Did you know there is an old forest in the middle of Memphis? I, for one, did not. Yesterday the inquiry class was told to go take a hike and we said, “sure!” The Old Forest tour happens only twice a month-every second Saturday and every last Sunday. I had a really nice time, the tour was fantastic, and the guide knew what she was talking about. I will be back next month for the tour when the flowers are in full bloom and the trees are creating a canopy with their leaves.
I lived in Midtown for a year within walking distance of the park and I never ventured into the forest. My reason for never going into the deep wooded area was fear; there was a lot of bad stuff going on in and around my neighborhood at the time and I did not like leaving my yard let alone venturing into Overton Park. I do not like stress, and Memphis stresses me out. I felt good in the company of a large group, but to venture into that part of the park alone without a trusty sidearm, I would have to be crazier than the crazies I am watching out for.
In my time living in Midtown, there had been a major homicide (which made national news) involving several adults and young children only two miles from my house, a drunk next-door neighbor shooting a Desert Eagle 45 at his friend at 2:00 AM, and numerous people coming to my house trying to get some easy money. These sorts of experiences may be some of the reasons that Forbes Magazine named Memphis the most dangerous city last October.
Do not take me wrong, Memphis is a wonderful place and I have grown to like it, but when given a first impression like mine it must create curiosity as to why I stayed. I did stay, but not in Midtown. I moved to Cordova three years ago and my wife and I love it. Our neighbors are great, the neighborhood is well lit, and one does not need to worry about walking at night. We also have a great place for hiking, bicycling, and many other outdoor adventures in nearby Shelby Farms. My wife and I enjoy taking our dog there. Sarah and I enjoy smelling the fresh air while Pepper enjoys smelling the fresh other stuff. There are outdoor spaces available to all Memphians, including the Wolf River, the Green Line, and all the public parks, so if you are bored and sick of sitting in the house try getting out and getting a little dirty.
I now finally know what I've been doing wrong. I posted a comment here along with Aaron's post and it went to the world of zen. I did not know........that I am not logged-in after 15 minutes! I have changed, finally, the settings..I will try and recapture my thoughts here........!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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