Since my last post was about how my closest people have influenced me, today’s question is: How has my geography changed/influenced me? Hmm…. Well let’s start from the beginning.
My roots are in a small pocket of Kansas City, Missouri (KSMO). This little area is sandwiched in between some of the wealthier areas, however holds its own. Full of hills and steep streets, the city somehow carved out room for fairly nice walking/running/biking trails. I can remember many trips on the trials (that spanned the city) with my mom and our dog. Especially to a certain ice-cream place, which is still my favorite! Looking back, I think this is where I get my love of being outside everyday, if even for a couple of minutes. I also think that smaller towns appeal to me because of having lived in that area of the big city. However, I also think that the Kansas terrain has affected me in equal parts.
Kansas is not flat. Can I just put that on the record? Geographically, our part of Kansas is full of hills and the consequent curvy roads. Which are equally as beautiful as straight roads. Can’t go having their feelings hurt! The open fields around our new town called to my need to escape, and often my windows were rolled down to catch the breeze even if there was a possibility of snow. The cold doesn’t affect me too much; I’d rather be cold than hot. I tend to need a space where I can go when I feel like I am drowning in work, problems, or drama. Natural spaces keep me grounded – keep me from feeling like a bug trapped under a microscope – which Kansas generously provided me.
As far as my college town changing me, that remains to be seen. Although I will say, the geography of the town did influence my decision to come here. And if I dig a little deeper, the open and wild lands were also motivation to join a club that was outdoors. I’m referring to how shotgun club is an outside activity and WWAAYY out in the country. “Country comfort” is an actual thing people. Until later, ~V
Sunflowers and Riddles 