Growing up, I had the blessing of getting to see many faces of America. I spent years in each the Midwest, Northeast, South, PNW, and West Coast thanks to my father's time in the service. With time I grew fascinated in the cultures that gave these people character, and the traditions which made them unique. More than that, however, I gained an appreciation for the intangible spirit that tied them all together.
The changing of times
It seems every day there is another reason to believe America is the most divided it has ever been, and our society stands on the edge of a knife. It's easier than ever to succumb to doomscrolling headlines of the latest thing wrong with the world. Our identity is clouded, pulled every which way in hopes of ripping apart the underlying fabric that holds us all together.
I claim not to dispute these beliefs, nor have an answer; but my faith remains in the Lord and I trust in the goodness of my neighbors. As I continue to grow I want to feel that I contributed hope and optimism in a time of relative uncertainty. My life has given me the opportunity to see the light that shines across this country, and I wish to share that light with others.
My hopes with this project
Throughout most of our history humans have connected via storytelling. It's been the primary vessel by which we maintain our lineage, hopes, and ideals for centuries. My aim is to be a looking glass for those looking to reignite the spirit of Americana. A newspaper for the local land, and eyes that share the beauty that resides everywhere.
The stories we tell now continuously shape the world in which our children live. Our liminal responsibility is to nurture the uncharted future with the best of what came before us. My ambitious hope with this project is to maintain a sliver of our nation's legacy for the generations to come.