From a distance . . .

Perhaps we are all the same. We take for granted all the good things around us. We take for granted our quiet communities, our bursts of community activities, all the volunteers who contribute so much, the seasons which change in due course and so much more.
I can often get the feeling that no matter how much we photograph, write or care, the only people who come through the front door ask for more or point out our failings.
And failings we have, for sure. But in the visits of those from miles away, in the messages and emails from those new to town or to the region, there are often unexpected generous words of encouragement.
Just last week, a lady stopped in to our offices and subscribed, taking back issues home with her to read. She loves this newspaper, she said, even though she lives many minutes away from here.
An email from a reader new to the area said this newspaper has helped her to understand the rhythm of the town. Another reader once told me that Wednesday is “Ecstasy Day”, when the local news arrives in her mailbox.
At funerals, people I knew long ago shake my hand and even through their sadness, say, “You’re doing a wonderful job. I look forward to my paper every week.”
From this, I could assume that we are worshipped from afar – or – I could think that if they only knew us better, they would not think so much of us. Neither is the case.
Before you think it, I never let praise go to my head. A quick proofread after some issues makes me cringe. Their when it should have been there. Weird words where they should not be in the first place.
Those are things we don’t like to talk about. But they happen.
Instead, I think that we can use these fresher, or different perspectives to look at things with new eyes.
While many elements of some events may seem tired to us and local volunteers say it is always the same people doing all the work and one day everyone will get fed up and quit – others marvel at events like the Vankleek Hill Fair. Many former residents or those who have roots here reserve the fair dates faithfully for an annual visit back home. The fair is an important annual milestone; there is nothing else quite like it. People want to show it off to their children.
We all need reminding to look for new perspectives on ourselves.
When it comes to what new residents have to say about our region, we would do well to listen to more than their wish lists; we could ask: what brought you here?
For surely we can concede with humility that there are many good reasons that people choose to buy homes and relocate their families or their businesses here. We may not see these reasons as clearly as those who are making those choices.
But getting back to wish lists and new ideas: we can listen to what works in other communities and always work to improve and introduce newness where something has grown stale.
I cannot remember where I read this, but think of the pot luck idea as it could relate to communities. Imagine that our community life is like one big pot luck meeting every day and that it is up to each of us, whether newcomer, volunteer, business owner or politician, to bring our best offering to the table.
Imagine if you became known for even just a single specialty that you always bring to the table. Maybe you can bankroll someone else’s ideas. Maybe your business sets an example with its tidy facade. Perhaps you quietly raise funds when everyone else is too tired to step forward to help. Maybe you smooth things over when feelings are hurt.
Maybe you bake prize-winning banana bread. Maybe you’re a stickler for typos and you don’t give up until that book your organization is making is perfect, even if you already are past the deadline. Maybe you are the one who can make a whiz-bang slide show or come up with a website when no one else knows how.
Or maybe you are the politician whose ice cream melts while you listen to a taxpayer.
But wait a minute. I know all those people. And I bet you do, too.
Bringing your very best to the table means that people will want more and more and you will be happy to give it. What’s more, it will feed and nourish what is important to the future of our communities.
Home-made raspberry pie. Oops. Sorry. That’s just one thing that I would bring to the table and would look for, too. But don’t push.
There’s room for everybody.