The Simplest Things

Last weekend I cleaned house and dragged out bags and bags of stuff to the curb, that I no longer needed. Things like old yard tools, cans of paint, an old broom, CDs with no cases, along with a huge waterproof duffel bag I actually thought twice about giving up. It was a win-win for me, as the city would haul away whatever drive-by thrifters left behind once they'd had a chance to check it all out.

Cars and trucks were stopping off and on and taking what appealed to them, and by Sunday night there wasn't much left besides that old duffel bag, which held a collection of small cut up wood blocks that I swore would be useful for art projects that never happened.

 While I was bent over weeding a patch of bromeliads in the front yard, a man drove by on an old bicycle. His eyes hit on the duffel bag and I watched as he pulled out all the blocks and neatly packed them into a shopping bag that was sitting there empty. As he was putting his find on the front of the bike, I stood and gave him the thumbs up sign. He waved and yelled, "Thank you!" and drove off down the street.

What I love is that now, whenever he cycles by, duffel bag packed full, we smile and wave at each other. And I’m reminded that, sometimes, the simplest things can connect us.