A world of free littles

I’m glad I live in a world of free littles.

There tangible evidence of the best human qualities — kindness, generosity, compassion, creativity and humor — lie stacked above cheerfully painted posts.

“Come,” they say. “Nourish yourself with non-perishable food, someone’s favorite book, tiny artwork, a thoughtful poem.”

My mother in-law, the Outlaw Mary Jane, loved mysteries, musicals and the nine children she raised with her logophile husband. (I know that word means lover of words because my father in-law once sent each member of the family a book about words.)

Grandma Mary Jane, a children’s book author, left a legacy of love, laughter and literature. You can see it in her adult children’s eloquence, in her grandchildren’s facility with the written word and in her great-grandchildren’s love of books.

A Free Little Library in her daughter Carol’s front yard offers a big ole Grandma Mary Jane hug, thanks to all the books offered within, to anyone who wanders by.

How can you not love a world that offers perpetual Grandma Mary Jane hugs?

Yesterday I happened past a Tiny Art Gallery in my neighborhood. It’s just a few blocks away from the Free Poetry Library I discovered a couple of years ago.

I took a moment to admire the tiny artwork on display there. Though welcomed to do so, I didn’t take any of the artwork with me. I didn’t need to. I hauled the whole gallery home in my heart and I smiled the whole way.

Thank you to the tenders of the free littles.

Your tiny gestures have done a world of good.