I have a practice that I do with canvassing.  I noticed that I was doing it without thinking about it – that is effortlessly – and that I was doing it all day, with every house, without exception.  It is what makes the door-knocking flow, keeps me going, nourishes a sense of optimism and eagerness.

As I approach a house, I notice something nice, some small pleasing detail that makes me feel good about that particular house.  Maybe it is the rich green of the moss between the walkway stones, or some crysanthemums arranged on the front steps.  Perhaps it is the way the light strikes the trees, or a flock of small birds that flew out of some holly bushes. Welcome signs make me feel welcome. I find something to like, something that makes me happy as I approach the door.  By the time I ring the bell or knock, I am smiling, inside and out.  I do this with the biggest most elegant houses and the smallest and shabbiest.  Everywhere has something to savor.

Yesterday, we came across this tree with its astonishing harvest of crab apples.  An appreciation bonus!