Our story tonight is called The Village Races. It’s about a group of runners setting out on a bright, sunny morning. It’s also about butterflies and bagels, lucky numbers and picnic blankets, and the joy of being a part of something you’re proud of.

A story about a yearly tradition and how it changes in the different summers of your life. It’s also about plums taken from the icebox, a handmade cup wrapped in paper, and strolling along the river as the streetlights blink on above you.

A trip to the mailbox during the last lit moments of the day. It’s also about bikes being wheeled into the garage for the night, things learned from the farmer’s almanac, layers of paint peeling away under your hand, and a tender way to be shepherded home and sent to dreamland.

A story about the everyday magic of messages sent between friends. It’s also about peanut butter spread on toast, a favorite spot on the back porch, and a lifelong habit of saving stories.

A story about the possibilities of a special part of the day. It’s also about an empty ginger ale bottle filled with windflowers, a walk by the railroad tracks, date bars, and park benches, and elevating the everyday. 

Our story this week is called “The Hardware Store,” and it's about finding all the right things for a few projects at home. It’s also about stacks of fresh-sawn wood, a packet of peanut butter cups, and the ride home with the window down.

A quiet morning on the lake, dragonflies and water lilies, weeping willows along the shore, a bell ringing from the inn's back porch, and a connection point felt by people around the world.

Our story tonight is called “Coffee on the Stoop,” and it’s a story about a day devoted to small acts of kindness. It’s also about a kitty sleeping in a window, paints, brushes, and flower seeds, and the awe we feel when a stranger reaches out to do us a good turn.

A continuation of last week’s story, but you don’t really need to hear part one, to enjoy part two. It’s a story about a special summer program that brings littles and furry friends together at a favorite place. It’s also about red popsicles, sounding out big words, beach towels spread on the patio stones, books spread out on tables, and enjoying the feeling of having something to look forward to.

Our story tonight is called “From the Hammock,” and it’s a story about naps, and where and when, and under what circumstances we take them. It’s also about a slow walk through the garden, jars of pickles put up in the cellar, and knowing that what you seek is seeking you.

Our story tonight is called Summer at the Library. It’s about special programming for some of the younger and four-legged residents of the Village. It’s also about the view from the circulation desk, water bowls set out on the shady patio, study rooms, walking trails, and learning to feel happiness from moment to moment.

Tonight, our story is called “The Lake at the Inn,” and it’s about a misty summer morning on the water. It’s also about a mug of coffee poured by a friend, the sounds you hear when you truly stop to listen, and a row boat just waiting to be pushed out away from shore.

Our story tonight is called Ladybugs and New Leaves. It’s about a day in the yard at the potting bench. It’s also about learning to read the leaves of plants to understand what they need, things found in the hardware store checkout line, shiny red wings and black dots, and recognizing that we all need a fresh start from time to time.