I’m Thankful: My Neighborhood

It’s November 1st y’all.

Where exactly did the last month, no – the last10 months??

We’re almost to the end of 2012 and the countdown to one of my favorite holidays has begun.

As much as I love Christmas, I really think Thanksgiving deserves it’s own time which for me means November 1st through Thanksgiving Day.

This year I’d like to spend some time focusing on all that I have to be thankful for.  I’m beyond blessed by so many things in my life that the least I can do is document some of them here.

The next 30 blogging days are going to be dedicated to giving thanks for 30 things (big and small, serious and silly) that I have to be thankful for.

Today I’m thankful for my neighborhood.

I know I was just here ranting about my city and a few of my neighbors, but when it all boils down, I’m very thankful to live here.

My city is nestled between Detroit and a very affluent suburb.  It’s a mix of both scenes.  We have some big beautiful homes here as well as some tiny bungalows.  I live in the latter.  A tiny little brick bungalow that I honestly love.

The people in my neighborhood are a mix of race and socioeconomic status.  This city, because of it’s location, is a pretty place to live while also being affordable.  We have a bunch of awesome neighbors, some of whom have lived here since the homes were built and others for only a short time.  We’re a mix of old, young, black, white, married, single, kids, no kids, party animals and quiet folks.  The neighbors I’ve met are great people and make our block special.

Most of the homes are fairly old which means they all look different and our streets are brimming with character.  The trees that line our sidewalks have been here for years and years and stand tall boasting full, leafy branches.

We’re situated within walking distance of a hospital, library, the police and fire stations, several grocery stores, coffee shops, bagel shops, schools, churches, restaurants, doctor and dentist offices and a handful of specialty shops ranging from a fish market to a vacuum repair shop.

We’re a quick ride from the heart of Detroit and all it has to offer in the way of museums, restaurants, theaters and sports venues, but we’re also just across the street from some of the most beautiful real estate in Michigan.  I can take a quick bike ride with Grace to check out the horses at the Hunt Club or the sparkling waters of our pretty lake lined with huge mansions.

My church is just around the block and is attended by folks from both the inner city and the affluent suburbs.  Worshiping together.  Learning together.  Serving together.  It’s a beautiful picture of a mosaic of people living in community with one another.

So, despite the fact that I’ll be cited if my grass gets too long or my leaves are on the curb too soon, I’m very thankful to live here and I know it will be hard to move away in four years when Andy is placed at a Navy hospital for his residency.

In the meantime, I’m going to focus on being thankful for all my neighborhood has to offer :)