Micro-communities.

If you have ever attended or participated in a road race or walking event, then you understand that community can mean more than a certain location. It’s true that Petersburg is unified by a common desire to thrive among a trend toward urbanization. It’s also true that there are other, micro-communities if you will, existing within this village. In addition to the regular coffee groups and lunch crowd, there are the walkers, runners and bicyclists. The realization that a running/walking community exists in Petersburg struck me on a very early morning last spring. I was training for my longest road race, and needed to get in some serious mileage that day. I also prefer to run when there isn’t much traffic…and I didn’t think that anyone else would be up at that hour. Within the first mile, I saw a “regular” stepping out of his garage for an early morning walk. A little later, I saw at least two more people bundled up and on the road. While none of us were partnered up or even communicating other than the usual “good morning,” there was a definite sense of community in the air. By the time I reached home, there were people out with others or their pets. Since then, I seem to be more aware of those who either make laps around town, or loop around the west section of town. People who prefer to make the trek alone, with their dogs, strollers or a friend. On a rare occasion, when crossing the path of others, conversations take place. I have learned that people’s reasons for heading outside vary greatly. Whether they’re craving fresh air, exercise, stress relief, or something else…there are dozens of our neighbors who are taking advantage of Petersburg’s unofficial walking/running/biking trail system. This winter, I ventured onto unfamiliar territory. Needing to squeeze in a short jog, I made my way across the track and onto the golf course. I didn’t really have a route in mind but it didn’t take long to identify a faint path worn into the grass along the edge of the course. I followed it around the ball field and onto the sidewalk leading into the park. Stumbling onto a path that another runner had created brought back that strange sense of community. If I hadn’t written about it, very few would ever discover its existance. This unique group of people isn’t something that’s spoken about, advertised or celebrated. But it exists here. And it only strengthens the larger sense of community that this small town shares.

Comfortably quiet.

“Shh, stop and listen for a minute,” I tried to coax my children to stop tearing around in the snow for a few seconds. They were missing out on what could be my favorite perk of living here…but I failed miserably. It’s too close to Christmas and the weather was too perfect to pass up. They raced from the merry-go-round to the teeter-totters and everywhere else in the park faster than I could keep up. Who knew kids with five layers of clothing could move that fast! I realize that this is the season of long lines, family feasts and annoying holiday music (which I happen to love). But for me, winter in Petersburg is the magic of complete silence. There’s nothing better than standing on a blanket of fresh snow and taking in the quiet. On this particular day, there wasn’t even a bird chirping. Perfect calm. Absolute peace. To some that may sound like a sleepy town, but to me, it’s a moment when all is right in the world. People aren’t caught up in the hustle and bustle. They’re home with their families. Taking time to enjoy the simple blessings that this place offers. About a year ago, a friend of mine came to visit. Born and raised in a city, I’m pretty sure she had never truly experienced absolute quiet. We took her out exploring in our pasture west of town on a cold afternoon. She acknowledged the beauty of the land, but it was the quietness that affected her most. As my kids charged off ahead she stood still for a moment, taking it in. I couldn’t tell if the look on her face was fear or awe; but I soon found out that she was a little freaked out by just how quiet the wide-open country can be. What she considered a sense of loneliness, I find most comforting. Statistically, this is a time of year when depression is at its peak. We’ve all seen the angry holiday shoppers. Felt a little overwhelmed, and I can guarantee that I’ve gotten caught up in the gifts and travel and overall craziness. So while I’m not an expert, and not in any position to hand out advice, I will invite you to take a moment this month to bundle up, step out onto your front porch, take a deep breath and just listen. This is my holiday gift to you…feel free to pass it on.