A State of Mind

Mama Robin and three babies on Sheryl's back porch.
(Daddy Robin not pictured.)

I’m in Atlanta for a few days, networking and visiting friends. A very good and generous friend of mine was kind enough to offer me the use of her garage apartment whenever I am in the city. She lives in an area called Avondale Estates, just east of Decatur. Avondale reminds me of Decatur when I first moved there back in 1994. I remember thinking what an undiscovered gem it was. It had the perfect combination of city proximity and small-town feel. It was safe and walk-able with quaint homes and old landscaping, but in 1994 Decatur had not yet fully recovered from the “white flight” of the 1960’s and 70’s. The downtown area lacked any hustle and bustle. Even though you could easily walk there from the surrounding neighborhoods, it provided mostly 9-5 businesses and empty storefronts. It was ripe for the growth and development that ensued over the two coming decades.

That’s how it feels to me now in Avondale Estates. Certainly this little town must be on the verge of filling the empty shops and the long-vacant theatre. I understand there was a redevelopment plan that was abandoned in 2008 when the economy crashed. It will still happen, I’m sure. It has to, and I hope it is done in a thoughtful way. Meanwhile, I love Avondale just the way it is. I love walking from the apartment to Good Karma Coffee House or Urban Grounds. I love the well-kept gardens and lawns, and a stroll around the picturesque Avondale Lake. And it doesn’t hurt that one of the kindest people I’ve ever known lives in Avondale; she is a great ambassador for the city.

As I sat on Sheryl’s back porch yesterday watching my dog, Melvin and her dog, Chase frolic about on the green lawn surrounded by big, old trees, it occurred to me that “my country life” is not something that happens only when I’m at the cabin. It doesn’t really matter where I am. “My country life” is about the way I see the world. It’s about living in a state of gratitude, about slowing down to take notice and appreciate the beauty all around. It’s sharing a glass of wine and easy conversation with a trusted friend. It’s the mama and daddy robins that are raising baby robins on Sheryl’s back porch. It’s the bluebirds in Miss Doris’s backyard. It’s running into good friends you haven’t seen in a while, when you least expect it. It’s helping your old dog up and down the stairs and being grateful for the opportunity. “My country life” is a state of mind.

Wishing you a great day with time to slow down and appreciate the beauty all around.
~Pat

Avondale Lake
(picture taken Feb, 2013)

Comments

  1. MartiJune 28, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    Pat -- I love "your country life" and your observations. I lived in Avondale when I first moved back to Atlanta from New Jersey in 1971. It was such a small place then. I love seeing your cabin come together, too.

    Take care -- Marti

    ReplyDelete
  2. PatJune 28, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    Thanks, Marti! I'm glad you enjoy reading what I write because I love writing it and sharing it. I really appreciate the comment. :-)

    ReplyDelete

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