Yep, I’ve become the person on the block who sets up a hidden fairy garden, hoping to amuse the kids that are passing by on their daily walks.

Tom and I were touched by a story we watched on CBS’ Sunday Morning, a few months back now. It chronicled a 20-something woman and her relationship with a child on her street. Wait, here it is - you can watch it for yourself.

Awesome, right? It made me think more about the space below our Little Free Library, which is already a popular item in the neighborhood. The space below was covered by plants, yes, but those were easily trimmed back, and a lovely little glen cleared. And then I made a fairy garden.

I have no idea if anyone has even found it yet, or if it will be well-received. But I do know that our street has been filled with small children, zipping back and forth on their bikes, or being pushed in their strollers, or just running ahead of their parents. The pandemic (and our long shelter-in-place mandates) have made our local streets even more precious, a place to get some exercise and say hello to neighbors, while giving us something new for our eyes to focus on. Our next door neighbors have their two Silkie chickens right next to the sidewalk, which also provides great entertainment for anyone who walks by. And now that we’ve had some rain, and some early spring sun, the garden is starting to pop - delightful flowers are starting to appear as if by magic. Bulbs, like narcissus, anenomes, and daffodils, and early spring bloomers like flowering currants and the charming blue of forget-me-nots, and curious vegetables like fava beans and shell peas. The bumblebee queens have left their dens and are foraging in the native manzanitas. There’s plenty of magic all around, if only one looks for it.