Small Town Feeling

Do you ever get nostalgic for that old small town feeling?  Remember when we had a local ice cream shop, hardware, cleaners, mechanic and we actually knew the people who worked at the grocery?  This was pre-corporate takeover where things have become cut off from one of our most basic human needs, the need for relationships and community.

It does not matter how bright their paint, efficient their assembly line or franchised their recipe's on their menus - cookie cutter mass assembly does not appeal to our sense of what is "real", and often "real" means beautifully flawed and imperfect.

The people who remember, remember that each business came with it's own cast of characters, and these characters were alive with personalities all their own. It was almost as if they embodied that which they do. The baker, the gardener, the farmer. Our parents remember them fondly, and my generation holds them in nostalgic regard - but what about our children? Fortunately, in Palm Harbor, the children also get the experience.

My first "profession" is that of "mom" and my personal philosophy is that children are learning all of the time, and everywhere.  Therefore, I consciously choose communities and businesses to frequent which have a sense of place, purpose and personality. Palm Harbor is such a place. I love that there are businesses we frequent that truly embody the essence of their business.  

Some shout-outs and samples of this would be McBee's Garage for mechanics that care not only about the cars, but about the people in them. JJ Gandy's who, since 1982 have been making some of the best pies on the planet. Postal Center USA who really care about your packages and have the nicest selection of greeting cards at the price of a postage stamp. Steve's Produce, where the outside looks like a roadside stand but the delicious surprise lies inside with a full gourmet quality market. Dairy Rich on Alt. 19 where soft serve is the order of the day and there are numerous others.

How lucky are we, to have this community with a full cast of characters to be grateful for, because they are a part of our lives. How blessed are we to live in a place that values such commitment and who support one another in all we do.

We love watching old shows too, ones that convery a "Main Street America" feeling, like Andy Griffith and Happy Days. Do you know that Pinellas County has an amazing Library system which offers old film and television programs on DVD for viewing enjoyment - and these are just a couple of programs we enjoy.

The best part though, for me as a mother, is that my children get to experience a part of Americana that is fading fast from consumerism culture. They know their neighborhood and their neighbors. They feel comfortable when we go to to run our errancs and they are educated in supporting small business and the values that go along with such action.

They grow up learning that we do make a difference. Our dollar does cast a vote each and every time we lay it down, and we are proud to let our dollars support people like us. People who have families and lives and who care about their community and neighbors.

Do you have any favorites or businesses you wish to thank? Use the comment form below and spread the word.