THE COMFORTABLE AND THE UNCOMFORTABLE

Gloria Graham

 Well didn’t we all have an “earth-shaking” memory to talk about on January 8? Did you know that it was Elvis Presley’s birthday? I didn’t until someone joked about his making sure we all remembered him by the shake, rattle, and roll we experienced! I don’t know about that, but to me an earthquake is the epitome of “uncomfortable.”

 A first-time visitor to California who had never experienced an earthquake remarked, “If I lived here I would move!” “Where too?” I asked. “Kansas,” was his response. Now I ask you, would you rather experience an earthquake or hide in a basement while a twister razed your home above your head? Now that could be reason for discussion of what is uncomfortable.

 I began to think of some other “uncomfortable” situations we find ourselves in. Some big ones, like our quakes, or some small ones. See if you relate to these.

 One “uncomfortable” place to be is sitting in the doctor’s office. How often do you have a conversation with anyone there? Not too many for me, and it’s a very rare occasion that anyone even looks up at you. Perhaps it’s because each of us is preoccupied with our own illness and don’t feel like talking.

 Another uncomfortable place is an elevator. Why is it no one says a word when you step into an elevator? Isn’t that a most uncomfortable spot to be? Everyone eyes each other, but rarely is a word said. Sometimes “Have a nice day” comes out of my mouth because I have a hard time being quiet that long. I usually can’t wait to get out.

 That list of “uncomfortable” situations could go on and on, but now onto something very “comfortable” – Redlands?

 Isn’t it “comfortable” to live in an area that has such a history to it? I loved researching and found some things – some blessings, if you will – that should help us feel very comfortable.

 In the 1900s, Redlands was known as “The City of Millionaires” and later on that changed to “The City of Beautiful Homes.” They always added “Redlands Welcomes You” to these slogans. While Redlands has changed over all these years in its economy and other forms of progress, it is still known for its small town hospitality.

 If you haven’t done it lately, take a look around you. State Street still is lined with beautiful trees and hosts some elegant historical buildings and locally-owned shops and boutiques.

 Take another good look at the A.K Smiley Library erected in 1898 and still standing in all its glory. We may forget to admire the Redlands Bowl, one of the beautiful trademarks of our town, built in 1930 and the home of the oldest free outdoor concert series in California. Not to be ignored are the most elegant, beautiful turn-of-the century houses and landmark homes, as well as the University of Redlands.

 Sometimes I think we forget to look around our city and admire the place we live. What a great way to get out of that feeling of ”uncomfortable” and get into the beauty and comfort of our hometown, Redlands.

 Remembering, with you, the way it was, and is!