RANT AND RAVE Rant to complaints about Little Free Libraries that don’t look “maintained.” If you think it’s messy, straighten it up while browsing. These are a community resource, and it takes many hands to keep them neat and well-fed with books. Rave for all the libraries in our neighborhood that provide a great way to find children’s books, weird novels and learn new things.

RAVE to the TSA PreCheck agents at Sea-Tac Airport the other day. What a pleasant surprise at the great attitude of the agents, even during the government shutdown. Special thanks to the agent who was directing passengers through the X-ray machine. He had a positive/funny comment for every passenger, making each one of us smile.  

RAVE to the Teatro ZinZanni staff. This dumbo screwed up his reservation and then showed up on the wrong day. The staff found us a great table and treated us like long-lost friends. A spectacular night.

RAVE to our on-the-ground city workers. Our son, who faces serious mental health challenges, disappeared this week. Our amazing community of friends hit the streets, posting flyers and talking to transit workers, maintenance workers and those within the social networks of the city, including the CARE coordinators and MID workers. Every one of them was helpful. In the end, they helped us find our son and get him home to us. Thank you to all those who work on and around the streets and transit hubs in Seattle. You reminded my family and our community of friends why Seattle is a great city. 

RAVE to the city of Seattle trash collector who waved at me through the window and then waited patiently for me to drag the trash can to the curb after I had forgotten to put it out. They have been unfailingly courteous and efficient since we moved in. 

RAVE to the woman at the Kirkland PCC who helped me back out of an impossibly tight parking space. I was OK going in, but was stuck between two concrete posts, no matter how I maneuvered, trying to back out. She guided me out inch by inch while standing in front of my car and even adjusted my side mirrors twice. I was so relieved to have finally made it, I don’t think I thanked you enough or told you how much your taking time to help meant to me.

RAVE to a jogging passerby on the Interlaken bike trail who introduced herself as a photographer. After complimenting our little trio — my 5-year-old son, our dog and me — for having such delightful energy on a wet and soggy morning, she offered to take our picture. As a solo parent, I have very few photos of the three of us that aren’t selfies. Thanks to her, we now have a beautiful professional shot for our holiday cards!