The Common Place
Over a decade ago I was a sophomore in college, and during that fall semester I randomly decided that I needed a change of pace. College up until that point for me was pretty underwhelmingly. I wasn’t exactly comfortable in my own skin, and it was a considerable horrific challenge for me to put myself out there beyond my familiar comfort zones. Some people are naturally born open to new people and experiences, and are able to offer themselves freely and openly to such things without a care in the world. I wasn’t like that. But, some part of me realized that if I wanted to meet new people, grow in a sense of self-worth, and become comfortable in my own skin I’d have to do something about it. So I did. There’s a lot of finer details I could mention, but I’ll cut straight to the point. I signed up to study abroad in the Czech Republic.
Beautiful Sky-line in Olomouc. You can see how this place can caste a spell on you, no?
At this time, quite honestly, I had no idea or concept of what this would entail. I didn’t know anything at all about Czech History or Culture. I had no idea what the Czech language sounded like, and I had no idea who I’d meet along the way on this little journey. For me, it was a shot in the dark (that unknowingly at the time would lead to quite a few other “shots” in the dark). That is one of the decisions that I made in the course of my life that I have absolutely no regrets for. It really pushed me and forced me to get out of my comfort zone and open myself up to a diversity and quality of people that I would have never met, and many of whom actually still play some role in my life today. It taught me to be open, to receive friendship and good times with others, and to accept unique opportunities that cross my path daily. That experience changed me, and for the better. At the same time, I learned that none of that would’ve happened in the first place if I wouldn’t have taken the risk.
City Center of Olomouc, Pictured is the Trinity Column
Of course, it would be a shame if I didn’t mention the beauty of the local architecture, the difference in the daily ways of everyday life, and the feeling of finding a “new” surprise around every corner. However, I will say that upon my return I did develop a quiet disappointment for what daily life entails here back home. We don’t have many narrow, cobblestone winding streets with monstrous church towers over looking us as we turn a corner. There aren’t many hidden nook and cranny pubs or cafes that stay busy despite their obscure location, unless it is done intentionally with a hipster-sense of irony.
My un-ironic cup of coffee, from an un-ironic Local, Small Farm Town Cafe
As time has gone on, my view has changed. The main piece of any place that sets it apart culturally from the rest is primarily the people who lovingly commit themselves to that place. That’s what makes Czech cities Czech. That’s what makes Boone County Nebraska, Boone County Nebraska. For a long period in rural Nebraska there has been the long sad story of young people leaving our communities to head for the city. Downtowns shrunk a bit. Less local dollars were spent. Things looked quite pathetic. But for some reason, especially in this lovely little community that I get to call home, people started wanting to come back. Not only comeback, but start businesses. High quality shops, cafes, breweries. Businesses that showcase the best that these rural farming communities have to offer. And it’s beautiful, and it all starts with people willing to not take the easy way out for a more convenient lifestyle where you can find fresh herbs on a daily basis in your supermarket, or use Uber Eats or Door Dash (both of which are impossible here). It’s that level of commitment to a particular place, a particular community, a particular landscape that can enhance it and create opportunities for culture to be revitalized, enhanced, and grow. I think we in the United States have been re-learning this slowly and I hope we continue to do so, because we do have aspects of a worthwhile culture here just as much as there is in any other place in the world.
The Culture of this place has always been Multi-Generational
As I continue on my journey of becoming a better farmer, its my hope that this farm continues to develop its own culture that showcases the best that this little chunk of earth has to offer. It’s my hope that it contributes to the beauty of its locality, and truly stands as a marker to idea of “The Art of the Common Place.”
Every Place has beauty, if you’re patient enough.