Walking Towards Progress
Update: In an earlier version of this post, I accidentally left out the link in the Update section below to the article talking about the economic numbers continuing to look good. Thank you all for looking for errors I make like that and letting me know đ
Thank you so much for your kindness and patience. You all really are the best subscribers I could ask for. I appreciate all of you who have reached out to check on me or given me encouragement.
Tonightâs post will be shorter, and we will be back on schedule this Monday. If youâre interested, we will have our Friday Good Things chat tomorrow (if you are reading this on Thursday night). Everyone is welcome đ You can find the chat with the orange button below. See you there!
Update
You know I have continued sharing data showing how strong the American economy has been recently (the What We Make post and the Addition > Division postâs update section if you want a refresher). Apparently, inflation continues to cool and consumer spending data continues to show American workers doing well in this economy (link). I suspect we are doing well because unemployment remains at record lows for the longest time since around 1968 (link).
I love that because it means more of our neighbors have steady incomes and more workers are getting better wages to support themselves and their families.
Walking forward
This past weekend, my hometown hosted Arts âRound the Square, a day to gather and enjoy community together. It was wonderful! We opened two streets on the court square to pedestrian-only traffic, welcomed dozens of artists, and offered a wonderful environment to enjoy our beautiful community. If interested in seeing pictures, I would highly encourage you to visit the Paris-Henry County Arts Council website (link); they have amazing pictures. I know many of you who are local enjoyed it like I did đ.
Got me thinking
As I walked around the square Saturday, I started to wonderâŚhow many people would come if we did this every Saturday? Or once a month?
What if we made our courtsquare more pedestrian-focused once a week with other fun community events? This has been on my mind lately because we have lost multiple pedestrian lives on the courtsquare in recent months (link). This is something I know our local leadership has actively been looking for solutions. I have personally spoken to some, and I can tell they really do want to help.
Aligning goals
As I have dug into research, it seems making spaces safer for pedestrians increases the business of local shops and restaurants. It also feels like it would increase happiness and a sense of community for residents. I also know young people I have spoken to are looking for more 3rd spaces. I feel like this could make life better for all involved if it is realistic.
TVA seeks public input
If you have followed Sowing Hope for a while, you will remember me highlighting our new solar farm in Puryear TN (in the Building Bridges post if you are interested). Well, if you live in Henry County Tennessee, you may want to know TVA is seeking public input on how they should proceed with the project (link). Comments are accepted until October 18th.
Thank you all again for being incredible! See you tomorrow for our Subscriber chat if you want to join đ. As always, no pressure. Do all the things with the liking, subscribing, and sharing if you want.
Bonus Tracks
Today, I wanted to share a music video and a quote with you.
The One Moment by OK Go
Hopefully, a reminder when I have too much going on that slowing down can be beautiful and interesting. Hope you enjoy đ