Today, Joan and I have been in Washington, Indiana for just about 18 months. It has not been what we expected, to say the least. We came with abundant experience as writers and editors. That's not an especially marketable skill in a small town. So we're a bit misplaced.
Despite that, we're blessed in many ways.
Joan has met so many wonderful people. Beautiful people, really. She has been embraced and valued as a substitute teacher in the local school system. People genuinely like her. Through their eyes, I've been allowed to reassess and honor things about her that I had taken for granted.
She brings with her a newcomer's perspective. Until now, she has not lived in a small town. Small communities operate differently than towns and cities where people are more transient. More value is given to lineage here. Who are your parents? Who were your grandparents?
If you're not from here, the people asking those questions are left with fewer handles to manage how they perceive you. That's discomforting for them and possibly better for all concerned. Without those handles, we have to let a person start from scratch. Wouldn't we all like a gift like that?
For me, the homecoming -- for truly it is -- has been very good. I'm among people I know, or at least have known. Some things can change in 35 years. The reconnections are grounding to me. I have been able to participate in a variety of volunteer work and in organizations that build up our community. I have enjoyed that immensely.
One of the projects we're working on is to develop a co-working space on East Main Street. We are in the heart of what once was a bustling shopping area and the core of community activity in this town. Since then, shopping has migrated to the outskirts of town. Shopping centers carry most of the retail commerce here. Downtown is less about retail businesses and more about professional businesses.
There are a few welcome exceptions, but only a few. Soon, a major area bank will relocate to a site south of town.
So, co-working. We're creating a space where entrepreneurs and business professionals can meet, work side by side, enjoy conversation, try out ideas, and encourage one another. It will have many of the comforts of working from home, plus the benefit of face-to-face time. Working remotely can be an isolating experience. We also offer new businesses a Main Street business address and a way to separate home from work. Many people bold enough to launch a business are challenged to keep the two distinct from one another.
I mention that because we've recently installed a piece of art that has bumped along with us for quite a few years.
Joan's parents found this window in an antique store in the Cotswolds in England when they were stationed there. John, Joan's father, had a great love for beautiful things. They collected quite a few antiques during the time they lived overseas.
We had several ideas for displaying these two panes. None of them happened. I think that's because this was where they were intended to go. They have been in the US since 1971, and are only now finding their place.
You know, 40+ years is a good long while. Just ask Abraham. And they are on an inside wall. That's not what you'd expect of a window. But then, most of us aren't doing what we expected we'd be doing in our youth, are we?
I think these windows are a sign of hope and a graceful gauntlet tossed to the floor--or the wall, in this case. Find a purpose. Find a creative way to use something. Find a creative way to allow yourself to be used.
And for heaven's sake, no baseball inside the co-working space!
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