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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2008 - 3:06:54 PM |
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It has been said that when your neighbor loses his job, it’s a recession. When you lose your job, it’s a depression. Apparently, times are hard these days - at least that’s what the nightly news tells us. I know for a fact that times are bad in places like Florida and California - all of the bling that defines existence in such places costs a lot of money and people aren’t feeling all that rich these days.
But there is no recession in Iowa - in fact, things are going quite well here in terms of the economy. But the news sure is scary, isn’t it?
Over the past few weeks I’ve met with a number of small business owners in East Iowa - many are reporting that things are slow for them - some are struggling to survive. Unfortunately, if the nation’s economic worries filter down to us in Victor and Marengo, when the doors of local businesses start to close, chances are good they will stay closed forever. And if that starts to happen, these towns will disappear. When you factor in the ever-increasing price of fuel, people will be forced to leave to live closer to where the jobs are. There will be nothing here to keep us or our children - eventually there will be nothing left at all. I can’t begin to describe the tragedy that would be.
I mentioned the bling commonly found in other parts of the nation - in many places, expensive cars, expensive jewelry and big screen televisions are the guidelines for the “good life.” But they do nothing towards happiness. I know that because I escaped it to move to Iowa. Here, people celebrate life by decorating their homes for every conceivable holiday and half the town turns out for an event at the school.
People refer to the “Good Old Days” wistfully as though the good that made up those days when life was far more simple is gone. But that’s not the case - the choice is ours as to whether to simply enjoy our lives or constantly chase a false god of buying ever more crap and then suddenly becoming paranoid when we over-extended ourselves. We make the choice.
It’s important to realize that cutting out the bling doesn’t mean being austere and utilitarian - not at all - but rather it is redefining the things that bring happiness and satisfaction to our lives.
We can have the Good Old Days again - even with the constant media drumbeat of an economic meltdown. It’s really very simple. When you need a new car you buy it in town from a person who also lives in town. Capper Auto has cars, so does TNT Auto and Shaull and Ullerich - so do other local dealers. They will give you a good deal and they will stand behind you because you’re their neighbor. Try getting that service on Ebay. When you need tires, forget about a big chain 30 miles away, Drake Tire and Auto is nearby - and they want to do right by you. Coufals Car Care in Victor will take care of it for you - they’re here in town and have been for a long time - same with many other local service places.
When you want to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or just the fact that it’s Friday night - go to a local restaurant and enjoy a meal made especially for you by a person who actually gives a damn about you. You can find that at any number of outstanding establishments from the Doose Cafe to PHAT Daddy’s to the Carnforth Inn and Farmer Nick’s - not to mention the Stop ‘n Sip and other local places. Try getting that service at a mid-priced national chain.
When you need a new washer or refrigerator or air conditioner, stop by Victor Appliance or Brown Hardware and talk to someone who not only knows about the product they are selling but also cares enough to make sure you get what you really need - not just what they can sell you. Good luck with that at a national electronics chain.
When you need groceries, go to the Big G because they work hard to provide you with a local source of food at prices you can afford to put dinner on the table. They are right here in the area - you don’t have to drive and burn expensive fuel - and, like the other locally owned business, they actually care about your thoughts and needs as a customer. Good luck getting that from a mega-supercenter.
One hallmark of the “Good Old Days” was actually using and re-using the things that were purchased. Twice Around the Block in Marengo offers that right now with good quality clothing, furniture and other items. We don’t have to be a disposable society - we can save money by not being one.
When you’ve had a good day - or more importantly, when you’ve a bad one, stop by Flower Connections in Victor, Rosa’s Flowers and Gifts in Marengo or even the Village Pharmacy or Peterson’s Pharmacy and pick up something for your spouse. That simple act may be one of the keys to a level of happiness that even the most expensive bling can’t bring you. Think about it for just a second - a gift of a bouquet of flowers will make your spouse (whether male or female) feel beyond special - and the flowers on your table will serve to remind the beauty and pleasure of life is not something plastic that came out of a Chinese factory. That is an important aspect - flowers or a small gift can turn around an entire day. Do it often enough and you’ll find that entire lives can be turned around for the better. The simple joy and elegance is what put the good in the Good Old Days.
Perhaps the bad news we hear is true - perhaps some belt tightening is in order. If so, cut out the expensive plastic junk from China but don’t cut out the local businesses. We need them just as much as they need us. Without us, they don’t stand a chance - nor do we without them. It’s time to stop thinking about it and start doing it. The top executives at Walmart aren’t your neighbors but the people at the Marengo Farm & home most certainly are. Make a point of visiting one of your neighbors today. They are working hard just for you. But do it today. Tomorrow might be too late.
© Copyright 2008 by The East Iowa Herald
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