Redding, California is located approximately 250 miles north of San Franciso, CA and surrounded by mountains, lakes, the Sacramento River and a great place to call home. Yes, I have travelled throughout the United States, to Europe and back home. As a native Californian, I enjoy the scenic and cultural beauty that our state offers. More to the point, I have started to realize that since 2003 when I relocated to Redding for a second time that I come back here for a reason.
In all the places I have been, I couldn't erase a vision of the Sacramento River flowing through the heart of Redding winding its way throughout our town. I could squint my eyes from across the seas and envision the Shasta and Whiskeytown Lakes in full detail. I was happy to see that Redding has grown but kept its natural beauty too~a hard bill to fill.
Yes we have more traffic lights, more stores, more restaurants and more people, but we did not loose the one thing that makes Redding my kind of place. I still see a kindness to strangers and willingness to help when someone is in a tight spot.
I saw a man walk around in the store parking lot handing out roses to everyone, why? Just because he wanted to see them smile. Sure made me stop and look twice. I was very touched by this act of kindness. I noticed that he wore worn clothes, but the smile on his face was a brilliant as if he wore the finest of clothes money could provide. He was a King in my eyes. It made me more aware that we do affect each other and what we do can have such a positive impact on each other's life.
I am not afraid to tell someone that they are doing a great job and finding the commonality in each person if there is a difference that makes them seem less attractive. We are so lucky to have and share a community together.
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