11:05am By Laurel Dailey | The central idea in Peter Gabriel’s underrated Celtic stomper “Come Talk To Me” is, not surprisingly, about talking. Propelled by an army of drums, Gabriel entreats his antagonist, “Won’t you please talk to me?” He goes on to repeat this plea a dozen times until the song, at long last, ends. He might be in a dead lock for King of Synths with Fleetwood Mac, but Peter Gabriel is also a straight shooter.
In another slightly more memorable moment in Pop Culture ephemera, John Cusack (in the seminal 80’s flick Say Anything) hoists his boom box toward the window of his true love while Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” wakes up the neighborhood. Where’s the connection, you might be wondering? Well, I’m not necessarily suggesting a direct rip out of the Cameron Crowe playbook, but with Good Neighbor Day just around the corner, one of the ways you might be able to initiate a conversation with your neighbors could include a boom box and a cassette tape of Gabriel’s Us, on which “Come Talk To Me” is the first track.
However, if the overwrought fictional antics of a teen superstar aren’t quite your speed–and I’ll go out on a limb here and guess they aren’t–then what’s next? We’ve talked about the purpose of Neighbor Day and discussed the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, so what’s left? What’s left is a celebration of our Long Beach neighbors on national Good Neighbor Day, September 25. This celebration could take on various forms, but here are a few ideas to get your gears spinning.
As Southern Californians residing in a bustling coastal enclave, we are privy to the very best weather the United States has to offer. What better way to bask in the late September sunshine than with a BBQ or potluck? Flex your clip art prowess in Microsoft Word, type up a few fliers, and get the word out to your neighbors. Throw some burgers on the grill, chill the Coronas, and set up a few canvas chairs on your front lawn. That’s all it takes. If you grill it, they will come.
If you’d prefer a more behind-the-scenes approach, or if you’ve got a family dessert recipe that could make grown men weep, try baking your neighbors a treat. The Girl Scouts of America are already hip to the jive: Nobody says ‘no’ to cookies. Nobody. Take some time to go door to door and get to know your neighbors as you present them with your double-fudge masterpiece. One of my neighbors recently invited my roommate and I over for homemade concord grape pie. The resulting afternoon of conversation and dessert forged an instant connection between my house and theirs.
Another way of celebrating your neighbors could be even less obvious. Are there any unmet needs in your neighborhood? It could be an impromptu car wash, some yard work, or childcare. In talking with my neighbors, I’ve realized that most of the people on my block are musicians of some sort–whether professional or hobbyists. A neighborhood music day would be the perfect way to celebrate the talents of those living around me, as well as giving me the opportunity to get to know my neighbors on a deeper level. Whatever the case, the sky’s the limit when it comes to how you might choose to observe Good Neighbor Day. So be creative! On September 25, we’ll be celebrating alongside you, and we’d love to know what ideas you came up with.
Hey, if all else fails, there’s always Peter Gabriel, a trench coat, and a boom box.