Category Archives: It’s not a foreign country. It’s a small town!

Ah…the quirky culture you find lurking in these rural places.

For the first time ever I’m the outsider

I grew up in a small town—in the same small town where generations of my family grew up. No one ever questioned whether or not I belonged, but outsiders who moved in had to work extra hard to earn the … Continue reading

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Small Town Food

Way off the beaten path, and I mean w…a…y, you’ll find the little town of Farson Wyoming.  In the heart of this tiny town, in a hundred year old building, stands Farson’s Mercantile.  Their ice cream is awesome, but come … Continue reading

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Invisible stops

My return to small town living has brought many funny observations.  My latest—few stop signs.  I don’t know why but there are many intersections here with no indication as to who has the right of way.  And even crazier, I … Continue reading

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The new neighbor: It’s not a foreign country. It’s a small town!

Having grown up in a small town, I had blogged about their foreignness on a few occasions.  Now, more than a decade later, I find myself living in one all over again.  As a bona fide, converted city slicker, I … Continue reading

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Common courtesy—not so common anymore.

Walking into a small town store is quite a different experience from what happens in a city.  A bell will toll, announcing your arrival. Followed by a warm smile and welcome from whoever is working inside.  I especially loved the … Continue reading

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They might be robots. It’s not a foreign country. It’s a small town!

Many people with siblings can say they were taught by the same teacher.  But not many people can say the same teacher that taught their parents has taught them—unless you are from a small town.  I don’t know if it’s … Continue reading

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What’s in a name? It’s not a foreign country. It’s a small town!

In a small town, your last name is a powerful thing.  It is your identity, label, and place in the town’s social pecking order of importance.  If your ancestors were amazing people then so are you, giving you a “rock … Continue reading

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#7 Entertainment?: It’s not a foreign country. It’s a small town!

Hey, I know what you’re thinking.  “What can you possibly do in a small town for fun?”  You’re right, they don’t have the big attractions like amusement parks, fancy restaurants, or much selection for those shopaholics.  And yes it’s true, … Continue reading

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#6 Neighbors: It’s not a foreign country. It’s a small town!

Let’s say you’re moving into a new place and find yourself inundated by strangers introducing themselves and asking you to come over for dinner?  Within a few short days, these strangers not only know the names of your children, but … Continue reading

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#5 High School Sports: It’s not a foreign country. It’s a small town!

 The folks in small towns love high school sports, especially football and basketball.  During those seasons, there are printed game schedules in every shop window, men reminiscing about their athletic feats from years past, and practically everything draped in the … Continue reading

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