Accidental Acts

Scottish writer Ali Smith, in The Accidental, wrote, “Above the keyhole the door has a latch. It is pretending to be an authentic old latch. The door is pretending to be an authentic old door. Maybe everything there is isn't authentic any more. Maybe everything there is is a kind of pretending.” 

I’ve always been drawn to evergreens, and this year, I got to pick out my very first Balsam Christmas tree with Heather at the @theglebetreelot and to describe how much joy that little act brought me was stupid. We also decorated our wreath. We carried the tree back to our apartment and the number of people who smiled or said hello to us as we lugged the tree down Bank St. was remarkable. I usually like to smile at people when I walk down the street but rarely is it returned. I think today, it mostly brought a lot of joy to those who saw us or stopped us to see us carry the tree the “old-fashioned” way as a woman described. 

We need to slow down more often and be intentional with each one of our acts. Let’s slow down this Advent and really look at the stranger in the eyes, smile and really mean it, take our time. How about we be the authentic old latches and doors.

 #theglebe#oldottawasouth #alismith #wreath#balsam