Stop, Look and Listen, says TinaRae

The following is shared from the Chamber Chatter by TinaRae Scott, Executive Director, Council Grove/Morris County, Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, with permission:


Stop, look and listen. Yes, I know this is often associated with railroad
crossings but I see this terminology in a new light and I wanted to share.

I have spent a considerable amount of time recently with various media
contacts promoting this region. And what I have learned from them is to
stop, look and listen.

Stop. Many of us tend to take this area for granted. For a brief moment,
or longer if you can allow yourself the pleasure, just stop. Sit for a
spell alone, or with friends or family, maybe sit even longer with a
longtime friend you haven't visited with in a while. But just stop and
enjoy your surroundings.

Look. Has anyone noticed that we are nearing the end of July and the hills
are still gorgeous? The recent rains have helped keep the area in many
shades of green. New wildflowers are growing and we will continue to see
flowers into the late fall. The burr oaks are beginning to develop acorns.
Young wild animals are leaving the nests and the dens to venture out on
their own. The creeks and streams are running and are filled with tadpoles
and small fish. The walnuts are green and some are falling from the trees.
Yards are filled with wonderful colors and the lawns are green and lush.
Look at the grazing livestock. Look at the pools and parks filled with
people enjoying this area. Look for the fireflies in the evening hours.
The sights are endless.

Listen. How many different birds can you recognize from their call? Listen
to the sounds of the streams, rivers, and lakes. Listen to the children
laughing and train whistle in the distance. Listen to the leaves rustling
in the wind. Listen to the sounds of the person who just pulled in a large
fish or maybe even a stick on their line. Listen to the cattle and the
horses in the pastures. Listen to the cicadas. The sounds are endless.

I could go on and on. We live in a glorious, plush area that is one of a
kind for our country. We are blessed to live in the Tallgrass Region.
Visitors and media from around the world come to our region to experience
the beauty and the sights that we take for granted on a daily basis.
Please, just take the time to see through their eyes the breathless beauty
of this region.

Stop, look and listen. You won't be disappointed!


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)