when i started this blog, my intention was to write about our new hometown as we explored it. alas, the dog and my old-man obsession with the weather have preempted most of our sunflower state experiences. some of that is on purpose. largely because our lives involve other people, most of whom would probably prefer to stay unmentioned on some chick's blog. which is fair enough.
but this afternoon, as i finish my first (awesome!) slice from our new independently-owned pizza place and after a great weekend which involved a fantastic show at the local theater, i'm motivated to tell you about some of the cool things that are going on in our little piece of the world...
a month ago, the citizens of this fair town overwhelming voted for a sales tax increase to support a new swimming pool as well as updates to the community center. i know what you're thinking: raising taxes to provide services that will benefit every member of the community? almost sounds progressive. uh huh.
last week, ground was broken for a new community garden. even in agrarian kansas, a lot of people cannot afford to eat healthy and fresh foods. now produce from the garden will be available to those people through a local charity. also last week, work started on a no-kill shelter, which is a no-brainer for most communities, but until now, an unfeasible endeavor for a town of only 8,000. its been very discouraging for us (we're animal lovers, have you noticed) to witness such a large stray population and the prevailing attitude of indifference that fosters it. but i know a lot of people worked hard to make the shelter a reality, so there is definitely hope.
also, the old military fort that draws thousands of visitors a year is now free to the public. spring is here, which means that two days a week the plaza in front of the fort will fill up with the tents and truckbeds of the farmer's market. best amish bread ever, y'all.
back to those people. we have encountered some of the nicest, most generous people. they've invited us to be apart of community events and service organizations, included us in intimate get-togethers and full-on parties. they remember our names, the "pretty, yellow house" we live in and what kind of dog we have (in fact, just today, a stranger at the park walked over to gus and me to donate a frisbee he "oh, hardly uses" to our cause). they've bought us dinner, concert tickets, and beers. and you know what? some of them are even liberal. (am i blowing your mind?)
long blog short, we like it here. sure, it's no new york city. but then, i guess that's kind of the point.
but this afternoon, as i finish my first (awesome!) slice from our new independently-owned pizza place and after a great weekend which involved a fantastic show at the local theater, i'm motivated to tell you about some of the cool things that are going on in our little piece of the world...
a month ago, the citizens of this fair town overwhelming voted for a sales tax increase to support a new swimming pool as well as updates to the community center. i know what you're thinking: raising taxes to provide services that will benefit every member of the community? almost sounds progressive. uh huh.
last week, ground was broken for a new community garden. even in agrarian kansas, a lot of people cannot afford to eat healthy and fresh foods. now produce from the garden will be available to those people through a local charity. also last week, work started on a no-kill shelter, which is a no-brainer for most communities, but until now, an unfeasible endeavor for a town of only 8,000. its been very discouraging for us (we're animal lovers, have you noticed) to witness such a large stray population and the prevailing attitude of indifference that fosters it. but i know a lot of people worked hard to make the shelter a reality, so there is definitely hope.
also, the old military fort that draws thousands of visitors a year is now free to the public. spring is here, which means that two days a week the plaza in front of the fort will fill up with the tents and truckbeds of the farmer's market. best amish bread ever, y'all.
back to those people. we have encountered some of the nicest, most generous people. they've invited us to be apart of community events and service organizations, included us in intimate get-togethers and full-on parties. they remember our names, the "pretty, yellow house" we live in and what kind of dog we have (in fact, just today, a stranger at the park walked over to gus and me to donate a frisbee he "oh, hardly uses" to our cause). they've bought us dinner, concert tickets, and beers. and you know what? some of them are even liberal. (am i blowing your mind?)
long blog short, we like it here. sure, it's no new york city. but then, i guess that's kind of the point.
1 comments:
Ashley - I ran across your blog while perusing your Facebook page (I always feel like a voyeur when I do that). You are indeed a great writer - the words just flow. I'll expect The Great American Novel from you (autograph please!) by the time you're 40. I need it by then because much later than that (maybe sooner) and I'll be deceased. Clean living and a pure heart only help up to a point. Keep on blogging!
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