It's So Not Cool to be Rude.
Especially in Sag Harbor.
In summertime, and exponentially on summer weekends, Sag Harbor is a happening place. Visitors commandeer the sidewalks on Main Street as they cluster to discuss where to eat, whether to wait for a table, and just talking and happy to see people that they meet along their way. In Schiavoni's, they wreak havoc at the checkout line as groups of 4 scatter to pick out and run back last minute items. Their checkout is lengthy, as it is generally much more than a person can carry--which is what we mainly experience here in the Village. Most people that live here year-round enjoy... well tolerate... the bustle. It's great for the businesses, and it is gratifying to see people appreciating being in Sag Harbor! Sometimes I see people "snarl" at these visitors, like they don't belong. I don't think that's very nice, nor welcoming, and certainly not good for ambiance, wherever they might be.
Last Sunday morning, the tables were turned on me! I was actually blocking the sidewalk when I met up with another dog mommy pal on Union Street. I was excited to see her because she uses a mobile groomer and I wanted to get the name for a family that is coming to Sag for the summer. We stopped for as long as it took for me to put my cell number into her phone so she could text me later. A pretty famous author/commentator was walking towards us, and clearly we were impeding her flow. She scowled as she had to step to the left to walk in the narrow section of sidewalk remaining next to us. It didn't help that my friend's mom's dog was barking furiously the whole time (3 minutes, tops), but he is just a teensy poodle that was in her arms. She also made a snarky comment, like, "You can't even walk on the sidewalk." This was our second walk of the day, but still early, especially for someone who might have been out at a book signing party or some such. For goodness sakes. Her sour puss face soured the nice feeling of being out on a soggy morning and meeting a friend by chance. I wish she hadn't done that. I wish she didn't come to Sag Harbor.
This weekend promises to be the busiest weekend of the summer. The weather report looks stellar. In my little neighborhood of the Village alone, 6 families moved into their summer rentals yesterday--July 1st, when everything starts in earnest here. Be kind everyone! We are in Sag Harbor because it is so special, beautiful, warm, and inviting. We have chosen a paradise where kindness should prevail! Happy July 4th Weekend Everyone!!