MAKE ROOM FOR JOY

It took me a week to work up the nerve to introduce myself to my neighbors — some of whom, I’d later learn, affectionately referred to me as “the skeleton lady.”

The HOA emails had left me feeling exposed and embarrassed, as though the whole neighborhood had been quietly judging me. I had started to believe everyone hated my decorations, and maybe thought less of me because of them.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

Then I planned to explain that there had been complaints about my skeletons, so they’d be coming inside November 1. I’d finish with an invitation: the Board was considering a new policy about outdoor decorations, and I wanted people to have a say.

Before I could get through much of that, the reactions came.

“Oh my gosh. Miserable people.”
“We love your skeletons.”
“It wasn’t us.”
“I thought they were cool.”
“Love your skeletons.”

None of that was solicited. I wasn’t asking anyone to take my side. I was just introducing myself and explaining why I was walking around with postcards.

And then we just talked.

About the neighborhood. Kids. Running. Wichita, of all places.

At one point I explained that what hurt most wasn’t that somebody didn’t like my skeletons. People are allowed to dislike things. It was that somebody was bothered enough to complain but never came over and talked to me.

I mentioned that I hate wind chimes. When a neighbor had really loud ones, I talked to her about it. She moved them.

“That’s what you do in a community,” I said.

It took two plastic skeletons and an HOA complaint, but I finally went out and met my neighbors.

​Maybe I fit in here after all.

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Pavilions at Pantops neighbors: If you’ve enjoyed my decorations—or want to share your thoughts about any new outdoor-decoration policy—please contact our community propert manager, Cory Jordan, at [email protected]. Compliments count, too. 💀

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