Before visiting the campus today, I read about "The Passing Hello." This is where Sewanee students, faculty, and residents tend to greet one another on the street even if they are complete strangers. I read that you would be hard pressed to make it from your dorm to the dining hall without exchanging at least a few passing hellos.

I loved the idea when I read it, and wondered if the four of us--my husband and myself, my husband's sister and her husband--would qualify for a few passing hellos. Sure enough, as we wandered from the science building, to the chapel, and the cafeteria almost everyone greeted us with a smile, a hello. It was lovely, and so simple, and civil.

i wonder if it would be possible to transfer this lovely, simple, friendly idea to my community in Southern California? Maybe if not the entire community, at least my neighborhood? Or, I can start with my street, my neighbors. I see it now ""The Passing Hello" on Broad Beach Road. I'll put a note in everyone's mailbox, and stay posted. I'll let you know how it works out. And maybe you can try it in your community.