Midweek Check-In: What My Neighbor Brought to Book Club

Happy Hump Day {{first_name}}

Last night I had a very special (women’s) book club meeting with my neighbors. It was my turn to host, and the book I chose was The Dry by Jane Harper — an Australian murder mystery. (Great read, and also a film on streaming.)

But that’s not actually what made the night special. Let me rewind.

A couple of days ago, my neighbor Mike knocked on the door looking for Craig to borrow a tool. Craig wasn’t home, and after I offered to help, Mike said, “It’s a plumbing tool… I’ll have to describe it to him.” I told him I’d send Craig over when he got back.

As I closed the door, I found myself smiling. How lovely it is to live in a neighborhood where we can borrow tools from each other — like the old days when Mum would send me across the road for a cup of sugar.

Later, out on my walk, I was thinking about how lucky we were that the house we bought just happened to be in this neighborhood. All those little synchronicities that shape your life in ways you don’t realize at the time.

Fast forward to book club in the private room of our local tavern. The door opens… and in walks Mike. Followed by Craig. Carrying that “plumbing tool.”

A beautiful citizenship cake decorated with my two home flags.

Behind my back, my neighbors had conspired to officially welcome me into their country. It touched my heart more than I can say.

And for an extra dose of thoughtfulness — the cake was gluten-free so I could actually eat it. Chocolate mousse in the middle, fresh cream… and oh my goodness, it was delicious. It was from Blue Moon Bakery in Cary — file that away if you ever need a cake for someone special.

My first week as a citizen has been a pretty good one.

In times that can feel anxious and uncertain, I’m choosing to hold tightly to moments like this — kindness, generosity, community — and let them remind me what really matters.

With love,

Caroline

With the arrival of March, we’re getting that much closer to…. pollen! I’m only yaying because it means warmer weather, spring blooms, and an increase in fun events and festivals in Raleigh. I am ready to get back out into the world. We’ve wrapped up the best events for you!

It’s also Women’s History Month, so enjoy the following ways to celebrate the women in your families and communities, past and present! I felt I was able to do that when voting this week - honoring the many women before me who fought hard to earn me the right to vote!