It rained last night. We were busy this morning emptying the water from the 2 large tubs used to catch the runoffs from the garage. If we are not quick enough, the neighbour will empty it out onto the back alley. We have a small patch of potatoes right by the tub, where she could empty the water. She doesn’t. It’s just plain meanness pouring it out into the alley.

She is a stranger even though I’ve lived next to her for 15 years or so. I also find her strange. One of the first advice people would give me is to communicate and get to know her. But that is the worst thing that I could do – trying to engage. I’ve learned that after years of such mistakes. And of course, some people think that it is I, who is the problem. It’s a double hurt but it has taught me something about people. I’m reminded to listen first, without judgement. It taught me to just listen and not blame the speaker.

I did some transplanting in my flower bed at the front of the house after emptying the water tubs. I’ve been lucky and timely. Right after that, it started raining again – on and off for most of today. I’ve emptied the tubs again just now. I’ve filled all the pails and started putting the water into our raised garden beds. My Roma tomatoes are already loving it. They’ve perked up, unfurling their curled leaves. Water is valuable. Nothing grows/thrives without it, including ourselves. It rankles me to see my neighbour purposely throwing it away because she doesn’t like me or the way I garden and landscape my yard.

I try not to hold her in my thoughts because it is toxic. And I try not to speak of her for the same reason. But when it rains and there’s water to catch, I can’t help acknowledging her into my consciousness. I acknowledge, accept, move the water, let her go and lock the gate. Life is short. Meanness is bad. I have no time for it.