Smal town living

I moved to a small town from a city that had a population of 120,000 people. I met my husband on Facebook, he had always lived in a small town. So I felt it would be best for me to move to his town. I've lived in a small town for the past three years. I always thought small towns were more friendly than living in the city. I think that is a myth that should be squashed. I believe that when someone new comes to live in my small town, they aren't accepted. I know I am not accepted in my town.

I shop in the stores, I'm always friendly and eager to chat but I'm greeted with an awkwardness. I get the feeling that they have a bet as to how long it is before I move!

Don't get me wrong I enjoy the small town environment, it is very peaceful something that I've been searching for. It is a more relaxed environment. It's just not what I expected when I moved here.

Last year I started seriously taking photographs of the wildlife, birds and the scenery. I was told I should sell my photographs by a number of people. I started working on getting my photographs ready, I also made note cards of my photographs. I went to a Small business show last year but the town people were pretty negative. I was told that they hated the deer, that they probably had the same photograph and one person said to me, what made you get into that! I didn't make much money at that show. Then I was invited to a Art Show and Sale the following month. I couldn't believe how friendly the people were, I was amazed! It was in a town about the same size as my town. I went again last month to the Art Show and Sale. I probably won't go again as it is 90 minutes away. By the time I paid for the gas and the table, it really wasn't worth it.

Then I heard about the Farmers Christmas Market from a store clerk. She said her daughter did really well selling her cards. She said they weren't photographs but handcrafted cards. So last month I booked a table. Days before I was pretty positive I would make money, unfortunately I didn't sell one item. The days following I was very depressed, it's not just selling my merchandise it's obvious I'm not being accepted. I've known it for a while but it hit me really hard. I wanted to be part of the community but I can see now I never will be. I'll just be someone who moved to their town, who they are waiting to see how long it takes before I pack up and leave.

It's now been a week since the market and I'm coming to terms with it. I'm looking to the internet to sell my photographs and note cards. Hopefully I'll have better luck.

In closing, to anyone who knows of someone moving into their town or neighborhood, take the time to be friendly. Take the time to think how hard it might be for them moving to a new environment. To a small town.