So last night was the Quadrantid meteor shower, and I missed it! Geez I hate that!
I love stars and meteor showers. I love shooting stars. I always wish on stars. Anything’s possible. When you look up into the mysterious night sky, and ponder those sparkles up there, you just know it’s true.
Sometimes, I have this vision where Lapeer becomes this creative hub. I see these awesome galleries and studios, little coffee stops, shops with eclectic appeal. Workshops and retreats draw people here, as well as weekend performances and events. There’s outside art, too, along the walkways (yes, walkways).
It’s a very visual, kinetic place in my mind. Cool, science-y projects and events happen here. Also, some version of the performing arts center goes up – whether it’s the sweeping glassy version or the renovated White building – and it’s a revolving door, supported by the creative energy in the community…
Oh, then she wakes up. Creative energy in the community. Yeah, we need a little more of that.
The Freep’s Dzwonkowski’s recent comments relative to the Census, it reminded me of what I already know all too well. Our demographic is changing, has changed – with the exodus of young people from the state leaving an aging population.
Really, can you blame them? I look around here for what’s appealing to intelligent young adults, and frankly, there’s not much. I’m no young adult, and even I struggle to find appealing endeavors and culture in the area. Yes, I love the rural aspects of the state and region, but there’s got to be more to it than that. Young people, they definitely need more than that.
And maybe because of our demographic it’s difficult to engender that kind of energy, especially in the context of our, ahem, state mindset. Still, not impossible. Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids – those are two places that have that energy I‘m talking about, but they’re not going to carry the whole state.
Creative movers and shakers – time to come out of the woodwork.
Oh, there goes one! We can always wish.
