"Us AND Them" - Back to it's Roots

When I started this blog four months ago, I had a mere notion of what it would be and where it would go. Kind of like when you read about some quaint town in your home state’s magazine. You’ve got an idea of what to expect, it’s only a hundred miles away and a few weeks later - you’re off! Armed with three glossy photographs, hundreds of memories of small towns you’ve visited, and your imagination, you set out to visit that cool place.

Photo by Roman Bozhko - Unsplash

An early departure has been rewarded as you drive across the two lane bridge into “Pleasantville.” There’s an impressive view as the low sun behind you sets up such a nice contrast of colors in the trees and on the river below. But as you squint eastward, all you can make out is an abandoned factory that runs on for blocks. The architectural features that jump out at you, are its endless cinder blocks and broken windows.

The coffee shop you’ve been psyched for, is indeed just like the photos and description. Between the really rich coffee and the home baked cranberry scone, your tastebuds are more than content. But the magazine’s author somehow failed to mention that 104 Meadowview Lane is actually part of a strip mall now. The only remaining view is the high rise apartments beyond the parking lot. The net sum of imagination plus time doesn’t always equal reality.

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When I “penned” my first post, I was seriously concerned about the division in our country, and I still am. I took pride in my wide range of work and life experiences, and felt that they could contribute to an unusual perspective. One that could shine some light on what makes us different, but also, one that illuminates why we’re so much the same. All of that still applies.

However, I also thought that my propensity toward, and appreciation of, random encounters would be the driving force behind my blog. As I initially committed to write two posts a week, I never did the math. I never thought about sustainability which is a really important concept for me to internalize. Random encounters take time and money if I want to go beyond vanilla. And both of those are limited resources for me nowadays.

I remember a pastor telling me years ago, “ if you’re going to keep drawing from a well, you better make sure something’s filling it back up.” Well, I’m going to take the time to fill my well and also hit the road more. Whether it’s on two wheels or four, the potential for interesting encounters dramatically increases as I roll beyond the driveway.

The bottom line for my readers and especially my valued subscribers is - I won’t be continuing my Tuesday “Us AND Them” post - at least for now. As a subscriber, Friday’s post will still be delivered to your inbox automatically. If you’re just passing through, thanks for checking things out, but please consider hitting the “Subscribe” button below, it’s Free! And I Thank all of you for supporting my writing by being here, and sharing your thoughts.

One week from today, I will share a run-of-the-mill, but enlightening experience. It’s the one that pushed me over the edge toward this mid-course correction.