Yesterday…as I was leaving work…I noticed that all too familiar smell…the paper mill…
I looked to the north and saw columns of smoke rising from stacks…now…I have to admit…on most days…the smell…annoys me…but…in that moment…Bertha…reminded me…
It will be closing soon…jobs will be lost…the economy of the area will change…
And…I felt differently…I appreciated the smell…I won’t go so far as to say…I breathed deeply…but…I did appreciate the smell…because…it meant…the mill was still in operation…friends and neighbors were still working…
It reminded me of a story about my uncle…when someone asked him how he could stand the smell of his pig parlor…he simply said…it smells like money to me…
And…of course…Bertha…says it reminds her of my life…and…how truly…everything…is all about perspective…and…she came up with a new saying…
One man’s stink…is another man’s money…
Jane
Jane, cow manure smells like money, too. I grew up surrounded by the smell of money! I always felt rich.
You know it does Peggy…a lot of ‘unpleasant’ things do…and…I’m thankful for them! Enjoy your day!