By fromskilledhands (
March 24, 2008 at 3:39 pm)
· Filed under Change, Musings, Words
I’ve been thinking about the power of words and how our choices shape our lives. Do I see things as a challenge or a struggle? An opportunity or a chore? A promise or a threat? Writers choose their words just as a connoisseur of fine wine selects the correct vintage. Do the words we choose shape how we see the world or does how we see the world determine the words we choose?
Reframing makes a difference, I think. I can choose to smell the promise of rain, or I can see rain threatening. I can experience my child as nosy, or I can see her as curious. Life can present me with struggles or challenges. Important choices, I think.
Ghandi wrote, ” You must be the change you want to see in the world.” And it starts just like that.
Travis Erwin, the originator of My Town Monday, commented that he hoped to learn more about this little Village. Here you go, Travis—-with time to spare.
The Village of Peninsula, population 602, is an incredible example of what a community can to do preserve itself. Many of the buildings have been lovingly restored and are in the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and much of Main Street is an Historic District.
Surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, The Quarry lies in a serene setting of natural quarry rock, shade trees and grass-covered hillsides in Peninsula, Ohio.
Little swimmers can splash in the shallow waters or build dreams in the sand. More experienced swimmers will enjoy the diving boards extending from the broken edges of the Quarry walls.
The Village of Peninsula, built by the hands and hearts of generations; gently resisting change since 1837.
Travis Ervin has a way of describing things. His blog, One Word, One Rung, One Day is always an adventure. Travis has instituted My Town Monday, in which he invites others to share their towns. I usually think about it late Tuesday evening or when I am too tired to link thoughts cohesively. I am happy that at 8:28 DST, I remembered.
Towns have personalities that have developed over time. The Village of Peninsula is unlike any other place I have been. Nestled in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley, the Village sports a rich history. It was a place where many Indian tribes enjoyed the incredible array of resources: plentiful game, rich soil and the crooked river, which they called the Cuyahoga. The river, then the Ohio and Erie Canal , then the railroad brought commerce to the area. This also fostered diversity, both in the population and in flora and fauna.
We’ve had our studio/gallery in Peninsula for almost 20 years. What an incredible community of which to be part. Creativity, compassion, diversity and independent thinking are valued in this little Village. We’re proud to be part of it. We invite you to visit us, and to discover, and to explore Peninsula. Let us know what you think.
Twenty two inches of snow and it is still snowing. We closed our studio/gallery early yesterday and stayed home today. We couldn’t have gone anywhere if we had wanted——safely. Roads were closed except for essential travel.
The silence is incredible; the snow plentiful and heavy, glistening in the light of the lamp post. The dogs, delighted to go out again, waded through the drifts. Lily did her toy poodle-in- the-snow dance; all we could see was the black of her muzzle. We trudged up to the barn and onward toward the hillside, collapsing in the knee deep white stuff. The enormity of it all; the majesty of Nature is humbling.
Returning to this old house we peeled off the layers, our Carhartts stiff with snow. The familiar smell of wet dogs and wet clothing mingles with that of baking bread. We grab snacks, plop on the couch and listen to the wind outside.
Heroes come in all forms. With skilled hands, and kind and open hearts they live their lives in the best way they can.
Please look beyond the advertising to the real story. True heroes go about their lives changing the landscape, making a difference in the lives of all of us—–whether we know it or not.
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