Hello Anyone/Everyone
I love the community I live in. I love the layout of it, the natural beauty of it and mostly the people in it. I was at the local library today and a mom with a toddler was trying to deal with a poo bombing. She was trying to man the baby, get the key for the bathroom, figure out diapers and all of sudden there were lots of hands to help. I manned the bathroom door, the librarian had a diaper bag for emergency use, kind words were passed between all the mom's on hand and it all worked out swell. I loved the idea that the mom was not alone to try and wrangle all the necessities and that there was so much cheerful support. By the way, the library also has the best place to sit for a cool breeze and a great view during the hottest part of the day. The balcony is shaded, faces east and always seems to have a cool breeze blowing.
It isn't the first time I have had this experience here. Our landlady lived in the basement of the house we rented. It was raining hard one evening and because we lived at the bottom of a steep hill and the sewer drain quickly filled with debris the water edged ever closer to her stairwell and eventually down and into her apartment.
When the neighbours noticed they jumped in to try to sweep and shovel the water away and soon after someone from the town arrived with empty sandbags. We all chipped in to fill and stack them. I went downstairs and started to swab the decks before to much damage was done. It was a weird time to feel grateful but I really was so glad to be part of our little neighbourhood and their big view on things. Did I mention that my landlady was at the library at the time and completely unaware of everything that was going on?
This has been a really great place to raise a child. It is a smallish town with rural areas within walking distance. My son could ride his bike to his buddies houses and I felt comfortable regarding his safety. His buds came over lots during the summer and camped on the front lawn and I never had to worry. Most of the parents knew one another (which can be a good thing!). Once when I was at work boyyo was taken for stitches by another parent: another time he was driven home from the skateboard park after having taken a nasty fall. The family from the skate park didn't know boyyo but knew me from working in town.
My son still has the same friends he had through grade, middle and high school, and as a result will have 7 groomsmen plus a best man at his wedding in September. He and his fiance have talked about raising their kids here and I think it is a great idea. Nice schools, good recreation, library, rural area to run around, just so much to offer.
I'm also proud of the room within the community for those with eccentricities. There always seems to be one or two people about who have special needs or need special understanding. Local businesses especially seem to be tolerant and respectful with these individuals which allows them to stay in familiar surroundings. I think the fabric of a place is woven through with everyone who lives there and in a way we all contribute something, especially in shared histories. Inclusivity is sort of a blessing we get to bestow on others.
I grew up in Toronto but I can't imagine living in a city anymore. When I visit I feel choked and nervous. I like Vancouver for its art gallery and ocean views but would never be able to live there. I am aware that there are areas within cities that are like small communities, anchored by schools, festivals, shopping and cultural commonality yet I long for the small town. I like knowing my neighbours, I like being involved, I love feeling safe (even at night when I often venture out to take photographs) and I really love the sense of ownership I have around my community. Even better is that with that sense of ownership comes a sense of responsibility which can lead to the desire to offer your personal skills for the betterment of the community as a whole as well as the individuals who make it up. We all benefit by enriching where we live.
I bet if we all felt more like this we wouldn't litter so much, we'd hold doors for each other more often, we might even read more if all libraries were as accommodating as ours. I think there is a sense of courtesy and manners in a community that reaches beyond doing things because others are watching. It is a genuine will to improve the quality of life for everybody. Even the smallest gesture can have far reaching impacts.
Communities not lead entirely by economic values are steeped in culture and inclusivity, and I would even venture the notion that they may be ground breakers in that creative minds might be drawn to their social values. Programs that include arts, recreation, education and opportunities for all age groups that are funded by these communities do a lot to guarantee their ongoing growth and contribution,not just locally. I would totally love to be part of a proactive community.
The possibilities are endless. Ah, a new global order...get thee to a community. I mean isn't that the type of atmosphere co-op housing aims for? Group living with insight and respect and responsibility. Works for me.
Cheers Until next time
Jane
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