Did you find a Dolores?

Thank goodness for the Little Free Libraries.

It was on a walk not long ago that I came up with the idea to drop off some Dolores dolls in these libraries. I often go on walks alone and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Since the beginning of our social distancing regulations/new normal/stay-at-home lifestyle, a lot of us have become solo wanderers. Nod with me if you know what I mean.

We have in general become more isolated. I feel it. I keep thinking that as we navigate a global pandemic there must be a way to bridge the gaps among us. I’ve read about the necessity of social interaction and the negative effects of social isolation. It seems we walk a fine line these days between staying physically safe from COVID-19, and staying mentally safe during a period of worldwide depression.

I wish I had the answer. There are signs everywhere reminding us that “Kindness Matters” and I wonder how to realize that. I think it has something to do with sharing.

So I put the mini Dolos in the Libraries. Dolores is happiest around books, and people are generally happy around Dolores. I know that she can’t feed you or pay your bills. She might not be able to keep you from worrying about the future. I know she’s made of second-hand sweaters and she’s no cure for a virus. But along with her comes a grand dose of daydreaming. A reminder to be cozy, a reminder to accept yourself and to allow yourself to drift into the sweeter states of your imagination. It might be the best way to travel these days.

If you found a Dolores, I’d love to know how she’s doing. Drop a line via email, or post on social media. Let me know what books you’re connecting with, or if you can’t concentrate on reading. Let’s talk about how kindness shows up. Or lasagna, or dark chocolate, or daydreams.