Make Talking To People Great Again

There has been an element of this journey so far that I was not expecting nor had I given any thought about. That is the personal connection and shared interest you will suddenly have with complete strangers. Yesterday the wife and I slipped away to HL (A big store for the hobbies) to see if we could snag some decor at some good prices. Now normally this would be my own personal Hell however, for the station and for Bowman I'm willing to get a little dirty.

We did find many treasures and these eyes have now been open to the many wonders to be found in that place! Seriously I don't get excited about shopping, that place is amazing! We had two carts filled with finds and the excitement and positive energy I felt knowing where all of it was heading was really something I will remember.

Again this whole adventure as we slowly melt into being a part of the rich history of Bowman is really just an amazing thing to be a part of. Knowing that our grand opening will be the Fall Festival when everyone in the surrounding area comes to the square to have fun and meet new and old friends alike will be life changing.

As I was checking out at the store the clerk commented that I found some really cool stuff and that it was all very interesting. Cue the lights, sound the trumpets, she set it up and I was prime to swing! "I thought so too! I am opening up a candy and ice cream store and it's railroad themed." I proudly proclaimed with a gleam in my eye. When I told the clerk where it was going to be she politely wished me the best of luck, however I could tell she had no idea where Bowman , GA was. That's when I heard a voice from behind me say. "Excuse me, did you just say you were opening a store in Bowman?" "I sure am" I once again happily belted out as I turned to the lady checking out behind me. "OH wow! My mother lives in Elberton, and I grew up in Bowman. She is a teacher at the local school.". Her smile and excitement to hear about her home and this new life we were trying to bring, made her grin ear to ear.

She said when she goes home to visit she would stop in and say hello, and it is starting to become a theme. I have just noticed that more and more people we are meeting has some connection with Bowman, and this web of people we are getting to meet and become aware of is really cool to witness. Complete strangers in the checkout line where we would normally barely even give a glance alone talk to them. Suddenly when it comes to Bowman this connection happens and people perk up and take notice. It all represents what happens when life around us becomes just constant noise. You don't even realize the impact until you go somewhere where stopping and talking to your neighbor isn't just what you do, it's what you look forward to doing. Where suddenly eye contact is made as you pass people or a friendly wave says all that needs to be said. It is an awareness of our surroundings and our lives that we are losing. Thank goodness for places like Bowman, GA.