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Heike Larson's avatar

Oh, that so resonates with me, Emma! We moved to our house over 2 years ago, COVID and all. We've met maybe a handful of neighbors on our street, and made friends with a couple, including right next door with whom we exchange cat-sitting favors.

But I was yearning for more. So this Sunday, we're hosting a whole street neighborhood potluck. We have RSVPs from a dozen neighbors and expect about 30 people total to show up in our cul-de-sac and pocket park. Everyone who RSPVed was quite excited: many people want community but it's just hard to get it started.

I look forward to getting to know more neighbors this week: it's worth to take the initiative to make that happen.

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Emma Dorge's avatar

This is amazing! Please let me know how that goes after the weekend!

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Alissa Mears's avatar

My 5-year-old just came back from the neighbor's house after asking for rosemary with a package of cookies. And I desperately want a neighbor I can text "quick walk?" Everything you say here is true. We are meant to be in community.❤️

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Emma Dorge's avatar

Thank you, Alissa. <3 The Quick Walk neighbor is a gem of a find. Wish we lived closer. Were your ears ringing today? I was talking about you and your writing to several friends today!

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Alissa Mears's avatar

lived closer? oh, me too, me too, me too! I know (even from afar) you'd be a quick walk friend. also, I'm flattered.

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Haley Brengartner's avatar

I was having PTSD reading this. My washing machine gave out about a month ago and I did find myself at the laundromat in a bad neighborhood in the middle of a storm. The reason? We don't know our neighbors. I long for a neighborhood that takes care of one another. This essay was so sweet and such a good read, Emma.

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Emma Dorge's avatar

Thank you, Haley- really appreciate this message. And hey, if you're ever in my neck of the woods, you're always welcome to bring over the laundry!

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Priya's avatar

YES! I loved this, I feel very moved. I want to live in your neighborhood, you make it sound loving and cozy. I also like how you beautifully illustrated the tension of having community too: running inside when Susan's garage door opens. Relatable 😅

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Emma Dorge's avatar

Thank you so much, Priya! Next time i'm in NYC area I'll be sure to get my dates right... sigh! See you soon!

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Priya's avatar

Two small typos btw. In the subheading you say "dyer" not "dryer. In the acknowledgements you say "orginial" not "original"

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Emma Dorge's avatar

THANK YOU! FIXED THOSE - hahah I reviewed this 100x, too. Appreciate that!

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Alexandra Allen's avatar

Great read, Emma! So glad you have such lovely neighbours.

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Emma Dorge's avatar

Thank YOU!

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