Good Stuff

As I write this we are in the middle of one of the hottest, driest summers on record. Our piney woods, and her residents, have endured a summer that has brought miserable temperatures, wildfires, evacuations, and uncertainty. Have you been able to see the good in this? If not, let me share some of what I’ve seen. I’ve seen firefighters giving their all to protect homes and property. I’ve seen neighbors helping each other. I’ve seen brides smiling as they enjoyed outdoor weddings without worrying about rain! I’ve seen you embrace this magazine and tell us how much you love it and want more of it!

I recently listened to someone bemoan all that was wrong – the heat, no rain, the fact that business was slow, people weren’t buying, etc., and I was reminded of the following story:

A man lived by the side of the road . . .and sold hot dogs. He was hard of hearing, so he had no radio. He had trouble with his eyes, so he had no newspaper. But he sold GOOD hot dogs. He put up a sign on the highway telling how good they were. He stood by the side of the road and cried, “Buy a hot dog, mister!” And people bought. He increased his meat and bun order, and he bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade. His son got home from college to help him. But then something happened.

His son said, “Father, haven’t you been listening to the radio? There’s a big depression on. The international situation is terrible, and the domestic situation is even worse.” Whereupon the father thought, “Well, my son has gone to college. He listens to the radio and reads the newspapers, so he ought to know.” The father cut down on the bun order, took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand on the highway to sell hot dogs. His hot dog sales fell almost overnight. “You were right, son,” the father said to the boy. “We are certainly in the middle of a great depression.”

I hope that by the time this magazine reaches you that we will have enjoyed some respite with cooler temperatures and the blessing of some rain! But even if we haven’t, I encourage you to continue to look for the good. Remember that it’s important to support our neighbors and their businesses. Before you head out of the Piney Woods to buy – think twice! Is there a local business that can provide this product or service? If so, I encourage you to allow them the opportunity to earn your business.

I also encourage you to tell the advertisers in this magazine THANK YOU for advertising! THEY are the ones that are bringing you this magazine and they need to hear from you. That would be VERY GOOD!

See you at the hot dog stand!
Until next time, God Bless ~ Karen