A Walk through the Heartland

Halstead, Kansas literally sits in the very center of America. The square mile it occupies is your typical midwestern, middle income, main street kind of small town. The people, the houses, the businesses are truly the threads that weave together to create the tapestry of the Heartland.

The worn sidewalks from countless afternoon walks, the inviting front porches that beckon friends and family to come and sit for a while, the laughter of children swinging in the central park. I enjoyed meandering through the streets and capturing a glimpse of this small town's values.

There were reminders of Independence Day's celebrations from the night before, and because we took this stroll on a Sunday, stores were closed as people took a day to gather with their faith community and have some good old r&r.  

Wouldn't you LOVE to have a front porch like this one?  There was a couple sitting together enjoying a tall, cold drink on a hot afternoon and playing some cards.  That's what I call a relaxing Sunday.

This is main street.  Don't you love the brick?

We stopped by the park because the kids love the old playground equipment you don't normally see in newly built Las Vegas parks.

These are murals painted on the side of the park restroom facilities.  The kids thought it would be fun to pose with the animals  :-)

Obviously the landscape in this part of the country is very different than the desert I come from. The towering trees, the tall wildflowers, even the humid air all made for a welcome, refreshing experience.  I love it!

I'm thankful we have family that live in Halstead, Kansas.  We always enjoy coming to visit the Hamiltons because we know that, at least for a few days, time will slow down enough for us to be reminded of and savor the simple things in life.