Sowing Seeds in Mt. Vernon

It took a month to unpack my belongings and then find places for everything in my new home.  Truth be told, some items ended up stored in boxes in the basement.  There wasn’t enough room because I have lots of stuff.  I call them treasures, you may call them stuff.  Included in all of my goodies are over 100 items that I hang on my walls.  It may not surprise you to learn that there is little wall space left for any more souvenirs.  I guess I have to stop shopping.

I seriously doubt that will happen.

Anyway, now that my home is settled, it’s time to start sowing a few seeds in Mt. Vernon.  After all, I moved to a small town where I know nobody.  Smart move?  It’s too soon to tell, I guess.

My new place is an old home in the historic section of Mt. Vernon.  I just love that the street in front of my place is red bricks.  A yellow brick road would have been idyllic, but I’m equally happy with brick red.  And, since it is in the center of town, it’s not far at all from the town square (which is actually a round-about).  There are a lot of attractions near the square.  Dead center in the square is a produce market on Saturday mornings.  A lot of it is organic and/or grown by Amish in the community.  You can also get a variety of oils, spices, candles, or get your knives sharpened.  Additionally, in the dead center of the market is a tall statue of a Union Soldier.

Nearer to my home, on three Friday nights in June, July and August, the Summer Front Porch Music Series  takes place less than a block from my house.  About eight blocks of High Street are closed to traffic.  Food trucks, ice cream vendors, lemonade stands, and at least one dog watering station take up place along the center of the street.  Then, on scattered front porches, musical performances entertain the residents.  From my home, I can hear the music even if I don’t attend.  But, I made my way there.  It was so neat that it was right next to my home.

My place used to be a Bed and Breakfast location in Mt. Vernon.  The previous owner called me up to see if he could take some building materials he left in my basement.  I’d never seen what he wanted and I knew I’d never use any of it.  Of course, he was welcome.  In exchange, I asked if he could bring back his lawnmower for an emergency cutting.  I ordered a mower online, but the grass was really high.  There were no high school boys in my neighborhood to cut the grass according to one neighbor.

The former owner came to my place, rang the bell, and probably knocked on the door.  I didn’t hear him.  I didn’t even hear as he cut my grass.  I was shocked -- and embarrassed -- about that situation.  Fortunately, the new lawnmower arrived, and I was home the second time the former owner and his wife came a knocking at my door.

It’s strange to see a home you owned redecorated by someone new.  And, I don’t decorate my place like anyone else I know.  It’s a combination of antiques and travel treasures.  It is most frequently described as a museum.  And, most items have a story behind them.

After a brief tour of my home, the former owners said I needed to meet people.  They knew people who would be interested in me.  For starters, they knew the mayor.  Holy smokes!  Wow!  What a connection!  They also knew members of the local arts council.  Who knew there was an arts council in Mt. Vernon?  Not I.  They also mentioned a library connection and the schools where their grandchildren attended.  I assured them that I was thrilled to make their acquaintance.  I hoped to see more of them, and I certainly hoped they could help network for me.  I am the first to admit that I need help with that.  Obviously, I gave them a lot of my business cards.

Weeks passed and the second Summer Front Porch Music Series event returned.  I faced the heat, and a good amount of forest fire smoke from Canada and Minnesota, to attend.  At my first event, I didn’t stop at the booth for the Arts Council.  This time, I thought I should introduce myself.  I don’t know who had what position on the council, but I think I met the right person.  She already knew about me.  The previous owner of my home did his part to spread the word.  My new friend already had ideas for how I could fit into their programs.

In addition to that, she was going to sing one song from a porch.  She wasn’t the act booked.  She was just going to sing one song WITH THE MAYOR!  So, yes, I met the mayor of Mt. Vernon before he took the microphone to sing.  He was told that I paint murals.  I’m going to send him further information so he knows about the community aspect of my work.

So, I’m sowing seeds.  It may lead nowhere.  Some seeds may sprout.  I’ve learned that things rarely happens unless you have the courage to ask.  So, I’m asking.  Let’s hope for a fertile environment for sowing seeds.