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Mar. 22, 2005 Usually, I can find something to write about. The Media has been screaming about Terri Schiavo, Social Security, Iraq, Student's Shooting Rampages, etc. Yes, I have useless opinions on these subjects, and could express them. However, I refrain from commenting on “flavors of the week/month,” in favor of writing about daily life and experiences. After all, I am a Non-Fiction writer. Lately, I have not had the usual “fire-under-my- butt” to write. Life has been, for lack of a better word, “Normal.” Quite frankly, I find this new and unusual sense of contentment very satisfying. In the same vein, there are situations in this contented life which are aggravating – yet, they are handled almost immediately and life goes on. As a former New Yorker now living in South Dakota, the transition from extreme daily anxiety to the serenity of living and playing in the Black Hills of South Dakota (and the surrounding areas) was an easy adjustment. In fact, I did not notice – until now, how much my mind and body have enjoyed living here. Reflecting on my former “New York state of Mind,” life in general - was a constant battle for survival each and every waking moment of the day, including sleepless nights. Exiting that thought process and returning to my continuing “South Dakota state of Mind,” every aspect of my being relaxes – and life does not appear that complicated. South Dakota is only one aspect which contributes to my serenity. The main ingredient which constitutes this continuing sense of my well being is the company and influence of my lady – who has tamed this wild New York stallion. Her motto: “Patience.” Yet, when her patience is tested, she approaches problems with a high degree of serenity and concern for other individuals. This New Yorker has studied this phenomenon with intense interest, which resides within her ingrained South Dakotan being. She has introduced me to her family and other native/transplanted individuals. Recently, we had the pleasure of talking with an individual who works at Walden Books, who had bounced all over this country, and returned to South Dakota. This individual was also a former New Yorker, highly educated, motivated – yet, very calm. As we conversed, I detected the New York fire which was hibernating within. However, it was tempered with South Dakotan serenity. This individual had fully adapted and embraced the unspoken methodology of “Patience.” In addition, this individual extended an intense neighborly/down-home desire to assist us in our efforts to have our books stocked/book signing event in the store. “Patience” was the keyword. This individual also volunteered to be our advocate to lobby “Management” to overcome their resistance to stock PublishAmerica Trade Paperback books. This writer is still adapting to and slowly integrating Patience in my programming. The New Yorker, “I WANT IT TO HAPPEN, YESTERDAY” - attitude was slowly being replaced with – “It will happen. Just have Patience.” Reflecting on the Pioneers of yesteryear - who trekked across the barren, harsh terrain of the “Bad Lands” to settle South Dakota, the ideology of Patience is slowly seeping into this writer’s mind. Experiencing the current plight of Farmers and Ranchers who are in the grip of a never-ending Drought situation, and their steadfast mentality of Patience – has made an indelible impression in this writer’s mind. “Don’t like the weather in South Dakota? Wait an hour, it will change,” and/or “Each day on the Ranch/Farm is a new experience. You wake up in the morning and there is always something to do/contend with,” is the lament/excitement which is reflected in their voices. Nature and all of its wonders is what confounds/brings joy to South Dakotans. The foibles pertaining to the intrusion of Politics and “City Mentality,” are dealt with on a case- by-case basis. Procuring enough Water and Hay to feed Livestock, and keeping the Farm/Ranch from going “under” - is their main concern. The Black Hills Rapid City Community Convention Center serves as a welcome respite from the economic concerns/worries of small town/farm/ranch life. Individuals flock in droves to witness/experience Stock & Rodeo events, visiting New York City Broadway Theater Troops, Monster Truck – Demolition Derby’s, Elementary School Orchestra’s, and High School Sports events, just to mention a few. The Community promotes “Citizenship and Involvement” to its up and coming generation. Each teenager we encounter, who works in the local Supermarkets and Stores that are frequented – are Friendly, and are eager (yes, I said – Eager!) to assist the shopper – often, going out of their way to accompany the shopper to find “that elusive item.” My lady often asks a teenager employee of a store: “I maybe looking for spun gold…, do you know where “such & such” is located?” The teenager’s eyes reflect a willingness to assist, and a wide smile crosses their faces. Recently, this writer was in the meat department of a Safeway Supermarket, and was curious about certain cuts. I approached a young man (late teens, early twenties) in a gleaming white coat. The conversation went something like this: “Excuse me, are you involved in cutting meat?” “No, I just package it for display.” “Well, I was wondering about certain cuts of meat. The meats that I had purchased from another Supermarket have been very tough, lately.” “Oh, I can explain that,” the young man said, with pride. Although he ‘just packaged’ the cuts of meats for display – he was very knowledgeable about “ageing of beef” and where the beef originated from. This writer was surprised to learn that South Dakotan’s do not consume the meat that was raised on its native land. The meat was …what, imported from other states/countries? Huh? He went on to say, “I just had an extensive training on new ‘Rules & Regulations’ concerning packaging labeling, regarding ‘points of origin’ of beef.” He then gave this writer a crash course in how to select the most tender beef, and Safeway’s commitment to “Quality,” and their – Huh? – “Satisfaction Guarantee & Return” store policy. This young man knew what he was talking about! The beef, when cooked – was indeed, very tender. Everywhere we shop, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target, and others - the young workforce, managers, and clerks are a pleasure to deal with. This treatment is very disarming to a ready for an encounter with a disinterested ‘just-doing-their job-could-care-less employee,’ New Yorker. My lady is a Teacher who works for the Rapid City School System. Whenever a current or former student recognizes her in a Supermarket or other setting, they go out of their way to say “Hi, Ms. Sutterer!” Tracy then replies, “Hi! How are you, and what have you been up too lately?” The teenager and Tracy then begin a pleasant chat to “catch-up.” It maybe the mentality of their ancestors, the wide expanse of land, blue sky, and the appreciation of Nature which has been ingrained or transferred to individuals who have settled in South Dakota. Some individuals may have the ambition to “leave this one-traffic light, and small town mentality.” However, I will be willing to bet that – at some point in their lives, they will long for the serenity and peace of mind which South Dakota has to offer. You Can Go Home, Again… Even if South Dakota was not your home – to begin with! Yes, you may have to shake off the “Big City” mentality, and slow down. However, the rewards of such an adjustment are far too numerous to detail here. Sit down, breathe, and relax. Take it all in. You will not be disappointed. "WARNING!!! - Will Robertson (Lost In Space, Series), WARNING!!!! Staying in South Dakota too long, may cause you to re-think your life! You may just 'Load up the Truck' and move to South Dakota!" (Interesting thought, huh?) ------------ About the author Argile Stox: Visit the website: http://mysite.verizon.net/res8nrbr/ Email: argilestox@gmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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