I stopped by the Dollar General in Saluda for some supplies on Monday. That was my first mistake. Dollar General, which makes an appearance every 1.5 miles in every direction, makes Food Lion feel like a gay pride festival or something equally fun and cheery. The air inside was heavy and gray, the aisles smashed too close together and I swear the sparse shelves held merchandise stocked in the 80s. The few other patrons were stony-faced and the cashier with stringy blonde hair and a mustache muttered things so unintelligible I paid as fast as I could and got out of there. I wanted to sage myself in the parking lot.
As I drove away, I swore never to go back unless surrounded by high-vibe friends who could offer psychic protection. I miss art museums and New York Jews, I thought to myself in the car even though I’m not sure I really know any.
Dollar General feels like the deadbeat heart of a cultural wasteland. But so does West Broad Street in Richmond and every other suburban strip mall full of big box stores.
The culture is within the art, heart, and soul of the people—the only problem is I don’t yet know any! But after last week’s post Where Are My People I was sent a flood of love, an invitation to lunch by an actual Urbanna citizen, and a flyer for the Democrats of Middlesex County BBQ with live music and barbeque from Chad’s Dad’s in a little community center that looked like a white clapboard country church at the far end of a huge green pasture. There were about 40 people in attendance, median age 75, all wearing fake Kamala pearls. After Stan and I ate big plates of mac and cheese, fried chicken, and cole slaw, we couldn’t quite figure out what to do so we gave away our raffle tickets to a sweet looking elderly couple behind us and left.
Progress! I am finding my way. But it won’t hurt my feelings if I never darken the door of another Dollar General again.
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“I wanted ti sage myself in the parking lot.” What a great line!!! I feel that way about a whole state West of ours, (except for Buffalo Gap)🤣
I couldn't do it! But I get the beauty and quiet of the country. My world was delis, coffee shops, museums, Cary Street & concerts. I'm an old NYC, NJ & Boca Raton person. Now I'm housebound, so am admiring your adventurous spirit & patience. Glad you are finding good people.