Ashland is a weird place. Now that I’ve been here for four months, I think I can safely say that. It has some majorly contrasting demographics. There’s the homeless and the hippie-artists, they provide some kind of that weirdo culture Ashland puts off. There’s the old retires who go to OSF shows and file noise complaints. And then there’s the college-town aspect of it, the young college kids who don’t know what they want.
It’s just weird.

I obviously identify with the kids. But still I’m different.
There’s a weird thing about me, in my bones. I’m wild. I’m childlike. I like being busy and always having new things and experiencing everything possible. I always want some kind of stimulation.

Lately I feel like everyone’s complaining about Ashland or SOU or the tourists or the food or the lack of nightlife or SOMETHING. It’s really wearing me down. And if I think about it too much, my wild bones say, “Oh, maybe this isn’t the right place for me either.” and then I get sad and I stop trying to find the beauty.

But okay. Is there anyone out there who likes where they live?
And the next question is, why not?!

We get too wrapped up in our brains. We’re constantly thinking the grass is greener somewhere else. I consider myself a drifter or a wanderer, and I’d love to explore as many places as I can as much as the next person, but I should enjoy myself wherever I am too!

No place is perfect. Every city has flaws. But there is also just so much beauty that no one focuses on. Yes, I wish I could go out more often, but maybe I do need to focus on myself a bit more. Yeah, I hate the liquor laws here, but that means I just drink more fabulous red wine! The truth is, you’re never gonna be happy anywhere if you’re not happy with where you are at any given moment in time. I urge everyone to do their research about the silly town they live in. Find the good things, the big ones, the small ones. Write a list. No town is like your town and that’s why it’s awesome.
I’m definitely still going to move and explore, but I might as well enjoy it while I’m here.

Things I love about Ashland, Oregon:
—Lithia Park—the weather—Morning Glory—The Jackson Wellsprings—The Oregon Shakespeare Festival—no sales tax—very friendly strangers—walking across streets and not having to give a shit—walking EVERYWHERE—the vast array of coffee shops, yoga and massage clinics—Ashland Co-Op—small-town feel—small businesses

And because I never appreciated the beauty in the other places I’ve lived, here’s a small bit of love for them too:

The Folsom-area’s one-of-a-kind sunsets, creative sushi, and wooden castle park
Amador’s incredible thrift and antique shops, hidden caverns, and Munnerlynn’s homemade ice cream(OHMYGOD, do I miss that)
Anaheim had Disneyland, massive blocked-street farmer’s markets, and so much excitement!(and mind you, I was allergic to SoCal)
The Divide(my hometown) hasan extremely supportive community, gorgeous twisty car rides, and tiny town charm

Not too bad. Do it. Love where you live. Even if you’re gonna move.