Music is my second language. It has a way of describing my thoughts and feelings better than words alone. Music has helped me to process a lot of hard things; celebration, loss, success, disappointment, loneliness, opportunity, silliness. There are specific songs that connect to so many moments throughout my life.
I have a vivid memory of riding in the front seat of my dad’s silver Blazer, my feet dangling over the edge, bopping to “Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers. I can still feel the itchiness of our sequin-covered blue biketards for our jazz dance to “We Are Family” by the Pointer Sisters in the 4th grade at Denise’s Dance Studio. Kesha’s “Tik Tok” takes me to Saturday nights in college, and the entire library of Matchbox 20 will forever make me think of my best friends from high school and every road trip we’ve taken over the past 20 years. There’s a song that came out the year I was born that I never really listened to until I was an adult. It’s by John Mellencamp, and he’s had plenty of hits that I’d think would hit people right in the nostalgia. But the song I’m thinking of is “Small Town.” Take a listen to it here.
If you’re like me and are probably in a public place and won’t take the time to click that link right now, here are some of the lyrics:
Well I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town Probably die in a small town Oh, those small communities … No I cannot forget where it is that I come from I cannot forget the people who love me Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town And people let me be just what I want to be
Oof. This song gets me right in the feels. I decided I needed to share a love song to the small town with you; specifically my small town. Now, if you had told this dreamer 20 years ago that I’d live and work in my hometown, I would have thought you were out of your mind. I was certain that, as an artist, I was destined to live far from here — New York, Chicago…anywhere but here. My parents were pretty convinced of that, too, I think. It broke my mother’s heart, and I think my dad was just concerned that I was going to starve and be homeless.
The way things turned out, I’m 17 years past high school and nowhere near a coast. In fact, I didn’t stray far from my roots at all - my family is making their home in my grandmother’s house, where I’ve been making memories for three decades. The people I see every day are mostly people I’ve known since childhood. I attend the same church my dad grew up in, and that I sang my first solo in. My daughter has grown up in the same school I learned in, and some of the same folks still work in the same businesses I visited when I was small. So often, people look at small town life as stifling. Everyone knows everyone; opportunities are limited. Where is the nearest Target? There aren’t any stoplights - what?! I remember having those exact thoughts as a young person. Let me flip that narrative, please.
Everyone knows everyone? Yep. There are plenty of people to reminisce with. You can see people grow and change and have a positive impact on the world around them. There is a tribe of people to keep an eye on your daughter when she’s walking down the street.
Opportunities are limited? Opportunities abound. Even as an artist in an ag-centric community, my creativity serves me so well. I am able to provide a fresh perspective with a fresh set of experiences. Target? I can be to Target in an hour. And the time it takes me to drive there is enough to listen to a favorite podcast episode or a chapter of my latest audiobook listen. Also, we ALL have spending problems in Target, so think about the money I’ve saved by not living local to one! Stoplights? I mean, here’s a cute bit a trivia — there isn’t even a stop light in our entire county. But does it actually matter? Nope.
Living in my sweet small town has so many blessings. Because we live so close to my parents, my daughter has such a close relationship with her grandma (just like I did). Just about everywhere is within walking distance - the grocery store, the library, the studio…the coffee shop. I get to be involved in many areas of the community, from our annual town celebration to the fine arts boosters at the school. The tellers at the bank know me by name and greet me with a smile. Some of my dancers are the kiddos of people I used to dance with when I was young. And when I see those dancers at the grocery store, I hear a loud, “Hi Miss Miranda!” And, pre-Covid, that was generally paired with a big hug.
I have friends and family that live all over the world. I am one of the few who chose to embrace the small town life - and we’re all making the best choices for our families, careers, and dreams. But I am so happy with this life I get to live in Edgewood. Whether you’re from my small town or not, I hope you’re a part of a community where you feel completely at home. Where you have people you can count on to help you in a tough time. With people who help you take care of your kids. Who will bring a crock-pot full of soup over in the middle of a hard season. Who will support your dreams no matter how crazy and help you make them happen. Let’s revisit the lyrics of Mr. Mellencamp to close us out:
No I cannot forget where it is that I come from
I cannot forget the people who love me Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town And people let me be just what I want to be Live your best life, friends, no matter where you call home.
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AuthorMy name is Miranda and I'm a mom, spouse, dance teacher, and entrepreneur. I’m going to share my life with you. The good, the bad, the weird. I hope to inspire you, encourage you, make you laugh. I’ll be honest. And I can’t wait to learn more about you through it all. Categories
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