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Life, actually…
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CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
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“Your city is so beautiful.”
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This from a visitor who is Down South for the first time.
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When I first hear this oft-repeated statement, many years ago, I do a double-take. “Is he talking about my town?” I ask myself.
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I was so accustomed to activities of daily living that the essence of my surroundings had faded into oblivious routine. I failed to notice the loveliness that abounded.
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“There is so much greenery here. And the architecture is wonderful,” the stranger goes on.
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After decades of seeing my town through the eyes of pilgrims, I have become its biggest fan. I add, “Thanks for saying that. It makes me feel good that you see us at our best.”
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I do go on, “And the people here are so friendly—visitors are always remarking how safe they feel.”
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The visitor roams the store, a big smile and a look of surprise on his face.
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There are many first-timers in the shop each week. Layovers from the trains, the airlines, the interstate bus system. Layovers from people on their way to someplace else.
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Other first-timers are tourists, conventioneers, reunioneers, accidental drop-bys, lost wanderers looking for a bathroom a meal, directions.
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The most amazing first-timers are local people, people who have never ventured into the city, fearful of perceived dangers and traffic and one-way streets, forbidding parking decks, unspoken penalty-laden rules.
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Fear of becoming lost in a strange land.
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I look forward to welcoming these visitors and layovers and first-time locals. I make sure they see things through my eyes for a few seconds.
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Amazingly, the evangelizing often works. People re-visit the store to let me know their reactions.
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“You were right—the restaurants are great.”
“I love the museums. They are world-class.”
“I finally ate some grits and bar-b-q. Wow!”
“I heard some good jazz last night.”
“I want to come back and stay longer next time.”
“Got any souvenirs?”
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Yes, I focus on the good that is here. And, once visitors are given directions to the next great thing to do in the city, they are ready to see us as a really interesting region.
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Most of them will be back someday. I know, because they come to see us, to let us know that, despite all media data to the contrary, we are worth the time.
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If you look for the good in our living township, you will find it. If you look for the bad, it is there. You decide which way to go.
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Choose your own adventure.
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Y’all come
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© Jim Reed 2023 A.D.
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