There was once a time when neighbors were friends and invited each other over for coffee or a BBQ, people passing on the street would give a friendly greeting, drivers would give a wave of thanks for letting them in your lane, and stores were owned and operated by the locals, offering unique one-of-a-kind items.

When I stop and take a look around as if I were a small town girl who's never been in a city before, it amazes me that in place of these simple things are less lovable traits that make me want to go back to wherever it was I came from: a threatening note instead of a BBQ invitation, a middle finger instead of a waving hand, and swear words instead of a friendly greeting. It makes me wonder what happened to those friendly simple beginnings. I have to wonder whether they are on the brink of extinction.

A smile and a hello from someone you've never met is something everyone should practice in a world that is becoming more and more angry. Giving a smile never hurt anyone. Saying thanks doesn't end the world. So why not keep the simple beginnings alive? You never know whose day you'll make.

~Amanda~

Amanda Weedmark