High above the hustling of the cities below, life in a mountain town flows slowly among the trees, hushed by the fallen snow but full of that spark that makes us all human.
Uncovering the simple beauties of a small mountain town requires one to slow down, walk softly, and join the stream that pushes daily life along at a slightly more relaxed pace. My favorite moments were just walking down one of many nondescript, yet charming, paths into the woods, the snow muffling my steps, and crunching at the edges.
Sometimes I dream of escaping the impersonal pace and crush of a big city to live in a small place, where everyone knows your name. What one might lose in speed and convenience, one gains in personal contact and—hopefully—in sustainability. Imagine receiving milk deliveries from an actual human being, who knows your name, and whose name you know. Imagine having to actually wash out your milk jar: takes more time, sure, but rather than mindlessly tossing a plastic jug into a trashcan, you know that with each small action, you’re making a conscious choice to return to a slower, but more sustainable way of life.
Found this moving tribute to Willie Nelson, affectionately known in some parts as the “Texas Outlaw,” among other mementos of the Southwest in a local BBQ joint. After a long hike in the snow, I was delighted to stumble upon this local lodge dishing up Texas brisket. Even though this particular mountain town was in New Mexico, it was a heartwarming surprise to find some fellow appreciators of good ol’ Texas-style barbecue. Ahh…I think I could be happy here.
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