A little butterfly flaps in my stomach as I hit my brakes at the first stop light before entering Chelsea. I’m almost home.
The world feels just a little different here. Things are louder, and everywhere my eyes go something is moving.
On the two-hour journey from Auburn, 280 has transformed from a quiet country road to a bustling city highway.
The still-new-to-me Krispy Kreme tantalizes me as I drive past. The fountain across from Brook Highland Plaza spewing in its infinite loop waves hello. The light at Meadow Brook and U.S. 280 takes way too long, but today I don’t mind.
As I coast through Meadow Brook, my mind compares it to Tolkien’s Shire. Back in Auburn, my daily routes are through city blocks lined with apartment complexes and never-ending pavement, but here trees grow high and mighty on winding roads to give shade to all that’s around.
As I reach my driveway with gut-retching nostalgia, my memories of Oak Mountain school days flood back. I stop in for greetings and kisses, and before I know it, it’s time to go meet my childhood friends.
To us, the drive along Valleydale and 119 reveals something new on every corner.
Bruster’s lights are still on, and the corner Shell and Circle K’s Icee machine still serve their classic three flavors. The board outside Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church advertising Vacation Bible School dates brings me back to sunny Sunday mornings.
I am proud to call these my stomping grounds, though I’ll leave memories of certain teenage adventures in the past.
Today my eyes are open to another layer of this community. These days I see people through their stories and places for what they are becoming. Suddenly I care more about the successes of those around me like the faces behind Cahaba Valley Honey and a new magazine for regional musicians.
Inside this issue, you will get a glimpse into the stories I have discovered since coming home for the summer. I hope I can share the depth of their impact with you in the same way they were revealed to me.
Chandler Jones will enter her senior year as a journalism major at Auburn University this fall. She is interning for 280 Living this summer and works for the campus newspaper, The Auburn Plainsman, during the school year. A Birmingham native, she enjoys reading, writing, relaxing and a good bout of karaoke. She can be reached at chandler@280living.com.
