So here I am again. When I wanted to get back into the blogging game I had no idea what to call it. I definitely didn't want to call it a fashion blog. While I do have an instagram dedicated to my thrift finds and online addictions, I hardly would call it fashion. (My name is teaching in sweatpants for Pete's sakes). Then I thought, what about a lifestyle blog? Then my next question was, What the heck is a lifestyle blog? No, but really, do you really want to read about my "lifestyle" because I don't even know what that would look like. It would probably look like a sink full of dishes and a bedroom that looks like my closet exploded every morning. So, I decided to not label it. I can tell you that I will talk clothes, possibly teaching, and our journey to parenthood, whether that be through adoption or foster care. My goal is to be honest and open.
But I thought my first post would be on something that is so dear to my heart. My hometown. We've all been guilty of being afraid to answer that question, "Where are you from?" But recently, I have become so proud to give my repsonse.
Now, I am used to hearing the following: "Ew, your from Granite City?" (No joke, that really happened in college), "You're from Granite?.....oh...." "Yeah, I know where it is. I've had to pass through it and it smelled really bad." "What's that smell?" After 28 years of living here I can tell you what that smell is.
That is the smell of hard labor. It's the smell of generations of men and women who have put in countless hours of overtime to put food on the table for their families. It's the smell dedication and pride.
This town was built on that "smell" and I could not be more proud to be apart of it. If you're from Granite you are well aware of the lay offs. My heart broke when I heard the news. Not only for the families, but for the town. I felt the end was near for us. But then I started to see this....
All over the town I started to see people rally behind the workers that mean so much to this city. My heart was no longer broken, it became inspired. I started to think about all of the awesomeness that has come from this town. Not just from the mill, or from the amazing small businesses like
Kool Beanz and
Garden Gate Tea Room, but from my generation. Not only does Granite have a bad rep, but so do the twenty somethings. Latley, I have been inspired by women my age who have been pursuing their passions and creating such beautiful things.
Let's start with A.L.F. Not only is Amy my hero because she is pursuing her dreams, I also love her shop because of her heart. Amy gives 10% of her proceeds to Kids Around the World. She took a chance at opening a shop before it became trendy and somehow still manages to balance it all along with her daytime job as a teacher.
Cora Baby Wraps, Maggie's Market, and Can I Get a Sip are also fabulous local online businesses. Not only are these three women making babies, women, and houses look fabulous, but they are also genuine women. They don't apologize for being who they are (seriously, Whitney's posts are so hilarious, real, and are guaranteed to brighten your day) and really what else could you ask for in a woman?
I also wanted to point out that none of these ladies asked me to give them a shoutout, nor am I earning kickbacks or benefits. I chose them because what I think they do is awesome and believe in them.
So, while Granite may have hit a rough spot, I don't think this is the end. I think this is a new beginning. There are a generation of people who love and believe in this town. They are making it better by creating, loving, and doing.
So let's stop complaining and let's start appreciating what this town has to offer. I may not live here forever, but I am definitely going to make the most of it while I can.
<3 Ashlie
