The sidewalk speaks

I was walking to the library on a sunny day last week — sunny enough that I chose my route for shade. Usually I walk through Cal Anderson Park, enjoying the atmosphere of children running around on the playground, people frolicking in the water feature, sunbathers, groups of friends talking. But it looked hot over there, so I skirted the park, staying on the tree-lined street. As I prepared to cross the street, the corner of the sidewalk said, "Hi soulmate."

I don't think Sandy has personally wielded any chalk lately, and I know that message was seen by hundreds of people that day. But it delighted me. I said "Hi back!" cheerfully, and continued on my way.

I walked home a different route, running some errands as I went. So I was heading home on 15th an hour or so later when I saw "You are loved." Again, I smiled. And, honestly, felt loved.

I don't know who it is who is spreading benevolent messages all over the sidewalks of my neighborhood, but if I found them, I'd give them a big hug. Every few days now, I run across a message that lifts my spirits; I literally feel my heart lighten.

Recently, there was a whole series of messages along the sidewalk. First, I saw "Yawn. I need coffee." A few feet further was "Yawn. I need you." Around the corner, I saw "I miss looking at the stars" and a little later, "Come lay with me in the grass." They feel very personal, if sometimes ungrammatical. (I resisted the urge to cross out "lay" and replace it with "lie.")

If I see someone sitting on a dining room chair, typing the
names of her flowers on her laptop, I'll have no doubt it's
a message meant just for me!

Yesterday, the message was "My arms miss you."

I don't know who the author of these missives is addressing, but except for the reference to coffee, they could all have been written by Sandy. Some kind soul is either channeling her (including the misuse of the word "lay" — she always fumbled with that), or has a knack for giving me exactly what I need. I haven't yet seen one that felt superfluous. Even the coffee mention was such a clear set-up for the next line that it worked for me. 

My walks generally cheer me because I enjoy the energy of my urban, youthful 'hood. Now I also look forward to discovering whatever new message awaits me, trusting that whatever route I take will be the one with the words meant for me.