I went off-farm the
other day to shop for some much needed groceries and to run a few errands that
had been on my ‘to do’ list for about forever.
I had not been away from the farm since our most recent snowstorm back
in January. I adore my bucolic recluse life, but once in a while, I do feel the
urge to get out and about.
I drove to Staunton,
to Waynesboro and then back home completing the triangle drive. My normal path is to either go to Staunton or
to go to Waynesboro. I rarely go to both
cities in one trip; hence, I had not driven the section of road between Staunton
and Waynesboro for about one year.
I was appalled at all
the changes.
It seems to me that unchecked
residential building has given way to aggressive commercial building. Every new store was in a new building. Businesses that were no longer ‘in business’
left behind vacant store fronts and warehouse with large ‘For Lease’ signs prominently displayed. Now, some of these buildings have seen better
days, but many are very contemporary and in high traffic areas. These recently
once good bones and foundation of buildings are now beginning to deteriorate
from lack of use. Personally, I do not
think that a derelict building neighboring brand new construction says much for
the atmosphere of the community as a whole.
What is wrong with
using these still very serviceable buildings?
It seems like everything has to be NEW, NEW, NEW. Cosmetic renovations
do wonders to perk up a tired façade. Random
open spaces can remain open adding to a relaxing, more inviting shopping
experience. The January issue of
National Geographic had an article about the benefits of open, natural space
within an urban environment. Basically,
being out among the trees and grass, even a small greenspace between buildings,
can enhance a person’s overall health including reducing stress levels. Really?
I just thought that was common sense.
But, it seems there is a need for many studies on the subject and as
justification for the NatGeo article. In
any case, my common sense tells me to use what is available…reuse, recycle,
repurpose. Stop waste.
Maybe these
businesses went out of business because they initially overextended their
finances on a new building instead of starting small and growing as the
business grew. Common business sense?
Needless to say, my
short drive drove my stress level up.
But, I am fortunate. I am usually
home among the trees, open fields, mountain views and wildlife - relaxing and
reclusing (is this a word?) among the peace and beauty of my natural
environment. No study results are as
conclusive to my stress levels as my own, tranquil state of mind. Most people are not as fortunate to have a
private refuge, but a public escape; a park, a riverside trail, even a cemetery,
can provide a welcome respite. Every
person has his/her own characterization of what brings peace. Go out and enjoy your personal retreat.
I know where I will
be.
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