Yesterday as I was crouched down arranging this before the rain, an older Chinese woman approached me. We always pass each other on our walks, but this was the first time she acknowledged me.

“This is…for kids?” She asked in her broken English.

I nodded. “Yes. Actually, it’s for all of us.” I explained simply that nature, creativity, and slowing down are for everyone.

I invite her to sit with me. It turns out she’s 79 years young and not on any medications. She walks “because there’s nothing else to do.” We arrange the maple leaves and she hands me acorn caps. I place them down while we weave our distinctive stories and histories together. When we finish, we stand and admire what we created.

“Now we release it and let it go.” I motion with my hands. She nods. We linger, witnessing the magic of the moment and what was created between us just from slowing down in a chaotic world.

Made in honor of Cam, the sweetest dog who was a guiding star and light. Even now, in her own way, she continues to connects strangers together with her love. 🐶🌈⭐️