowed. Tools get lent. Snacks get shared. Gardens get watered and dogs get cared for.

And hugs—lots of hugs. This is something I have had to get more comfortable with but I've noticed when you really like someone it's easy!

This is a community you can count on. And honestly, what more could we want?