The Real World and the Other World
As you probably know, I spent the bulk of the last three days at the Hawkeye Farm Show, which was quite well attended again this year. And it stood in stark contrast with how I spend much of my normal work day.
Folks from all walks of life and all ages were there. Vendors told me that these farm folks were feeling good about things and looking to spend some money after a couple of years of COVID-related uncertainty. And I was told by more than one marketing professional that those vendors themselves were looking to increase their advertising budgets…so they were feeling pretty good about things, too.
You’d see at times four generations of families making their way through the exhibits. You’d see others who met up with friends they only see once a year, at the show…but they picked up the conversation like only a day had passed between visits. You’d see some high school classes come by, the next generation getting involved at a pivotal time.
Don’t tell the bosses, but it was frankly an all-around good time with good people, and lots of optimism.
Then I plugged back in to my regular day…political strife, name-calling, and half a world away, bombs hitting nuclear energy facilities.
So much better to be hanging around with folks who are living their lives the best way they can…caring for their families, enjoying the company of others, putting in a hard day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Far preferable to the folks who just talk about problems without offering solutions, or for whom the sky is always falling.
That sort of reconnection is always good to show what the heart of America was doing this week, as opposed to those in the swamp or the coastal big cities. It gives one great optimism about the future. Because that other stuff, without proper balance, can depress you in a hurry.
