Small town.

"Well I was born in a small town

And I live in a small town

Probably die in a small town

Oh, those small communities"

Not all of us come from the "big city." Actually, there are many people who come from cities that are smaller than  many neighborhoods. Sure, there's something about having exposure to life amongst millions of people, but there's something of equal value where, "everyone really does know your name."

Having grown up in a suburb of St.Louis, and then having moved to a suburb of Chicago, I am on the outside looking in when it comes to small town living. I am happy about it? I can't really say as I only know one side of the story. But I do believe there are positives for both; part of me would have loved to have had the "Mayberry life." I think it would be interesting to have a "Main Street"—-as in the only road in the town. 

When I was growing up we had "Olive Street Road" as our main drag. The big difference, Olive Street Road went for miles from the suburbs to the city and Main Street in small town America might just be a few blocks. But with both, there is a common feeling of comfort that knowing where you are, and the feeling you belong, makes me feel secure. Whenever I would call home (not on a cell as it had yet to be invented) I could go to a phone booth (you remember those, right?) or someone's house—to let my parents know I was okay and would be home soon. That's the way life was in my world.

In addition to writing "Snap.Shot." I have a real job. I work for a magazine called, "Midwest Living." For those who know it, you know it focuses on the states that make up the Midwest region. For those who don't, pick up a copy and you will be hooked. But this is not a sales pitch for Midwest Living, this is about what I have learned over the years working there; except for the very large cities, the Midwest is pretty much made up of smaller towns and cities. Sure we have some "big boys," but in general it's a lot different than East and West Coasts, and "maybe" closer to the lifestyle of the South.

With my job I have travelled all around the Midwest—mainly by car. I love to drive through small towns and just imagine what daily life is like as I pass through…making sure I don't exceed the speed limit because you will get a ticket. Diners, gas stations, grocery stores and more, all have a different look and feel than the larger cities. You can really see and feel it. Go to a diner when you get the chance, you'll see people living at a pace that most of us can't comprehend. Funny, they feel the same way about us and they're happy.

When I drive around the Midwest, I listen to country music. I love country music and for some reason when you mix the words, with the scenery, it all comes together. It's a feeling of comfort from the days long ago when I would pay less than a dollar for a gallon for gas and "cruise on Olive" ending up at Denny's with friends.

The photo above is of the water tower from the town where my Dad was born. Although he didn't live there for long, there's something he kept within from those early years of his life—-a way of life I believe he passed on to me. I feel very connected and always have. Thank you Grandpa Rosenbaum for having the foresight to make Iowa your first stop when you came to this country, I will forever feel that "small town" deep inside.

Thanks for stopping by.