Something I didn't expect when I moved, was to fall in love all over again with the simple things in life. I was suppressed under the omen that my neighborhood was a dreaded, desperate decision of my parents, which they deeply regret. Hell, it even brought my mom to tears months before. They described it as small, cramped, and even ghetto. Apparently my parents don't go out much, nor do they appreciate simplicity and organic beauty. I had to find out on my own that Phoenixville, PA housed more than a million fireflies, in my backyard alone.
Today I went out on a walk around the neighborhood just as the sun was setting across the gentle hills of Valley Forge. I spotted the invisible creek I wondered about as I crossed the Gay Street Bridge (a daily occurrence) and came across the Friendship Fire House. Seriously, Mom? This place is beautiful. As the sun says it's final goodbye, the streets light up in various ways: some by little blue antique street lamps, others from dusty gray overhangs, and the most beautiful, nestled in the woods and open spaces, are the fireflies. All of them sharing this new place I call home. The lights to the strip dance across houses and apartments just above the hill. The air is fresh, and despite the humidity, it's gorgeous outside. I even find the cracks in the pavement, a fight between nature and industry, breath taking.
My room is smaller, but I find it reassuring. It holds me close when I'm unsure, or even scared. The familiarity of my belongings caress me to sleep and are by my side in the morning. They are still the simple treasures I miss from home, like Walmart not being 20 minutes away, or the soft purr of my cat, Monster Kitty. However, I've learned to embrace this new experience, as best I can.
The blunt openness in the North is appealing to me. My dogs are subject to frequent walks now (they aren't complaining) and with walks come encounters with other dogs. As my dogs start barking away at another woman's dog, the awkward smile plays across my face.
"I'm sorry" I say pulling my dog back towards me.
She replies quickly while moving her dog into her house, "It's okay, my dog is an asshole."
The exchange made me smile, it was my first conversation with someone from Pennsylvania. "Welcome home," I thought.
The people here are extremely nice, and willing to carry on a conversation, as long as your willing to start one. It took me a haircut, manicure, and some expensive hair dye (not to mention three new outfits), to finally get the gut to start talking to people. Granted the conversations didn't carry on further than "Hi, I was wondering if you were hiring?" Still, it's progress. Thankfully more places are hiring than those who aren't. It's another small blessing this Borough of Phoenixville has brought me.
Another gift I had long forgotten about, due to school and work, and just life in general, is my love for reading. Moving has presented me with options to enjoy new appreciations (such as nature and sidewalk cracks) as well as touch on some old ones, like the smell of a book and exercising. Little things that I once loved are now coming back to me full force, and I'm happy.
I had my doubts about Pennsylvania, and I cried my first night here. I threw fits and tried so hard not to move. The loneliness has taught me a lot so far, and it's much appreciated.
You know, I think I can learn to love Pennsylvania.
Today I went out on a walk around the neighborhood just as the sun was setting across the gentle hills of Valley Forge. I spotted the invisible creek I wondered about as I crossed the Gay Street Bridge (a daily occurrence) and came across the Friendship Fire House. Seriously, Mom? This place is beautiful. As the sun says it's final goodbye, the streets light up in various ways: some by little blue antique street lamps, others from dusty gray overhangs, and the most beautiful, nestled in the woods and open spaces, are the fireflies. All of them sharing this new place I call home. The lights to the strip dance across houses and apartments just above the hill. The air is fresh, and despite the humidity, it's gorgeous outside. I even find the cracks in the pavement, a fight between nature and industry, breath taking.
My room is smaller, but I find it reassuring. It holds me close when I'm unsure, or even scared. The familiarity of my belongings caress me to sleep and are by my side in the morning. They are still the simple treasures I miss from home, like Walmart not being 20 minutes away, or the soft purr of my cat, Monster Kitty. However, I've learned to embrace this new experience, as best I can.
The blunt openness in the North is appealing to me. My dogs are subject to frequent walks now (they aren't complaining) and with walks come encounters with other dogs. As my dogs start barking away at another woman's dog, the awkward smile plays across my face.
"I'm sorry" I say pulling my dog back towards me.
She replies quickly while moving her dog into her house, "It's okay, my dog is an asshole."
The exchange made me smile, it was my first conversation with someone from Pennsylvania. "Welcome home," I thought.
The people here are extremely nice, and willing to carry on a conversation, as long as your willing to start one. It took me a haircut, manicure, and some expensive hair dye (not to mention three new outfits), to finally get the gut to start talking to people. Granted the conversations didn't carry on further than "Hi, I was wondering if you were hiring?" Still, it's progress. Thankfully more places are hiring than those who aren't. It's another small blessing this Borough of Phoenixville has brought me.
Another gift I had long forgotten about, due to school and work, and just life in general, is my love for reading. Moving has presented me with options to enjoy new appreciations (such as nature and sidewalk cracks) as well as touch on some old ones, like the smell of a book and exercising. Little things that I once loved are now coming back to me full force, and I'm happy.
I had my doubts about Pennsylvania, and I cried my first night here. I threw fits and tried so hard not to move. The loneliness has taught me a lot so far, and it's much appreciated.
You know, I think I can learn to love Pennsylvania.
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