Having moved from two larger size cities, specifically Washington, DC  and Portland, OR, small town living took a bit to get used to. It was like traveling to another country where certain conveniences are not around the corner. In small towns, there aren’t big box stores, drive through restaurants, reliable transit system or incorporated city governments. News stations and newspapers get their “big stories” from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Generally, it takes about two years to get used to a new town.

Then one day, you find yourself taking a walk on the beach where the air is clear, you smile because there isn’t any development and you can actually hear the seagulls. You feel “at home” during local library functions or talking to a neighbor at the grocery store.

Sure, this is a challenging economy. You realize that whether you live in a small community or large city, your friends, children’s teachers, real estate agent and clients are experiencing the same challenges.

Georgia O’Keeffe said it well: Still—in a way—nobody sees a flower—really—it is so small—we haven’t time—and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”

If you are fortunate like me, you experienced friendships and feel at home in both larger cities and small towns.