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stoops, conversations and the blues

stepping ... not a stoop, though ... sigh
I was sitting out on the front porch of our rented duplex, late afternoon sun drenching the area.  The space is referred to as our stoop – a drinking stoop; having heard the reference on a house-hunting TV show.  I made a note in my phone to use the phrase; probably because the girls who used it were hilarious, partly because I’m slightly warped and just because I like the idea of being connected to what’s out front – not cloistered off behind fences and gates.

stoops are flat landing spots at the top of a set of outside steps

No big deal there, we all have a landing on our stairways.  The cool thing about a stoop is the intended purpose, rather than the literal.  Being a sort of East Coast, city-dwellers, phenomena, the steps gave people a place to sit and talk with their neighbors as they walked by … hmmm …

So, where was I going with this post?  Oh yeah, when Bella (chocolate puppy) and I went to pick up the mail - which also means a walk for her - I could hear a guitar being played; some nice little blues riffs.  I figured it was our neighbor; he plays and teaches lessons, we hear stuff all the time.  However, as I left the house, there was a guy sitting on the decked foundation across the street.  He had his amp set up and was just picking out tunes.  He’s in his work clothes and the other guy continued to lay down boards.  I’ve been around a lot of construction sites, many with blasting music, but it’s Memorex, not live.

Sitting on the stoop, Bella at my feet, feeling pleasantly warm, cars whizzing by and the blues being played.  All I need now is that glass of something to make my stoop complete … and the conversation.

Are you sitting out front?

Missy


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Comments

  1. Wildlife Art by SylMay 6, 2015 at 6:39 PM

    stoops are good, conversation is good, music is a must and something to drink, that's good too..we need more folks and stoops? life would be better..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Missy AMay 7, 2015 at 11:09 AM

      We sure do, or a garden, coffee hangout...it's about knowing people, not shutting ourselves away, oblivious to what's going on!

      Delete
  2. sewsavyMay 7, 2015 at 6:32 AM

    Getting a nice relaxed feel from this.Sitting on the stoop sounds like a lovely thing to do. If I'm outside, I am usually pulling weeds or planting something but every neighbor comes by and has something to say then. I've never sat still on the top of my stairs or on the porch...yet. Great idea though. Maybe soon it will be stoop weather. Happy Mother's Day to you Missy. Enjoy your weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Missy AMay 7, 2015 at 11:07 AM

      Your best word, Marlene, was the "yet." It's coming. However, you are doing the most important part already - talking with your neighbors. Happy Momma's Day to you, too!

      Delete
  3. ShirleyMay 7, 2015 at 10:45 PM

    My drinking stoop is coffee in my dining room looking out the backyard (that's where the action is around here). Usually involves half clean, half naked kids.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Missy AMay 8, 2015 at 10:07 AM

      There's a lot of half clean/nakie action in your backyard! See you later today!

      Delete

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