upping my game

When I met two friends at the arboretum for a walk and a bite to eat, we decided to keep it simple ... each of us was to bring our own lunch.

We walked along the trails and through the fields, past the larch and the lilacs, to a clearing where we discovered a picnic table. We pulled lunch from our bags, and one by one described what we'd brought ... each offering to share what we had.

When we started eating, I realized not only did I forget a napkin, one of my friends had upped her game and brought a cloth napkin.

I realized in that moment if I had packed lunch for all of us I would have taken more time to consider things like napkins, and maybe a tea towel for the center of the table. But because I was packing just for myself, I rushed the process.

It was a sharp reminder that what we might do for others, we should consider doing for ourselves.

The first edition of Tinplate No.1, the summer edition is coming soon.

It's an activity book ... and yes, picnics are included, along with a checklist(!) of what to pack.

The activity book is my way of reminding myself, and you, to do more of what we enjoy this summer. To take the time between the things we have to do for the things we want to do ... and make the most of it.

I think you'll like it.