Bulls, Boys, and Blessings
Is this what momentum feels like?
Julia Jacobsen Harrington Locals revival rural small changes small town
This little farming community that I’m from is experiencing momentum in a wave that we haven’t had in quite some time. The 80’s were rough on rural areas. As a kid growing up here I had no clue about the business’s that closed their doors or the impact that would have on my community in the decades ahead. I have memories of getting out of school and heading down to the drugstore to buy candy. That big heavy door with the large bell on the front that would let the shop owner know he had a customer.
Sharing the things ranchers don’t talk about.
Julia Jacobsen barn date night loss rancher
As I was preparing this story I shared it with Luke to make sure I got the details of that evening correct. This happened over a year ago and sometimes it takes a year to soften losses. It would have felt odd to share any sooner but I think there is value in sharing the things ranchers don’t talk about.
Waving the Month of May, part two.
Julia Jacobsen kindness rural small changes small town wave
Did my attempt to wave at everyone I see in my small town move mountains? Nope, I noticed no mountains moved. Did it change something inside for me? Yes, I think it did and it goes back directly to the notion that you notice what you focus on. I do in fact think people are waving more. Does it have anything to do with me? It is rather unlikely but if it did that’s cool too.
Waving the Month of May.
Julia Jacobsen friendly Harrington small town wave
When I arrive the room feels somber. I’m not sure what I walked in on but I can tell it feels heavy. The discussion is about our only bank in town “temporarily closing” due to staffing issues at a nearby branch. There was little to no notice or communication so when people stopped by the bank they were greeted with a locked door and a sign describing the “temporary” closure. In my head as I write this I’m using air quotes over the word “temporary”. It reeks of writing on the wall. That it won’t be temporary at all.
When Your Waitress Hands You a Road Flare.
Julia Jacobsen Kindness Locals Oregon Route Ukiah Waitress
The unkind way we talk to ourselves is finding its voice inside my head. “You stupid woman” is a phrase I’m thinking about telling myself. I should know better! I live in the country and while not at the elevation I’m currently at I’m not an idiot but my inner voice is ABOUT to tell me I am. What happens instead is I’m offered a road flare while another woman steps in and is calling to find lodging just in case I end up needing to stay the night. My server in between her customers keeps checking the weather report and has more bad news. My best route out of here is reporting 100% chance of snow, 12-18 more inches! I want to give myself a good lecture and I would have but there was no time for that in between several strangers looking out for me.