A Perfect Bubble

         My husband and I attended a “Third of July” party on Monday. It was planned but was also impromptu. A few folks walking by, just by chance, joined the festivities that included an array of yummy, ethnically diverse food, fine wine, an abundant supply of beer, and camaraderie that seems to be in short supply these days. We had planned to stay for only a short time, but the conversation was rich and the heterogeneous group of people there was friendly, interesting, and interested. (There is a distinct difference in the latter two.) So we stayed, much longer than we had planned . . . until the coastal fog began to inch toward us, its inexorable chill eventually driving us home. (One must remember that during the summer in northern California, clothing layers are a must.)

            As we left the gathering, we thanked the hosts, Gloria and Mike, and said good-bye to the hangers-on – newly acquired and old friends and acquaintances, as well as distant neighbors whose faces were new to us. Though I am quite sure most of us there were “like thinking” politically, we tried to skirt current issues so as not to dampen the spirit of the evening. That being said, several of us commented on the disharmony that exists nationwide and noted how lucky we are to live where we do, in an area where individuals are friendly, are always present to lend a hand, are animal lovers, are environmentally conscious and astute, and are accepting and tolerant of others. The group that assembled on July third in our neighborhood exemplified all those attributes. The men and women there were diverse in terms of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, immigration status, age, educational background, profession, and perhaps even material worth. None of that mattered on the night of July third . . . not for one second. What was important was that we were one, a group of smiling, laughing, munching, sipping, listening, sharing neighbors who for a few hours shifted our attention from the disturbing tide of the times, and were present for each other . . . in the now. Gloria described the gathering as a perfect bubble. I think she was correct.

            We drove the short distance home, though cold, content to know that good people do exist. They are close by - our neighbors, our friends, and our acquaintances, each of whom is unique, all of whom contribute, and all of whom help create a beautiful fabric of humanity, at least in our little bubble of the world.