Free items promote neighbor interaction

On 14th Ave between Howell and Olive is a set of tables with free objects.  I've been observing this free table whenever I take my puppy out and today I actually spent a few minutes conversing with neighbors as they came to check it out too.  The table mostly has knick knacks, old mismatched dishes, a box of old flashlights, but a few items of interest that sparked conversation:  a child's plastic flute for example, was the center of much discussion.  Was it clean enough to possibly test it, or was it potentially too icky to be worth it?

It's amazing to me how often residents of a neighborhood will pass each other by without even looking at each other.  I've even used my dog as an excuse not to look at someone while walking around, watching him instead of meeting the glance of a stranger.  Lately I've decided to start saying hi to people in the neighborhood, or at least looking at them.  The reactions vary.  Some people look up, then glance away quickly.  Others stop to ask about my dog.  Others say hi and smile back.  I'm starting to recognize the faces of more people in my neighborhood and a few remember me as well.  

Capitol Hill is one of the denses neighborhoods in Seattle, yet I don't know even half of my neighbors.  Chatting with someone over a free table or while walking a dog helps people get to know each other.  When we know our neighbors and care for the area we live in, we'll be more likely to help keep the neighborhood clean and safe.